The site explains: “Their wide-spreading roots loosen hard-packed soil, aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. “The deep taproot pulls nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil and makes them available to other plants. Dandelions actually fertilize the grass.”
Don't hand pull them, as they will grow right back unless the tap root (often 2-3 feet deep) is completely removed.
Dandelions can become a problem because they are quick to flower and produce masses of windborne seeds. And the long tap root of dandelions is able to regrow from a fragment if not completely removed.
Dandelions Break Ground
“They are among the first weeds to colonize disturbed land where other plants won't grow. Their strong roots can break through the toughest soil and you will often find them growing through concrete,” a fact that frustrates lawn purists, because they absolutely flourish with soil and sun.
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance.
Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some people may have an allergic reaction from touching dandelion. Others may get mouth sores. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.
Ever snap off a dandelion head and see the white liquid seeping out from the stem? It turns out that fluid isn't sap or poison, but a defense mechanism, in the form of latex!
Mowing dandelions does not contribute to the spread of them, but it also does not stop the spread. To stop the spread of dandelions, you must reduce seed spreading by collecting the dandelion seed heads into a bag and taken out of your yard.
It does seem that way sometimes, but the short answer is no. Picking flowers reduces the amount of seeds that are produced, which means fewer new dandelion plants will sprout.
Although dandelions that have been mowed down will grow back, destroying developing flowers before they are able to mature into seed distributors prevents the opportunity for new germination. Improving soil conditions through composting can also reduce dandelion growth.
Do not use dandelion if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. You should also avoid dandelion if you have gallbladder problems, have diabetes or are taking medicine to control blood sugar levels, or are taking a diuretic.
Considering how deep their taproots get, it is best to control them before they go to seed.. The cause of dandelions in your yard can depend on several factors, such as extended warm periods, excess moisture in the soil, and sunny days, that encourage growth and germination of these weeds.
Individual plants may survive for 10 to 13 years in undisturbed sites. Dandelion seeds can form a relatively persistent seedbank. Seed in soil has a half-life of 3 months. If buried, a few seeds may still remain viable at the end of 5 years.
The French word [for dandelion] is pissenlit, which translates to "pee the bed." Dandelions are a diuretic and in fact they are as strong as some of the commercial products.
They help improve the soil.
Dandelions aren't just a potential food source for beneficial insects. They also help improve the soil. Their long taproots are a reason gardeners find dandelions so hard to eradicate. However, the lengthy roots are also excellent soil aerators that help loosen up compacted soil.
The quickest and least labor-intensive method of getting rid of dandelions is to spray them with a broadleaf herbicide that will kill the entire plant, not just the leaves, without harming the surrounding grass.
Two things can kill dandelions permanently—digging them up by the roots or spraying them with an herbicide. Digging up dandelions does not harm nearby plants, but it only works if you remove the entire taproot. Otherwise, the plant will eventually spring up and blossom again.
Broadleaf herbicides are only effective against broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. They are good for getting rid of dandelions in lawns because they only kill the weeds and not the grass. There is also the option of using a non-selective herbicide, which is also effective against dandelion.
Use Corn Gluten Meal
Dandelion plants naturally drop seeds in your lawn which can germinate, multiplying the number of weeds in your lawn over time. Corn gluten meal is a natural way to prevent all seeds from germinating. When applied, it smuthers the seed, preventing it from germinating.
Hand digging or pulling dandelions is the method to use when your lawn has just a few dandelions or you're working in planting beds where weedkillers could damage other plants. Weed puller tools like this one take the back-breaking labor out of weeding. Always try to dig dandelions when soil is moist.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) is sometimes used to help the body remove excess water. Dandelion has also been studied for its antibacterial, antifungal, and immune boosting activity, as well as its use for arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, colitis, prostate cancer, and obesity.
Dandelions are edible weeds. Every part of the dandelion is edible: the flower, roots, stems, and leaves. Dandelion greens slightly resemble arugula, though longer, and have a similar spicy and bitter taste.
Dandelion is a perennial weed of lawns, landscape ornamental beds, and nurseries. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) produces a deep taproot, which makes hand removal difficult for established plants. Leaves grow in a basal rosette.
Dandelion is considered safe for most people. However, some people may have an allergic reaction from touching or ingesting dandelion. Dandelion has also been found to interact with certain medications, including diuretics, lithium, and Cipro.
Dandelion is known to be a mild sedative, and therefore can have a very calming effect on the body and mind (3). As mentioned above, Dandelions are also loaded with important trace nutrients such as vitamin A, C, K, and magnesium – all of which can be very supportive for keeping anxiety levels at bay.