How to get rid of bindweed?

WidowTwanky_2

Sadly, my unwanted carpet is foam backed and so I'd better think of a plan B. Napalm comes to mind.:mad:

~Chameleon~

The problem with foam-backed is that it is more likely to disintegrate quite quickly and will leave rubber (chemical) residues in the soil which could affect anything you might want to grow there.

I should also add that even if using hessian backed carpet it's worth bearing in mind there is a risk of chemicals from dyed synthetic fibres leeching into soil which is why many allotments ban the use of it. Better to try use natural-dyed wool if possible, especially if it's to be left down for any length of time where you might want to grow crops.

WidowTwanky_2

Thanks Chameleon and Wallbash.
Sad to say that the carpet looks destined for landfill (don't feel good about that) and there's a massive load of Root Out to be bought. Cheers!

PS Chameleon, unless it's something to do with my firewall, the link to the page about the Bulgarian children seems broken.

~Chameleon~

WidowTwanky wrote: »

PS Chameleon, unless it's something to do with my firewall, the link to the page about the Bulgarian children seems broken.

It's working at my end. Perhaps try the direct link see if that works?

http://www.tbact.org/

Davesnave

Here's an article from 'Which? Gardening' that might help in your situation:

https://secure.securewhich.co.uk/www_gwft/pdfs/p192-5_Weeds.pdf

especially the bit about weedkillers at the end.

WidowTwanky_2

Bulgarian site must have been temporarily offline when I visited. It's great that you are spreading the word. And thanks for that link. Loads of handy info on it. Cheers!

Mojisola

Is there any reason why you don't want to use glyphosate? It's ideal for situations like this - you can kill the weeds and leave the trees unaffected. Weeds with strong roots like bindweed may need more than one dose but it will clear them.

WidowTwanky_2

The Which article (link above) suggests that and I think it's the way to go. I was only really looking at the carpet option as I have got one lying around and was trying to avoid adding to the landfill, trying to be 'green'. But I think it's time to get the chemicals out!

lhd4

My garden is full of bindweed. I put black plastic down and that encouraged the bindweed to grow on the top of the soil so it was easier to pull up. In my experiance no weed killer will kill bindweed and only persistant pulling it up keeps it down.

WidowTwanky_2

Right, I'm thinking chemicals and black plastic. Do you mean bin bag type plastic or some kimd of tarpaulin?