I had the same problem with bindweed, and ground elder too. This was many years ago and I removed every last shred of root - you must, see earlier reply. It's easier after a long dry spell when the roots which are surface running, fall away from the soil. It's still hard work though. If you work, and want the surgical approach, use Glyphosate - I would if I had the problem now. Brambles are relatively simple to dig out, but blast them with the G too - paint the leaves, be careful if you spray - not just the plants in your garden are at risk from wind-blown particles, but your neighbours' too.
, I have had a lot of success of getting rid of bindweed, I put a piece of cooking foil next to the bindweed spray it with roundup and wrap the bindweed in it then just leave it wrapped in it, I had such a lot of bindweed this has taken 2 years to do I have been digging the flower beds over winter and it has nearly all gone if any does pop up this year it will get the same treatment I have managed to clear one bed and nothing popped up last year hope this might help .
Nellie, I have a very similar problem to you and have spent the last year since we moved in weeding in every part of our garden, we seem to be getting on top of it but the battle will continue for a while. Everyone is right, dig up the roots and if you miss some, dig them up again, you'll win eventually. My new battle is brambles and bind weed moving in from the field behind (sigh).
I've noticed glysophate recommended on several forum posts for weeds, I've not done much reading up on it yet but is it safe for bees and wildlife? I have a stream in my garden with crayfish living down stream so I'm not sure glysophate is a good idea.
Though I cut them back hard (using the severed runners to deter Felis silvestris catus verminus from digging their poop in my prepared beds, they are normally dressed onto horizontal bamboo canes I have running along the length of the berry bed. They aren't difficult to look after
I quite like the Convolvulus arvensis/ CalystegiaI spp. have in two beds in the front,one of them the neighbours and live in hope they'll take down some of the ghastly cultivated plants I don't have the heart to remove. They're not as hard as they are made out to be, more the actions of a looker with borderline personality disorder desperately clinging to a host for recognition than a dangerously psychopathic thug.
Nevertheless, Convolvulaceae root removal is one of the least unpleasant 'weed' removal activities. One needs to get one hand under the soil, have a furtle about, follow the laterals along between the tips of two fingers while gently pulling the stem with the hand above.get as far along as you can go and if it is going to snap you have both ends. You may not get all of it but this will weaken the plant.
What will you be growing to go with your abundant fruit supplies?
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I had the same problem with bindweed, and ground elder too. This was many years ago and I removed every last shred of root - you must, see earlier reply. It's easier after a long dry spell when the roots which are surface running, fall away from the soil. It's still hard work though. If you work, and want the surgical approach, use Glyphosate - I would if I had the problem now. Brambles are relatively simple to dig out, but blast them with the G too - paint the leaves, be careful if you spray - not just the plants in your garden are at risk from wind-blown particles, but your neighbours' too.
, I have had a lot of success of getting rid of bindweed, I put a piece of cooking foil next to the bindweed spray it with roundup and wrap the bindweed in it then just leave it wrapped in it, I had such a lot of bindweed this has taken 2 years to do I have been digging the flower beds over winter and it has nearly all gone if any does pop up this year it will get the same treatment I have managed to clear one bed and nothing popped up last year hope this might help .
I've noticed glysophate recommended on several forum posts for weeds, I've not done much reading up on it yet but is it safe for bees and wildlife? I have a stream in my garden with crayfish living down stream so I'm not sure glysophate is a good idea.
I grow blackberries too and the last year gave an exceptional harvest of my favourite breakfast cereal topping. TastSuch a great way to start the day.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/blackberries
Though I cut them back hard (using the severed runners to deter Felis silvestris catus verminus from digging their poop in my prepared beds, they are normally dressed onto horizontal bamboo canes I have running along the length of the berry bed. They aren't difficult to look after
I quite like the Convolvulus arvensis/ CalystegiaI spp. have in two beds in the front,one of them the neighbours and live in hope they'll take down some of the ghastly cultivated plants I don't have the heart to remove. They're not as hard as they are made out to be, more the actions of a looker with borderline personality disorder desperately clinging to a host for recognition than a dangerously psychopathic thug.
Nevertheless, Convolvulaceae root removal is one of the least unpleasant 'weed' removal activities. One needs to get one hand under the soil, have a furtle about, follow the laterals along between the tips of two fingers while gently pulling the stem with the hand above.get as far along as you can go and if it is going to snap you have both ends. You may not get all of it but this will weaken the plant.
What will you be growing to go with your abundant fruit supplies?