Dandelions can quickly fill your garden with their bright yellow flowers and fluffy balls.
These tenacious plants are capable of establishing themselves in any corner of the garden and competing with cultivated plants for resources.
Despite their unpretentious appearance, dandelions can cause a lot of trouble for gardeners.
But the good news is that there are many home remedies that can help you effectively control dandelions without resorting to chemical herbicides.
Vinegar against dandelions
One of the most popular and simple folk remedies for fighting dandelions is regular vinegar.
Due to its acidity, vinegar can kill plants, including dandelions.
To do this, simply spray vinegar directly onto the dandelion leaves on a sunny day.
Vinegar quickly penetrates the plant and causes it to wilt. Repeating the procedure after a few days will help completely get rid of persistent weeds.
Boiling water as a universal remedy
Boiling water is an effective remedy that is often used to combat dandelions. Simply pour boiling water on the roots of dandelions to destroy them.
This method is especially useful for those who want to avoid using chemicals in their garden.
It is important to note that boiling water can also damage cultivated plants, so it should be used with caution, directing the flow of water only at the weeds.
Salt as a barrier to growth
Regular table salt can also be your ally in the fight against dandelions. Sprinkling salt around the base of the plants can prevent them from growing and spreading further.
However, you should be careful with this method, as salt can change the structure of the soil and negatively affect other plants.
Therefore, the use of salt should be limited to areas where dandelions are particularly problematic.
Mulching to suppress weeds
Mulching is another effective way to control dandelions.
Covering the soil with a mulch of organic material such as straw, wood chips or compost creates a barrier that prevents weeds from growing.
Mulch blocks light from reaching dandelions, causing them to wilt. Mulching also improves soil structure and retains moisture, which has a positive effect on the growth of crops.
Using hand tools
Manual removal of dandelions is a traditional and time-tested method.
Using garden tools such as root pullers or special forks allows you to effectively remove dandelions along with their roots.
It is important to remove plants before they begin to flower and produce seeds to prevent them from spreading further throughout the garden.
This method requires effort, but is environmentally friendly and safe for the environment.
Earlier we told you how to feed peonies in July.