Question
Hi, I have a big problem with dandelions and other weeds in my myrtle. By the time I see the weeds peek up above the myrtle there are so many and the weeds are difficult to pull. Is there something I can put on the weeds that won't harm the myrtle or our animals. I saw where sugar is a possibility, would that work?
Thanks  

Answer
Sugar is not a good treatment for Dandelions or Weeds.  The critical part of getting rid of Dandelions, Kara, is keeping them from going to seed.  ONE DANDELION PLANT can produce as many as 20,000 SEEDS!  So getting rid of just  one plant is a major part of your battle.

By now, unfortunately, the Dandelions are spreading and really enjoying their new home in your Myrtle.  Dandelion Weeders are very good at removing the long, deep tap root that these plants send down into the ground.

You can read all about Dandelions at the University of Wisconsin website: http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/weeds/dandelion/dandelion.htm

They note: 'Dandelion is amongst the hardiest of perennials, and will grow just about anywhere ... Rich soil will improve its growth.'

I suspect the soil uder your Myrtle is compacted and not in great shape.  If you can make your Myrtle stronger, it will grow dense enough to prevent any Weeds from growing there.  So even though the University of Wisconsin says that Dandelions love rich soil, it would be great for you to make your soil richer -- add some Compost and/or Humus to the Myrtle, make some Compost Tea and add that, do whatever you have to do to get the soil to a higher level.  Earthworms, even better.  Make the soil so rich, the Myrtle THRIVES there.  After you remove those Dandelions by hand -- sorry, but I NEVER believe that chemicals are an option -- they will be gone forever.

Everything clear here?  Let me know what you think.  Thanks for writing.