Cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch, whose full name is Sophie Hinchliffe, often shares gardening and cleaning tips on her Instagram account, which has more than 4.3 million followers
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, also known for her lifestyle and gardening tips, often shares a variety of content on her Instagram account, which boasts over 4.3 million followers.
Now, her fans have created their own groups dedicated to sharing cleaning and gardening advice. In one such group, Facebook user Debbie Shelton asked fellow Mrs Hinch gardening enthusiasts: “How can I kill off dandelions without killing my lawn. Thanks.”
The post garnered more than 230 responses from green-fingered fans. The most popular solution was to ‘dig’ them out using a knife, screwdriver or tool, reports the Daily Express.
Jean Quinn suggested: “Removing dandelions in the lawn. Cut the dandelion out with a long knife. The roots are at least four to six inches in depth. Make a deep cut downwards on all four sides around it and the dandelion and its long taproot will come out whole and not leave remnants of roots to re-grow.”
Kimberley Duffy commented: “I dig them out my lawn with a sharp knife.”.
Lucy Spyrou advised: “Butter knife – dig them out. Sprinkle of top soil and grass seed. Good to go.”
Clare Durie added: “As I plant lots of bee-friendly flowers. I dig the dandelions out with a screw driver so you can get to the root! “”I wouldn’t use weedkiller as this will kill the bees too when they land on them.”
Susan Feltner suggested: “Dig a garden fork either side of the plant and wiggle it about a bit. This will loosen the earth, then gently pull the dandelion and it should come up easily with all the large root intact.”
Linda Reid advised: “If you can pull them out with the root.” Lynn Shirley recommended: “A good way is to dig them out individually.”
Caroline Mabbs responded: “Get a dandelion remover tool, pull them out by the roots, then give them to someone with rabbits or guinea pigs.”
Vanessa O Rourke penned: “Dig around the root with a knife. If roots come out they won’t come back.” Wilko Hand Weeder Carbon Steel costs £3. Spear and Jackson 4059NB Elements Dandelion Weeder is £5.99 from Amazon.
Spear and Jackson Traditional Stainless Daisy Grubber is £8.95 from Homebase. Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch gardening enthusiasts were to use white vinegar, salt or to just leave the plants.
Emma ‘Emmie’ Freeman stated: “If you feel you must remove certain plants, then any vinegar stronger than 11 percent in acidity would work.” Although any product you do use may kill your grass around it too. I do encourage you to not kill them.”
“I would also recommend not using any chemical weed killers, there are too many negative factors to list associated with them.”
Amanda ODonovan wrote: “Pour salt into the middle of the plant and leave it to die back.” Janet McLeod urged: “Leave the dandelions alone.” She continued to petition, “You do not have to have the perfect lawn.”
Stressing the importance of bees, she added, “Feed and preserve bees for without them you won’t be around either.” In agreement, Andrea Sleight informed: “Dandelions only grow in deficient soil, once the balance is restored which they do naturally, they die.”
She praised the weeds saying, “So they are a bit of a win win if you leave them alone.” Adding to the discussion, Romany Jade Woolnough pointed out: “They’re actually there for a reason. It can be to do with your soil.”