How to Plant Grass Seed in Clay
A healthy lawn adds curb appeal to your home and enjoyment to your time outdoors. If you've got heavy clay soil, though, planting grass seed can be a challenge. Seeds need good contact with the soil to germinate, and tender new roots need a more porous medium for proper development. With a few tools and some preparation, you can improve the soil and give your new lawn the best possible start. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare the existing soil surface. Remove rocks, twigs and weeds. Pull weeds rather than using herbicides, as these chemicals will kill your grass as well. Use a rototiller to loosen the top layer of soil. Do not till when the soil is wet. After tilling, rake the soil to level the surface. Fill any holes or low areas with topsoil.
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Test the soil for pH and nutrient content. Purchase a soil test kit or contact an extension service for soil testing. Most grasses grow best in soil with a pH of about 6.5, according to The GardenHelper.com, and require phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium for proper growth. Use test results to determine which additives are needed.
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Amend the soil. Add lime if the soil is too acidic or sulfur if it is too alkaline. Add one to two inches of organic matter such as compost to improve the heavy texture of clay soil. Apply a 5-10-5 starter fertilizer at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to the University of California, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This will provide the phosphorus needed during germination and the nitrogen required once seedlings begin to grow.
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Add enough loamy topsoil to cover the lawn to a depth of two inches. Use a tiller to work the new topsoil and additives into the existing clay soil. Combined with previous steps, this will allow six inches of healthy amended soil in which the new grass roots can grow, permitting the development of a stronger root system. Rake the soil surface so it is level, allowing a very gentle slope away from your house to ensure proper drainage.
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Choose the right seed for your location and conditions. Consider the available sunlight, moisture, average summer temperatures and the amount of foot traffic the lawn will have to tolerate. Using a seed spreader, sow the seed at the rate of about 15 to 20 seeds per square inch, unless the seed package carries other instructions. Use a rake to lightly work the seed into the top 1/8 inch of the soil.
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Nurture the seed. Frequent, light watering is required until the seeds germinate. Thereafter, water more heavily but less frequently. Your new lawn will require one inch of water per week while it becomes established.
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Tips & Warnings
Sow seed by criss-crossing the yard with your spreader. Spreading seed from multiple directions allows more even disbursement.
Purchase loamy topsoil from landscape suppliers. It's usually sold by the square yard.
Till only when the ground is relatively dry. Wet clay soil can't be easily worked and will clog the tiller.
