what can i do to hard, dry, clay dirt before seeding my lawn?

Question

this is a completely bare, 40ft x 120ft lot. not looking to put a lot of money into it. added 30 yrds to stop flooding.

hoping to get this done this summer, pool going in soon.

Answer 1

I copied this from the 'Oregonian' newspaper.
John Caine, landscape designer for Joy Creek, uses this to renovate clay soil for lawns.

1. Mow the grass short.
2. Spread one inch of crushed 1⁄4-10 gravel over the entire lawn surface. With a rake, work it into the grass and level it.
3. Spread one inch of compost mulch over the lawn surface and level it as well.
4. Top seed the lawn and rake it into the mulch.
5. Top fertilize with organic or slow-release fertilizer.
6. Water. Repeat watering as needed until the grass sprouts.
7. Mow when needed in approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

We have done this on our lawns for many years. Although the addition of gravel may seem counter-intuitive, it is an important ingredient. Do not worry about harming your lawn-mower. Once the grass grows out, you will not see the gravel. Over time, it will completely disappear into the soil.

By adding gravel on a yearly basis, we have been able to break up the clay-based soil underneath our lawn. Over time we have noticed that we have to water less often because our grass roots are growing deeper and getting moisture from a lower level during our hot summers.

We usually do this procedure in late winter or early spring.

Answer 2

Gypsum works wonders to soften clay soils. Adding organic material in the form of peat moss or compost will help also. We are getting into the hot summer months, not the best time to plant a lawn, but it's not impossible, either. If you could wait, plan to plant your grass in September as grass makes it's best growth in cooler weather.

Check out our website for more gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 3

You will need to till it 4-6 inches to loosen up the soil so the grass can take root. Add fertilizer & depending on how hot it is where you currenty are is to what type grass will want to plant. If temperature currently reaching 85 or higher will want plant warm season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia. A cool season grass will not germinate if temps too high.

Answer 4

Do a soil test to deterimine what you need to add for nutrients. Then rent a rear tine garden tiller and till up the soil good. I work for a landscape firm and the sod companys just come in and grade off the site and lay the sod without site prep. Not that that is the way to do it.

Answer 5

Rototill or break it up some other way. Add sand and fertilizer and mix well. When you reseed top it with a fine layer of mulch to hold water until it is started.

Answer 6

first thing to do is rake out soil (loosen) then add lime, then seed lightly rake in and cover with straw and water....it'll grow

Answer 7

till it, add topsoil, do a pH test and lyme or fertilize, there's tons you can do. what are you willing to spend?