Nollie I picked up a weeding trowel very similar to the one you suggested and look forward to using it! I also plan to put more mulch on the bed this weekend.
If you put shrubs in before the bindweed is completely eradicated, choose cheap things that you can get rid of when their roots get infested with bindweed (it is when not if, unfortunately, and is pretty much impossible to remove while keeping the shrub).
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Before we got our dog I used a technique which literally removed the problem completely for years and it's only just returning. Basically chop some plastic bottles off about halfway down (coke or other 2litre plastic bottles are perfect) and at strategic points, grab a load of bindweed and stuff it into them. Fill the available space by about 50-75%.
Dig a trench for the bottle to sit in, sideways on to avoid rainwater dilution and then fill with a strong roundup mix with water. You can position these in such a way as to avoid run off into important plants or soil.
Then sit back and watch it all wither away and enjoy a couple of years without it. I filled about 8 of them across a 50-70 metre area and it was all gone.
I have only put in salvias taken from cuttings and a few bargain basement bits so not a disaster if I lose it all but a bit of colour this summer. I really don’t want to use weed killer will try other options first Thanks for the suggestions everyone
Quick update taking about 50 bits of bindweed out of beds every morning, some with roots some without. Popping them into a bucket to dry out before putting into green bin. It’s not hard work and only takes 10 minutes or so but it is amazing how they literally appear in a day.
Ok it’s confession time I tried for weeks to eradicate the bindweed going out most nights after work digging it up even in the rain but have had to admit defeat. I bought and applied roundup gel last Saturday ( hangs head in shame) no result so far but hoping it will get it under control so that in the future I can keep on top of it. Those if you who advised weed killer can now do the “ I told you so” dance.
Its not a told you so, but a sigh of relief as we know what a back breaking job it can be. Mine gets pulled / killed all year round, but comes back from both neighbour's so never ending job. Dont feel defeated it's just what has to be done 🙂 @debs64
No matter how you try to eradicate bindweed, it often travels sideways either from under a lawn or from under a neighbours fence. I also understand that the powerful systemic weedkillers are becoming more difficult to buy and their sales are restricted. Fortunately our new garden, unlike our last one, only has a tiny patch but I shall try the weedkiller-in-lemonade-bottle approach this time.
You could also put in a cane as it comes up allow it to climb this then treat with a good systemic weed killer applied by a gloved hand is a bit unsightly but will ensure the roots are killed off.
I'm not one that advocates the use of weed killers or poisons but at times needs must I'm afraid.
Thank you Hampshire Hog!! This will help us out a lot. Can only get out and do weeding in fits and starts, meanwhile it spreads. As OH just said this method uses it's climbing abilities against it
Posts
Dig a trench for the bottle to sit in, sideways on to avoid rainwater dilution and then fill with a strong roundup mix with water. You can position these in such a way as to avoid run off into important plants or soil.
Then sit back and watch it all wither away and enjoy a couple of years without it. I filled about 8 of them across a 50-70 metre area and it was all gone.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone
Those if you who advised weed killer can now do the “ I told you so” dance.