How to Grow Grass Under a Deck

Choose the proper seeds for a shaded area. Some grasses do not grow well in shade, while others do. Select a seed that prefers to avoid the intense heat of the sun, such as fescue and rye. A mixture of several shade varieties is considered the best option, so you have a better chance at overall growth and survival of the grass.

Till the soil under the deck. Push the tiller in rows over the soil to break up the dirt. If the soil isn't well draining, add 3 or 4 inches of compost and topsoil, and till it to a depth of 6 inches. If the soil is rich, till just a couple of inches down. Rake the soil smooth when done.

Cast seed by hand under the deck. It's a small space, and there is no need to drag out a seed spreader. You want about 16 or so seeds per square inch, enough to cover the soil, but not overlap each other.

Rake the soil gently to mix the seeds with the soil near the top.

Scatter a light layer of hay over the top of the soil to keep seeds and soil from washing away in irrigation or rain.

Water the soil to a depth of 2 or 3 inches. Water every other day until grass starts to grow, then water once every week to 10 days. The new grass will not need as much water as the rest of the lawn, since it is shaded most of the day.