Tropical Style

How to Boost Grass in Sand or Gravel Conditions

December 7, 2022

Sandy, gravel-filled dirt, while supplying well-drained, healthful conditions for a few plant life, poses problems for bud development. Grass typically requires a high degree of moisture to stay lush and vigorous, and neither sand nor gravel retain water well. Moisture runs via these soil types quicker than others, and the frequent watering they require also tends to wash off nutrients. Regular amendments to gravel or sand conditions can improve soil retention and allow drought-tolerant grass varieties to flourish.

Ready the soil for planting by tilling intensely, removing all weeds and stones from the area.

Improve the soil’s moisture retention with a combination of compost or peat and loamy topsoil. Spread 2 inches of this mixture above the ground and work it 6 inches deep into the ground with a rake.

Spread slow-release fertilizer on the top of the dirt. Fertilize lightly once each month during the growing season, at a yearly total of 5 lbs per 1000 square foot. Do not over-fertilize, as the chemicals may seep through the sand or gravel and into the water table.

Pick a grass type that thrives in sand, such as a fescue variety, bermuda grass or sand bluestem grass. Purchase the bud in seed or sod type.

Sow seed grass above a lawn area by feeding it into a rolling broadcast spreader. Spread chopped straw or grass clippings on the top to help maintain moisture, and water that the seeded ground frequently to keep the soil moist enough to get germination. For sod grass, lay it down over the lawn and press it flat with a sod roller.

Water new grass each day, unless heavy rainfall is regular. Once grass is now established, water it every 3 times.

Amend the soil with compost every 3 months during the growing season, raking it across the lawn.

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