What Is Bindweed?

Bindweed is a notorious and pervasive weed that has been the bane of gardeners’ existence for centuries. This creeping perennial plant is known for its long, twining stems that can quickly choke out and smother other plants in its path.

Despite its beauty, with its delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers, bindweed is a tough and resilient plant that can withstand harsh conditions and spread rapidly through underground rhizomes and seeds.

As a gardener, it’s crucial to understand the nature of bindweed and take steps to control it, as allowing it to take over can lead to reduced yields, stunted growth, and a general loss of biodiversity in your garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, learning how to manage bindweed is essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving garden.

What is Bindweed?

Bindweed (also known as Convolvulus Arvensis) is a widespread perennial climbing/creeping weed in the United Kingdom. This weed is notorious for smothering existing garden plants and overwhelming borders in as little as 2-4 months. As every gardener who has had the misfortune of seeing it grow in their garden knows, their roots can reach 7 metres deep and grow vigorously.

It has a perennial root system which means the roots are able to regenerate from small sections of the plant. The roots are white and brittle, so if you break them they will grow back.

If you have bindweed in your garden, it’s important to know how to get rid of it before it takes over your plants! There are many different ways you can do this – for example, pulling up the weeds by hand or using herbicides on them.

You could also cover them with mulch or use an organic spray like vinegar and dish soap mixed together as well as saltwater sprayed directly onto the leaves. Whatever method you choose, make sure not to apply too much pressure because that might cause more harm than good.

Be patient and persistent when removing bindweed from your garden because if left untreated it will continue growing until all other plants in its vicinity die off due to lack of sunlight exposure and nutrients.

Identification

Bindweed is commonly referred to as wild morning glory because it shares a similar appearance to the popular garden plant, morning glory. Both plants have thin, twining vines that can quickly wrap around other plants, fences, or trellises, and elongated leaves that are shaped like arrowheads. Additionally, both plants produce trumpet-shaped flowers that can range in colour from pink to white.

However, despite their similar appearances, there are some key differences between bindweed and morning glory that are important to note. For one, bindweed is considered an invasive weed and can quickly take over a garden if left unchecked. Morning glory, on the other hand, is a cultivated plant that is often grown for its ornamental value.

When it comes to identifying bindweed in your garden, the thin vines that wrap around other plants or growing items are usually the first sign. As the plant grows, it can quickly form dense mats that smother other plants and impede their growth. The arrowhead-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers are also helpful identification features.

The Problem

New plants can develop from even the smallest section of the root of the bindweed seed, which can lie dormant in the soil for several years (rhizome). Bindweed root fragments are often unintentionally introduced into gardens among the roots of other plants, as well as in soils and manures. It only takes one growing season for bindweed to spread two metres once it is established.

Removal

Hoeing: You can hoe these little latch-ons at ground level as a temporary control measure and repeat the process during the growing season. Cutting off the foliage on a regular basis could interrupt the photosynthesis process and, as a result, destroy the plant.

Digging: For best results, dig out weeds as young plants during the summer months and cut as many roots as possible. When digging in the fall and winter, gently pull out the roots as you see them. When doing so, be vigilant because the great, milky white roots are easily broken and can replicate. These methods can get rid of these weeds in a few years, but seeds and roots can stay dormant underground for years, so it’s a tricky business that requires your attention.

Glyphosate: This is a harsh chemical that can destroy any plants it comes into contact with, so be careful where you spray it. Be careful not to spray desired plants or neighbouring gardens. Always read the label before using anything.

Complete this activity during the summer flowering season. Spraying in the evening or painting on the leaves has been shown to be more successful.

Try pushing a bamboo cane into the field where the bindweed is usually found in your garden to allow it to grow up the cane, which you can then handle with your preferred eradication process.

Best Weed Killers to solve the problem

Bindweed is a persistent and invasive weed that can be difficult to get rid of once it takes hold in your garden. Fortunately, there are several effective products available for eliminating bindweed.

The best weed killers for bindweed include glyphosate-based herbicides, such as Roundup, and dicamba-based herbicides like Ortho GroundClear. Both types of herbicide will effectively kill the root system of the bindweed plant so that it does not return.

Additionally, some organic solutions have proven effective at controlling bindweed by killing or smothering it with mulch or barrier membranes. Ultimately, to successfully eliminate bindweed from your garden you must use an appropriate combination of treatments tailored to your specific situation.

When using any type of herbicide, it is important to read and follow the instructions carefully. Additionally, be sure to take all appropriate safety precautions when handling chemicals in order to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Finally, be sure to contact your local weed specialist for more advice on controlling bindweed in your garden. With the right combination of treatments, you can successfully eliminate bindweed from your garden and prevent it from returning.

In conclusion

To successfully eliminate bindweed from your garden, it is important to use a combination of treatments tailored to the specific situation. Whether you choose chemical-based herbicides like Roundup or dicamba, organic solutions such as mulch and barrier membranes, or something else entirely, all of these methods require that instructions are read carefully and safety precautions are taken before handling any chemicals. With the right approach, you can effectively get rid of this pesky weed and keep it away for good.