How to Start a New Lawn in Virginia Clay Soil

Turf grass lawns are simple and classic in home landscapes, but require some specific preparation. In Virginia's United States Department of Agriculture growing zones 5 to 8, where winters range from harsh to relatively mild, the best choices are hardy grasses like centipede grass, Bermuda grass and bentgrass. These grasses grow shallow root systems, and can thrive in clay soil if you provide the appropriate amendments. If you're starting a Virginia lawn, wait for the last frost to pass, choose the appropriate cultivar and amend your soil for grass-growing success.

Quick-draining soil/topsoil
Rake
Seed spreader
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Start your lawn planting in spring, when the ground thaws and night time temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing will range from mid-April in Norfolk to late May in Lexington.
- 2
  Prepare the soil. Rake the site to turn up the top 3 inches of clay and even out the planting foundation. Remove rocks, sticks and weeds, then mix 1 inch of quick-draining soil or topsoil into your clay to loosen it. Broadcast starter fertilizer across the entire site.
- 3
  Fill a grass seed spreader with Virginia-friendly cultivars like Bermuda, centipedegrass or zoysiagrass, or opt for cool-season grasses like bentgrass, tall fescue, perennial rye grass or bluegrass.
- 4
  Walk the site to broadcast the grass seed at a rate of 10 to 15 seeds per square inch. Walk in one direction and then back to ensure good coverage.
- 5
  Rake the site to work the seed into the soil, then cover with another 1/4 inch of topsoil or quick-draining soil to keep the seed moist and in place.
- 6
  Water the site with enough water to moisten the top 2 inches of soil.

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