The Grass Doctor

What type of grass seed does well in clay soil?

Michigan in the state in which the seed needs to grow. I have a mixture of sun and shade. Had a new garage built after the a storm destroyed our old one. The landscape is a mess from all the heavy trucks. The soil is full of clay (tan in color). I have a lot of work to do and am looking to do it right the first time.

Public Comments

1. How to grow a lawn: http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Lawn-Easily
2. A high Clay soil is not a very good substate for grasses and plants. There will be persistent soil chemistry and drainage problems with a clayish soil. If possible, you may want to work to improve the clayish soil by adding SOIL AMENDMENTS such as better top-soils, composts, peat and humus. Adding some sand and gypsium will also help a high clay content soil. Aeration on yearly basis will help stop compacting on a yearly basis. Once the soil is improved, use seeds that are for your area based on the amount of sunshine you have in your yard. Local garden shop would have these.
3. it's not that bad, first take a soil ph. test and send to your county ag office, grade new turf area, seed in fall. adjust soil ph. with lime and fertilizer when test comes back. water lots!
4. Not sure about the type of seed, but I can recommend a great soil amendment that will help to break up the clay based soil. It is an all natural diatomaceous volcanic soil amendment called "Pozzolan" or "Lassenite ATS". Til into the soil at a depth of about 6 inches. This will break up the soil and improve drainage. It also conserves water. It will absorb u to 104% of it's weight in water and then release the stored water back to the plant (grass in your case) as needed. It is being used in the middle east to grow grass for golf courses in the desert. Best of all, it is a ONE time application. You will need to find a local nursery or greenhouse that carries it or can tell you where to buy it. I know it is not available everywhere. Good luck!