This dicotyledonous plant belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. Although elegant, bindweed and field bindweed are considered as weeds by many gardeners, just like dandelions. It must be said that, like couch grass, this plant has an unusual root system that makes it difficult to eradicate. Indeed, if you forget even a small piece, it will lead to new growth. The seeds of these plants are easily dispersed by birds, making it very challenging to get rid of them in the garden. However, with determination, patience, good practices, and eco-friendly products, it is still possible to eliminate them without chemical products.
Getting rid of bindweed: a necessity? Absolutely not!
First of all, let’s remember that bindweed is a useful plant in flower beds or hedges. For example, it can be a good indicator of excess fertilizer in the garden. This can show the gardener that they need to limit nitrogen in their soil. This bio-indicator is also an indication that the soil is too compact. Its roots can help to loosen this compaction. Bindweeds are also pollinator plants that attract pollinating insects, especially bees. This is beneficial for flowers, as well as the vegetable garden. In fact, many gardeners keep them for this reason by cutting the flowers before they can scatter their seeds.
However, like any weed, it competes with and chokes the surrounding plants by capturing water, light, and nutrients from the soil. This is particularly true in case of a heavy infestation. With this information in hand, it’s up to you to decide if you want to remove these plants.
How to get rid of bindweed in your garden?
1) Good practices against bindweed
Some practices are completely useless. For example, the use of a thermal weeder does not reach the deep roots of this plant. As for using a spade or a tiller, it is not recommended. This can leave root segments in the soil and break them. You will definitely be invaded after that! However, other practices can help to better control its spread or even stop it. To avoid airborne dissemination (seeds spread by birds), cut the aerial parts before they produce seeds. Also, consider applying mulch to prevent bindweed from establishing and use a hoe every 8 days on bare soil areas.
2) Manual pulling, the most effective technique
Manual pulling or weeding by hand should be done in spring or early summer on dry soil. Gently turn over the soil by 30 cm with a broadfork, a dandelion digger, or a digging fork and remove the root pieces. If you forget some, bindweed may grow again, so be meticulous and avoid breaking the roots. The more you break the roots, the more these plants will come back and grow. Then repeat every ten days to exhaust the plant. Over time, it will grow less and less. Yes! Eradicating this plant is a long and repetitive task!
3) White vinegar or boiling water
This eco-friendly product is very useful in the garden and can kill bindweed stems in just a few hours. To benefit from its herbicidal power, simply spray it using a spray bottle on the plants. Then, reapply after 10 days. The already weakened plants will not resist. If you run out of white vinegar, you can use the water from boiled pasta or boiled potatoes to kill the plant. Repeat 2 or 3 times on the shoots to be treated, and you will see that it is excellent for weeding. Afterwards, remove the roots as explained earlier.
4) Solarization to eliminate bindweed
Solarization is a highly effective technique against weeds. It involves covering the infested soil with a thick black tarp whose ends you have buried or secured in place. After it has been set up, the tarp must remain in place for several months to effectively suffocate the vegetation. This technique is excellent for large areas. However, note that it is not very aesthetic. Mulch or dead leaves can help cleverly conceal it. For a few scattered plants within your flower beds or vegetable plants, it is better to place a simple tin can on each plant to eliminate.
5) Other plants to fight bindweed? Yes and no!
Plants and flowers are an eco-friendly method of fighting that is often very effective. Toxic to unwanted plants or harmful pests, they can effectively protect the garden. That’s why the nematocidal marigold is often recommended as an excellent herbicide against this weed. Its smaller cousin, French marigold (tagetes patula), would be an excellent preventive measure as it can also repel couch grass, nematodes, and aphids. Tagetes minuta, on the other hand, produces a powerful and destructive herbicidal substance. However, the effectiveness of these plants is debated among gardeners.
