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Hi there everyone
We moved into our current house last June and we understood it was empty for a while before we moved in so got over-run with all sorts of scrub, and wild flowers ie Dandelions
In the past week the Dandelions has gone in to over-drive and have spread everywhere {due to the gardens neglect last year the Dandelions would have seeded themselves everywhere}
The lawnmower will cut the heads off some and weaken them in the area of grass, and the others on the flower beds will need to be taken out by hand - this is before they seed once more - others are growing in the gravel paths
Anyone got any handy tips, and their experiences to share, as to the best way to remove them in a organic way - tricks of the trade etc....
Thank you in advance
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Kathy,
This is the sort of gardening tool we use to grub out the dandelion roots.
http://www.gardening-quick-n-easy.com/weeding_tools.html
You won't have any problem with them spreading by seed at this time of the year as has been suggested because at this stage they are only in flower so won't have any seed to set until they get to the clock stage,and then they can blow in the wind and set seed everywhere.
As we have them in our lawns we use Weed and Feed at this time of the year and have just done ours a few weeks ago and the benefits are already begining to show as the lawn ones have already started to twist in their flowers so we know the stuff has started to take effect.The ones in the borders can be removed by using the above tool or if you haven't got the time or energy to dig them out by hand you can buy some Roundup in a ready made up container from your local Garden Centre which you can use on a sunny but windless day and this stuff will soon get right down into the root of the plant and will kill off the plant which can then be easily dug out.The Roundup is safe to use as it is neutralised as soon as it comes into contact with the soil.Just make sure you wear gardening gloves when applying it so you don't get any on your skin,or if you do then make sure you wash it straight off with water.You can always ask the advice of the members of staff who work at the Garden Center if you are unsure which is the best treatment for the problem
You will find that now the garden has been allowed to get neglected the seeds will have been on and in the soil for some time so you will be doing this treatment for a number of years.The saying One Years seeding is Seven Years Weeding is very true but at least you are trying your best to make the garden look good which will be of benefit to you both for as long as you stay there...
Being Happy doesn't mean everythings perfect........
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.....
Grandpaddy you did make me and make me think
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Great thread from a simple starting point. Loved your excerpt tweet, and Grandpaddy that is hilarious.
Sarah
PS Good luck with the Dandelions Kathy
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bramble67/
Hi everyone
I will let you know what happens from where and how the resuts are at the end - always willing to share here anytime.
Thankyou, Robyn for your interesting views of the subject of Dandelions and I will take note of al that had been said here
Will let all know here, how this pans out, and of course please share your future views too everyone - the world is our oyster here as we say
Add to this thread accordinally for the sakes of the Dandelions of our llves LOL - love them or hate them - two opposing views!
I don't mind a few, but wouldn't want too may and my mum and nan always used to say i'd wet myself if i picked them so that put me off them at an early age. To a lovely pic of one earlier though. thread on here somewhere.
Hi Bramble
Like you a few Dandelions are not the problem - it is a yellow mass due for the take-over we have the problem with where we are now.
Even the sweet little 'Daises' do not get look in at all.
I have to say when we visited Fen Drayton Lakes last weekend, There was lots of insects sitting on the Dandelion flowers. That has a credit of its own. Makes us think of our gardens lot more now and in the future.
Interesting what we see in our lives...with gardening and all to do with wildlife and gardening now to this day..
Take note everyone .......
I have to say the Dandelion flowers show an insect such as a hoverfly really well - as in Fen Drayton with the Bumble Bee and the Hoverfly
Hi Robyn
Thank you for your help and advise here
I will show this thread to Dave as it is very useful and given loads of ideas. I just took a few seed heads off today as they are starting to show now
Got to get sort of control over the issue before we are in a bed of yellow plant heads
Hello Grandpaddy
Your story about God and St Francis is hilarious. I must keep it to share with others.
Robyn R said: You won't have any problem with them spreading by seed at this time of the year as has been suggested because at this stage they are only in flower so won't have any seed to set until they get to the clock stage,and then they can blow in the wind and set seed everywhere.