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how do I get rid of dandelions?

I have dandelions growing all over my yard. The lawn seems rather mature, but these are sprouting all over.

Keeping dandelions to a minimum in your yard is a battle on several fronts. Here are some tips:

? Digging them does help--though of course this is too big a task if there are hundreds of them. Just be sure to get the top 2 inches of the long taproot so they don't come back. (A knife is a good tool for this.)

? Mow your lawn regularly in spring. Mowing prevents the dandelions from going to seed--which you absolutely don't want to happen since one dandelion can create hundreds more.

? You can treat the ones you see with a broadleaf herbicide now. Choose one at the garden center that specifies dandelions. To prevent seeds from sprouting, use a preemergent herbicide such as corn gluten meal in the spring and late summer.

? Through year, keep your lawn in good shape. A healthy lawn naturally crowds out weeds. So mow it regularly. Fertilize in fall or in fall and spring. Keep the lawn well watered.