Planting grass in clay

tickle · Aug 31, 2007, 09:49 AM

Zoysia is quite a hardy grass, a creeping variety, but if you have bad winters I wouldn't recommend using this grass seed it will not survive cold winters. As for the clay, I would recommend sand to break it up and quite possibly a lot of compost mixed in as well, but this would require rototilling.

lyndal · Aug 31, 2007, 10:03 AM

My understanding is that sand causes the soil to hold water like the clay does. What do you classify as cold? We're SE of Terre Haute, Indiana and the winters aren't real cold. Thanks!

esquire1 · Aug 31, 2007, 10:45 AM

I've lived in that area and the winters are considered long and hard. I would advise like tickle and work the soil up and mix in a compost and try planting rye or bluegrass. Preparing the soil is the key here

tickle · Aug 31, 2007, 01:32 PM

Sorry above, should have read 'that you CAN plant a good hardy grass'. Further advise though is, the more compost you work into the clay is breaking down the strata to accept a good base and then the grass will create its own base faster. I would suggest introducing some worms too (with the compost). What worms do is highly under rated and good gardeners know there is none better to create more compost and good topsoil in the bargain.

CaptainRich · Aug 31, 2007, 01:47 PM

In Florida, I've used Rye grass to cover exposed dirt until the grass, St. Augustine, that was damaged due to construction came back. And it worked well in the "winter" we encounter. It doesn't hold up to heat: at or above 80-85*F it dies back. The benefit is the remaining root structure allows the natural St. Aug runners a place to hold.

RubyPitbull · Aug 31, 2007, 04:39 PM

Aside from all the good advice you have received here, you may want to look into planting Conservation Grass. Although I don't live in your area, I had the same situation with clay, along with very rocky soil. Conservation grass is the stuff the highway depts use along the major roadways. It is relatively inexpensive, grows very fast, and takes to whatever soil is available. But, be forewarned, it isn't just grass. It is a mixture of pasture grasses, alfalfa, clover, and other grasses that are easy to grow. If you are good about mowing your lawn, no one will really be able to tell. But, if you aren't on top of it, it can take on a bit of a weedy look when it gets too long.

lyndal · Sep 3, 2007, 06:00 AM

I really appreciate all of the good advice given. I'm not sure what I'll do other than try to add some compost and perhaps work one area at time - I don't want to till up an acre and start all over - too many other irons in the fire. We'll probably continue on with the rye grass and eventually have a nice lawn. Any other comments on using sand to break down the soil? I have about 4 tons of sand I was going to use for a patio but changed my mind. Thanks!

sholley0722 · Mar 2, 2008, 12:23 PM

When to plant rye grass, When to plant fescue, Will either do for clay rocky (slope) soil in USDA zone of 7?

tweedg · Mar 4, 2008, 05:03 AM

I live in Michigan with 1 acre of solid clay. I just loosened up the top by dragging a pallet behind my tractor. Then threw down Tall Fescus seed. I didn't even fertilize. It took two years but now I have a beautiful lawn. Best part is that I don,t even water it unless it gets very dry, maybe ten times a year. I live in a sub where most have sprinklers running all summer long.

Planting grass in clay

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