Sasha CampbellBindweed is a tenacious plant that can quickly take over gardens and lawns. Its deep roots and rapid growth make it a challenging weed to control.
Fortunately, several natural methods can help get rid of bindweed without using harmful chemicals.
Identification
Two common types of this weed are field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium).
Field bindweed has smaller leaves shaped like arrowheads and white or pink flowers.
Hedge bindweed has larger leaves and white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Both types can spread quickly and are challenging to eradicate once they establish themselves in your garden.
Bindweed grows fast and spreads quickly. It wraps around other plants, blocking sunlight and often choking their growth [1].
It also has deep roots that make it difficult to remove completely. If left unchecked, bindweed can take over gardens and lawns.
How to Get Rid of Bindweed Naturally
Below are some home remedies and natural control methods for dealing with bindweed.
Using these natural methods and staying consistent can reduce bindweed infestations over time.
1. African Marigolds
Some studies have found that African marigolds may help suppress bindweed when planted in large numbers. However, this method takes time and may not work well in every garden.
In research studies, the marigolds were planted early, in large numbers, and allowed to grow to about five feet tall [2].
2. Helpful Insects and Creatures
Certain insects feed on field bindweed and may help reduce its spread.
The caterpillars of the field bindweed moth (Tyta luctuosa) feed on the plant. The bindweed gall mite (Aceria malherbae) also feeds on bindweed and can help reduce its growth [3, 4].
3. Frequent Cutting
Regularly cutting back bindweed can weaken it over time. Use garden shears to cut the stems close to the ground.
This method prevents the plant from getting sunlight and reduces its energy reserves. It is effective in lawns and open areas.
Repeat this process whenever you see new growth.
4. Cover the Area with Black Plastic
Covering the infested area with black plastic is an effective way to smother bindweed.
Lay down a sheet of black plastic over the bindweed and secure the edges properly. The plastic blocks sunlight. Without light, the bindweed cannot make food and slowly dies.
5. Solarization
Another natural bindweed control is to cover the area with clear plastic during the hottest weeks of summer for 4 to 8 weeks.
The trapped heat can weaken or kill many bindweed roots and seeds. Heavy infestations may need repeated treatments.
6. Cardboard and Mulch
Another method of smothering bindweed is to use cardboard and mulch. Place a thick layer of cardboard over the bindweed.
Next, cover the cardboard with a thick layer of mulch, such as wood chips or straw. This blocks sunlight and helps weaken the bindweed over time.
7. Dig Out the Roots
Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the plant.
Remove as much of the root system as possible. Even small pieces left behind can grow into new plants.
8. Boiling Water
Pour boiling water directly onto the bindweed.
The heat burns the leaves and young stems. It works best on small plants, but deep roots usually survive, so repeat treatments are often needed.
This method is adequate for small infestations and areas where other plants won’t be harmed.
9. Vinegar
Vinegar is one way to kill bindweed naturally, although it usually only kills the leaves.
You can use it to make homemade bindweed spray. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it directly onto the bindweed leaves.
The vinegar’s acetic acid burns the leaves, causing them to die.
For a more potent effect, use horticultural vinegar, which has a higher concentration of acetic acid.
10. Weed by Hand
Though time-consuming, you can also pull up the bindweed by hand. However, remove as much of the root system as possible.
It’s best to do this when the soil is moist, as the roots will be easier to pull out. It’s a great method for getting rid of bindweed without chemicals.
However, never compost bindweed roots because they can grow into new plants.
11. Never Let It Go to Seed
Remove flowers before they turn into seeds. This helps stop new bindweed plants from spreading around your garden.
12. Avenger® Weed Killer
Avenger® Weed Killer is an organic herbicide made from citrus oil. It works by stripping away the plant’s waxy cuticle, causing it to dehydrate and die.
Spray Avenger® Weed Killer directly onto the bindweed leaves on a sunny day for the best results.
Because bindweed has deep roots, you may need several applications because the roots can send up new shoots.
13. AXXE® Broad Spectrum Herbicide
This product is another organic option. It’s a soap-type herbicide.
It breaks down the plant’s cell walls, causing it to dry out and die.
Spray AXXE® Broad Spectrum Herbicide directly onto the bindweed leaves, covering them thoroughly.
This product works best on young, actively growing plants and may require several applications because bindweed often grows back from its roots.
Can You Remove Bindweed Permanently?
Permanent removal is difficult because bindweed has deep roots that can grow back. The best way to get rid of it is to remove or weaken the roots over time with repeated treatments.
Takeaway
While bindweed is one of the hardest weeds to control, these natural methods can greatly reduce its spread over time. Stay consistent, as repeated treatments usually work better than a single application.
Andre Campbell
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