Need help controlling purslane germinating after seeding new lawn

Question

I recently reworked a small section of my lawn (200 sqft). This work included solarization, tilling in some compost, rolling flat, spreading seed, top dressing with compost and rolling again. With the help of a water timer, I've been keeping the area moist for the last 2 weeks, to allow for germination. The grass germination seems to be pretty good, not great, but ok. However, this has also allowed weed seeds to also germinate. The most prevalent and the most worrisome is purslane. There are purslane seedlings everywhere! In some sense, this is not surprising as I've been battling purslane weeds in my yard all year and it's all over the neighborhood. But, it's kind of demoralizing. I know that this weed can easily overpower grass seedlings and ruin my chances of success.

At this point, what can I do to control the purslane but allow the grass to grow? I'd prefer the least toxic option possible, but I realize that I might not have many options.

Answer 1

Once the grass does get established, I don't think purslane will germinate there anymore (unless you remove your lawn some day, since the seeds can last a long time). I would just pull them meticulously for now (or hire someone else to do it). It's a whole lot easier when the weeds are tiny, though. They can grow back fast (like the next day fast) when they're older if you don't get all the roots. Pulling may be an everyday task for a good long time, though. If you can you put more grass seed down in patches the purslane was in, after it's gone, that might work out.