How to Grow Grass in Sand

Is it possible to grow grass in the sand? It all depends on the condition of the sand and the types of grass chosen. Most people living in beachfront homes (and other places with sandy soil) can successfully grow grass by adding some materials and choosing the right kind of grass to grow.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sand-tolerant grass
• Loamy soil
• Compost or organic matter
• Topsoil
• Crystal soil polymers
• Shovel
• Rake
• Water
• Boulders or rocks (optional)

1. Choose a variety of grass that can grow in sand, such as Sand Bluestem grass. This ornamental grass grows in large clumps and can survive sandy soil. Go to your local nursery and choose the best grasses for your region.

2. Amend your lawn by adding loamy soil. Lawn grasses need a fertile and well-drained soil that can hold moisture. Sand can only hold a small amount of water and nutrients, but if you add loamy soil, you should be able to plant grass of any kind.

3. Add compost or organic matter and topsoil into the sand. Mix the topsoil and organic matter into at least the top 4 inches of sand. The deeper you mix, the better the outcome.

4. Avoid using soil that is clayish in consistency. When mixed with sand, it may resemble concrete, making it impossible for grass to grow.

5. Add soil polymers or water-absorbing crystals to the soil mixture. These crystals can hold moisture that is later released when the temperature rises. They work well in most sandy soil locations.

6. Plant the grass deeper than usual in the soil mixture.

7. Add mulch to help hold in moisture.

8. Add boulders or rocks to the edge of a sloping sandy soil. Doing so can prevent erosion when there is a heavy downpour or when you are watering your grass.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid planting grass too close to the shore where it will be damaged by salt and the impact of the waves.

Resources

• Amending sandy soil