No weed strikes as much fear into gardeners' hearts as field bindweed or wild morning glory.
Field bindweed is one of the toughest and most difficult weeds in the garden. Its growth is simply phenomenal. A single plant can cover several square feet and produce several hundred feet of rhizomes each season.The familiar trumpet-shaped white, pink or purple bindweed flowers are starting to appear now. That blossom signals a window of control for gardeners to make their move against this formidable enemy.
This weed is not going to go away with one spray, one cultivation - or one of anything. Keeping it under control is a constant battle.
Start with mechanical control. The plants are not born perennial but become perennial about 30 days after germination. Plants destroyed prior to that time do not regrow from the roots. Use a gliding hoe, or pull them to prevent their becoming established. Organic mulches also help control seedling plants. Plastic or landscape fabric mulches keep the weed from growing in desirable vegetation.
The most effective time to attack bindweed chemically is when the plant is blossoming. Glyphosate is probably the easiest and safest product for most homeowners to use. Remember: Glyphosate is not selective, and it affects any plant it touches. It does not carry over in the soil and can be translocated deep into the root system for better control. It is relatively non-toxic to humans and is safe to use in most garden situations.
Glyphosate is sold as various brand names, including Roundup and Killzall. Most ready-to-use sprays are too diluted to have effect on bindweed. Use a non-ionic spreader-sticker (surfactant) to increase the effectiveness of the sprays.
Spray when plants are in full bloom and growing well. Plants under stress from drought or other problems will not be controlled. Hopefully the product will translocate to the root system and control the weed. Do not water sprayed areas for six to eight hours.
Follow-up treatment in the fall also helps reduce problems: Consider mixing glyphosate, plus lawn weed-killer containing 2,4-D. The latter should not be used during the heat of the summer, or near trees or shrubs, due to the danger of damaging desirable plants.
Don't think that one effort is going to give you total control. Most weed specialists are happy with reducing infestations within three years. Use all of the weapons at your disposal to cope with this insidious enemy of the garden. Don't ever surrender to this garden plague.