Controlling Field Bindweed for a Healthier Garden

Field bindweed is a persistent and invasive weed that can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked. Its deep roots and rapid growth make it a formidable opponent for gardeners seeking to maintain healthy plants and a beautiful landscape. This article explores practical and effective bindweed control methods to help you reclaim your garden and keep it thriving.

Understanding Bindweed and Its Impact on Gardens

Bindweed, often mistaken for morning glory due to its similar white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers, is a perennial weed that spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and seeds. It competes with garden plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, often choking out desirable vegetation.

The weed’s extensive root system can reach depths of up to 20 feet, making it difficult to eradicate. If not controlled early, bindweed can reduce crop yields, damage lawns, and create an unsightly mess in flower beds and vegetable patches. Many Idaho gardeners have found that field bindweed is prevalent in Boise and the Treasure Valley.

Field bindweed flowers entwined with garden plants

Proven Bindweed Control Methods

Controlling bindweed requires persistence and a combination of strategies. Here are some of the most effective bindweed control methods:

1. Manual Removal

Manual removal is one of the simplest ways to start controlling bindweed. However, it requires patience and thoroughness.

• Digging out roots: Use a garden fork or spade to dig deeply around the bindweed to remove as much of the root system as possible. Even small root fragments left behind can regrow and understanding that the roots grow as deep as 20 feet means it's extremely difficult to dig them out.

• Regular pulling: Pull young shoots before they flower and set seed. This weakens the plant over time (probably your best bet if you are willing to spend the time to do this task).

• Dispose properly: Do not compost bindweed as it can survive and spread. Instead, bag and discard it with yard waste.

  
  

2. Mulching

Mulching helps suppress bindweed by blocking sunlight and preventing seed germination.

• Organic mulch: Apply a thick layer (3-4 inches) of wood mulch or shredded leaves around plants.

• Plastic mulch: Landscape fabric can be laid over affected areas, making it somewhat difficult for bindweed to get the light it needs to survive.

• Renew mulch regularly: Replace or replenish mulch to maintain its effectiveness.

  
  

3. Herbicide Application

Herbicides can be effective but should be used carefully to avoid harming desirable plants.

• Selective herbicides: Use products such as Ferti-lome Weed-Out which can help in controling bindweed and other broadleaf weeds without damaging grasses. Do not use around other broadleaf plants.

• Spot treatment: Apply a herbicide such as Ferti-lome Decimate directly to bindweed leaves using a spray bottle or paintbrush to minimize collateral damage.

• Follow instructions: Always read and follow label directions for safe and effective use.

  
  

4. Crop Rotation and Cover Crops

In vegetable gardens, rotating crops and planting cover crops can reduce bindweed growth.

• Dense planting: Crops like clover or ryegrass shade the soil and compete with bindweed.

• Crop rotation: Changing plant types can sometimes disrupt bindweed’s growth cycle and reduce its spread.

  
  

5. Solarization

Solarization uses the sun’s heat to kill bindweed roots and seeds in the soil.

• Clear plastic sheets: Cover the soil with clear plastic during the hottest months.

• Seal edges: Secure the plastic tightly to trap heat.

• Duration: Leave in place for 4-6 weeks to effectively kill bindweed underground.

  
  

Garden bed covered with plastic for solarization

Preventing Bindweed Reinfestation

Once you have reduced bindweed in your garden, prevention is key to maintaining control.

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your garden weekly for new bindweed shoots.

• Maintain healthy soil: Fertilize and water plants properly to encourage strong growth that can outcompete weeds.

• Clean tools and equipment: Avoid spreading bindweed roots or seeds by cleaning garden tools after use.

• Avoid disturbed soil: Minimize soil disturbance, which can bring bindweed seeds to the surface and encourage germination.

  
  

Long-Term Strategies for a Thriving Garden

Controlling bindweed is a long-term commitment. Combining physical removal, mulching, herbicides, and cultural practices will give you the best chance of success. Remember that persistence is essential - bindweed may take several seasons to fully eradicate.

By implementing these bindweed control methods, you can protect your garden’s health and enjoy a vibrant, weed-free outdoor space. Keep your garden well-maintained, and don’t let bindweed take root again. If you are having difficulty controlling bindweed, stop by The Home & Garden Store in Boise. Although controlling bindweed is one of the most difficult tasks most gardeners will face, patience and effort will prevail over this hard-to-rid-of invasive weed.

Charlie Hartman - Idaho Certified Nurseryman

The Home & Garden Store - Boise, Idaho