Dandelion Farming

I can't recall the last time I have seen this yard so overgrown with dandelions. For the past six years I have maintained the lawn, long before it was my own, and it has always been a weed-fest. However, in the last year or two it has changed from plain old weeds to dandelions. You'd think I was planting them for sustenance. I'm pretty sure that the grass doesn't even grow here anymore.

You can obviously see which half was cut before I took a break.(click for larger size)

Each time I cut the "lawn" I'm just knocking over the dandelions. It takes three passes with the mower to cut them down. Forward, back, then forward again. For that particular reason it takes me over three hours to finish the job. If only I had a riding lawnmower... At least I wouldn't have broken blisters on my hands anymore.

I'm thinking of making some raised garden beds this weekend. I've found some great resources online that should help me in my endeavor. The tough part will be finding cheap materials to build the beds out of. They are building a new home in the next subdivision over so I may go dumpster diving for leftovers. Waste not want not. The plus side to my having raised beds is that it will reduce the amount of yard-space for dandelions and other weeds to prosper. They should also have a harder time taking root in the beds if the walls are a good 12" up from ground level.

Most of my seedlings are growing well, however many were failures. I think that a lot of my seeds are too old and my grow lamp may need to be replaced. Far fewer tomato plants sprouted than I was expecting and almost all of my herbs are gangly little monsters. Last year I had a successful sprouting of all my seeds, even the nasturtiums. This year only two managed to grow. Others sent out roots but refused to sprout so I had to abort them before the mold set in. So far it looks like I'll be getting a lot of pickles, pak choy and roma tomatoes, but not much else. On the plus side, I could be in for a lot of canning. I've been wanting to try my hand at it for years but haven't had the space for growing or preserving at my apartment. Despite a few early setbacks, this summer is promising to be both busy and exciting.