Lawn

[Jen]

Hello,

I want to grow some grass in bare spots, and wonder what the general consensus is.

I see along the highway, they through down straw or hay, and soon there is grass growing. Is this a special type of covering? Is there anything else I need to do or do I just throw this stuff down and wait?

[Robert Allison]

That is a special matting and probably not good for your particular application. See here:

Your best bet is to talk to a garden supply center and purchase some squares of whatever type grass grows well in the area you want to plant. Prepare the soil as directed then place the mats. Instant grass.

[xrongor]

why dont you read what it says on the bag of lawn seed. i bet they got some ideas.

randy

[Norminn]

Straw, not hay :o) I'm a city kid, and it took a long time to figure out the difference :o) A light covering of straw is used to keep grass seed from blowing or washing away before it germinates. Too heavy a layer of straw and the seed won't grow.

Some bare spots - that would by 1' x 1'? Half acre? Shady? Sunny? Clay? Sand?

If you have the time, and it is only small spots, you can probably reseed any time. If considerable size, think about sod late in year. Rake and level. Treat lawn for weeds before seed/sod if weeds are heavy. Keep mowed at right height.

[Hopkins]

I've had good luck with those bags of lawn patch at the home centers, but if the spots are big you may want to try something more economical.

[Joseph Meehan]

You can use a special seed mix that includes stuff like the spray stuff you have seen. Be careful about straw or hay as it is likely to have enough weed seeds in it to make you sorry you used it. I have seen mats that would work. Frankly I just scratch the surface with a rake an let it go at that.

This is not the best time of year to do it. The best time to seed is the fall of the year. It gets started in the fall and then the roots have a chance to grow all fall and even in the winter and by spring it is ready to take over. Most grasses like cool weather. (note: this advice is based on mid zone areas. If you are in a hot or very cold area the advice above may not be applicable.)

[David Martel]

Jen,

The local ag extension office usually has a master gardener who has info on what will work in your area on your soils. He will be happy to send you lots of info and answer your questions. Call your county gov. information line.

Dave M.

[BocesLib]

Soften up the area you want to have grass on by using a rake or something.

Put in good quality seeds, and water every day. You'll see little pieces of grass growing in a few days.

Tom