Current Garden Project: Battling Bindweed Through Solarization

Bindweed is a perennial vine and one of the most noxious weeds in North America. It thrives in sunny locations and disturbed spaces. The weed is known for its sprawling flowers across landscapes. It has a complex underground system consisting of deep roots (up to 20ft) and rhizomes. The roots and rhizomes form adventitious buds when disturbed, which can quickly develop into roots and shoots. The plant produces up to 600 seeds a year, with about 90% being viable. In a soil seedbank, bindweed seeds may survive for 20-50 years.

Due to the bindweed's underground system and long-duration seeds, it is extremely difficult to eradicate its growth, let alone control it. It can take several seasons to get rid of bindweed. It is necessary to begin eradicating bindweed as soon as it is noted because it spreads so vigorously. 

Solarization is a method used to eradicate persistent weeds. First, the ground is cleared, and then a clear plastic tarp covers the weeds, trapping heat and moisture. The initial moisture is trapped by the plastic, encouraging the unwanted seeds to germinate. At the same time, the plastic blocks water access to freshly germinated seeds, and the soil begins to heat. This method is used for bindweed to encourage seeds to germinate, then swiftly eradicate them, effectively preventing the production of more seeds.