I've got bindweed taking over my garden, and no matter what I try, it just keeps coming back. I've tried covering it with cardboard and pulling it up, but those methods only work temporarily. Is there any real way to defeat this pesky plant?
5 Answers
You can definitely win the war against bindweed! The key is to pull it out and get the roots as much as you can. Keep the leaves from growing to starve the roots of photosynthesis. I managed to get rid of mine over a few seasons, but now I've got to deal with what comes over from my neighbor's yard. Just be cautious when exposing soil that might have more bindweed and cover it with mulch to make future pulling easier.
Here’s something that worked for me: Let the bindweed grow in clumps and try to mesh it onto a trellis or post. Gather the leaves together carefully, keeping them intact with the roots, and place them into a tied plastic bag. Then, spray glyphosate or Roundup inside the bag before sealing it. It may help!
Just be aware that this won't kill the roots, so keep at it!
Herbicide can also be effective against bindweed. Just make sure to follow the instructions closely. It’s best to apply it early in the morning when bugs are less active but before the night bugs leave. That way, you can target it effectively.
I just found tons of bindweed in my new flower beds, and it’s super disheartening. It was hidden well, but now it's thriving in my landscape fabric and among my plants. I've been pulling it daily, but I worry there's no real solution.
Have you checked out /r/invasivespecies? There are tons of strategies and stories about battling bindweed there!
I totally get your frustration! Bindweed is a nightmare. Its roots go really deep, and it spreads through rhizomes, so just trying to pull it out won’t do the trick. You need to dig deep and remove all of it. Honestly, if I could wish for anything, it would be to get rid of bindweed for good!
I’ve read about this method and I'm definitely going to give it a shot.