The field bindweed is actually quite attractive with its heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers. Since each morning glory produces up to 500 seeds and also spreads over shoots that reach up to two meters deep, it can become an annoying problem in the garden. We'll tell you how to destroy the weeds and prevent new colonization.
How to remove weeds from bindweed?
To eliminate field bindweed as a weed, carefully dig up affected areas, remove root residues by sieving and dispose of plant parts in household waste. In the lawn, pulling out long pieces and mowing regularly will help to inhibit its growth.
The mechanical combat
The most effective method of getting rid of the field bindweed is digging. Choose a sunny day for this action, as the roots dry out quickly due to sunlight.
- Dig up the areas inhabited by the morning glory very carefully using the digging fork, about three spade deep. The spade should not be used here as you would cut through too many of the fine roots with this tool.
- Select as many root runners as possible.
- It is recommended to sieve the entire excavation to remove all root residues.
- Collect the plant parts in a bucket.
- Do not dispose of these in the compost, but rather in household waste or the organic waste bin.
Remove bindweed from the lawn
If the morning glory winds through the well-kept green, it is extremely difficult to remove it without damaging large areas of the lawn. Carefully pull out as long pieces of the bindweed as possible. If you are consistent, this will damage the plant so much in the long term that it will die. Regular mowing also ensures that growth is severely inhibited.
Preventive measures
If the field bindweed thrives in the surrounding area, you can stop it from spreading as follows:
- If you create new beds, you should use a weed control fabric straight away. Slots are cut for the plants to be planted.
- Then cover the fleece with bark mulch or another mulching material of your choice.
Due to the lack of light, the seeds of the field bindweed do not sprout. The underground rhizomes cannot penetrate the weed fleece, so the bed remains weed-free in the long term.
Tip
If mechanical control of the weed creeper does not lead to the desired result, you can moisten the flowers and leaves of the field bindweed with a specially approved herbicide. Cut the weeds back to about thirty centimeters in advance and dab as much of the remaining leaf mass as possible.