Bindweed v 2nd crop potatoes

[veg&kids]

So I've cleared the last third of my plot of bindweed, I've done it in stages & the first area I did the bindweed still comes through but I am keeping on top of it.
My question is if I plant second crop potatoes where I have just cleared will I be wasting my time - if I keep having to disturb them to dig out bindweed as it appears? Should I just cover it with cardboard - I don't want to leave it bare.
I think it is going to be an ongoing battle so I would like to get something in there.
Any suggestions welcome!


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[Martin H]

It's a bit late to plant potatoes, you may not get a crop.

But if you go ahead I would just wait and dig up the bindweed roots along with the crop once mature, just cut off any long bindweed shoots in the meantime. Potatoes are tough and don't mind a bit of competition.

[ButternutSquash]

As above. Assuming this is field bindweed, then the roots may go down many metres, and the only two ways to remove it are to exhaust it by continually picking all stems, or spray with a weedkiller such as glyphosate, though that may only damage it if the roots are extensive. My experience suggests that covering the area with black plastic for one year would not clear established field bindweed.

[Greenleaves]

Again agree with Martin and ButternutSquash, if you keep taking the tops of the new shoots it will eventually die back. I dont remember who, but someone on the vine suggest putting short canes amongst the crop for the bindweed will cling to, making it easier to pull up, tried it between brasicas and it works.

[Knight of Albion]

I dont remember who, but someone on the vine suggest putting short canes amongst the crop for the bindweed will cling to, making it easier to pull up, tried it between brasicas and it works.

That's a good tip.

[lottie dolly]

Again agree with Martin and ButternutSquash, if you keep taking the tops of the new shoots it will eventually die back. I dont remember who, but someone on the vine suggest putting short canes amongst the crop for the bindweed will cling to, making it easier to pull up, tried it between brasicas and it works.

It was 2 sheds says to do that,if your careful how,it can be sprayed whist still on the cane

[Greenleaves]

Well remembered Lottie dolly....

[Two_Sheds]

if I plant second crop potatoes

All potatoes are planted at the same time (late March or early April). It's the harvest time that differs

to dig out bindweed as it appears?

No need to dig: just pull or hoe it as it appears

[Penellype]

I have a similar issue with creeping thistle in my friend's garden. I spent about 2 months digging and sifting out hte roots and digging again but inevitably I've missed some. I just keep taking the tops off as they appear, and once the crops have been harvested I will dig again. I did try making a no dig bed at one end of the plot, which kept down most of the weeds, but the thistle and silverweed have both broken through the cardboard and are growing there regardless.

[ButternutSquash]

Again agree with Martin and ButternutSquash, if you keep taking the tops of the new shoots it will eventually die back. I dont remember who, but someone on the vine suggest putting short canes amongst the crop for the bindweed will cling to, making it easier to pull up, tried it between brasicas and it works.

Or place the abundant growth in a plastic bag and spray with glyphosate, thereby avoiding collateral damage.

I place a plant pot over a tip, to prevent it photosynthesizing, and leave it for a week or so ensure the growth drains the root, then when it is bushy, spray it or if veg is nearby pull it out.

[WendyC]

My question is if I plant second crop potatoes where I have cardboard - I don't want to leave it bare.

I'm assuming that by second crop potatoes you mean the ones that are advertised as cropping in time for Christmas. These are seed potatoes held in cold storage til now. The problem is to get a crop there needs to be no blight or frost in the next 12-16 weeks. They are no different from the seed potatoes planted in the Spring.
When I have lifted my potatoes I sow a green manure so the ground is covered. You'd be able to spot bindweed coming up and pull or spray as you choose.