We have a dandelion problem, especially in our orchard and field areas. There are thousands it seems! There’s not much we can do in the orchard (see photo below) because we don’t spray, but I do dig them up in our peony rows and in my garden. That’s where a dandelion digging tool comes in handy! This is my second one, the first one being lost somewhere on the farm when I carelessly put it down and promptly forgot where. I’m sure it will turn up when least expected.
A dandelion tool is long and straight so that you can get to the long taproot of a dandelion. Even still I find that I sometimes don’t get the entire root, which is a problem as they can grow back from even the tiniest bit of root left in the soil!
As I mentioned, we don’t spray pesticides or herbicides whenever we can avoid it because we have birds, bees and our pets roaming around… not to mention us! Plus, the dandelions are an important source of nectar for the bees at a time there is often little else for them. We often see our bees on the flowers of the dandelions! Dandelions are actually very useful in a garden or lawn, breaking up compacted soil and bringing up nutrients for other plants. I found this list of dandelion benefits interesting to read! I’m trying to stop thinking of them as nuisance weeds and instead think of them has garden helpers!
Also, did you know that all parts of a dandelion are edible? Years ago, for my mother-in-law’s birthday, I made a dandelion cake. As you can see it turned out rather gloppy and not the beauty I was hoping for. In fact, I don’t even remember if it was good, I just remember that Bryce felt like his throat closed up a bit by aggravating his pollen allergies! Needless to say, I have never attempted that again :). However, I’m going to start giving all the dandelion greens I pull to my chickens! They will love it!
