The field bindweed is feared as a weed. She not only inhabits arable land, but also vineyards and gardens full of enthusiasm. But why is it so stubborn and what is the best way to fight it?
How can you effectively combat field bindweed?
The most effective methods to combat field bindweed are: mechanically removing the roots by hand or weed cutter, covering the area with black film if infested in the lawn and replacing the infected soil in the bed. Herbicides should only be considered as a last option.
Characteristics of Bindweed
You should know these characteristics of the field bindweed before you resort to fighting it by any means possible:
- perennial herb
- has extensive roots
- up to 2 m deep, fine thread roots
- drifts regularly and many new runners
- also propagation by root shoots
- smallest root remnants can develop into new plants
- winds around other plants and weakens them
Remove the roots of the entire plant by hand
The best, albeit most complex, method is mechanical removal of the field bindweed. It is important to note that you should not wait too long before taking action to combat it.
How to proceed:
1. Remove field bindweed by hand or weeder.
2. Dig out the deep roots with a digging fork.
3. Take a sieve and sift the soil with the roots through it.4. Dispose of the root parts that have been separated from the soil (not in the compost), e.g. B. burn.
When using this method, remember to remove every little root residue from the soil - if you want peace of mind from these weeds in the long term. Otherwise, new plants will form from the root remnants and the problem will start all over again
Bindweed in the lawn: Fight with black foil
Blindweed in the lawn can be easily destroyed if it is covered over a large area with a black film. This suffocates the plants. The lawn usually recovers. It is best if you dig up the soil before covering it with the foil. Leave the foil for several months! Disadvantage: Seeds could survive and the plants could sprout again.
Blindweed in the bed: Replace old soil with new soil
The field bindweed grows in the vegetable patch is a method of replacing the old soil with new soil. But this is time-consuming and possibly expensive. But usually you have peace and quiet from the field bindweed for a long time.
Chemistry – a quick and safe solution?
Herbicides should only be used when there is no other option. These are applied directly to the leaves of the bindweed. As a result, the plant and its roots are destroyed. But: Chemistry doesn't help here either in the long term. Often the bindweed reappears
Prevent the spread from getting out of hand
Prevention of mass colonization of field bindweed:
- dispose of all root residues and offshoots properly
- remove as quickly as possible (as soon as the first shoots are visible)
- Never water or fertilize bindweed
- mulch free soils
- new plants e.g. B. kill with boiling water
Tip
Don't confuse the field bindweed with the fence bindweed. In contrast to the white-flowering bindweed, the field bindweed has pink to bluish flowers and elongated leaves.