How to Grow Grass in Mostly Shady Areas

Test the pH level of your soil with a basic kit. A reading below 6.0 will require the addition of lime to the soil and a reading above 7.5 will require peat moss instead.

Till the soil with a gas-powered lawn tiller to a depth of 5 inches.

Spread 1 inch of sand and 1 inch of compost across the tilled soil, then till it again to incorporate the sand and compost.

Fill a drop spreader with lime and adjust the distributer setting to the level indicated on the packaging. Walk it across the perimeter of the soil, then make crosses back and forth over the soil to spread the lime evenly over the entire area. Only spread lime if the pH reading was below 6.0.

Spread peat moss across the soil in a 1-inch layer if the pH reading was above 7.5.

Fill the drop spreader with fertilizer and spread it over the soil evenly. Be sure to adjust the distributer settings on the spreader to the appropriate level as indicated on the packaging.

Rake the soil gently with a metal rake to incorporate all of the elements added to the soil.

Select a grass seed that is particularly suited for growing in the shade and pour it into the lawn spreader. Change the settings on the spreader as indicated on the grass seed package and spread it over the soil.

Gently rake the seed into the soil with the back of a plastic rake.

Water the grass once in the morning for 10 minutes, then once in the early evening for 10 minutes. Use this watering schedule for seven to 10 days until the grass begins to bud.

Water the grass for 20 minutes with an oscillating sprinkler daily. It is best to water the grass in the morning when grass is receiving sunlight. If you water in the evening, the chances for the growth of fungus increases.