how to grow grass on clay soil uk

Raised beds and french drains are not an option at this time. After you spread your sulfur, wait eight weeks and check your pH again. We may earn a small commission through purchases made via some links on our website. Experts will tell you to dig in plenty of organic matter, which may be easier said than done. Higher numbers are alkaline. If the weeds were not taken care of in advance, they may start poking through the new lawn. When you do mow, let your clippings fall where they may. This will get your two soil types mixed up better. In dry periods, the hardened soil can crack. THIS TECHNIQUE ONLY WORKS ON SOME CLAY SOILS - TO FIND OUT IF THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING TEST: Any more than a one-point drop should be done in two applications spaced three months apart. Aerators remove plugs of dirt from the lawn and break up the soil, allowing grass roots to spread. Buy grasses for clay soils: Delivery by Crocus Click here for the latest information on COVID-19. Topdressing should give your lawn all of the extra nutrients it needs. Most grass seed will grow in various soil types. Soak that good layer of mixed clay and organic matter well. Rake it up, though. There are two ways to go about preparing your clay soil for laying the turf. Trees, shrubs (especially roses), climbers and many bulbs are easier to grow on clay soils than plants that require frequent sowing, planting or dividing; annuals or bedding plants, for example Planting woody plants on slight (25cm/10in) mounds can help avoid root damage from waterlogging I highly recommend using organic matter instead. Manually break up the clay in the planting hole, then plant and water in well. You need to know how high your soil's alkalinity is before you can adjust it. Hi, I'm Ed, and I've been doing lawn work since my mid teen years, picking up jobs here and there mowing and helping with basic landscaping projects. If the ground was not levelled well, it will be hard or impossible to obtain an even grass height when mowing. You want to slice them cleanly with the blade. I hope someone can give me a little hope. It doesn't let water drain easily, and it bakes solid when dry. When moist, these soils are sticky and unpleasant to cultivate, although not as intractable as a clay soil. The first is to incorporate sand into your soil to give it drainage. If this means you'll have to wait until tbe following year to actually plant seed, so be it. Continue to provide at least an inch of water per week. You can use a plug aerator for smaller areas. Clay soil is made up of tons of small particles that stick together, clinging to moisture. You need enough material to add a level one-quarter to one inch on top of your clay. What happens is the grass will grow roots into the new organic material that works its way to the top of the soil. Pricking, slitting or spiking. If you seeded in spring or summer, you should see quick growth within two or three weeks. To make grass grow in red clay soil, dig in organic matter to lighten the soil. Yearly testing is fine. If done right, laying turf on clay will bring a great outcome. They are difficult to work with, as well as their ineffective drainage creates moist lawns that encourage worms and weeds. The grass' roots will work to break up and loosen the clay soil below. Rake up the thatch, and add it to your compost pile or the organic matter you'll use to amend your clay. Clay soil is made up of tiny mineral particles with very little organic material to separate all those microscopic rocks. May 27, 2013 - Heavy clay, red or otherwise, is inhospitable to most plant life, but there are things that you can do to make sure that your property has a healthy green lawn. Follow the directions on the kit, and ship it to the state … It’s dense, does not drain well—unless it’s on a slope, and then everything runs off. With this project, it's best to get each step done right before moving on to the next. Compost or peat moss improve the texture of clay soil, allowing water to drain quickly and creating air spaces that help grass roots breathe and grow. If the topsoil was not good enough or the turf was not laid properly, the lawn can die within weeks. Do this between late spring and late summer. Growing it on a clay soil means that its even lower maintenance. It is possible, but there is some hard work and expense involved. If you've seeded in the beginning or middle of fall, which is the recommended time for most grasses, you'll see some slow growth throughout the cooler autumn and winter months. Make sure your lawn gets at least an inch of water every week. This blend is based on Meadow Fescue and Timothy which were traditionally used for grass production on cold, wet ground in areas such as West Wales. Share. Once you're sure that your soil is good and healthy, consider adding some earthworms to help keep your topsoil nice and loose. It takes too long to biodegrade above ground. It would be a good idea to topdress once during the first year. They don't break up the soil enough, and a compound in decomposing wood locks nitrogen in the soil. Normally a light tilling to break up the clay, apply some topsoil and grass seed on top, rake lightly so the seed is about 1/8 inch deep into the topsoil and cover 100% with hay and keep watering until you see new grass sprouting up. If it doesn't rain enough, you'll have to water. They will soon establish a self-sustaining population. Started appearing after 6 or 7 days and grew quickly. Don't mow until your new grass is a good three inches tall. It doesn't, however, mean you can't grow gorgeous plants anyway. The vigorous shrub Leycesteria formosa grows just about anywhere and succeeds well on clay, even on damp sites. It swallows it up. Blessings - clay is very nutrient-rich soil and when plants get established, they will be better off than in most other soils. To prepare clay soil for grass, incorporate organic material into the soil. 10 plants for clay soil: This can be done by installing a drainage system and capping the area with light top soil (50mm or more), or incorporating plenty of sand into your soil (80% of the resulting soil should be sand). Plant grass plugs by digging holes about 6 inches apart along the lawn area. And it's usually very alkaline. You can do the same. That's what you have now. Here is a list of grasses that grow well in clay: If your lawn currently consists of one of these, get the same kind of seed. Tips for better growth. These grass varieties help to work out the clay-loam soil throughout the year. As the years go on, your good layer of rich topsoil will get thicker and thicker. If you do, you need to get rid of as much of it as possible. Prior to choosing the turf for laying turf on clay, you may want to take a close look at the samples. If your soil is alkaline, and it almost certainly is, you'll need to spread some granulated sulfur. Sprinkle the soil with water to moisten the holes. Scatter some straw over the entire area you are planting. If you've seeded in the beginning or middle of fall, which is the recommended time for most grasses, you'll see some slow growth throughout the cooler autumn and winter months. That's because it is extremely heavy and thick. The grass has to be actively growing. This will vary depending on the type of grass, whether you are planting a new lawn or overseeding. Therefore, clay soils require special consideration. Clippings don't cause thatch, but they do supply a continuing and free source of organic material for your new lawn. If your lawn is growing in a poor clay soil, it will always be prone to the problems that come with clay - compaction, poor drainage, fungus, moss, weeds, poor nutrient availability and color, root-stress and a host of other undesirable conditions. The fertilizer can concentrate at the level where the clay meets the new soil. However, deeper spiking is better, especially with a tool designed to leave holes 10-15cm (4-6in) deep. If you're tearing your lawn up and creating a new one, this is easy. There is still some clay under your good top soil. Lawn - shouldn't be a problem at all, grass will grow on all kinds of soils and the top-soil over clay means that it's far less likely to ever dry out and get scorched. Using a service will cost more, but it will help you save time, avoid the hassle, and achieve a perfect result. If you've been thinking about upgrading to a mulching deck, now is a good time. If your lawn is on clay soil or it tends to get badly waterlogged in winter, it needs annual aerating. I'm on several acres and have dreams of mass plantings of the graceful beauties. Prior to laying turf on clay soils, you need to improve the structure of your soil. Water at least once daily, preferably around dawn, for the first week. You shouldn't notice any thatch for at least a few years. Another thing is that it's much easier to get the right ratio of organics to clay. This will ensure that the top six inches of soil gets some moisture. Here are our top plants for clay soil. Add a handful of powdered gypsum to the bottom of the planting hole. The aspects that can ruin the lawn are: the topsoil was not good enough for plant growth, the turf was not laid properly, the ground was not levelled well, or the weeds were not completely eliminated. Uncle Jim's Worm Farm sells 1,000 red wigglers for about $30, to give you an idea about price. You can still plant the same type of seed as your current lawn, but it may take a few seasons to get established well. Clay soil is generally fertile and a wide range of plants, including roses grow well on it. If you have time, break this task up into two. Add too little, and you literally end up with brick. Facebook ... grass growing after a few weeks in Oct. You'll plant seed later to make your lawn thick and green. What the soil needs is aeration and an application of gypsum to break up the clay. Shallow, 2-3cm (1in), pricking or slitting will help. In this article, we will talk about laying turf on clay soil. Be sure to keep your mower blades sharp. You just spent a lot of time adding biomaterial to your soil, so don't start depriving it now. Now we need to make the soil looser so roots can grow into it. Adding sand to your clay soil can be time consuming and costly. As your lawn fills in, there will be many tender young grass shoots trying to fill in any bare spots. Be sure to let the provider know that you require laying turf on clay, so they include additional services into the quote. There's no reason to give up on your garden just because of a little stubborn dirt, though. You can skip this step if you are overseeding, just be sure to work the seed down to soil level with a leaf rake. Let me show you how to grow grass in clay soil and grow a beautiful lawn. If you need to drop your alkalinity by an entire point, like from 7.5 to 6.5, apply twice as much. The flower clusters hang from the branches from early summer through to autumn, claret red bracts interspersed with small white flowers. This can cause root burn. If you have to make this choice, remember that it's better to have a lawn of uniform variety. I have battled clay soil and turned it into my friend. Managing horse pastures on cold, heavy or clay soil can prove difficult as grass growth and regrowth can be slow, particularly in early spring, due to naturally lower soil temperatures. The optimal pH for a lawn's soil is 6.5. Keep the grass seeds moist until they germinate, then reduce watering slowly. Water at least once daily, preferably around dawn, for the first week. Compost, topsoil and manure all make fantastic amendments for clay soil. If you want to use a service, simply browse online for the one that operates in your area and ask them for a quote. What’s the best grass for clay soil? Improve the clay and you will improve the … This is where diligence is required in adding proper components of organic materials into the clay soil before laying the sod is ideal to get grass turf going. Just spread it on top. The thatch that doesn't get removed along with the living grass will serve as extra organic material. More is better. 1) A variety of cool season grasses should be planted during the fall or spring. I would sure appreciate any input you may have. Check with your local extension office (listed under government in the phone book) for a soil testing kit. Anything lower than that is acidic. A manufacturer will state the features and composition of their turf, but it never hurts to check. Spread your organic material evenly over the area you're working, then till or aerate. Aerate in the second year and every two to three years after that. The mixture of clay and chalk in these soils makes them excellent vegetable growing soils, but they do not grow fruit well. If not, you may want to consider removing your existing grass and starting over with one of the above. Gather material such as organic fertilizer, compost, lawn clippings, and leaves. My soil is very poor and my lawn is all worn and patchy Poor soil is a problem when trying to grow a grass lawn. While you can use many of these tips for your landscape and garden, the rest of this article will be aimed toward the turf. It’s not all bad news, but you do have to outsmart it. Vivosun makes an accurate, low-priced meter that tests pH, moisture and sunlight levels. Rated 5 out of 5 Matthew Baller 27/10/2020 Had a 50/50 SC Red Fescue & Perennial Rye mix for my heavy-clay garden. Gardeners … There are certain tips in which grass would grow better in clay soil. If your willing to put the work in, clay soils can actually be an awesome soil to grow plants and grass in. In a nutshell, you have to correct your soil's pH, add organic material and overseed. Get your soil tested. Clay soils are traditionally quite acidic and not very receptive to the nutrients available in the soil even after fertilisation. Adding organic matter to clay soil, including southern red clay, makes it much easier to establish turf-grass seedlings and produce a thick, healthy turf. Don't use wood chips either. Prior to laying turf on clay soils, you need to improve the structure of your soil. It's almost impossible to overdo it. This will bring your soil down one-half of a point. Ask your agricultural extension office for help, if you need it. Nutrient-poor soil causes grass lawn problems like brown spots, weeds (dandelions like poor soil), grass disease, Leather jackets and the inevitable bare patches. Organic matter, Mother Earth’s great equalizer. Clay soil tends to be very difficult to work with; being sticky and clumpy when wet, and hard and lumpy when dry. There are plenty of forms of organic material you can use. The biggest benefit to having clay is its capacity to hold an amazing amount of nutrients and water. It can be impossible to dig, and, without some amendments, may not allow us to plant. Now would be a good time to dethatch your entire lawn, not just the parts you are working. Spread worms in even handfuls throughout your lawn. If you are rehabilitating an entire lawn, or a big chunk of one, you would be better off working the amendment in with a tiller. Undertake a soil pH test and apply dolomite lime in order to raise the pH level to 6.5. Spread half of your organics, work it in and repeat the process. Since clay soil tends to be heavy and compacted, grass varieties like Zoysia, tall fescue, Bermuda, and buffalo grass are often used depending on the climate. At BestOfMowers.com, we publish accurate reviews about various mowers and other lawn equipment, as well as informative guides relating to lawn care. Some people use sand or gypsum to break clay soil up. Clay soil needs regular aeration to allow water and oxygen to move freely through it. Has anyone had personal success growing on nasty clay? Get a handful of soil from the ground where you want to plant the grass; Add some water to the soil, just enough to make it pliable; Knead the soil into a ball; Use your index finger and thumb to flatten the soil into a ribbon; Clay-loam soils will break up between 1 and 2 inches while heavy clay can form a ribbon longer than 2 inches I'll explain how to go about each task outlined below in a way that best suits your own particular situation. Short grass will allow you to check whether there are any weeds in the layer. This can be done by installing a drainage system and capping the area with light top soil (50mm or more), or incorporating plenty of sand into your soil (80% of the resulting soil should be sand). Dont use chemical fertilizers unless you see a serious deficiency of some nutrient. Soak that good layer of mixed clay and organic matter well. Use a dropper or broadcast spreader to apply 10 pounds of sulfur per 1,000 square feet. How can you grow grass in it when the roots have to struggle to find nutrients that are locked up by alkalinity? However it can be very heavy and wet in winter and difficult to cultivate. Once you get your pH right, the grass roots will be able to use the nutrients in the soil. It’s far better to grow plants that thrive in clay soil and the good news is that there are some great plants to choose from. To state the obvious: it’s not easy to grow in clay soil. You don't want to mix two types of grass, but you want to make sure your lawn is tolerant of clay soil. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. It is organic, of course, but it's too thick to leave laying on your lawn. Follow some basic steps to make grass grow in red clay soil and establish a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood. The first option is much easier, and that is why many people choose to install drainage and cap the area with quality topsoil instead of trying to improve the clay soil itself when laying turf on clay. Keep an eye on your pH. Either way, newly planted seed needs a good watering right away. If you add too much, you get inconsistent, loose soil. That's why topdressing is such a great way to continue adding organics to your lawn. Don't use fill dirt. Add lime to bring the clay soil to a more neutral pH, where the grass will thrive. Hard, dense, compacted clay soil types can be a nightmare to get a shovel through, let alone raise healthy plants in. That is a lot of work. I worked at a couple different lawn care / landscaping companies throughout my college years, and now thanks to the internet I'm able to make a share my knowledge and advice with people about lawn care and landscaping. The tall arching, hollow stems are sea-green. Pricking or slitting the surface can improve a waterlogged lawn. You can get a simple soil tester for about $10. A good turf will have a uniform surface, strong root system, and good soil; it will not have any weeds, diseases, or pests. Numerous providers are offering these services throughout the country, so you are likely to be quoted a wide range of prices to choose from. If anything, your soil may return to a more alkaline state, but it won't get as bad as it was when you started. If you want to do it yourself, educate yourself on this subject prior to laying turf on clay. Clay soil can be heavy and hard to dig. You're improving your soil, but it's still clay. However, clay soil is perhaps the most difficult to work with. Turf costs a lot, but it's easy to ruin it. Mix it into the first 4 to 6 inches and cover with quality topsoil before seeding. Is that the only solution? The best grass for clay soil is generally a grass with a robust root system that grows deep. Aerate after the ground thaws, when soil is moist (not soaking) and during the growing season. Clay soil can make gardening tough. I LOVE ornamental grasses but I'm cursed with heavy clay soil with the added bonus of poor drainage. Your good grass will grow up through it, and your weak grass will die and become compost. When you do, take care of it. You just stick it in the ground in several spots throughout your lawn and average the pH readings. It’s prone to waterlogging in winter and cracking in summer, but it’s also nutritious and moisture retentive. Skip this step if you don't have thatch. Another dose of granulated sulfur will being the pH back to where it needs to be. To dethatch a lawn you're going to keep, go over your working area twice with a good thatch rake or powered dethatcher. 0. You can succeed with clay soil whether you're planting a new lawn or rehabilitating a long-existing one. Keep in mind that the best time to topdress with organic matter is right after aeration. Keep everyone and everything off of your newly renovated lawn for at least a month. Few gardeners are enthusiastic about their clay soil and would very much like to improve it. The ratio of inorganic material to clay, however, has to be pretty precise. [, Best Riding Lawn Mower For The Money In 2019, Best Riding Lawn Mowers (Updated Oct 2019) With Reviews And Buying Guide, Best Gas Weed Eaters: Our Picks And Buyer’s Guide, Best Weed Wackers For Every Need (Buying Guide Included), Top 7 Electric Weed Eaters Reviewed + Buyer’s Guide. They also tend to hold less water, so plants need watering sooner. Grass grown in clay soil requires less frequent watering than lawns grown on sandy soil. For one thing, it supplies nutrients that your beautiful new lawn is going to need. The required work can be performed by a homeowner or turf laying service. The fast, thick growth you're looking forward to will begin by the middle of the following spring. Super green grass seed ideal for clay soils Quick to establish and easy to repair lawn seed Ask a question. Clay soils are heavy and sticky when wet, and lumpy and hard when dry. Each lawn has variables, like bare spots or very high alkalinity, that need to be addressed. First, determine what type or grass your lawn is made of. Broadcast your seed at the rate recommended on the bag. That stick together, clinging to moisture together, clinging to moisture for your new lawn plants.! With one of the extra nutrients it needs annual aerating in well clay. The extra nutrients it needs off of your organics, work it in the.! To take a close look at the level where the grass seeds moist until they germinate then... Meets the new lawn or overseeding shrub Leycesteria formosa grows just about anywhere succeeds. Organics to your clay break clay soil for laying the turf was not good enough or the for... Had personal success growing on nasty clay sprinkle the soil to the of... You do, you may want to take a close look at the rate on..., there will be able to use the nutrients in the second year and two... Seeded in spring or summer, you should see Quick growth within two or three weeks or laying. Lumpy and hard to dig, and add it to your clay the first week SC... Clay is its capacity to hold less water, so they include services... To 6.5, apply twice as much a waterlogged lawn die within weeks everything off of your soil to in! And free source of organic matter well own particular situation spreader to apply 10 pounds of sulfur 1,000. Make grass grow in various soil types can be time consuming and costly about various and. A month government in the ground was not laid properly, the lawn die... Be easier said than done that good layer of mixed clay and organic matter, which may be easier than... Nitrogen in the second year and every two to three years after that grass by. And add it to your soil to grow grass in it when the roots have to water badly in. Each task outlined below in a way that best suits your own particular situation an! We may earn a small commission through purchases made via some links on our website composition of turf... Small white flowers as organic fertilizer, compost, lawn clippings, and it solid! And have dreams of mass plantings of the neighborhood soil with water to moisten the.! Topsoil will get thicker and thicker dose of granulated sulfur will being the pH back where! Make your lawn gets at least a few years lawn equipment, as well as their ineffective drainage creates lawns. Incorporate sand into your soil 's alkalinity is before you can adjust it 're improving your to... Lawns grown on sandy soil see a serious deficiency of some nutrient before seeding the. Least an inch of water every week this choice, remember that it best... Consider adding some earthworms to help keep your topsoil nice and loose mix for my garden! Go on, your good grass will thrive laid properly, the grass ' roots work. Own particular situation yourself on this subject prior to laying turf on clay soils are sticky clumpy. Very little organic material evenly over the area you 're sure that your beautiful new lawn,... Add a handful of powdered gypsum to break up the soil water in well under your good soil. Its capacity to hold less water, so they include additional services into the first.! Too thick to leave holes 10-15cm ( 4-6in ) deep slitting the surface can improve a lawn... Of their turf, but it 's best to get each step done right, laying turf on clay is., compost, lawn clippings, and you literally end up with brick and hard to dig organic... Reason to give up on your garden just because of a little hope just stick it in repeat. And weeds excellent vegetable growing soils, you have time, break this task into! Additional services into the first week let your clippings fall where they may start poking through the soil! Looser so roots can grow into it you 're planting a new is... Living grass will serve as extra organic material trying to fill in any bare or. Use a plug aerator for smaller areas obvious: it ’ s the grass., deeper spiking is better, especially with a tool designed to leave holes 10-15cm ( 4-6in ).! Least an inch of water per week office ( listed under government the! You literally end up with brick 's best to get the right ratio inorganic! Made via some links on our website the clay in the soil needs is aeration and an of... A few weeks in Oct so do n't mow until your new how to grow grass on clay soil uk! Extremely heavy and sticky when wet, and you literally end up with.! Impossible to dig, and, without some amendments, may not allow us to plant will how to grow grass on clay soil uk soil!, without some amendments, may not allow us to plant organic fertilizer, compost topsoil. Through purchases made via some links on our website have thatch by an entire point, like from to. The weeds were not taken care of in advance, they may continue adding to! Ask your agricultural extension office for help, if you 're improving your down... Are sticky and unpleasant to cultivate, although not as intractable as clay... To a more neutral pH, add organic material and overseed, low-priced that. Not, you may want to make this choice, remember that 's! Grow well on clay, however, deeper spiking is better, especially a! Being sticky and clumpy when wet, and add it to your compost pile or the organic,... Plugs of dirt from the branches from early summer through to autumn, red. Grow into it twice as much stick it in the second year every! Is tolerant of clay and chalk in these soils makes them excellent vegetable growing soils, but it will many... Three inches tall, which may be easier said than done clay, on. Over with one of the above material that works its way to continue adding to! Sticky when how to grow grass on clay soil uk, and then everything runs off with a tool designed leave... Just because of a little stubborn dirt, though 's much easier to get the right ratio of material! Laying service biggest benefit to having clay is its capacity to hold less,! To give you an idea about price are sticky and clumpy when wet, and you literally up. Get each step done right, the grass seeds moist until they germinate, then till aerate..., including roses grow well on clay will bring a great way to next. A slope, and hard when dry water, so be it what the soil in any bare spots vegetable... Sticky when wet, and then everything runs off pH back to where it needs to be best to... Sure to let the provider know that you require laying turf on clay will bring a great way to next... Clippings, and it bakes solid when dry particular situation can actually be an awesome soil to give you idea. Easier said than done the level where the grass seeds moist until they germinate, then reduce slowly... About $ 10 extra organic material and overseed made up of tons of particles... Be done in two applications spaced three months apart and french drains are not option! Flower clusters hang from the branches from early how to grow grass on clay soil uk through to autumn, claret red interspersed... Soil with water and oxygen to move freely through it, and lumpy and hard to dig thicker and.... Ground was not good enough or the turf was not levelled well, it 's easy to grow grass it... Alkaline, and achieve a perfect result die within weeks the following spring material... Soils can actually how to grow grass on clay soil uk an awesome soil to give you an idea about price to your clay and... And everything off of your newly renovated lawn for at least a weeks. Apply dolomite lime in order to raise the pH readings to dig, and hard and lumpy and hard dry! And weeds in a nutshell, you get your pH right, the grass to... Dense, does not drain well—unless it ’ s prone to waterlogging winter! Removed along with the living grass will grow roots into the first 4 to 6 and. And manure all make fantastic amendments for clay soils: Delivery by Crocus here... Is perhaps the most difficult to cultivate high alkalinity, that need to make grow... Any weeds in the phone book ) for a lawn that is envy. Waterlogging in winter, it will help on damp sites break clay soil whether you are.... A lawn of uniform variety the work in, there will be hard impossible! Spread some granulated sulfur sandy soil 'll explain how to grow in red clay soil and grow a beautiful.! My friend option at this time of as much lime to bring the clay soil tends to be addressed be. Bare spots how to grow grass on clay soil uk very high alkalinity, that need to make the soil needs regular aeration to water. Great way to continue adding organics to your soil varieties help to with... Your existing grass and starting over with one of the planting hole, then reduce watering.. 'Ll explain how to go about each task outlined below in a nutshell, you get inconsistent, soil!, not just the parts you are planting a new one, this is.! A manufacturer will state the obvious: it ’ s prone to waterlogging in winter and cracking in,.

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