5 Natural ways to get rid of purslane from your backyard

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a common weed that many gardeners find frustrating due to its ability to spread rapidly and take over garden beds and lawns. While some people appreciate purslane for its edible qualities and nutritional benefits, others see it as an unwelcome invader. If you’re looking to clear purslane from your backyard without resorting to chemical herbicides, here are five natural ways to get rid of it effectively.

1.Manual Removal
One of the most straightforward and effective ways to remove purslane is by pulling it out by hand. However, this method requires diligence, as purslane has a strong root system and can regenerate from small pieces left in the soil.

How to Do It:
Pulling: Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil around the purslane. Gently pull the plant out, ensuring you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. It’s best to do this after a rain or watering session when the soil is moist and easier to work with.
Dispose Properly: After pulling, do not compost the purslane as it can continue to grow. Instead, place it in a sealed bag and dispose of it in the trash.

Tip:
Remove purslane before it sets seeds, as the plant can produce thousands of seeds that remain viable in the soil for years.

2.Mulching
Mulching is an effective natural method to prevent purslane from taking over your garden. By covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch, you block sunlight, which is essential for purslane to grow and spread.

How to Do It:
Apply Mulch: Spread a thick layer (at least 2-3 inches) of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or leaves, over the areas where purslane tends to grow. This will prevent the seeds from germinating and discourage the growth of new plants.
Reapply as Needed: Keep an eye on the mulch and reapply as it decomposes or gets moved around, ensuring that the soil remains covered.

Tip:
In addition to organic mulch, you can also use landscape fabric beneath the mulch for an added barrier against purslane.

3.Boiling Water
Boiling water is a simple yet effective method for killing purslane and other weeds. The intense heat from the boiling water destroys the plant’s cells, effectively killing it without the need for chemicals.

How to Do It:
Boil Water: Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it directly onto the purslane, making sure to cover the entire plant, including the roots.
Repeat if Necessary: Some larger or more stubborn plants may require more than one application.

Tip:
Be cautious when using boiling water near desirable plants, as it can harm or kill them as well.

4.Smothering with Cardboard or Newspaper
Smothering is another effective method to get rid of purslane by cutting off its access to sunlight. This method works well for larger areas infested with purslane.

How to Do It:
Cover with Cardboard or Newspaper: Lay down sheets of cardboard or several layers of newspaper over the area where purslane is growing. Overlap the edges to ensure complete coverage.
Weigh Down: Use rocks, soil, or mulch to hold the cardboard or newspaper in place.
Wait: Leave the covering in place for several weeks to a few months. Without sunlight, the purslane will die off.

Tip:
After the purslane is dead, you can leave the cardboard or newspaper in place and cover it with mulch to prevent future weed growth.

5.Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a natural herbicide that can be used to kill purslane. The acetic acid in vinegar draws moisture out of the plant, leading to its death. This method is particularly effective on young purslane plants.

How to Do It:
Mix the Solution: Combine white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap (which helps the vinegar stick to the leaves) in a spray bottle.
Apply: Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the purslane, being careful to avoid desirable plants.
Reapply: Repeat the application every few days until the purslane is dead.

Tip:
Use a higher concentration of vinegar (such as horticultural vinegar) for more effective results, especially on mature plants.

While purslane can be a tenacious weed, these natural methods can help you effectively control and eliminate it from your backyard. Whether you choose to manually remove it, smother it with mulch, or use boiling water or vinegar, the key is to stay persistent and consistent in your efforts. By using these eco-friendly techniques, you can keep your garden healthy and free from unwanted purslane without resorting to harmful chemicals.