An important consideration when growing grass is first determining which grasses grow best in your area. Before purchasing grass seed or sod, discuss it with a lawn or landscaping expert or home improvement center representative. You might also want to visit a nursery or look up some information online, including the best times to plant grass for your region.
That brings us to the next consideration when growing grass: sod or seed? Laying sod will certainly give you a thick, green lawn in less time but growing grass seed is less costly and somewhat less labor intensive. For either process, you will generally need to remove the old grass, prepare the soil, and apply a fertilizer.
Start by breaking up or tilling the soil. Smooth it with a rake, removing any large rocks or clumps of dirt or old grass. Add fertilizer. Spread grass seed evenly with a spreader or begin laying sod. Rake a bit of soil over the seed or use a roller to secure sod.
For either method of growing grass, you will need to water the lawn regularly. You’ll want to water lightly for seed until it takes hold. Mist the grass seed but don’t soak it. When watering sod, be sure to give the outer edges a good drink.
Once you decide on the type of grass and the method you will use, another important tip for growing grass is to make sure your lawn does not have to compete with other growths for nutrition or hydration. One of the biggest competitors is crabgrass, especially if you are using grass seed. Thus eliminating or at least controlling crabgrass is essential. Many people prefer not to use herbicides, even the organic variety, so controlling this weed is often considered the best course of action.
One important tip that can help you control crabgrass naturally, without the use of herbicides, is to seed evenly and to reseed any bare spots right away. Crabgrass will take over anywhere it finds a foothold. Another aspect of growing grass is of course maintenance, and mowing properly is also important for the control of crabgrass.
Allow blades of grass to reach approximately 3” (7.62 centimeters) in length instead of cutting grass too short. This will shade crabgrass seeds, which will help prevent them from growing. Growing grass can be a lot of work, but simple tips like these can make it easier and help ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn.
