The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1909-03-25
KILLING oANpELloNs.
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 great pest in others. The
plant thrives best in cool climates,
hence Il is abundant in north central
latitudes and comparatively rare in
most south central and southern lati-
tudes.
In some places the dandelion is so
hardy and prolific that It invades and
becomes established on almost every
square rod of uncultivated land. It
multiplies rapidly by its seeds and by
root budding or division. It some
places and in some years 1t has been
known to blossom every month of the
year. II produces a multitude of small
seeds, each provided with a 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 a days time. II one flower stalk
becomes mutilated or destroyed a new
one is Immediately produced from la
tent buds and rich stores OF plant food
In the thick underground stem and
root. II is a strong competitor for
place and life in the race for existence
with the strongest plants, and on ac.
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 1t Is in digging
out the roots by hand. This is a long
and laborious process, often attended
by unsatisfactory results, for II 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 a 20 per cent. solution Of
sulphate 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 up 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 plants
by spraying, dissolve two pounds OF
sulphate of iron in gallon of water,
stirring with stick to hasten solu-
ton, and apply with a hand sprayer.
Use one gallon solution to one square
rod grass plot. If the first application
is not completely successful, spray a
second time. Repeated spraying will
be rewarded by the eradication of the
plant.
The grass and clover will be black
ened and appear killed, but this need
cause no alarm; they are not mortally
Injured and In a few days recover and
grow with increased vigor
The solution can be made and
sprayed over square rod plot of grass
In less than half hour. Freshly cut
lawn grass leaves are very susceptible
to injury by spraying with sulphate OF
iron solutions; therefore, do not spray
a lawn to kill dandelions for several
days before or after cutting.
Sulphate Of iron may be applied in
large quantities $50 pounds to square
rod to lawn without permanent In.
jury to the blue grass.
Remember that sulphate of iron dis
colors cement walks and linen.