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How to Grow Grass in a Weeded Area

Growing grass in a weedy area requires the complete removal of the weeds prior to planting for any chance at success. While a chemical weed killer can ease the task significantly, there is a period of time needed after use for the soil to recover sufficiently to serve as a seed bed. In addition, some chemicals may linger, making the area dangerous for pets or small children. Clearing the area by hand may take longer, but if done properly you'll be able to plant with confidence, transforming a weeded area to lush lawn in a matter of months.

Things You'll Need

  • Work gloves
  • Garden spade
  • Rake
  • Spade
  • Compost
  • Top soil
  • Grass seed
  • Seed spreader
  • Seedless straw
  • Water hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair of work gloves to avoid injury. Remove the weeds from the area by grasping them at the base of the plant and pulling them upwards. Make sure you pull the roots of the weeds from the soil as well to prevent the weeds from growing back. Use a garden spade to assist you in removing the weeds if you cannot gain a good grip onto the plant stem, or in case the roots prove difficult.

    • 2

      Remove any stones, branches or other debris from the area with a rake.

    • 3

      Turn the soil over using a spade then wait about a month for any remaining weeds to take root and begin growing again. Repeat the clearing process, and then turn the soil a second time. Wait a second month and repeat. This will rid you of the weeds in the area without the need for chemical assistance.

    • 4

      Add any soil amendments necessary to create a fertile soil bed for the grass seed. Add a mix of compost and topsoil to sandy or clay soil to increase the amount of organic material present. Till the mix into the soil until you have a rich sandy loam mix that crumbles easily in your hands.

    • 5

      Purchase a grass seed type that's appropriate for your area from a garden center. Ask the garden center experts for advice on the best growing seed for your region's soil type and environment.

    • 6

      Spread grass seed over the area using a wheeled seed spreader to distribute the seed evenly. Fill the hopper of the spreader with the seed, and then roll it over the ground in rows, springing the seed from the spreader over the soil. Overlap the rows by one half to ensure that you not only achieve complete coverage, but slightly overseed the area to ensure enough seed germinates to provide a lush lawn.

    • 7

      Spread a thin layer of seedless straw over the area to keep the seeds moist as they germinate.

    • 8

      Water the area once a day using a water hose for the first two weeks after seeding until you begin to see the first signs of grass. After the appearance of the grass blades, begin watering your lawn regularly, following the watering recommendations found on your particular grass seed package.