How to Germinate Grass Seeds in Sandy Soil

Growing Bahia

• 1

  Dig ten 3- to 4-inch holes in the yard. Collect a 1/2 cup of soil from each hole and mix in a bucket. Mail a 1/2 cup of soil to your local cooperative extension office for a soil pH test. Bahia grass seed cannot grow in a soil pH outside of 4.0. to 6.5. Wait three to four weeks for the results. Amend soil that is under 4.0 with lime or spread sulfur for soil that is over 6.5.

• 2

  Till the lawn area to break up any clumps. Grass seed has problems growing roots in compacted soil. Pour a starter fertilizer into a drop spreader. Starter fertilizer is high in phosphorous for helping grass seed develop strong root systems. Use a starter fertilizer that has a NPK amount such as 5-10-5 at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

• 3

  Push the drop spreader back and forth across the lawn. Work the starter fertilizer into the first 2 to 3 inches of sandy soil. Water the area.

• 4

  Pour half of the amount of grass seed you intend to use in a drop spreader. Bahia grass is distributed at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Push the drop spreader vertically over the lawn. Add the rest of the grass seed and apply horizontally to achieve even coverage.

• 5

  Rake 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of compost over the bahia seed to keep the seeds moist for germination. Water the lawn area to moisten the soil. Keep the grass seed moist by watering three to four times a day until you see seedlings. Generally, it takes bahia grass 30 to 50 days for 50 to 60 percent of the grass seed to germinate.

Amending Sandy Soil

• 6

  Spread 1 inch of heavier soil over the top of the yard. A heavier soil type includes silt or clay. Work the heavier soil into the first 4 inches of sand.

• 7

  Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic material such as compost over the top of the soil. Compost adds nutrients in the infertile sandy soil. Till the compost, sand and heavier soil together.

• 8

  Smooth the surface of the soil with the back of a rake to prevent any uneven areas.