Q What is the best method for controlling bindweed?

A When Which? Gardening magazine trialled methods of controlling bindweed, we found that there are no easy wins, as bindweed grows so intimately with other plants that it’s almost impossible to eradicate without causing collateral damage. We suggest a three-pronged approach based on a combination of our most successful results. Firstly, dig out all the roots you can easily reach; this significantly reduced the number of stems we treated and cut the amount of bindweed the following spring. Encourage the bindweed stems you can’t dig out to grow up canes, away from the foliage of other plants so you can kill off the weed entirely by applying glyphosate. Glyphosate gel is the best choice here; it was the only weedkiller that didn’t splash onto ornamental plants and cause damage in our trial.

Caption: Paint glyphosate gel onto the leaves of bindweed so it doesn't get on other plants

Q Are there concerns about glyphosate use?

A The main concern is that glyphosate can cause cancer. A second concern is the negative effect glyphosate use has on bee health. However it is legal to use. Find out more about glyphosate.

Q What is the best organic control for bindweed?

A Dig out as much bindweed as you can and keep digging up the bits that sprout from the roots you’ll inevitably leave behind.

Q Can a heavy-duty weedkiller kill bindweed?

A Avoid using a heavy-duty weedkiller, such as Vitax SBK, which caused substantial damage to nearby ornamental plants from accidental splashes.