Can You Plant Grass Seed on Clay Dirt?

Significance

• Clay soils become very compacted when people walk on them or work with them while they are too wet, according to the University of California at Davis. The soil then does not allow water to drain through it much. Although gardeners can plant grass seed on clay soil, it will grow into a healthier lawn if the soil first receives amendments to make it less compacted.

Prevention/Solution

• To improve the texture of clay soil, the University of California at Davis and Colorado State University suggest adding organic matter to the soil before planting. Plant material, like compost, and organic manure both help improve clay soils. Better Homes and Gardens also suggests tilling clay soil before planting a lawn.

Planting

• To plant grass on clay dirt, sprinkle a layer of grass seed on top of the dirt surface. Keep the new seed or sod moist, but do not over water it so that it sits in puddles of water. Texas A&M University explains that Bermudagrass tolerates clay soils in warm climates, so gardeners in warm areas should choose a seed mixture that contains some Bermudagrass. North Dakota State University recommends canarygrass for gardeners in cool climates with poor soil drainage.