Close up of dandelions with yellow flowers in a meadow.

Dandelions

For many, the dandelion is a nuisance weed that seems to be everywhere. But for centuries, this common plant has been used in home remedies and traditional folk medicine and its leaves, roots and blossoms can be used as nutritious food and to make teas and wines. The flowers also provide early nectar for pollinators.

Use our guides down below to learn more about this beneficial weed, how to cultivate and use it, and yes, how to remove it if you must. Happy gardening!

15 Ways to Use Dandelions for Food and Medicine

A close up horizontal image of a yellow dandelion flower pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Pretty dandelions are overcoming their “weedy” reputation. The leaves, roots, and flowers are full of good stuff on top of being delicious, and can be used in many ways, both as food and medicine. Here are 15 ways, from a coffee substitute to a healing tincture, to use these nutritious and health-promoting plants.

How to Make Dandelion Tea Fertilizer from Unwanted Weeds

A close up horizontal image of yellow dandelion flowers growing as weeds in a lawn pictured on a soft focus background.

Put your weeds to good use by making dandelion tea fertilizer. It’s surprisingly easy to do; all you need is a container, dandelions, and water. It naturally ferments over time with little effort or time on your part. Not only does it cost next to nothing, it’s also a great option for organic gardeners! Read more.

How to Grow and Harvest Dandelions for Greens, Roots, and Flowers

A close up horizontal image of the bright yellow flowers of Taraxacum officinale growing in the garden to harvest for leaves and blossoms.

You may think of dandelions as invasive weeds, but did you know that the greens, flowers, and roots are edible? Delicious and nutritious, leaves can be added to salads, flowers made into a tea, and the roots can be used as a coffee substitute. Learn how to cultivate and harvest dandelions in this guide. Read more now.