How to Plant Grass Seeds in Sand
Planting grass seeds in sand can be a real challenge because the only thing sand has going for it in terms of planting is good drainage. Sand is notoriously devoid of nutrients and also isn't firm enough to give grass roots a secure footing. Fortunately, a little preparation can make even the sandiest patch of ground into a lush, green lawn.
Rake the sandy patch of ground and get rid of all debris, such as rocks, roots and dead plants. Rake as deep as you can; the optimum depth for properly cultivating your growing area is 6 inches. If you run into clay, use the shovel to break it up so you can achieve your 6-inch depth.
Dump in peat moss and organic matter and blend thoroughly with the sand. The end result should be a layer of cultivated soil, 6 inches deep, that is no more than 50 percent sand.
- Planting grass seeds in sand can be a real challenge because the only thing sand has going for it in terms of planting is good drainage.
- Rake the sandy patch of ground and get rid of all debris, such as rocks, roots and dead plants.
Water thoroughly and let sit overnight.
Add fertlizer, but use it sparingly–no more than 2 or 3 pounds for every 100 square feet. Too much fertilizer can burn the grass seedlings.
Water again, and let sit overnight.
Rake the surface and plant the grass seed, using about 5 pounds of grass seed for every 1,000 square feet of ground. Use a seeder to ensure proper seed distribution.
Rake again to get the seeds settled into the soil and then roll with a weighted roller to secure the seeds.
- Water thoroughly and let sit overnight.
- Rake the surface and plant the grass seed, using about 5 pounds of grass seed for every 1,000 square feet of ground.
Water lightly with a very gentle stream or even mist. You don't want to wash the newly planted grass seeds away.
Plant Grass Seed In The Rain
Water is a critical step anytime you plant new grass seed. Although a garden hose or sprinkler is usually used to water the area for planting, there is no reason why you can't wait until it rains. Mix the contents of the bucket thoroughly with a trowel or garden spade. The sand will weigh down the grass seed so that it does not wash away in the rain. Pour the sand and seed mixture into a seed spreader and set the rate of the spreader dial to the application rate specified on the grass seed package. Walk along the entire length of the lawn and turn around when you reach the end. Rake the entire surface of the grass lightly to cover the grass seeds with soil. Keep the ground constantly moist until the seeds germinate after planting.
- Water lightly with a very gentle stream or even mist.
- Keep the ground constantly moist until the seeds germinate after planting.
Tip
After planting, water daily until grass sprouts.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- After planting, water daily until grass sprouts.
Writer Bio
Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
