How to Grow a Lawn With Sandy Soil

A healthy, green lawn is the goal of many homeowners. It often proves to be an elusive one, however, as many people struggle to keep their grass thick and green. One of the major reasons for this is poor soil preparation prior to planting the lawn, and a common problem with soil is that it is too sandy to support healthy grass. Sandy soil allows water and nutrients to drain away much too quickly. If you want to grow a lawn in an area that has sandy soil, you will first need to take some soil fortifying measures.

Organic matter (e.g.,peat moss, composted leaves)
Top soil
Drop spreader
Lawn starter fertilizer
Rototiller
Rake
Roller
Grass seed
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Work to improve the condition of sandy soil by adding organic matter such as mulch, peat moss, manure and composted leaves to it.
- 2
  Add a quality top soil to the existing sandy soil to provide additional structure and nutrients. Buy your top soil from a reputable source, and ask questions about weed content. See what you are buying, and inspect the load when it arrives.
- 3
  Apply a lawn starter fertilizer to the sandy soil with a drop spreader before planting. Sandy soils are notoriously low in nutrients, and your grass will need this kick-start.
- 4
  Till all these amendments into the soil to a depth of 6 inches using a rototiller. Make multiple passes over the area to work them in well.
- 5
  Plant a type of grass that can handle sandy soil conditions. St. Augustine grass, tall fescue and red fescue are good choices.
- 6
  Rake the soil level and water it well. Use a roller to lightly compact the soil, then spread the grass seed at the rate prescribed on the seed packaging.
- 7
  Cover the seed with about 1/8 inch of mulch and wet down the entire area thoroughly. Keep the seed consistently damp until germination.
- 8
  Fertilize the grass once it matures and then regularly thereafter. Water the grass deeply a few times a week in the mornings rather than a little every day.

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