The dandelion project is now under way with full activity and some results. So far I have raised 4000 plants in my greenroom to a height of six to eight inches and a root length of four to nine inches. The ones in 18 inch deep worm casting mix with water table irrigation appear to have the best root structure so far. The hydroponically fed subjects produce more tender greens and less developed root structure as expected.

I have decided to try to pursue techniques for the maximum root production as it seems to be the part of the plant with the most theraputic qualities. So far I have harvested and dried about six ounces of root and the greens have mad delicious salads. I also want to test the effects of maximized pollenation restriction to see how much I can increase root and green production without the plants going to seed.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2001

Answers

Jay, both the root and the leaf have theraputic qualities. The root is used as a liver cleanser and also has a mild laxative effect. The leaf is high in minerals and also makes an excellent diuretic. Most diuretic drugs such as Lasix cause the body to lose potassium in the urine, so you have to take a potassium suppliment along with it. Dandelion leaf is naturally high in potassium so no additional supplimentation is necessary.

Yellow dock and burdock have similar growth habits as dandelion and their roots have the same theraputic qualities, so they may be areas for expansion of your experiments. In addition, burdock root is used as a vegetable in Japanese cooking, it's called gobo.

One of my herbalism books has a photo of an entire field of dandelion in cultivation. It's looks kind of strange to see all the plants lined up in nice straight rows like any other crop.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2001

Thanks Sherri. I'm still studying at least twice a week on the subject at the library to compile as much information as I can to evaluate the most effective, productive and profitable BISF technique possible.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2001

Jay you are one amazing creative guy!!!.....Kirk

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2001

What kind of a hydroponic situation have you set up? I am thinking about dandelion growing for my critters winter feed. I've already been growing boxes of barley grass for them on the green house benches, but they really love tender dandelions!

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2001

julie,

The hydroponic is set up using a plastic bin with a nylon screen mesh as a cover. I sprouted the seeds then inserted the sprouts through the mesh. I flood the entire root structures four times a day then lower the tea level so that the roots have to stretch to it in an attempt to force growth. As I said, the greens are maturing nicely but the roots are just normal. One thing that I am noticing is that the controlled environment greens remain tender through maturity longer than wild greens do.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2001

Jay, you be one gutsy kinda fellow. I know people that spend hundreds of dollars each year trying to keep those things out of their yards. Wait until I tell them you grow them on purpose. They'll love you.

Let me see, they spend hundreds of dollars trying to get the grass, which doesn't want to grow, to grow. Then, they spend hundreds of dollars trying to kill the one thing that does want to grow. Typical city folks.

Good luck with your project

Oh, I'm sending them your e-mail address

Wildman, (still confused)

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2001

Wildman,

If'n you think its crazy to grow it, what would you think of city folk that spend $10 a pound for greens and $36 a pound for dried roots? And best part is dandelion is a weed you can sell legally. The only thing I worry about is combining the diuretic effect of the dandelion with my already high fiber diet. Could the combination pursuade my body to relocate to a new zipcode from the waist down?

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2001

Jay? Ten dollars a pound for greens? Thirty-six dollars a pound for dried roots?

What did you say those instructions were again?

Wildman (awaiting instructions)

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001