Banish dandelions in your garden and lawn quickly so they 'won't grow back' (2025)

Dandelions are a common weed that can be tricky to get rid of - but there are some effective methods of removal that don't involve using dangerous and toxic chemicals

Gardeners who take real pride in their pristine lawns often see weeds as a thorn in their side, and dandelions are particularly troublesome to get rid of. The combination of warm weather and persistent rain creates a prime environment for these pesky flowers - or some would say weeds - to sprout.

While the fluffy seeds might be a delight for kids, they are little short of a nightmare for those trying to maintain perfect greenery. Debate surrounds the plant's status between being considered a wildflower or a weed. However, it can overtake grass and other desirable plants, hoarding all the water and nutrients.

To tackle these unwanted visitors, gardening gurus have coughed up three top non-toxic tactics to evict dandelions, with a caveat that this should be an annual ritual as the determined seeds can hitch a breeze for miles, making total eradication a near-impossible dream.

1. Dig them out

First off the block is the traditional digging method. Gardening Know How buffs declare this technique is "the most effective, but also the most time consuming".

To get ahead of the game, it's best undertaken in spring when the first cheeky seedlings poke through, making life a tad easier.

It’s crucial, they say, to yank out the entire root, which delve four to six inches underground and are officially known as taproots if you want to succeed.

Be warned though, even with the most meticulous dig, getting every single dandelion to wave goodbye in the first season is unlikely thanks to their tenacious deep roots.

If you're battling those pesky weeds, you'll need the right tools for the job. Wickes has got you covered with a nifty garden fork for just £4.50. But there's a twist – some green-fingered experts swear by using a simple screwdriver, like the one you can grab from B&Q.

To save your knees from the strain of weeding, why not invest in a garden kneeler? Amazon's offering a top-rated one at a steal for £16.95. It doubles as a kneeler or stool and is showered with glowing reviews, reports the Express.

One satisfied customer shared: "Ideal for getting up from kneeling position indoors and outdoors, good safe hand grips to support you and nice soft foam cushion for your old knees. Lightweight and can be used as a wee stool."

Another happy gardener remarked: "Bought so that I can continue to do the garden as the years take their toll. Robust easy to use takes up little room in the shed."

And a third user praised: "Great little helper, especially given my spinal disability. It is not only comfortable but, more importantly, exceedingly robust."

2. White vinegar

Dandelions don't stand a chance against white vinegar, hailed as "one of the best remedies" by the pros at Fantastic Services. They advise: "You only have to pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it to all of the plants you want to kill.

"Just make sure to douse the weed until it's soaked through. Pick a hot, sunny day for your vinegar assault, and you'll see those dandelion leaves wither and brown before you know it."

Once you've seen the last of those pesky dandelions, it's time to yank them out and give the area a good rinse with cold water.

3. Smother them

Fed up with dandelions taking over your garden? The Royal Horticultural Society has a tip: smother them. For areas swamped with these unwelcome guests, lay down some cardboard and pile on about 20cm of organic matter like bark or wood chips.

They pointed out: "This will block light and prevent growth, causing the root to die." To really make sure they don't come back, keep the soil covered for a couple of years.