Garden overrun with invasive weeds - Ask Extension
I have three types of invasive weeds that have infiltrated a wire fenced-in flower garden- creeping Charlie, spearmint and hedge bindweed. They are ou...
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Garden overrun with invasive weeds #945036
Asked September 14, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT
I have three types of invasive weeds that have infiltrated a wire fenced-in flower garden- creeping Charlie, spearmint and hedge bindweed. They are out of control and I’ve used Fertilome on the outer perimeter to keep the weeds out of the nearby forest
This 20 x 30 fenced in garden is full of perennials, of which I’ve taken divisions and grown in a “quarantine garden“ to preserve them. I wonder if there’s anything I can do beyond trying to use a chemical to kill the entire garden. Last resort. I would like to keep the soil as chemically free as possible. Would you have any recommendations of how to manage this problem without killing all the plants? if I do have to kill the entire area, I hope to eventually slowly add back small areas for growing and monitor closely for weeds.
My local Master Gardener hotline expert was contacted and explained how difficult it is to control creeping Charlie. A portion of the garden has been experimentally covered with thick newspaper, cardboard and landscape cloth but the creeping Charlie is now growing through and the spearmint is coming up along the edges and in any debris. Been a great flower garden for all pollinators so I am hesitant to use chemicals, but I do not want to infect the local forest. Are there any chemicals that would work without leaving a harmful residue, preventing any food crop in the future? Long question and thank you in advance.
Crow Wing CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
You could try solarization. It can substantially reduce surface weeds, creeping Charlie, mint runners near the surface, and weed seeds, but it is unlikely to eradicate established bindweed on its own. You can also work the original garden in small sections by digging out mint rhizomes and as much bindweed root as possible, repeatedly pulling creeping Charlie and cutting every bindweed shoot before it can replenish its roots or flower. Avoid rototilling and landscape fabric. If this doesn't work, use a glyphosate-only product very carefully. Paint it onto exposed bindweed or mint leaves. This is a tough project, we know. Good luck. Here is more information: