How to Plant Grass Seeds for Shade

Grass does not require different planting techniques in shady areas than in sunny areas, but gardeners do need to be careful to choose a type of grass seed that grows in shade. The National Gardening Association recommends a mixture with lots of fine fescue grasses for shady areas in northern climates and St. Augustine grass for shady areas in warmer southern climates.

Organic matter, like compost or manure
Tiller
Rake
Water
Grass seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the soil for planting by tilling in some organic matter, like compost or manure. The University of Missouri explains that too much nitrogen fertilizer in shady grass areas may harm root growth. Instead, use a slower-releasing organic compost or manure, as recommended by the National Gardening Association. Till in approximately 6 inches of organic matter to a depth of at least 6 inches.
- 2
  Rake the soil to smooth out any large bumps, as recommended by the National Gardening Association. Raking also creates tiny ridges that can shelter the grass seeds from blowing away in winds.
- 3
  Moisten the soil. The National Gardening Association recommends planting grass seeds in soil that is damp but not overly saturated.
- 4
  Spread the grass seeds over the surface of the soil. Different types of grass require different seeding densities, so follow the directions that come with the specific grass seed mixture. The University of Illinois recommends between 3 and 5 lbs. of fine fescue grass seed per 1,000 square feet.
- 5
  Gently press grass seeds into the soil with the back of the rake to help prevent them from blowing away or washing away if it rains.
- 6
  Keep the grass seeds consistently damp for at least a week, as recommended by the National Gardening Association.

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