How to Control Bindweed
Bindweed is one of the most relentless and aggressive weeds that can take root in a garden. Gardeners repeatedly pull out the vine only to see it reemerge a week later. Trying to eradicate it can feel like a futile task because it can’t be done in a short period of time and usually requires a combination of several methods. Bindweed's roots spread quickly, and its seeds can remain in the soil for decades, ready to sprout under the right conditions. Eradication requires the gardener to be just as relentless and aggressive as the bindweed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Landscaping material or newspaper
- Mulch
- Herbicide
- Sturdy plants (such as pumpkins or sunflowers)
Instructions
-
-
1
Pull out emerging young vines before they are four weeks old to starve the roots.
-
2
Cover any bindweed that remains above ground after the first four weeks of growth with landscaping material, which can be black plastic or even thick layers of newspaper, to block out all light.
-
-
3
Ensure the edges of the newspaper or landscaping material remain close together or, better yet, overlapping to prevent light from seeping through. Inspect the covering to make sure there are no tears or holes, and cover the area with mulch.
-
4
Spray any bindweed that remains with an herbicide three times during the growing season, the first as it buds and the last before a killing hard frost.
-
5
Plant sturdy plants among the bindweed to keep it from the light, especially if the area is too big to effectively use newspaper or other material as a covering. The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service recommends sunflowers or pumpkin vines.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check with the agricultural agent for your region to find out if bindweed mites or bindweed moths are available and effective in your region. The former will eat bindweed during the growing season and live in the roots when winter arrives. The latter are helpful in controlling bindweed, but, unlike the mites, they do not remain during the winter.
Clean all borrowed gardening tools and equipment because bindweed seeds can sneak into the garden on them.
Bring only clean soil into your garden.
Differentiate between the noninvasive morning glory and bindweed. The flowers of both are shaped like trumpets, but they bloom in different colors. Bindweed flowers are white, rather than the bluish, purple or scarlet morning glories.
Keep herbicides away from children and pets.
Wear gloves when handling herbicides. Also, although some herbicides are less toxic, such as those made with vinegar, they can still harm the skin and eyes. Gloves should still be worn and extra care taken while using these products.
