If you have a dry yard, you might be wondering how to plant grass seed on hard dirt. It’s not impossible to plant grass seed on hard dirt, but there are a few steps you must go through before you can plant grass seed on hard dirt. We’ll explain those in this article.
Step 1: Do a Soil Test
Test your soil content. Some lawns have hard dirt because of clay. The test will also tell you how organic your soil is, or if the lawn was a gravel driveway. Growing grass in unfamiliar soil is hard.
Step 2: Core Aerate the Existing Lawn Soil
Dirt becomes hard without air pockets. Perhaps glaciers squished them out, or a car drove over them. Soil without air pockets lacks minerals, air, and water. It should have some void space for air and water. Grasses need direct air and water access.
Add void space with a core aerator. It removes dirt plugs and leaves tiny holes. Most homeowners can rent this lawnmower sized tool for half a day. Usually, compacted residential lawns benefit from core aeration. Air voids let grass roots thrive. They also help the grass survive dry spells.
After aeration, apply an inch of bulk compost on the lawn with a wheelbarrow and rake. Organic matter increases on the soil surface and in the core aerator’s holes.
Now is a good time to seed. Core aeration takes several years to show results. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s relatively cheap and easy.
Step 3: Till Organic Matter into the Lawn Soil
What if the dirt still won’t grow grass? Core aeration and compost top dressings are sometimes not enough to create the well-draining soil grass requires. Clay soils are especially hard to grow grass in. It may grow, but it won’t flourish. You’ll always have weeds, bald spots, and puddles.
If the future lawn area is open, you can loosen and improve the existing clay dirt. Just use a rototiller to dig up the top few inches of soil and add organic matter.
Tilling organic matter into the soil can be a bit drastic, especially with a machine, but works. Some places till in leaves or composted manure. It’s hard work, but organic matter holds air in the soil.
Tilling also exposes weed seeds. Level out grass seed before you plant it. To remove lumps and bumps, level the soil a few times before and after winter.
Step 4: Bring in Good Topsoil
Bring in high-quality lawn topsoil as a last resort. Just place it on top of existing soil. Since you know the product, you’ll know it drains well, contains organic matter, and has many air voids in the root zone.
When we say good topsoil, we mean real soil dug out of the ground. It shouldn’t come from sprayed areas. There is also “manufactured topsoil”, which is composted manure mixed with sand, sawdust, and wood chips. Find your local OMRI-listed topsoil supplier.
Buying Good Soil to Cover Up Hard Dirt
Before buying topsoil, measure your yard. Also, make your property grade can be changed. A small area may be enough.
Will Grass Grow Through Topsoil?
A healthy established plant can grow through two to three inches of topsoil. Grass grows through a thin layer of topsoil placed on an old lawn. Some weeds and grass will survive the topsoil blanket and emerge.
Therefore, remove weeds from an old lawn before adding topsoil. If you’re renovating your lawn and reading an article about how to grow grass on hard dirt, you probably have weeds. Pull them out before placing the new topsoil.
Does Grass Grow in Fill Dirt?
Grass grows in fill dirt, however, it doesn’t have as many nutrients as topsoil. Turf grass grows in fill dirt but generally won’t thrive.
Since fill comes from underground, it shouldn’t contain organics. It’s great for filling in low spots, but it doesn’t have decomposed matter like topsoil.
To plant grass on fill, work organic matter into it first. Add a few inches of homemade compost or topsoil to loose, uncompacted fill.
Can You Just Sprinkle Grass Seed on the Lawn?
It’s common to sprinkle grass seed on the lawn. Some seeds grow, but most won’t. This is how grass grows in nature; not all seeds become grass.
When you’ve purchased high-quality grass seed, give each seed the best chance at life. Purchased seeds have been grown, harvested, cleaned, packaged, and shipped. Prepare the soil properly.
Even if you’re pressed for time, cover your grass seeds with soil. They have a hard time growing when entangled in grasses, weeds, or thatch.
Take Some Tips from the Pros
The USGA golf course green construction manual explains lawn dirt. They grow grass carefully, right down to the gravel drainage blankets and the soil particle size distribution. This manual is an excellent soil-building resource for your lawn.
Planting Grass Seed in the Improved Soil
Once your soil is loose, you can plant grass seeds. Start with high-quality grass seed. Don’t skimp here. Find a local store with knowledgeable staff and get a nice mix.
If you have grass seed, make sure it has contact with the soil. Follow the bag instructions, which usually call for raking in or sprinkling soil over the seed. Each grass seed needs to be covered in soil.
Water Grass Seed Well During Lawn Germination
Keeping it moist is the key. Make sure it doesn’t dry out, but a mucky mess is also bad. It’s worth the time and attention – soon the seed will establish itself and won’t need constant attention.
Because grass seed grows best with consistent moisture, the best time to plant grass seed is in late spring (after the ground has warmed up) or early fall (once summer is over). You’re also less likely to get a surprise watering restriction.
That’s how to plant grass seed on hard dirt. It can be a long process, but the results are worth it in the end.