The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1909-04-29
KILLING DANDELiONS.
How the Pestiferous Little Plant Can
Be Exterminated.

The dainty little dandelion,' which
is considered charming flower IN
some sections of the country, is con
sidered a great pest in others. Inc
plant thrives best in cool climates,
hence it is abundant in north central
ATTITUDES and comparatively rare i'll
most south central and southern lati-
tudes
In some places the dandelion is Sc
hardy and prolific that it invades AID
becomes stablished Oh almost every
square rod Of uncultivated land. 1t
multiplies rapidly by its seeds and by
root budding or division. 1t some
places and in some years it has been
known to blossom every month Of the
year. 1t produces multitude OF small
seeds, each provided with q unique
parachute device by which they are
carried in every direction and TO great
distances by the lightest breezes.
The long, slender flower stock at
the top of which the composite blossom
and seed cluster are borne is sent up
In days time. If one flower stalk
becomes mutilated CT destroyed a new
one is Immediately produced from la
tent buds and rich stores of plant food
in the thick underground stem and
root. 1t is a strong competitor for
place and life in the race for existence
with the strongest plants, and on &C
count of great vigor and prolificness
1t is called success from the plants
point Of view
1t many section the dandelion has
become great pest in lawns. entirely
crowding out desirable grass plants
Repeated mowings have no effect upon
1t, and the only means by which many
are able to eradicate it is in digging
out the roots by hand. This is a long
and laborious process, often attended
by unsatisfactory results, for if only
few small roots remain they soon
multiply and again take possession of
the grounds.
AS the result of three years sue
cessful work, says the Journal of Agri
culture, the following facts will prove
OF great interest to every owner OF
blue grass lawn:
Young dandelion plants are killed by
spraying with 20 per cent. solution OF
suphate of iron. Old plants are badly
injured, the foliage being wholly de
stroyed but the growing bud is not
killed and the old root sends I'D new
foliage. Applying dry sulphate of iron
to the heart growing bud) of the
old plant produces death. Repeated
spraying of middle-aged and old plants
results in their death.
TO destroy young dandelion plant.
by spraying, dissolve two pounds O
sulphate of iron in a gallon Of water
stirring with a stick to hasten solu
ton, and apply with hand sprayer
Use one gallon solution to one square
ROD grass plot If the first application
is not completely successful, sprav ;
second time. Repeated spraying viii
De rewarded by the eradication of TIL,
plant
The grass and clover will be black
ened and appear killed, but this nee
cause no alarm; they are not MORTAL
injured and in few days recover an
grow with increased vigor
The solution can be made an
sprayed over square rod plot of gras
IN less than a half hour. Freshly Gu
lawn grass leaves are very susceptible
10 injury by spraying with sulphate c
iron solutions; therefore, do not spra
lawn to kill dandelions for severe
days before or after cutting.
Sulphate of iron may be applied i
large quantities $50 pounds to a soua1
rod to a lawn without permanent i,
jury to the blue grass.
Remember that sulphate of iron d
colors cement walks and linen.