The Grass Doctor

What I need to start growing grass and what to do. ?

This is my first time to grow grass. I live in Barstow, CA in the desert. I done brought the grass seed and starter fertilizer. I am also planning to buy some soil but different people tells me to get mulch or straw instead. I am also planning to get an fake owl to keep the gopher and ground squirrels out and birds. I also done pull all the weeds out and got the rocks out. Last two weeks I been wetting the dirt and then running the hound dog garden cultivator through it. I got a friend that have a hand spreader that I can borrow. Now I need step by step direction what to do next to have a better chance to grow grass. Also any natural remedies to keep the rodents and pests away. I also was wondering if it is too late to put the grass seed down. I hope it's not to late to put the grass seed down for a successful lawn.

Public Comments

1. Cyndi, It's not to late to start grass seed in your area. This time of year CAN be the best time of year to get grass growing. First step is to get a catalog from 'Gardens Alive'. All the products I've ever purchased from them are great. Second step is to prepare the area by getting sifted compost from your local land fill if available. If not get some bags of composted manure or equivalent. I prefer Scotts or Pennington seed with an abundance of bluegrass in the mixture. After the sight is prepared use the hand spreader to seed the soil. Rake in and tamp down; (I even walk on the area sometimes) to bond the seeds with the soil. If you can water with Miracle Grow that would be good, if not water overhead if its level, or soaker hose on a slope.
2. fall is a good time for grass. i would get a mix of topsoil and compost to get it started something to think about for the desert, though, is there are lots of other ways to landscape using less water . ive heard chamomile and a few others take less water. check at a nursery, it will probably take better, require less water and mowing im thinking of looking into it myself, and we have a relatively wet environment.
3. The only thing I would add to the others answers is the use of peat moss in the soil. First I mix some in before I seed. Then add the seed and the starter, then water it in a bit. And top it off with a tin layer of peat moss and straw. Then water it a bit more. The peat moss will help retain to moisture and also helps break up tough soils like clay. And the straw will help keep everything from blowing away.