I like the little wire cages to keep the critters off. I use crushed eggshells around mine when I plant them. It seems to keep the slugs off. I just used the Agricultural Vinegar all around my gardens two days ago. I have so many weeds that I would never get them all. So far, most died, and I topped them with a thick layer of mulch. Next year, I am going to look into getting Preen for the beds that don't have vegetables to help stop the seeds from germinating.
I am getting desperate to get rid of the bindweed. However, it is so well-established by now, I suspect that's a hopeless cause. I was hoping the cover crop of clover would deter the bindweed, but it just merrily climbs up the clover. I am glad to hear the agricultural vinegar kills some weeds, at least! Bindweed seems to be in a special category of toughness.
I'm going to have to look up what bindweed is. I wouldn't know what to look for. Yikes! I hope you can get it under control, as it sounds nasty.
Okay, I looked it up, and I can see why you can't get rid of it. You have to broadfork it deep to get all the roots. It did say you could apply glyphosate to the bindweed in the fall when the bindweed is actively growing. And, use Preen in early spring to keep the seeds at bay. Sounds like a lot of digging for you.
I refuse to use glyphosate in my garden, so that's not an option. But I just found another article online that suggests cutting it off (repeatedly) at the ground. That's supposed to eventually discourage it. I think I will try that next.
I don't blame you for the glyphosate; I wouldn't want to use it either. I hope it works for you, giving it frequent haircuts.
P.S. And I like the eggshells idea! I'll need to start saving them next winter.