| I love to see dandelions. | | | | A study has been done by the Appalachian Fruit |
| Not just because they are a beautiful yellow, but | | | | Research Station in West Virginia on the herbicidal |
| because it is a sign of a chemical-free lawn. | | | | effects of plant-derived oils (aka essential oils). |
| When I walk my dog Prin this time of year and | | | | Twenty five oils were tested for their herbicidal |
| during the warmer months, I always have to be | | | | effects on dandelion leaves. |
| cautious of where we are walking and he is sniffing. | | | | The most effective oils found were: |
| I'm never concerned for him in an area where | | | | --Red thyme |
| dandelions are growing. | | | | --Summer savory |
| Lawns everywhere are treated with chemical weed | | | | --Cinnamon |
| killers, fertilizers and toxic pesticides. | | | | --Clove |
| As much as I'm against using toxins on lawns, I do | | | | Cinnamon had the highest herbicidal activity. This is |
| appreciate when people take the courtesy to warn | | | | primarily because of eugenol, the main component in |
| us with lawn flags that show that area has been | | | | cinnamon. |
| treated, but I can't trust that all people do that. | | | | Essential oils can be used directly on the weeds. Or |
| If you want to keep weeds under control in your | | | | they can be added to other natural products such as |
| lawn without the use of chemicals. . . surprise, | | | | herbicidal soaps, to enhance their effects. |
| surprise. . . essential oils can help. | | | | These soaps work by penetrating the waxy coating |
| "Essential Oils for Organic Weed Control" | | | | on plant leaves and cause them to dry out. |
| I'm not encouraging you to use your essential oils on | | | | If you are energetic and willing to spend a bit, you |
| your lawns like we do on our bodies - because that | | | | could create a small mixture of dish soap and water |
| could be ridiculously expensive. | | | | and add a few of these oils and spray on your lawn. |
| But I do want you to know that essential oils are | | | | Doing this would give you a good chance of cutting |
| being studied for organic weed control, and there is a | | | | down weed growth and you would also be naturally |
| way to use them where you won't break the bank. | | | | treating the area for fleas and ticks. |