If you are building a new garden or just planting up a border, then it’s advisable to ensure that the soil is free of these particular weed species before embarking on the planting. The first three species in the list, all develop extensive root systems which are all but impossible to remove manually. Mulch is ineffective in controlling them. They ought to be eliminated by use of a systemic herbicide such as Roundup. In order for the systemic properties of Roundup to work effectively, the weeds have to be growing actively and the shade temperature should be above 23-24c. In cases where these weed types are not visible but their presence in the soil is nonetheless suspected, the ground has to be watered thoroughly in order to encourage their growth, so that they can be sprayed. This is a laborious process taking up to 12 weeks if carried out properly. Also if you are planting in the winter, don’t be fooled by the non-appearance of these species. They grow actively in the summer and are dormant in the winter. Let’s look at each one separately then and see what can be done in the event of an infestation. Bindweed - Convolvulus arvensis Bindweed is a creeping plant, common to heavy, clay soils. Its roots can reach a depth of 2 meters and more. It is extremely invasive and can ruin a flower bed or a carpet of ground covers. It is also resilient to Roundup when that is applied on its own, but can be eradicated when the Roundup is mixed with the hormonal types of herbicide. This is a very dangerous procedure and must only be performed by a qualified person. If growing in a bed or border, then tall stakes should be inserted in the ground to encourage the bindweed to climb and “bind” its way up the stake. The plant can then be carefully painted with the appropriate weed killers. Bermuda grass - Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass is the source of many lawn varieties such as “Santa Anna,” which are commonly grown in hot climates. The wild species though, as a perennial grass can be a highly noxious weed. It is generally killed by Roundup if applied at the suitable concentration. If is growing in the flower bed, it can be sprayed by a selective herbicide, which damages plants belonging to the grass family, (Poaceae) without affecting species belonging to the other botanical families. From my experience, the selective weed killers only retard the perennial grasses for a season or two and do not eradicate them.
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