Dandelions

Dandelions thrive in our Minnesota cool springs and warm summers. A native to the rolling meadows of Europe , dandelions are found in the same family as sunflowers. And, believe it or not, dandelion plants are entirely edible! The flowers are used to make wine, leaves can be boiled like spinach or used in fresh salads, and even the roots are edible!

However, in our lawns, dandelions are just a downright nuisance.

Why do they thrive?

Dandelions enjoy a compacted soil and because lawns are high traffic areas, our clay soils become easily compacted. Also, our climate provides ideal growing conditions for dandelions.

How can we control them?

Regular up-keep of your lawn is your best protection. Turf grasses enjoy aerated soil while dandelions enjoy compacted soil, so make sure you aerate your soil in the fall to change the balance in favor of your grass. Keep your lawn healthy with regular fertilizing and re-seed any bare patches. If you only notice a few dandelions here and there, manually pull them out with a dandelion digger.

Chemical control

• Bagged Herbicide with Fertilizer: A common defense that has herbicide mixed with fertilizer. Apply in late May or early June, 4 to 6 weeks after you've applied a crabgrass preventer with fertilizer. Be sure to water your lawn prior to application of the fertilizer.
• Hose-end or Pre-mixed Concentrate: Your best defense for overall coverage and ensures that herbicide reaches the plants. This solution usually kills dandelions within 2-4 days. Apply when the air temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• You can also spray in early fall, about mid-September, when dandelions are setting their food resources for the winter.