Are you trying to establish a lawn on hard dirt? This is not an impossible task. There are some essential tips in this article that will help you how to make grass grow on dirt.
Read on to address the challenges you may face, along with some helpful strategies that can ensure you successfully plant grass seed on dirt to grow a beautiful lawn you can be proud of.
Preparing and Fertilising the Soil
First, before growing grass, you need to prepare the dirt block so it is capable of supporting grass growth. The best process for this is as follows:
Step 1: Remove stones
Clear all large rocks or anything that can block your grass growth. It is important to create a blank canvas to give your grass the best chance at survival.
Step 2: Loosen the soil
Use an iron rake to loosen the soil and ensure it’s not compacted. This will also reveal any rocks under the surface which can also be removed as per step one.
Step 3: Create an even surface
Even out the surface, so there are no mounds of dirt. The idea is to get things as flat as possible to make sure you grow an even lawn.
Step 4: Compost
Spread some screened compost or topsoil and mix it with the soil using a rake.
Pro tip: A quick-release starter fertiliser can help your new grass seed develop strong roots.
Choosing the Right Grass Species
It is vital that you choose a grass seed suited to your region. To do this, consider the following factors:
- Your location and region for the grass blocks
- How the area will be used (lots of foot traffic/kids play area etc.)
- Your budget for grass plants
Consider the appearance and maintenance needs of the grass, along with how much sunlight and shade it will receive. The best option as an all-rounder is often any grass that performs well in clay soil, as it is inherently resilient and suitable for a multitude of conditions. It is also important to be aware of both cool and warm-season types of grass.
Cool-season grasses:
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Tall Fescue
Warm-season grasses:
- Bermuda Grass
- Centipede Grass
- Zoysia
Planting Grass
Your chosen products will offer instructions on laying fertiliser or grass seed first. Successful grass seed planting requires you to enhance the nutrients in the soil, which is why fertiliser is so important.
Often, you will spread starter fertiliser before the grass seed around the area’s perimeter. From there, it will be easier to fill everything else in.
- As you fertilise and seed, slightly overlap each pass to ensure no patch is missed.
- Use the backside of a rake to mix the soil and fertiliser and ensure an even spread.
- Add a 1/4 of an inch layer of compost over the grass seed and retain moisture.
Watering your Grass Correctly
The best time to water your new grass is mid-morning, so the soil can absorb moisture before the sun gets too hot. Then, when the seeds start to germinate, be sure to maintain moisture in the top two inches of soil.
Continue this until the grass reaches a height you can mow (roughly three inches). From here, water deeply twice a week. Infrequent deep soaking of approximately six to eight inches into the soil forces your seedlings to develop strong roots creating a lawn that can handle heat and drought.
How Amico’s team of lawn experts can help you
To ensure a healthy grass block that looks its best, speak to the gardening experts at Amico today. We’ve been plantain grass seed successfully for years and can identify exactly the best options to revitalise your dirt blocks.
We only use high-quality grass seed to ensure the best results and will run the required soil test to guarantee longevity from your new lawn. Speak with our team today and create the finest grass block on your block!
FAQ
Do you have some more questions about planting grass seed correctly? Check our helpful FAQ section below:
How do you turn dirt into the grass?
Turning dirt into grass requires you to plant grass seed around your potential lawn area. You’ll require some starter fertiliser to help enrich your lawn soil and the right amount of water to get your grass growing.
Can you grow grass on dirt?
Yes! Grass grows on dirt with the right treatment and fertiliser. You’ll also need to choose the right grass type for your conditions. The experts at Amico can help with all of this, and even perform the task for you.
Does grass grow through topsoil?
In most cases, grass can withstand a topsoil layer roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Spread it evenly over the lawn with a drop-spreader, or a shovel for the best results.
Can I sprinkle grass seed on the lawn to grow grass on the dirt?
While you can throw seed out into the lawn and see results, more in-depth grass maintenance will return better results. Seeds will sprout if just thrown on the surface but we recommend speaking to our professional team for a higher quality solution.
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