Hey everyone, I need some serious help. We just moved into a new place, and the backyard was completely overrun with weeds. We went through the effort of tilling the soil, pulling out all the weeds, and seeding with grass. Now, I've got baby grass sprouting up, but so much purslane is taking over that it's impossible to manage. When I try to pull the purslane out, it either pulls out the grass or just breaks off and continues to spread. I'm feeling really frustrated and don't know what to do. And please, no suggestions about eating it. That's not the solution I'm looking for!
3 Answers
It sounds like the purslane is deeply embedded because when you tilled, it got mixed into the soil, allowing it to sprout everywhere. Plus, it seeds incredibly fast. If it’s as bad as you say, you might need to take drastic measures like a total kill-off with something like Roundup. It sounds extreme, but sometimes starting fresh and managing it properly later is the best way. You could also try using pre-emergent herbicides to stop it from sprouting in the spring. Just be mindful that it can wait in the soil, so being proactive is key!
Honestly, there's no need to stress about having the perfect lawn. It can feel overwhelming, but focusing on making it functional might be better than stressing over aesthetics. Plus, grass is natural, and it might take time to get it looking good. Just a suggestion!
I get what you're saying, but my yard is literally all mud with purslane! Totally not ideal.
Consider aerating your lawn and adding a heavier mix of quality soil—something like a blend of black earth, peat, and compost, but less sand. After that, reseed your lawn and keep it well watered. Let the grass grow a bit longer too and use some fertilizer in the proper seasons. It will take some time, but it should help crowd out the purslane.
Yeah, I think I might have to cut my losses and just go for a total wipeout in some spots.