"How Are You Going To Control The Dandelions On My Lawn?"

[Daner]

My name now Is Mrs Jones...So tell me Mr. Lawn Guy...How are you going to keep the Dandelions off my lawn, with your Organic method?

[Daner]

What would you say to Mrs Jones??

[DUSTYCEDAR]

that is a good question
we could fertilize the lawn to make it thicker and out compete the weeds mrs jones do u like mowing every other day?

[Daner]

No...You are going to mow It...Like you did last year...A'm I going to see Dandelions on my lawn??

[DUSTYCEDAR]

i dont mow mrs jones and if u spend the spring at the beach u wont see dandelions in your yard

[Daner]

i dont mow mrs jones and if u spend the spring at the beach u wont see dandelions in your yard

I like that I'm helping with the Environment Mr Dusty...and thats OK I can get my other lawn guy to do the cutting...So how are you going to make my lawn Dandelion free??

[mrkosar]

we can manually pull them maam. that will be $300 please. thank you.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

well mrs jones i will drop off my dog that has been trained to attack anything yellow and eat it so in a few hrs all the little buggers will be gone {oh dont come outside with yellow on}

[ncls]

We are going to pay Chemlawn to do a midnight driveby on your lawn. We'll mark it up 30% and tell you it was done organically......:drinkup:

[JB1]

Have you thought about dandelion wine Mrs. Jones.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Have you thought about dandelion wine Mrs. Jones.

there u go a winner

[Runner]

I am able to spray them,...and do it effectively. Why?
Because.........

[Runner]

Meeeeeeeeeeee and and Mrs.,......Mrs. Jones........ -We got a thiiiiiiinnng....goin' on........:cool2: :drinkup:

[Daner]

OHH ...You Guys are very funny...I don't want any chemicals on my lawn ...no pesticides what so ever...and no synthetic fert.I want no Dandelions and I want to know how much my 1 acre backyard will cost me

[muddstopper]

Increase calcium saturations and decrease potassium saturations. Then practice good mowing and fertility management. Spot spray with vinegar and use corn gluten meal as your main nitrogen source. And dont ask me to start controlling Dandilions in the springtime.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

i will concrete the whole yard and no more dandelions what color do u want it painted?????

[Daner]

Increase calcium saturations and decrease potassium saturations. Then practice good mowing and fertility management. Spot spray with vinegar and use corn gluten meal as your main nitrogen source. And dont ask me to start controlling Dandilions in the springtime.



So I will just see those Dandelions In the spring? And not In the summer?

Wont the CGM Feed the dandelions as well as the grass?

[xpnd]

Better living and lawns with the use of chemicals.

[Daner]

Better living and lawns with the use of chemicals.


I Don't Get It^^^^^^^^^^^

I Don't want anything but Organic materials on my lawn.

What Is the most efective method of keeping a weed free Organic lawn???

[Daner]

i will concrete the whole yard and no more dandelions what color do u want it painted?????

Can you guarantee they wont grow up through the cracks?? Mr. Dusty?

[Daner]

What about the soil pH...If you change that, will It help reduce the presence of Dandelions??? I Hate Dandelions :hammerhead:

[Team-Green L&L]

There is no cost-effective way of organic gardening Mrs. Jones. If you would like to be environmentally-friendly, then you have to live with the environment. It's kind of an oxymoron to request organic gardening solutions to an organic problem, but here is what our organic specialist has provided from a well-known organic gardening resource:

Some weeds, such as dandelions, forget-me-nots and chickweed, are also advantageous, improving fertility as they decompose and eliminating the need to use herbicides. Deep-growing weeds like thistle help carry nutrients to the soil surface. If weeds are overrunning your lawn and you need to remove them, pull them out by hand or use a lawnmower.

[Daner]

There is no cost-effective way of organic gardening Mrs. Jones. If you would like to be environmentally-friendly, then you have to live with the environment. It's kind of an oxymoron to request organic gardening solutions to an organic problem, but here is what our organic specialist has provided from a well-known organic gardening resource:

Some weeds, such as dandelions, forget-me-nots and chickweed, are also advantageous, improving fertility as they decompose and eliminating the need to use herbicides. Deep-growing weeds like thistle help carry nutrients to the soil surface. If weeds are overrunning your lawn and you need to remove them, pull them out by hand or use a lawnmower.

Thanks for your reply Mr. Green...My Lawn has no Dandelions...and I want to keep It that way...It's Like A preventive maintenance kinda thing...If yaa know what I mean:) I was hopeing that there would be a some what solution...like some enzyme that would Inhibit the production of Root Hairs On newly germinating weed seeds or something like that. There must be a way...hmmmmmmm

[xpnd]

I Don't Get It^^^^^^^^^^^

I Don't want anything but Organic materials on my lawn.

What Is the most efective method of keeping a weed free Organic lawn???

You don't get it because you are organic.

[Daner]

Mud Stopper has the best solution so far...But I'm still not satisfied...I need a better explanation.

[dallen]

Mrs Jones, my organic method uses a little bit of 24D.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

daner i would love a economical way to control weeds organically that i could sell to the masses and that worked even 75%
so do i have the answer or what?

[Daner]

Mrs Jones, my organic method uses a little bit of 24D.

AHHHHH Bad Bad:nono: I may be a ole lady thats hard on land/ lawn guys..but I know what 24d does to our earth...and I want to keep It green soto speak:dancing:

[Team-Green L&L]

Here are (7) organic methods of eradicating the dandelions:

1) Mow, Mo' Often:
When dandelions are blooming, mow frequently to prevent the yellow blossoms from maturing into seeds.
how to kill dandelions

2) Root 'Em Out:
Dandelion plants can't be eliminated by yanking off the tops, but they are easily dug out by hand. A dandelion digger is a specialized tool that removes a wide variety of individual weeds and their roots, with little soil disturbance. The tool looks like a large screwdriver with the "business end" resembling a fish tale. It works by maneuvering it in the soil, parallel to the tap root. With a small pivot, it's easy to lift the entire plant, root and all (that's the theory at least), from its stronghold.

If you raise chickens, rabbits or other types of critters, dandelions are a favorite green. Remember, they're chock-a-block filled with nutrients, so they're a nutrional boost to their diet. And you can't beat the price.
dandelions facts

3) Poach Them:
As a low tech weed control, pour boiling water over dandelion plants. The neighbors might think you're crazy, but in 2 or 3 days the plants will look like a herd of elephants walked over them. Incidentally, this method is also effective against orange hawkweed. However, if you've got a large area, the best way to control them is to smother them. This is also known as sheet mulching.
weed control dandelion killer

3) Mulch Methods:
Since light increases germination and plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, smothering plants will eventually kill them. Make your own weed block by covering plants with cardboard or black plastic and weight it down. If you are concerned about the aesthetics of cardboard or plastic, you can spray paint it to match the surrounding area (ha ha) or cover it with grass clippings, compost or bark mulch for a nicer look.
vinegar weed killer recipe

4) Pickle Them:
A 5-percent concentration of vinegar, similar to that found in household vinegar, is an effective weed killer against annual and perennial weeds such as dandelions, foxtail, velvetleaf, smooth pigweed and thistle. It works in the garden or greenhouse.

When applied to the weed foliage, the acid in the vinegar acts as a contact herbicide that kills the plants but does not persist in the soil or cause water or other pollution. For older perennial weeds, you may need to apply vinegar more than once. Try heating the vinegar for added punch.
corn gluten

5) Apply Corn Gluten Meal
Here is the ultimate organic weed and feed. Developed by Iowa State University, corn gluten meal (CGM) is a yellow powder created as a by-product of milling corn, is primarily used in farm animal feeds and dog food. It is also used as a "pre-emergent" weed control for lawns. A pre-emergent, such as corn gluten meal, prevents roots from forming during seed germination. If a root can't grow, the seedling is unable to obtain water or nourishment from the soil. Thus, it will dry up and die.

To control dandelions, it is best applied to the lawn about 4 to 6 weeks before weeds germinate. If you missed the deadline, don't worry. Not all weeds sprout at the same time, so you may want to apply corn gluten meal a few times during the growing season. Best of all, the nitrogen in the meal will keep your lawn green and healthy. By the way, corn gluten meal is not the same cornmeal you make muffins with. Cornmeal for baking is made by grinding dried corn kernels.

Where can you buy the stuff? Go to your favorite garden center or nursery, or through the mail order supply company Gardens Alive! or call 513-354-1482 (near Cincinnati, Ohio). They pioneered the use of corn gluten with two products: Wow, which is pure corn gluten, and Wow Plus, which has added natural fertilizers.
organic lawn care dandelions

6) BBQ Them: Some consider it a last resort, but a weed burner torch is effective against dandelions and other perennial weeds.

7) Be Sickening Sweet: Mae West used to say, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful." In other words, improve your soil. Ann Lovejoy, author of "Ann Lovejoy's Organic Garden Design School," told how she got rid of horsetail by improving her soil with compost and mulch. Weeds, which often prefer poor, acidic soils don't like the good stuff. The same works for dandelions and other pesky weeds. Not only will they be less apt to take root in the first place, but when the soil is fluffy, they're easier to pull!

[Daner]

daner i would love a economical way to control weeds organically that i could sell to the masses and that worked even 75%
so do i have the answer or what?

Hello Mr. Dusty:) ...Daner Is out doing His spring clean-ups and estimating...I snuck over to his shop to use his PC...PSSSST Don't tell him.
Anyway no I don,t have the answer...thats why I'm asking you guys...(The pros) So I'm still waiting for a full method ...start to finish on this mater.

[Duekster]

Anyone that wants a 100% "organic" program is going to be willing to live with a few weeds. After a few years the lawn will choke them out and I recommend you over seed in the winter so the weeds don't get as many chances to become established.

[Daner]

Mr. Green...You have some very good methods to this matter.

[Daner]

Anyone that wants a 100% "organic" program is going to be willing to live with a few weeds. After a few years the lawn will choke them out and I recommend you over seed in the winter so the weeds don't get as many chances to become established.

Very good point as well.

[Duekster]

Here are (7) organic methods of eradicating the dandelions:

1) Mow, Mo' Often:
When dandelions are blooming, mow frequently to prevent the yellow blossoms from maturing into seeds.
how to kill dandelions

2) Root 'Em Out:
Dandelion plants can't be eliminated by yanking off the tops, but they are easily dug out by hand. A dandelion digger is a specialized tool that removes a wide variety of individual weeds and their roots, with little soil disturbance. The tool looks like a large screwdriver with the "business end" resembling a fish tale. It works by maneuvering it in the soil, parallel to the tap root. With a small pivot, it's easy to lift the entire plant, root and all (that's the theory at least), from its stronghold.

If you raise chickens, rabbits or other types of critters, dandelions are a favorite green. Remember, they're chock-a-block filled with nutrients, so they're a nutrional boost to their diet. And you can't beat the price.
dandelions facts

3) Poach Them:
As a low tech weed control, pour boiling water over dandelion plants. The neighbors might think you're crazy, but in 2 or 3 days the plants will look like a herd of elephants walked over them. Incidentally, this method is also effective against orange hawkweed. However, if you've got a large area, the best way to control them is to smother them. This is also known as sheet mulching.
weed control dandelion killer

3) Mulch Methods:
Since light increases germination and plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, smothering plants will eventually kill them. Make your own weed block by covering plants with cardboard or black plastic and weight it down. If you are concerned about the aesthetics of cardboard or plastic, you can spray paint it to match the surrounding area (ha ha) or cover it with grass clippings, compost or bark mulch for a nicer look.
vinegar weed killer recipe

4) Pickle Them:
A 5-percent concentration of vinegar, similar to that found in household vinegar, is an effective weed killer against annual and perennial weeds such as dandelions, foxtail, velvetleaf, smooth pigweed and thistle. It works in the garden or greenhouse.

When applied to the weed foliage, the acid in the vinegar acts as a contact herbicide that kills the plants but does not persist in the soil or cause water or other pollution. For older perennial weeds, you may need to apply vinegar more than once. Try heating the vinegar for added punch.
corn gluten

5) Apply Corn Gluten Meal
Here is the ultimate organic weed and feed. Developed by Iowa State University, corn gluten meal (CGM) is a yellow powder created as a by-product of milling corn, is primarily used in farm animal feeds and dog food. It is also used as a "pre-emergent" weed control for lawns. A pre-emergent, such as corn gluten meal, prevents roots from forming during seed germination. If a root can't grow, the seedling is unable to obtain water or nourishment from the soil. Thus, it will dry up and die.

To control dandelions, it is best applied to the lawn about 4 to 6 weeks before weeds germinate. If you missed the deadline, don't worry. Not all weeds sprout at the same time, so you may want to apply corn gluten meal a few times during the growing season. Best of all, the nitrogen in the meal will keep your lawn green and healthy. By the way, corn gluten meal is not the same cornmeal you make muffins with. Cornmeal for baking is made by grinding dried corn kernels.

Where can you buy the stuff? Go to your favorite garden center or nursery, or through the mail order supply company Gardens Alive! or call 513-354-1482 (near Cincinnati, Ohio). They pioneered the use of corn gluten with two products: Wow, which is pure corn gluten, and Wow Plus, which has added natural fertilizers.
organic lawn care dandelions

6) BBQ Them: Some consider it a last resort, but a weed burner torch is effective against dandelions and other perennial weeds.

7) Be Sickening Sweet: Mae West used to say, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful." In other words, improve your soil. Ann Lovejoy, author of "Ann Lovejoy's Organic Garden Design School," told how she got rid of horsetail by improving her soil with compost and mulch. Weeds, which often prefer poor, acidic soils don't like the good stuff. The same works for dandelions and other pesky weeds. Not only will they be less apt to take root in the first place, but when the soil is fluffy, they're easier to pull!


Not saying these methods will or will not work. Be sure any product you apply is properly labeled for said purpose if you are doing work on someone else's property. Joe homeowner can buy and use anything he likes, but as a commercial pest control operator, I can not use just any CGM and I don't think vinegar is labeled for that purpose.

CMG is has a very narrow window of opportunity too.

[Daner]

Good Point there The Duekster...I must agree with you with the CGM It sure does have a narrow window applying at the wrong time could be a bad thing.

[Duekster]

Good Point there The Duekster...I must agree with you with the CGM It sure does have a narrow window applying at the wrong time could be a bad thing.


Good time for CMG is the spring. I typically time it with the Texas Red Bud blooms. I also try and use it after I aerate and water it. If someone wants this program then you sell them on the point that it takes time and you must build the soil. Use aeration, add lava sand, greensand and CMG then add some high quality compost.

That is the program for my clay soils. Any top soil must be free of weed seeds so find a good source. Compost must be fully cooked to make sure it is done and will not add to your problems.

It should be done atleast two years in a row and anytime you have compaction.

[Daner]

More good tips there Duekster...I can remember useing some top soil that grew weeds 4 feet tall...no kiddin...plus alot of other small weeds.

[Prolawnservice]

Muddstopper made some good points, but what we need to do Mrs. Jones, besides just increasing calcium, is determine to ratio of bacteria to fungi in your soil, we can do this by sending out a sample to a special lab that does this. It will be a little pricey up front, I have to warn you. You will have to bare with us for about 18 months. I'll help you understand what we are doing, and help explain your test results, but if we can get your soil straightened out, weeds will be a thing of the past. Then you will only need us to maintain at optimal levels, and test the soil every few years or if a problem becomes apparent again. You have to remember Mrs. Jones organics are a process, so to switch over we will need some time, chemicals are an event so you've come to expect instant results. There is no quick fix or organic alternative to conventional chemicals. Mrs. Jones here are several references of lawns we have switched over, feel free to drive by any time or if you would like to call them, let me know and I'll find out when a good time would be for them to speak to you. Mrs. Jones here are our credentials, as you can see, my employees and I have spent much time learning and studying organics, all I can say is to do your homework and decide if this is what you really want to do. Be sure to call me if you have any questions.

[muddstopper]

So I will just see those Dandelions In the spring? And not In the summer?

Wont the CGM Feed the dandelions as well as the grass?

Even with chemicals the time to treat dandilions is in the fall and not in the spring. Dandilions are also very efficient at taking up calcium in calcium poor soils but dont thrive as hardy in calcium rich soils. Dandilions, and most other weeds, also like K rich soils. Raising the calcium levels will at the same time reduce potassium levels in the soil. One of the best times to apply lime is in the fall of the year where the freezing and thawing of the soil will help translocate the caclium downward toward the rootzone of the plant. You can apply lime almost anytime of the year, but if you want to get ahead of the d-lions, start in the fall.

CGM contains natural preemergent chemicals as well as a good doze of P but not quite as much K. The CGM will help prevent the already present Dandilion seeds from germinating, and provide sulfur as well as minute amounts of Boron. As the CGM breaks down it will provide nutrients to all plant life already living on the soil.

Practiceing good cultural mowing habits will allow the grass to grow taller and help shade out the dandilions. A tall thick stand of grass can reduce the ambient temperatures around your home by as much as 10% in the hot summer months. A side benefit would also be a reduction in electricity needed to cool your home.

Practicing good fertility management will insure that the grass has an advantage over the d-lions as well. Every plant has certain nutrient needs, by giving the grass what it wants you will be neglecting the Dandilions and encourageing good turf growth.

Do you have any more questions Ms Jones?

[Daner]

Gentleman...Very good Information you have provided to this thread...Hats off to all your Inputs Of knowledge.
I have no further questions at this time.
Mrs. Joans

[Jason Pallas]

Thanks from me too - I just read the thread and got a lot of good info from it. I don't really do fertilizing - but got a lot of good info from your responses. This is why I love this site so much. Thanks again.

[muddstopper]

Gentleman...Very good Information you have provided to this thread...Hats off to all your Inputs Of knowledge.
I have no further questions at this time.
Mrs. Joans

Dont let it end now. Did I just see some nutsedge over there in the corner of your lawn?

[MILSINC]

muddstopper, that hurts my brain.

[Daner]

Yes The Nutedge...I forgot about that...I hope there won't be any on my lawn as well as the Danelions...Mr. Jones says lets just get our ole weed guy In and spray the buggers...No Way:nono: I said...There will be No spraying on my lawn whats so ever. We need to start a Organic program going here...so we can smother the weeds out Right Guys??
Me and Mr. Joans may not have a thing going on ,for very much longer, If he keeps that up.
I think we will start with a soil sample...a'm I on the right track?

Mrs Joans

[muddstopper]

Yes Mrs Joans, a soil test would be a very good place to start. Nutsedge is typical of a poor fertility soil, compaction and poor drainage. Taking a soil test will allow us to determine which nutrients are missing or least available in your soil. Applying any soil amendments, organic or chemical without a soil test is like working with a blindfold.

[Meadowbrook]

2) Root 'Em Out:
Dandelion plants can't be eliminated by yanking off the tops, but they are easily dug out by hand. A dandelion digger is a specialized tool that removes a wide variety of individual weeds and their roots, with little soil disturbance. The tool looks like a large screwdriver with the "business end" resembling a fish tale. It works by maneuvering it in the soil, parallel to the tap root. With a small pivot, it's easy to lift the entire plant, root and all (that's the theory at least), from its stronghold.



Ok, so a dandelion puller may work.....but if it's a recurring sprout, how do you get the entire taproot? Which may be up to 2' in the ground??? hmmm....

[Ducke]

A small sized Skid Steer with a fencepost auger will get those pesky old Dandelion roots. ;) Also good for tulip bulbs, crocus bulbs and small annoying neighbor's pets. :p

[Duekster]

Nut sedge is often the result of an over watered lawn with poor soil conditions.

[green_mark]

My name now Is Mrs Jones...So tell me Mr. Lawn Guy...How are you going to keep the Dandelions off my lawn, with your Organic method?

Contact BJE Distributing in Canada for products that will address your clients issues.
www.bjedistri-organic.com

Has your town ban pesticides yet?

[garydale]

Mrs. Jones, how do you breathe with your head that far up your backside?

Properly applied control products will do less damage to the enviroment than your very existance.

[muddstopper]

Mrs. Jones, how do you breathe with your head that far up your backside?

Properly applied control products will do less damage to the enviroment than your very existance.


garydale, how do you justify your own very existance. Instead of looking for an alternative approach to protecting the environment, just dump some more chemicals. And then blame the organic crowd for polluting the environment.

Culturial practice's will do more to reduce the environmental damage done by human existance than spraying chemicals or appling organic materials. Appling chemical or organic products as pesticides doesnt improve the environment. Yes you can spray herbicides and kill plants, or fungicides and kill fungi, and insecticides and kill insects. Of course these products usually dont discriminate against good guys and the bad guys, so you lose the benefitual life forms as well as the pest. Or you can improve the conditions favorable for the life you wish to grow and effectively eliminate the life you dont want to be around. Eliminate probably isnt the best choice of words because you will never completely eliminate the microbial life in the soil. The best you can do is create conditions that are favorable to allowing the benefitual life forms to co-exsist with the harmful lifeforms, in symbiotic relationships. That is what the environment looks like when you get out of the urban areas, away from mans influences.

Your statement is without merit and cant be supported by scientific research.
Does man contribute to enviromental pollution, most certainly, you dont need a study to prove that.

[Duekster]

There are some great insecticides out there that people should consider.

Weed control? Somebody clue me in because they don't exist. Yes a nice healthy lawn will do it but is joe homeowner going to live with the cost and results it takes to develop a healthy lawn that chokes out weeds. If so, I am all for it.

[Ducke]

A well maintained healthy lawn with out harsh chemicals is not hard to do and is not overly expensive. All it take is educating yourself to new ways of doing things. I was a chemical sprayer the more the merrier. But we have now come to see the hazards of all these chemicals, I now treat lawns completely organic.
and we are seeing some great results. Treating lawns organically is new to us and yes I must admit I figured all was lost when the local law changed and we were forced to go organic, But it works and its not that much more maybe $50.00 to $60.00 a year and some of that was to cover our equipment change and retraining.

Ducke

[Duekster]

A well maintained healthy lawn with out harsh chemicals is not hard to do and is not overly expensive. All it take is educating yourself to new ways of doing things. I was a chemical sprayer the more the merrier. But we have now come to see the hazards of all these chemicals, I now treat lawns completely organic.
and we are seeing some great results. Treating lawns organically is new to us and yes I must admit I figured all was lost when the local law changed and we were forced to go organic, But it works and its not that much more maybe $50.00 to $60.00 a year and some of that was to cover our equipment change and retraining.

Ducke


How long you been doing it and how do you kill weeds? Please tell me. CGM works as a pre but the window is very narrow.

[Ducke]

We do not "KILL" weeds we manage weeds.
The days of just squirting a weed and BOOM its dead are going and or Gone.
We now maintain a healthy lawn and "Manage" the weeds.
We Lime, Aerate, Fertilize (24-4-16) and use a Organic Weed Management ( Sugar Beet Extract and Molasses as well as Corn Gluten )
We also use an Organic Top Dressing (Nutrient Rich Compost) along with an Over Seeding program.
Now every lawn is different and may or may not need all the above but if we can keep the lawn healthy and cut at approx 3" in height weed don't have as much of a opportunity to grow

[NattyLawn]

How organic is the 24-4-16 fert you're using? ^^^

[Prolawnservice]

Ducke,
Do you own a weed man franchise? Do you just use organic/cultural methods for pests, and not fertilizer?

[Ducke]

How organic is the 24-4-16 fert you're using? ^^^
NattyLawn The 24-4-16 is not organic we are still allowed to use regular Fertilizers for now,The local Government along with the Ecology Action Group are working on a program to faze these out as well but that is about two or three years away yet. So this gives us time to bring in new ways of doing things like that new organic top dress and over seeding that we are introducing this year.






Ducke,
Do you own a weed man franchise? Do you just use organic/cultural methods for pests, and not fertilizer?

No I do not own the Franchise I am A lowly Lawn tech. As for Weed Management yes we only use organic in 2002 the City and County of Halifax Regional Municipality's Ban all use of pesticides, The only way we can use a Pesticide is to have an inspection for the Ecology Action Group (tree hugger's :dancing: ) who are under contract by HRM to administer the bylaw that they forced into effect and last year out of 5000 permit requests only 100 some were granted. Its been a tough go of it but as we experiment with different types of product and we also read and reread the bylaw and find the loop holes and Grey areas we have learned to adapt and I think we are actually better off for it. At first I was totally against the ban as a home owner I was pissed:realmad: I watch as my prized lawn went from Golf course to hay field in a couple of summers. I am now so impressed with what we can do with organic and how safe they are I left:walking: my high paying desk job to work for a Weed Man and I am LOVING IT.:D

[Daner]

Mrs. Jones, how do you breathe with your head that far up your backside?

Properly applied control products will do less damage to the enviroment than your very existance.

Gary...Myself and Mr. Joans breathe feel fine...Especially when we know that we are doing our part as a home owner,By getting expert opinions here on lawn site, about keeping our earth growing the way that It was ment to.:waving:

[Ducke]

Gary...Myself and Mr. Joans breathe feel fine...Especially when we know that we are doing our part as a home owner,By getting expert opinions here on lawn site, about keeping our earth growing the way that It was ment to.:waving:

I agree with you 100% I think we must look out for our environment as well as the health of our customer and our own health. Just think what all the chemicals are doing to the person spraying them day in and day out. It can't be good for the operators.:dizzy:

[Nathan Robinson]

the organic way to spray for dandelions is 1/3 gallon of organic apple cider vinegar-1/3 gallon of white vinegar-5 tablespoons of sea salt. Last add 1/3 gallon of water. Spot spray only!

[Shades of Green LService]

the organic way to spray for dandelions is 1/3 gallon of organic apple cider vinegar-1/3 gallon of white vinegar-5 tablespoons of sea salt. Last add 1/3 gallon of water. Spot spray only!

Total Kill or just supression?

[Duekster]

the organic way to spray for dandelions is 1/3 gallon of organic apple cider vinegar-1/3 gallon of white vinegar-5 tablespoons of sea salt. Last add 1/3 gallon of water. Spot spray only!
I am afraid spot spraying salt will make the soil sterile.

[Ducke]

A small sized Skid Steer with a fencepost auger will get those pesky old Dandelion roots. ;) Also good for tulip bulbs, crocus bulbs and small annoying neighbor's pets. :p

I still like the Skid Steer with a fencepost auger but the Skid Steer has to run on environmentally friendly fuels.
It would be pesticides free and environmentally safe and when the holes fill with water after the first rain you can say its a water feature. ;)

The way I go about it is on my walk behind mover is I have put a small piece of wood on the handle that holds a Dandelion prong and as I see them I pluck them out. Real simple pesticides free and environmentally safe. By the mid summer my lawns are weed free. :drinkup:

[Daner]

Hi All...Mrs Joans here:waving: I like the Ideia Of getting the grass so thick ,That those Dandelions don't have a dog gone chance... I like that...also by picking the odd one out..here and there:dancing:

I have noticed that around my Birdie feeder,where the grass grows real nice and green...there's never a dandelion there...Hmmmmm:confused:

[Nathan Robinson]

its a total kill. The salt is organic and will not make your soil sterile. Cinnamon bark is a post-m for crabgrass since gluten is so expensive. Nathan

[Duekster]

its a total kill. The salt is organic and will not make your soil sterile. Cinnamon bark is a post-m for crabgrass since gluten is so expensive. Nathan


So Sherman was fertilizing the fields in the south when he salted them? Salt's are toxic. :rolleyes:

[Nathan Robinson]

Salts are not toxic. Organic salts are a great fertilizer. Epson salt for example is organic. Its a fertilizer. Too much salt can be bad....

[Daner]

The Dandelions have been real bad this spring...Its been a great growing year for everything ...crops ...lawns etc...Oh and weeds.

I see alot of lawn guys buzzing the dandelion tops off...and mowing short...It almost looks like the Dandelion see,s the mower coming ,and ducks...and pops back up when you leave,LOL

[Cloverdale Gardens]

Healthy lawns, like healthy gardens, are built on healthy soil. Soil management is the preferred long term approach for dandelion management. Most experts say that a 6.5 pH level is optimal for growing grass. Since 7.0 pH is the neutral reading, the 6.5 pH level means that grass likes a slightly acidic soil. Dandelions, on the other hand, optimally grow in a 7.5 soil pH level, or a slightly alkaline soil. Applying a sulfur based product on the soil is the most common suggestion for lowering soil pH. You will need a soil test for your lawn to know the exact levels of any one of a variety of organic soil amendments to apply in order to decrease the soil alkalinity.

[Cloverdale Gardens]

Healthy lawns, like healthy gardens, are built on healthy soil. Soil management is the preferred long term approach for dandelion management. Most experts say that a 6.5 pH level is optimal for growing grass. Since 7.0 pH is the neutral reading, the 6.5 pH level means that grass likes a slightly acidic soil. Dandelions, on the other hand, optimally grow in a 7.5 soil pH level, or a slightly alkaline soil. Applying a sulfur based product on the soil is the most common suggestion for lowering soil pH. You will need a soil test for your lawn to know the exact levels of any one of a variety of organic soil amendments to apply in order to decrease the soil alkalinity.

[garydale]

You guys are more fun to "pick at" than a scab.

I only object to your all or nothing,"your goin die" attitudes.

Control products have been around for over fifty years an have an excellent track record. Organics have always been around since man started to work the soil. They are both ,"done properly" very viable methods. Combined they are great.

I do not bad mouth organic methods and used them myself when practical.

If you would adopt that type of attitude when trying to pitch an organic sale instead of "it's goin kill you" you would have my blessing.

[Cloverdale Gardens]

"attitude" ? I like those "Gieco" commercials. They talk a lot about attitude, don't they ......

[muddstopper]

You guys are more fun to "pick at" than a scab.

I only object to your all or nothing,"your goin die" attitudes.



If you would adopt that type of attitude when trying to pitch an organic sale instead of "it's goin kill you" you would have my blessing.

Garydale. Its interesting that you bring up attitudes. Especially since your only contribution to this thread is a How do you breath with your head up your Butt comment.

As with any thread or topic, you can contribute in a number of ways.
1. you can provide information based on experience or published material.
2. You can ask questions to which you dont know the answer too, in hope someone with more experience or education can provide accurate answers
Or 3. if you dont know enough about a topic to know what questions to ask, or provide a reasonablely correct answer to someone elses question. you simply set back and read and hopefully you can learn from what others post in that thread.

Comments like heads up your butt only serve to shows disrespect on the part of the poster and a lack of tolerance for others that are here to learn or teach. You might want to rethink your own attitude. Organics are not a my way or the highway attitude to the users of such products, they are simply another tool in the tool box. A tool that you already amitted to using when practical in your programs. When you learn more about orgaincs, you might find that they can become even more partical to use in more situations where you might have otherwise chosen chemicals.

[johnnywill08]

We do not "KILL" weeds we manage weeds.
The days of just squirting a weed and BOOM its dead are going and or Gone.
We now maintain a healthy lawn and "Manage" the weeds.
We Lime, Aerate, Fertilize (24-4-16) and use a Organic Weed Management ( Sugar Beet Extract and Molasses as well as Corn Gluten )
We also use an Organic Top Dressing (Nutrient Rich Compost) along with an Over Seeding program.
Now every lawn is different and may or may not need all the above but if we can keep the lawn healthy and cut at approx 3" in height weed don't have as much of a opportunity to grow

where'd you learn your organic methods??? i'm switching to organic and want to do it right. thanks...

[Garden Thyme]

I Don't Get It^^^^^^^^^^^

I Don't want anything but Organic materials on my lawn.

What Is the most efective method of keeping a weed free Organic lawn???

Pull them out by hand Mrs Jones and make sure you have all of the roots.

[Garden Thyme]

And them you make your own organic Dandelion wine:drinkup:

[Daner]

Hi Mrs Joans here...Daner and I are throwing a party for any one that likes wine...not just the regular wine...this Is "Mrs Joans Organic Wine with Fiber"...This stuff Is so good Yeeeeee Hahhhh...ok bye for now...gota get down to the ole cellar to pour off another batch
Mrs Joans:)

[Marcos]

Hi Mrs Joans here...Daner and I are throwing a party for any one that likes wine...not just the regular wine...this Is "Mrs Joans Organic Wine with Fiber"...This stuff Is so good Yeeeeee Hahhhh...ok bye for now...gota get down to the ole cellar to pour off another batch
Mrs Joans:)

Mrs. Joans, I REALLY wish I could be there with you today, and I certainly wished I could have participated in the discussion during the 'heat' of this thread !!! Hell, I was apparently wasting my time over in the 'Off Topic' Forum debating about Patraeus' hearings, when all of the REAL juicy action was over here !!! :canadaflag: Well, to add MY two (U.S.) cents in dandilion control, I've never really been an organic guy per se, but I've ALWAYS been a 'cultural control' guy when it comes to weeds. So you're right on it now when I hear you say " the thicker the turf, the better". So after ONE REALLY GOOD BLANKET 2,4-D SPRAY when I moved here in 1999, I have not had ONEdandilion to my recollection. HOW???Proper timing and initial renovation rates of seeding at that time (with fescue in my case) and, MOST importantly, semi-annual AERATION !! I core aerate until I'm blue in the face. My wife thinks I'm a LUNATIC :dizzy: . I've aerated on Christmas Eve morning. I've aerated when the ground was soft but covered with (just) the slightest dustings of snow. (purrrrrrrrfect...) I aerate the thing twice a year early spring and late fall going 3 to 4 directions each time and I aerate it so hard each time it LOOKS like it was aerated from a block away if you were walking toward it !! When I'm done aerating my yard, the guys that work for Trugreen go home crying!! :drinkup: :cry: That's the way to keep dandilions out!!!

[Norm Al]

look man this is the only product i know of that will have a shot at those dandelions

www.crabgrassalert.com

but these guys pile on me for telling you about it! as you were

[zgrrl]

PREEN now markets an organic annual control, "Preen Organic", its corn meal based. We will apply it every 30 days at $____ per application. Let give that a try. Thanks for stopping the flow of herbicides into the water table and stream systems. It will relive some strain on the fish species that are diminishing b/c of herbicide overuse.

[Smallaxe]

PREEN now markets an organic annual control, "Preen Organic", its corn meal based. We will apply it every 30 days at $____ per application. Let give that a try. Thanks for stopping the flow of herbicides into the water table and stream systems. It will relive some strain on the fish species that are diminishing b/c of herbicide overuse.

I agree with what you are saying here, but how can you get the attention of the public, that you need, as a lawncare proffessional?

IMO The key word for getting attention is "overuse" and reducing the amounts of : [2,4d - mecroprop - or - dicamba], WHILE improving the service, :) which means nothing enters the water.

Landscapers will spend less time and material doing the actual work while, at the same time, selling it as a: "concentrated, meticulous cleanup of weeds". You charge a little more for the extra attention you are giving their landscape. Sound silly?

Many of my lawns are no longer in need of broadleaf control sprayed generally from a hose. Those commonly sprayed areas have enough 2,4d in the soil right now. And - of course the less common areas addressed with the hose never get 2,4d.

i.e. When you start a lawn there are weeds everywhere and gallons of broadleaf go on the ground to - stop it dead. But 5 years later? If you have weeds popping up everywhere and continue to need gallons of broadleaf, then you have a serious problem with your turf. Generally however, there are no more broadleaf weeds. So no need to spray it today. Except what you missed before.

Spot Spraying, gives you a chance to "stroll about the grounds". Find other projects you think could be done and suggest them. New ideas are worth money sometimes. Either way you just had a less stressful job and got paid more for it :)

"Green as you can be -- and still do the job!"

[tadhussey]

its a total kill. The salt is organic and will not make your soil sterile. Cinnamon bark is a post-m for crabgrass since gluten is so expensive. Nathan

Salt will not make your soil sterile?

Let's drop you in a vat of salt and see what happens. Pretty sure you'd dry up like a prune from osmatic shock as all the water got sucked out of your body. This is what happens to the poor microorganisms when you use salts or inorganic fertilizers that contain salts.

[Smallaxe]

There are some great insecticides out there that people should consider.

Weed control? Somebody clue me in because they don't exist. Yes a nice healthy lawn will do it but is joe homeowner going to live with the cost and results it takes to develop a healthy lawn that chokes out weeds. If so, I am all for it.

I don't know if anyome in this thread is still around, but I would love to hear from you if you believe the correct calcium level in the soil will prevent dandelions.

[GreenthumbGA]

takin it back.......

[Daner]

Dandelions are a source of calcium themselves...good point Smallaxe, we sometimes can be too focused on the correct soil PH. Dandelions seem to be one of the worst enemies for a organic lawn care program

[Happy Frog]

My 2 cents about CGM.
Is your CGM from organic corn?
If not, using CGM is promoting the use of pesticides and fertilizers to produce the corn needed for your CGM.
There is nothing organic about that, is there?
You may as well use the pesticides and fertilizers yourself :laugh:

[treegal1]

frog is soy ok to use??????

[Daner]

All the corn that I have grown was with Cattle manure...and most farmers up this way do the same....How much more organic could It be:)

[Happy Frog]

Was the cattle organic ? :laugh:

[treegal1]

no answer on the soy ??? is it still ok to use ???

[Happy Frog]

no answer on the soy ??? is it still ok to use ???

You must be mistaking me for someone else... Someone who knows more than I do, I presume.

[NattyLawn]

no answer on the soy ??? is it still ok to use ???

While doing some research on soy over the winter, I was in contact with some gov't agencies that wouldn't approve soy based products as organic because of the GMO issue.

[muddstopper]

I don't know if anyome in this thread is still around, but I would love to hear from you if you believe the correct calcium level in the soil will prevent dandelions.


Someone already posted that dandilions are a source of calcium themselfs. This is not entirely true. Dandilions do have a ability to draw more calcium from a soil than most other plants. They get calcium when other plants can't. This is usually why dandilions are more active in calcium poor soils, simply because nothing else can get the calcium it needs to thrive. Increaseing calcium levels ( if you need the calcium) will reduce dandilion populations simply because it provides the much needed calcium that allows the other plants to thrive. This creates competition for the dandilions plants. Fixing fertility levels where other plants can out compete the dandilions or other weeds is just good cultural practice.

[treegal1]

well the answer is that all soy beans are GMO's and there a list that's real long of other plants. gmos aren't the real problem the inputs are the real issue, along with the fact that the soy and corn can be used for animal feed. there are more sustainability issues that need to be addressed sooner than to stop using a by product of corn production.

[Smallaxe]

Someone already posted that dandilions are a source of calcium themselfs. This is not entirely true. Dandilions do have a ability to draw more calcium from a soil than most other plants. They get calcium when other plants can't. This is usually why dandilions are more active in calcium poor soils, simply because nothing else can get the calcium it needs to thrive. Increaseing calcium levels ( if you need the calcium) will reduce dandilion populations simply because it provides the much needed calcium that allows the other plants to thrive. This creates competition for the dandilions plants. Fixing fertility levels where other plants can out compete the dandilions or other weeds is just good cultural practice.

We have AM fungus to pull P out of the ground when it could not otherwise be done. Nettles bring out nutrients from mineral soil and make them bio-avaiable, from deep within the soil profile. Legumes, associate with bacteria that will bring N from the air, IF, N is otherwise deficeint in the soil; then, make it bio-available to the root zone. Etc., etc., etc.

What needs to be considered here is, a greater view of "Nutrient Cycling". The point being, - is that - If there is sufficient 'bio-available' calcium for the target crop. Our crop will grow and danelions have some tough competition. Dandlions will have a tough time competing with that crop.
Once we create the optimum environment for grass, (for exa.) - we are in like Flint! Dandelions, take seconds and irregular seats.

Anyways, that's my take. If I am wrong - then - I learn something new. :) Thanks Mudd for helping us out.

[Smallaxe]

well the answer is that all soy beans are GMO's and there a list that's real long of other plants. gmos aren't the real problem the inputs are the real issue, along with the fact that the soy and corn can be used for animal feed. there are more sustainability issues that need to be addressed sooner than to stop using a by product of corn production.

The upside of gmo soybeans, is that, 'Roundup Ready', soybeans can be treated with Glysophate. MSDS shows , Glysoppate, to be rather benign, compared to 2,4d et.al. or atrizine. So this could be a plus. :)

The downside is of course, is that, gmo may be similar to 'homogenized milk'. Our bodies' enzymes were designed to deal with regular milk fat globules, but cannot digest the homogenized ones. Nor can we properly use, 'hydrogenated oils'. [trans fats]

So - Do the gmo soybeans really offer the health benefits for us, or the lawn? Protien is good - if we can use it.

Overall, I agree with your statement: "Sustainability issues",... have little or nothing to do with inputs. For, in fact, they [sustainable inputs], are mutually exclusive, with the indefinate ecosystem in mind.
Relying on the byproducts of excess - may be good business - but should not be considered sustainable. :)

Most of us have work because somebody else is - living in excess - and happens to be 'fixated' on the lawn.

[Daner]

Mix your dandelions with some milk for extra calcium.
------------> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion

[Daner]

We could be selling these Dandelions...there apears to be alot of uses for them.
Nutritional values for 100 g

USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (November 1999)
Nutrients Units Dandelion raw
Water g 85.6
Energy kcal 45
Protein g 2.7
Total lipid (fat) g 0.7
Carbohydrate g 9.2
Fiber, total dietary g 3.5
Minerals
Calcium mg 187
Iron mg 3.1
Magnesium mg 36
Phosphorus mg 66
Potassium mg 397
Sodium mg 76
Zinc mg 0.41
Copper mg 0.171
Manganese mg 0.342
Selenium mcg 0.5
Vitamins
Vitamin C mg 35
B-1 (thiamin) mg 0.19
B-2 (riboflavin) mg 0.26
B-3 (niacin) mg 0.806
B-5 (pantothenic acid) mg 0.084
B-6 (pyridoxine) mg 0.251
Folate mcg 27.2
B-12 mcg 0
Vitamin A I.U 14000
Vitamin A mcg RE 1400
Vitamin E mcg ATE 2.5
Lipids
Fatty acids, saturated g 0.17
Fatty acids, monounsaturated g 0.014
Fatty acids, polyunsaturated g 0.306
Linoleic acid (18:2) g 0.261
Alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) g 0.044
Cholesterol mg 0

[Marcos]

We could be selling these Dandelions...there apears to be alot of uses for them.
Nutritional values for 100 g

USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (November 1999)
Nutrients Units Dandelion raw
Water g 85.6
Energy kcal 45
Protein g 2.7
Total lipid (fat) g 0.7
Carbohydrate g 9.2
Fiber, total dietary g 3.5
Minerals
Calcium mg 187
Iron mg 3.1
Magnesium mg 36
Phosphorus mg 66
Potassium mg 397
Sodium mg 76
Zinc mg 0.41
Copper mg 0.171
Manganese mg 0.342
Selenium mcg 0.5
Vitamins
Vitamin C mg 35
B-1 (thiamin) mg 0.19
B-2 (riboflavin) mg 0.26
B-3 (niacin) mg 0.806
B-5 (pantothenic acid) mg 0.084
B-6 (pyridoxine) mg 0.251
Folate mcg 27.2
B-12 mcg 0
Vitamin A I.U 14000
Vitamin A mcg RE 1400
Vitamin E mcg ATE 2.5
Lipids
Fatty acids, saturated g 0.17
Fatty acids, monounsaturated g 0.014
Fatty acids, polyunsaturated g 0.306
Linoleic acid (18:2) g 0.261
Alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) g 0.044
Cholesterol mg 0

No doubt !
Dandilion greens are on our menu for tonight...as thay have been (almost) every night now... for about 3 WEEKS! :)

All you've got to do is find a good piece of ground...that has never been sprayed with 2,4-D or any other systemic herbicide in this modern era (not always easy to do).

It's always amazing to see the look in some people's faces...when they hear and see the 'weeds' that are actually edible...and in fact FLAVORFUL.

Bon ape-tit !
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=210049&highlight=recipes

[Smallaxe]

Is that just the greens, or do you eat the roots too?
I leave dandelions in the garden for snacks[leaves] throughout the season. Comes in earlier than asparagus.
There is one large lawn along the highway that becomes almost solid yellow when the dandelions blossom. My idea of a picturesque landscape.

[Smallaxe]

Available for broad distribution in 2010, available to the US in the year 2525.

[treegal1]

AXE,
after going in the general forum,those idiots, you had better start growing them now,oils going to kill this country

[DUSTYCEDAR]

now i am hungry:)

[ICT Bill]

I missed something????? :confused:

[Smallaxe]

It's the polk salad of Wisco. :) Anyone remember Annie?

[Daner]

It's the polk salad of Wisco. :) Anyone remember Annie?

LOL ...yes I remember polk salad Annie:)

Do we eat the tops too? and the roots:confused:

[DeepGreenLawn]

My thing is that everyone has to start with my "Hybrid" program using synthetic herbs and pre-m's to control the weeds for a minimum of one year. Then from there it has to be approved by me to go straight organic. After this, by the customers request only, we can either use CGM or spot spray any weeds that might fight their way through the nice thick and healthy lawn. I haven't had anyone yet tell me they had a problem with my programs or using a traditional herb for a spot spray of a few weeds that might break through. They all actually seem quite happy with the process.

They are organic-based and happy at the same time. They just want a healthier lawn for their pets and kids, a spot spray of a weed here or there doesn't bother them too much.

[ICT Bill]

Deep Green , welcome to the dark green side (Newby08)

The cost of fertilizers are driving everyone to alternatives, you should see the office 9PM eastern and everyone is still here.

anyway, there are several national lawn companies that are doing weed and feed in the spring and fall and our product for the other app's, 7 to 10 app program 5 to 8 are organic, we are registered as a fertilizer in all but Oregon.

Think about this, with a program like that, we have reduced NPK inputs by 70 to 80 percent and still have the results and they are not hauling 4000 lbs of granular ferts around in a diesel truck ( at $4.50 per gallon) talk about an oportunity to make great margins. You could basically use a VW bug to go apply your applications, Okay a 1/2 ton with a 50 gallon tank, we need to project testosterone ( sorry TG)

[DUSTYCEDAR]

u have to adapt or be run over in this biz and i have been run over more than once. so i try to stay ahead of the pack and always look out for alternatives

[treegal1]

testosterone is great, not for me, but others need it.

any ways fert prices, wow some of these chem guys are being handed there own head over fert co$t$. we are all smiles.the thing about a hybrid is the two set ups, two products= 2 more things to worry about, so we simplified, organic only=one play sheet one set of rules. yada yada more work. so what it means more profit. and less fert costs.

bottom line, all organic was the less work path. does not mean it will work for every one.

and there one more point, no applicators lic# for burning weeds just a 9$ torch (man)

[Marcos]

LOL ...yes I remember polk salad Annie:)



No...you heard the song 'all wrong' :laugh:.....but I'm sure you're not alone !

It is "Poke salad Annie"; (named after 'poke weed', of course)

Southerners call "greens" eaten raw.... "sallet".
So the correct interpretation of this from the original song in 1969 is "Poke sallet Annie".

Full explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poke_Salad_Annie

The original (and best in my opinion) version was Tony Joe White's, but Elvis soon snatched it up, covered it and WORE it out.
Later in the 70's, Creedence Clearwater Revival and other bands put a nice rock beat to it.
______________________________

Pokeweed grows up here in Ohio too, but I've never had the opportunity to try any before.
Maybe I'll 'venture forth' and try some this year!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokeweed

[Marcos]

Do we eat the tops too? and the roots:confused:

Dandelion roots is apparently a registered DRUG in Canada :canadaflag:....used mostly as a diuretic, apparently.

This blurp talks about that...as well as the roots being useful as a ( somewhat bitter :cry:) "coffee substitute".
This is also true for chicory, a plant many people often mistake for a dandelion when it's not in flower.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion


In our household, and my father's...we've historically JUST used dandy LEAVES and (sometimes) BUDS, in the recipes that are posted in the "edible weeds" thread I cut and pasted a few pages ago.
The real trick, though, is to pick dandy leaves in the EARLY spring, BEFORE the leaves 'harden off' and start to become somewhat :cry:bitter.
And, as I said before, ONLY in a "non-herbicide zone" that you can verify FOR SURE !

[treegal1]

finding herbicide free yards, thats a challenge. so many are doing hybrids and calling them "organic based" thats BS they should call them chemical based with some organics.

[ICT Bill]

"organic based" thats BS they should call them chemical based with some organics.

We're trying to ease their pain and bring them to the dark green side. We''ll send them down to Treegal university after that.

[treegal1]

im not a great teacher, short on Patience. we will lead by example if that helps.less is less and a good thing too, but call it what it is, then no one expects me to use some weed and feed because some other joker has an organic program with a weed spray. we are working on the holly grail of weed control and its just now looking like it may work out. but spot pray and pre m are parts of some folks "organic" practices. want weeds gone organically fire and hands thats the closest to nirvana yet!!!

now i dont want to beat on a less input system or hybrids, JUST FOR THE RECORD THERE GREAT! love an eco minded LCO. truth is all i was ranting about. call it what it is we still love ya, and your honest

[Smallaxe]

Poke Sallet Annie. Aawww- Right. :)

Never had the 45, so never saw it written down. Figured it to be Southern though, and I had a great deal of respect for Annie.
Thanks, for the background, Marcos. A dandelion is - "A good thing".
They seem to have many small leaves this year as opposed to fewer larger leaves.

Unfortunately, my job requires I burn them to crisps starting next week.

[treegal1]

sallet crisp, call martha stewart, they will sell:laugh:

[Marcos]

finding herbicide free yards, thats a challenge. so many are doing hybrids and calling them "organic based" thats BS they should call them chemical based with some organics.

When my kids, my wife or I go " dandy pickin' " ....together or alone.....we know to steer far and clear of ANYONE'S yard !!!

We always walk down the road and go dandy pickin' along some old farm meadow / hayfields about a mile and a half from here, where I know both the farmers that own it very well... as I sometimes trade favors and barter with them in business.
And, luckily, both of them have told us that they'd never had a reason to spray a DROP of herbicide in these meadows.
They both say they... "only spray around the fences and fence posts"....and there are NO fences to be seen in this more-remote part of their properties.

[treegal1]

country road take me home, the beach kinda makes up for it ........... a little, blue ridge this winter for sure. deer its whats for diner.

[Marcos]

country road take me home, the beach kinda makes up for it ........... a little, blue ridge this winter for sure. deer its whats for diner.

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

...you havin' a nice time down there in FL tonight, treegal ?!? ;):headphones: :o

[treegal1]

yes, nice nite, sh*ty paper work. eh cant have it all.
worms are happy thats always good. grass is growing out of hand, thats great.figured out my runaway brew, found good used scope, cheap thats always good.

how about you is it cold?

[ICT Bill]

Marcos, she's practicing for American idol, SSSHHHH,

in her truck while text messaging and bringing up google earth with her wifi integrated irrigation program. and all the time drinking a beer and kick'n everyone elses buttt.

You gotta love it

I think sometimes that Mr. treegal signs on often with the same name, whatta think, ever notice a little different slant or maybe its the beer.


mebuse when I signnnnnnnn onj and fagetaboutit..........nighty nite

[treegal1]

wine red wine, phill dont type, he dictates.

[Marcos]

yes, nice nite, sh*ty paper work. eh cant have it all.
worms are happy thats always good. grass is growing out of hand, thats great.figured out my runaway brew, found good used scope, cheap thats always good.

how about you is it cold?

Oh....I thought I caught a tiny bit of manual dexterity-type "slurring" going on in that one post...that could be construed by any onlooker as ....you know...the "influence"... of some type of mommy or daddy juice !

...but used Scope ?!? :cry:

UH-MU-GUH !

Is it cold here ?!?
Could that a 'jab' on your part... at any and all 'non-subtropican' Americans ?!?
:cool2:

If you must know....yes...last night we got VERY CLOSE to freezing.
But we're pretty sure that's the "last one" (I hope).

By Friday, we'll be in the upper 70's and have lows in the mid 50's again.

(....almost time to put all my banana tree "house plants" outside in our front landscape and around the patio/deck....again !!! :) :) :) :))

[treegal1]

just curious, 50-70 sounds like free AC, how do I get started.

[Marcos]

just curious, 50-70 sounds like free AC, how do I get started.

U-Haul offers "one way" service for most of their van rentals.

I'd like to tell you that it'd stay 50ish to 70ish up here in Cincy year-round...but I think you know better !

[Daner]

polk Sallet annie's mother was working on a chain gang<-------that one I could never figure out...I never had the 45...but I use to listen to It on my 6 transistor

[Smallaxe]

"you know, Annie - while mama's away it will be your job to make supper". :))

My weed torch came in the mail yesterday, so once this rain stops; I'll be able to sample the greens toasted.

[Daner]

"you know, Annie - while mama's away it will be your job to make supper". :))

My weed torch came in the mail yesterday, so once this rain stops; I'll be able to sample the greens toasted.


Post some pics of that burner If you can...I bet Its best to burn when the grass Is wet or has dew on It??...we don't need any fires getting outa hand.
I have a test lawn that I will try mine out on (1 acre.)..I reseeded this acre last year when the drought hit hard and the sod died off...all except for the good ole dandelions...I used the black gold for a top dressing and left all the weeds there...the grass took off real fine , but this spring the dandelions are still growing...I may have a pic of this test lawn...I will lo:)ok

D

[Smallaxe]

I hope to learn how to post pictures this coming weekend. It might be quicker to google 'weed dragon' etc. I got the model discussed in the 'let's talk fire' , thread.

And yes, take no chances with fire. I am thinking also is that cool wet grass will protect the grass from the concentrated flame directed at the dandelion.

Be interested in seeing the new seed ground if you find it. The black gold worked well, did it? :)

[Daner]

You cowboys down there In texas think You grow everything Big...Try and beat the size of the Dandelions I grow up here In Canada:weightlifter:

This picture has 2 flower heads growing together.

With the sunshine and rain here and there these Dandys are growing real good this year...and next year there will be a complete band on herbicides all over Ontario

[DeepGreenLawn]

is that a dandelion or a gerber daisy?

[Daner]

:weightlifter:No Its a Dandelion with 2 heads:hammerhead:

[ICT Bill]

You have little tiny hands or that is one big dandelion, Jeez I have never seen such a thing

[DeepGreenLawn]

wow that must suck

[Daner]

You have little tiny hands or that is one big dandelion, Jeez I have never seen such a thing


LOL Bill ...My hands are not tiny:weightlifter:...It truthfully came way back on one of my pastures...I was looking at how good the burdock Is growing back there...and then I spotted this dandy of a dandelion...I was hoping one of us mad scientist would have a explanation for the size...and the 2 heads on one stem...all the soil back there Is naturally organic

[Daner]

wow that must suck

What must suck...this could be In the Guinness book of records:waving:

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Oh My......................

[treegal1]

i would want to cry if I seen a dandy like that here!

[Smallaxe]

A couple oz's of dandylion wine in one flower. OM for burdock works good for the 'vino' as. well.
... cool. A nice salad bowl of greens too?

[treegal1]

eh thats got nothin on loquat wine or mango wine

[Daner]

well I found more Dandy Dandy Lions...with teeth:)

What kind of Flame thrower will I need to put these beasts to rest:weightlifter:

[DeepGreenLawn]

that has to be some other kind of species or plant. One is odd but that many? What crap are you putting in your lawn anyways? toxic waste? what does your ants and worms look like? Talk about worm castings if they show any similarity! $$$

[Smallaxe]

I am thinking now - after buying the cheaper model - that perhaps I should have opted for the "Weed Dragon", brand name.[almost 4X as much] Not sure if it is better but there is just too much flame shooting out with the large nozzle, of mine, and the flame dies out with the smaller nozzles. To kill an individual weed in the turf I need to burn a 5" circle.

I get the feeling my firewand will be useful only for diveways and fence lines. :(

[treegal1]

DGL, they get like all day sun in the summer, 19 hours or some thing like that. winter its a white and grey horror show.


lets see the wheelbarrow sized cabbage??? and the soft ball sized strawberry

[Daner]

I am thinking now - after buying the cheaper model - that perhaps I should have opted for the "Weed Dragon", brand name.[almost 4X as much] Not sure if it is better but there is just too much flame shooting out with the large nozzle, of mine, and the flame dies out with the smaller nozzles. To kill an individual weed in the turf I need to burn a 5" circle.

I get the feeling my firewand will be useful only for diveways and fence lines. :(

What model did you get...and what Is the Btu,s??

This Is the type of Tiger torch I use In the welding shop------------->http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=lAMMKR_xK2M

[Smallaxe]

It's a propane 'Turbo Torch' or Turbo-Blast' off the internet. I will continue to play with it throughout the summer , if the wind ever stops. Perhaps I can get the smaller nozzles to work.

I always feel for you guys up there in the winter - but - 19 hrs of daylight already!
Our solstice peaks at 17 or so I think.
I should go there to pick strawberries :)

[treegal1]

you know what, after seeing those dandy's. maybe there not all bad, they are natives? flowers like that don't grow here with out some serious work!! and as long as we are going to do that lets have some crocus Lilly's and clover also. all i want to know is, who said these are weeds! and who gave them the authority to do so?

[Smallaxe]

Dandelions were brought from Europe as a garden flower. [is what i heard - years ago]

[treegal1]

oh well, then flower my garden with those in the picture and im good!

[Marcos]

Dandelions were brought from Europe as a garden flower. [is what i heard - years ago]

You're absolutely correct.

As a matter of fact, I went through my old 'Foxfire' books I own from the 1970s.. when I was burning some winter hours posting some blogs for this (now dormant) 2008 edible weeds recipe thread :

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=210049&highlight=edible+weeds


...and I discovered by browsing through Foxfire 2 ( Spring wild plant foods) and Foxfire 3 ( Summer and Fall wild plant foods) that virtually every "weed" :rolleyes: that is seen in 'turf' situations today in the United States did indeed come from across the Atlantic Ocean.

So...all you other applicators...you can thank your European counterpart's forefathers in France, England, Spain (etc) for a big part of your livelihood today !!!
:laugh:
:canadaflag: