[Kirpi]

OK - I build lasagne beds, don't dig the beds ever and sing hippy songs to my plants to make them grow but - there comes a time when the systemic weedkiller has to come out!

I've tried pulling every piece as soon as it shows through but that doesn't weaken it at all.

It needs a systemic weedkiller - right? Possibly in a small spray bottle so I can single out the one plant against my crops, possibly a gel pen?

Any thoughts?

[mobilekat]

Glyphosate.... eg Round-up or one of the cheaper ones, and then give it 2 weeks to go back to the root. needs to be a dry day, and if possible bruise the leaves first as it then absorbs better

I have been reducing my bindweed down by not just pulling it up when it appears, but actually rottling around and getting the piece of root that its attached to. this works better as if you just tug the buried root snaps into pieces and you get more.
I have noticed this years crop is much smaller and less of it- but it has taken time!- 3 years and counting!!
But I haven't reached for the spray/pain yet this year as is definitely reduced and I try to be organic.
I travel lots and I am sure we get regional variations in the bindweed (peering over hedges at other peoples!)

I have done a fair bit of research to see if there is a use for bindweed, and some people reckon its a diuretic, but I wasn't sure if they were taking the pee.....

[m1ckz]

yep  roundup

[fatcat1955]

Place a cane next to the bindweed and train it up the cane. Mix your weedkiller and place in a jam jar. Put the jam jar next to the cane and slide the bindweed inti the jam jar. Cover the jar to stop water getting in and the weedkiller will go right down to the roots and kill it for good.

[davesellars]

I too have an increasing problem with bindweed - although fortunately it's not too much of an issue at the moment compared with the mares tail. 

For bindweed - are those glyphosate gel sticks any good?  Pretty expensive but i suppose it's a more direct way of applying without affecting other plants.

[Yorkie]

I'd double check the glyphosate strength (g per litre) in the gel sticks - I'm not sure whether it's anywhere near as strong as the stuff you buy as ready made liquid or neat concentrate.

[angelavdavis]

OK - I build lasagne beds, don't dig the beds ever and sing hippy songs to my plants to make them grow but - there comes a time when the systemic weedkiller has to come out!

I've tried pulling every piece as soon as it shows through but that doesn't weaken it at all.

It needs a systemic weedkiller - right? Possibly in a small spray bottle so I can single out the one plant against my crops, possibly a gel pen?

Any thoughts?

Hi Kirpi,

As you know, I am a great lasagne bed fan, I usually pull bindweed and couch out as much as possible by hand - but having taken over my plot in 2010, I am still doing this, so where bad infestations exist, I do use glyphosate.

I cut the bottom off a 2L plastic drinks bottle and spray glyphosate onto individual plants.  You can also mix up the glyphosate, adding a little dash of washing up liquid and use some fabric gloves over rubber gloves, soak the gloves, then drench the leaves by hand.

[Kirpi]

Hi angelavdavis - I like the bottle idea.