Non-chemical approach to dandelions

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on May 11, 2011 at 8:54 AM, updated May 11, 2011 at 8:57 AM

dandelions.everywhere.JPGWhat happens when dandelions aren't controlled...

   Q: I don't use chemicals and I was wondering, if I pull dandelion flowers off by hand (I know I'll have to get the root out, too, eventually), am I actually stimulating it to produce more flowers? Is corn gluten the only safe alternative?

   A: I'm not positive, but my guess is yes, you'd probably encourage repeat flowering if you just remove dandelion blooms without getting rid of the root. That kind of "deadheading" usually encourages more blooming in annual and perennial flowers.

   The only benefit I can think of is if those flowers are ready to seed and you just don't have time to pull roots. Whacking off the yet-to-seed flower heads will help in that case -- IF you get back to finish the job before a new set of flowers comes up and matures. Even if your dandelions don't seed this year, letting the plants behind will result in a bigger weed that'll produce even more flowers next year. (Dandelions are perennial weeds, i.e. they survive winter. They're also very good at seeding into new plants.)

   The best non-chemical approach is using a weeding tool, screwdriver or similar pointed instrument to loosen the root while pulling out the entire plant. Dandelions are big enough that they're easier to remove than little and creeping weeds like speedwell, chickweed and black medic.

   Corn gluten won't kill existing dandelions but can help reduce the seeding of new ones.

   Vinegar, boiling water, salt, propane torches and commercial organic weed-killers are all other non-chemical ways to get rid of dandelions, but all of those also are harmful to the surrounding grass.

   There are no selective non-chemical ways that I know of to kill dandelions without killing grass, other than yanking them out -- roots and all.