The Grass Doctor

I live in the Pacific northwest. I need to know what type of grass seed to plant in my clay-type soil.?

Public Comments

1. You will want a cool season type of grass, regardless of having clay. In my Pacific NW area the vast majority of lawns are made up of a combination of bluegrass, fescue, and rye. A typical ratio would be 60% bluegrass, 20% fescue, and 20% rye. If your lawn is mostly in the shade, that ratio would be tweaked to where you would have less bluegrass and probably more fescue. Living in milder climates, such as on the coast, allows you to choose from other varieties as well, such as bentgrass. At any rate, these grass mixtures you should be able to find locally. Clay soil holds nutrients, but doesn’t drain well. You have to monitor your watering so that you don’t overwater the turf. Best would be to till in some gypsum and/or other additives to break it up before planting, and remember to aerate this lawn regularly afterwards.