Getting Rid Of Purslane In Vegetable Garden

Question

Over the past 5 years purslane had been taking over our vegetable garden. We are sacrificing part of our garden this year by covering it with tarp in hopes to choke/burn out the purslane. However, we don’t have enough tarp to cover the entire garden. What I’m wondering is can we spray the open part of garden with horticultural vinegar to hopefully kill off that area and if so, how long after spraying the soil until we can plant our vegetables, probably sweet corn, beets, maybe pole beans. Purslane is like a monster weed to control. Last year it choaked out all our carrots and beets and most of our onions. However, it is great as a salad with balsamic vinegar when it’s still ‘baby’ stage. Thanks for your help. 

Answer 1

I've included information about controlling purslane and using vinegar. The downside to vinegar is it won't kill the roots, so the problem will likely persist. The upside is it breaks down quickly in the environment, so you can plant within days after using.

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7461.html?src=302-www&fr=4630

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-manage-three-common-weeds-vegetable-garden

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/purslane-control.htm

https://www.npic.orst.edu/faq/vinegar.html

https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/conquer-weeds-with-vinegar/