Mexican Marigolds and Bindweed

[Mozzi]

Have just taken on an allotment, and have spent the last few weekends clearing the site of well-established brambles.

The new allotment is FULL of bindweed, which is currently growing behind my back as I try to work my way around picking it off. Having spent 4 hours digging a bed free of large bramble roots today, I see the beds are also full of bindweed roots.

While googling, I found some advice that Mexican Marigolds are good companion plants and their roots excrete a substance which kills bindweed. Has anyone ever heard of this before, or have any experience of this?

My current thoughts are that year 1 on the allotment could be devoted to fields of Mexican Marigolds!

[smallblueplanet]

I have heard that before, and have grown and planted some Mex. marigolds in the borders this year to try it. There's another thread about this subject somewhere too.