Hello All,
I have had several questions about dandelions and weeds in yards now that spring has arrived most everywhere in the US. Dandelions and weeds grow best in a low calcium high magnesium environment. If you do not compost your yard - or it doesn't breakdown things quickly and reabsorb them - you may see an increase in weeds - specifically dandelions. While dandelions are GREAT as an herb - they are a pain to get rid of and multiply faster than bunnies!
A couple working suggestions - spray your dandelions with vinegar. The acidity in vinegar will kill most weeds. If you have loads and loads, this probably isn't the best solution. Composting is also a good solution - compost before winter will help with the following spring's bout of weeds... but this doesn't help this year's growth, eh? You can also use a lime calcitrate spread on your yard to reduce the number of weeds... here are a couple links to review with some really good information.
Recommended Reading: http://www.safelawns.org/blog/index.php/2010/11/guest-blog-to-reduce-weeds-and-improve-lawn-apply-calcium/
More Recommended Reading: http://organicgardening.about.com/od/weeds/p/dandelions.htm
More Recommended Reading: http://www.lawncare.net/attack-of-the-lawn-weeds/
As far as the BENEFITS of dandelions - yes there are quite a few. Dandelion leaves are great in salads. They have a slightly peppery flavor and most all parts of the dandelion are beneficial. Dandelion has a whole host of benefits - diuretic, cleanses the digestive / urinary tracts, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, cures anemia, clears skin, reduces indigestion and acid reflux, and lowers cholesterol levels - AMONG others.
Recommended Reading: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
More Recommended Reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-dandelion.html
And here is a good salad recipe for dandelion leaves - honestly, I LOVE herb salads better than any other type - there are so many different textures and flavors that each bite is a new discovery - dandelion leaves are a perfect addition to that mix. Now, please be careful - do not use any dandelion leaves from a yard that has had pesticides / herbicides sprayed on them - as you will be ingesting those chemicals through the greens. Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/dandelion-salad/Detail.aspx
Enjoy! Blessings ... E
I have had several questions about dandelions and weeds in yards now that spring has arrived most everywhere in the US. Dandelions and weeds grow best in a low calcium high magnesium environment. If you do not compost your yard - or it doesn't breakdown things quickly and reabsorb them - you may see an increase in weeds - specifically dandelions. While dandelions are GREAT as an herb - they are a pain to get rid of and multiply faster than bunnies!
A couple working suggestions - spray your dandelions with vinegar. The acidity in vinegar will kill most weeds. If you have loads and loads, this probably isn't the best solution. Composting is also a good solution - compost before winter will help with the following spring's bout of weeds... but this doesn't help this year's growth, eh? You can also use a lime calcitrate spread on your yard to reduce the number of weeds... here are a couple links to review with some really good information.
Recommended Reading: http://www.safelawns.org/blog/index.php/2010/11/guest-blog-to-reduce-weeds-and-improve-lawn-apply-calcium/
More Recommended Reading: http://organicgardening.about.com/od/weeds/p/dandelions.htm
More Recommended Reading: http://www.lawncare.net/attack-of-the-lawn-weeds/
As far as the BENEFITS of dandelions - yes there are quite a few. Dandelion leaves are great in salads. They have a slightly peppery flavor and most all parts of the dandelion are beneficial. Dandelion has a whole host of benefits - diuretic, cleanses the digestive / urinary tracts, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, cures anemia, clears skin, reduces indigestion and acid reflux, and lowers cholesterol levels - AMONG others.
Recommended Reading: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
More Recommended Reading: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-dandelion.html
And here is a good salad recipe for dandelion leaves - honestly, I LOVE herb salads better than any other type - there are so many different textures and flavors that each bite is a new discovery - dandelion leaves are a perfect addition to that mix. Now, please be careful - do not use any dandelion leaves from a yard that has had pesticides / herbicides sprayed on them - as you will be ingesting those chemicals through the greens. Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/dandelion-salad/Detail.aspx
Enjoy! Blessings ... E
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