If they screen out all light, mulches can be used to control common purslane in ornamental plantings, orchards, vineyards, vegetable crops, and gardens. To be effective, organic mulches should be at least 3 inches thick. Synthetic mulches, which screen out light and provide a physical barrier to seedling development, also work well. Combinations of physical barriers with organic or rock mulches on top are commonly used in ornamental plantings. Soil solarization, the practice of covering moist soil with a clear plastic sheet for 5 to 6 weeks during summer, can kill common purslane and its seed.
Solarization is done before gardens and ornamental areas are planted.
To work it should be done during summer months when heat and light intensity are highest. Do not disturb the soil or cultivate after solarization as weed seed from deeper layers of the soil may be brought to the surface for germination. It eats the leaves of common purslane, leaving the plants low in vigor and with little photosynthetic area. Common purslane plants that have been attacked by the purslane sawfly produce fewer seed and are much less competitive with garden and crop plants. Unfortunately, the purslane sawfly attacks common purslane too late in the season.