How to Plant a Lawn in Clay Soil

Clay soils are often nutrient rich, but their dense texture provides poor drainage and little aeration for lawns. Grass will grow in clay soils with some amendments to the soil, and proper soil preparation and planting techniques. The National Gardening Association recommends fine fescues, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass for cooler northern climates. It suggests Bermuda grass, centipedegrass, St. Augustine grass and zoysiagrass for warmer southern climates.

Organic matter, such as peat
Tiller
Water
Rake
Grass seed

Instructions

- 1
  Weed the lawn space before planting to eliminate competitors for water and soil nutrients.
- 2
  Prepare the soil by tilling a layer of organic matter into it. The National Gardening Association recommends tilling to a depth of at least 6 inches, but ideally to a depth of 8 to 12 inches.
- 3
  Ensure the soil is damp but not overly soaked, since grass seeds need moisture to grow but do not like to sit in too much water.
- 4
  Rake the planting area to smooth out any large bumps. Raking also creates tiny ridges, which grass seeds can nestle into to avoid being blown away by the wind.
- 5
  Sprinkle a layer of grass seed on top of the soil. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture suggests that the most important part during planting is to scatter the grass seeds evenly over the surface of the ground.
- 6
  Press the grass seeds lightly into the ground with the back of the rake to help them stay put during strong winds.
- 7
  Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not overly saturated.

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