Bindweed is feared as a weed. Full of zest for action, they populate not only arable land, but also vineyards and gardens. But why is it so persistent and what is the best way to combat it?

The bindweed has a sophisticated root system

Characteristics of bindweed

You should know these characteristics of bindweed before you start fighting it with any means:

  • perennial herb
  • has spreading roots
  • up to 2 m deep, fine thread roots
  • drives regularly and many new offshoots
  • also propagation by root shoots
  • the smallest root remnants can develop into new plants
  • wraps itself around other plants, weakening them

Remove the roots of the entire plant by hand

The best, albeit most laborious, method is mechanical removal of the field bindweed. The thing to note here is that you shouldn't wait too long before putting combat into action.

How to proceed:

1. Remove bindweed by hand or weed puller.
2. Dig out the low-lying roots with a digging fork.
3. Take a sieve and sift through the soil with the roots.
4. Dispose of the root parts that have been separated from the soil (not on the compost) e.g. B. burn.

With this method, remember to remove even the smallest bit of root residue from the soil - if you want to have peace from these weeds in the long term. Otherwise, new plants will form from the residual roots and the evil will start all over again…

Bindweed in the lawn: fight with black foil

Bindweed in the lawn can be easily destroyed if it is covered over a large area with black foil. This will suffocate the plants. The lawn usually recovers. It is best if you dig up the soil before covering with foil. Leave the foil for several months! Disadvantage: Seeds could survive and the plants could sprout again.

Bindweed in the bed: Replace old soil with new soil

Bindweed growing rampant in the vegetable patch is one way to replace the old soil with new soil. But that is time-consuming and possibly expensive. But usually you have a long time peace from the field bindweed.

Chemistry - a quick and harmless solution?

Herbicides should only be used when absolutely necessary. These are applied directly to the bindweed leaves. In the course of this, the plant and its root system are destroyed. However, chemistry does not help in the long term either. Often the field bindweed appears again…

Prevent a rampant spread!

Prevention of a mass settlement of field bindweed:

  • properly dispose of all root debris and cuttings
  • remove as soon as possible (as soon as the first shoots are visible)
  • Never water or fertilize bindweed
  • mulch open soil
  • new plants e.g. B. kill with boiling water

tips

Do not confuse bindweed with bindweed. In contrast to the bindweed, which has white flowers, the field bindweed has pink to bluish flowers and elongated leaves.

Category:

Herbs