Dandelions

Clearing up the lawn

Dandelions, like other broad-leaved weeds on the lawn, will yield quickly to a selective weedkiller, but removing them can leave bare patches that will rapidly be colonized by other weeds. In March, before dealing with the dandelions, apply a proprietary lawn food, according to the manufacturer's instructions, followed by regular mowings once a week with the blades set high. This will encourage strong growth both grass and weeds. After about a month, apply the selective weedkiller, as the grass should be growing vigorously and will fill the gaps. Make a second application of weedkiller after a month, if necessary.

Spring harvest

It is a good idea to encourage a few dandelions to grow in a wild corner, or to plant them in a row in the vegetable garden. In spring, cut the young, pale leaves and mix them with chives and parsley in a side salad, garnished with olive oil and lemon juice. For a sweeter taste, blanch the leaves by placing inverted pots over the plants for a few days before cutting. Remove all the flower heads before the plants set seeds.

Spot treatment

There is no need to treat the whole lawn with weedkiller in order to kill a few dandelions or other broad-leaved weeds; this is a wasteful use of chemicals. Treat weeds individually by either digging them up, or applying spot weedkiller.