As kids, a lot of us used to pick dandelions to give to our moms and grandmas (maybe even the girl next door). When the dandelions were yellow and hadn't gone to seed yet, we split the stems to find that milky white substance. I know some kids we played with, including me, used the dandelions as makeup, rubbing the yellow pollen on our faces.
Kids today probably view dandelions as weeds too. But dandelions are so much more than just your average weed.
Dandelions as weeds
A weed is normally defined as a plant that grows somewhere you don't want it to. Dandelions are the typical weed. They grow almost anywhere. They grow in places you don't want, like your garden beds. They seem to take over in the lawn.
Kids can sometimes get the idea that dandelions as weeds are quite annoying. They are quite hard to be rid of completely because of their very strong taproot.
Dandelions as food
Most kids probably wouldn't recognize dandelion greens on the menu list, but dandelion greens (as well as other parts) can be eaten. Wild dandelions can be eaten (if chemical-free), and there are also domestic dandelions specifically grown in the garden much like lettuce.
Wild and domestic dandelion greens are best picked before they flower, which is when they have the best taste. You can fry up the dandelions much like any green (think spinach) and they are excellent in a salad.
The kids might buck at the idea of eating dandelions, but putting them in a salad might get the kids to eat some good, nutrient-rich greens. As with any wild food, take all precautions. Don't use anything that could be questionable. Make sure you have identified the plant as a dandelion. Don't use any plants that have had chemicals sprayed on them. Some people could have reactions to dandelions, so if you introduce the dandelion as food, introduce it slowly. If there are any doubts, don't use it as food.
Dandelions as flowers
Dandelions are flowers, the color of the sun. A beautiful, bright golden-yellow carpet usually invades the front and back lawns of every household. Dandelions could be grown in beds for the flowers as much as for the greens. They can also be better controlled in raised beds and containers than if they are left wild.
Dandelions aren't so bad. Have your kid pick a bunch of dandelions to place in a vase, bowl or other container. You can add in some other colors like violets and clover.
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