Friends/Garden Committee,
TLDR:
I want to implement a more permanent solution to our bindweed problem. To this end, I propose we begin solarizing unrented plots and abandoned plots with cardboard. I am in the process of contacting people who have rented plots, but have yet to put any plants in the soil. My plan is as follows:
- July 13th: Solarize unrented plots
- July 20th: Solarize abandoned plots
- Future: Apply biodegradable geotextiles, cardboard, and mulch to the paths in the garden.
Additional Information:
Weeds have been encroaching on everyone’s plots, and as such have been sapping everyone’s energy in the garden. Additionally, I do not believe that we will have enough time to complete our other projects in the garden so long as we must deal with this problem on a weekly basis. In my research to combat this problem, I have found three methods for dealing with bindweed.
- Persistent digging: This is the method we have been using. One must follow the vine along its length to find the root. From here dig up as much of the plant as you can. The entire root likely will not follow, as the whole root system can grow deeper than 10’ below the soil. Thus, the gardener will find themselves in a war of attrtion with the plant. As one prunes the terrestrial parts of the plant, the fossorial portions will continue to grow. If the gardener is persistent enough, the plant will expend all of it’s energy and die. Since we have 8500 sq ft to weed, we have not been successful in this endeavor.
- Applied Chemicals: Pesticides have been used to successfully kill bindweed by some gardeners, however this requires controlled applications. Cones exist for the purpose of containing the chemicals to the effected plant. This method cannot be used in the garden, as we need to remain organic, and I have found multiple individuals online claiming that this was about as effective as persistent digging.
- Solarization: This method involves starving bindweed with a thin layer of material between it and the sun. I have seen reports of bindweed roots crawling along the boundary material until they find an edge, but we have had success with this method in the past when we solarized individual plots. Additional effectiveness can be found by watering the ground and scalping the surface plants before solarizing.
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Sincerely,
Piper Thomas