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Gardening

Lawn full of dandelions

(59 Posts)
Wheniwasyourage Mon 09-Sept-24 13:48:07

I'm mowing round the few dandelions still flowering, as every time I get close to one I see at least one insect on it. I'd rather have flowers in my grass than a bowling green - particularly as I can't play bowls.

Namsnanny Mon 09-Sept-24 13:44:04

Dandelions like a soil that is low in calcium, and compacted.

So maybe once you have got rid of them, you could employ some one over the winter to fork over the area and add calcium?

If they don't get the conditions they like they dont thrive.

Norah Mon 09-Sept-24 13:19:42

Luckygirl3

Ah - I have just tried spraying vinegar into the centre of them in a small part of the lawn to see what happens.

Is it sunny out?

They wilt quickly in the sun, if not - spray again.

Luckygirl3 Mon 09-Sept-24 13:17:27

Ah - I have just tried spraying vinegar into the centre of them in a small part of the lawn to see what happens.

Norah Mon 09-Sept-24 13:08:56

My husband loves spray bottles filled with vinegar and a bit of washing up liquid. He sprays dandelions, right in the center, drenching that bit.

Indigo8 Mon 09-Sept-24 13:06:34

My DH uses a gas burner and zaps them as soon as they appear.
We still seem to have plenty of yellow flowers in the lawn though. I try not to let them form clocks but I leave the flowers as long as I can for the insects.

Tuaim Mon 09-Sept-24 12:56:38

The bees love their flowers but if you do want to get rid of them over the winter pour vinegar into the middle of the dandelion plants.

tanith Mon 09-Sept-24 12:41:54

Trouble with digging them out is unless you get the whole root out it will just grow again. I’ve tried various weed killers but they just regrow. I share your frustration mine are nowhere near as prolific as yours. I do have a go at getting them out using a long flathead screwdriver. I hope someone gives you some ideas.

Luckygirl3 Mon 09-Sept-24 12:31:29

How do people get rid of them? My "lawn" is now a dandelion patch really!

I am not keen on using harsh chemicals as I am surrounded by farmland, and I have a biodigester and do not want anything to interfere with that. I am not able to dig them all out - I am not fit enough and getting help with these things is very hard round here. Also having a lawn full of the resulting holes is hard to walk on!

Any ideas??? Anyone ever used one of those things that burn weeds?

Any ideas?