Expert: C.L. Fornari - 8/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: What is the care instructions on the palnt named PURSLANE?  Is it a shade plant or will it tolerate full sun and how to water it

ANSWER: Lana,
Purslane is a type of Portulaca. You'll want to plant it in full sun. It will need watering every two or three days while its roots get established, but after that they are very drought tolerant. Don't put them where they will get hit frequently with a sprinkler - this plant likes it on the dry side!

The flowers are only open during the day, so place this annual where you will see it in the daytime.

I hope this helps,
C.L.

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QUESTION: I would also like your advise on a chemical you can spray on flowerbeds to kill grass and weeds but will not harm the plants themselves

Answer
Lana,
I'm not clear if you're looking for such a product or have found/seen one and want to know how it works. I don't know of a product that kills existing weeds but not the other plants in a perennial/annual garden. Most herbicides you spray on kill everything they touch. There are pre-emergent products such as Preen that prevent weed seeds from germinating - you have to apply them in the spring when the soil is about 50 degrees, and you have to be REALLY CAREFUL to apply at the rates given because too much will stunt plants. There are also listings on the labels of plants you can't use the product on.

There is a product called "Over the Top" that is supposed to kill grasses but not the plants - I have not used it myself, so I don't know if it works well or not. Again, however, I would follow the instructions on the label to the letter and know that with such products more is not better.

Personally, I have found that mulching and hand pulling is the best way to control weeds. I do it at 5:30 AM to avoid the heat - it's initially hard to get out of bed that early, but once I'm outside I see that it's a magical time to be in the garden. I've come to see my weeds as a gift: nothing else would get me to be so "up close and personal" with my garden and plants.

I hope this helps,
C.L.