The Grass Doctor

Help> I can't grow grass!?

I have a beautiful sunny place. I have tried 3 times. Scotts patch, grass seed, fertilizer, landscapers pellets. I water two times a day. NOTHING WORKS. How can I simply make grass grow?

Public Comments

1. Where do you live? I.e what climate.../.
2. First, can the grass root ? Is your soil too hard for the roots to get into the soil? You may need to break it up some, two to three inches would help, six would be better. Have you had the soil analyzed? Your county extension agent can have your soil analyzed for a modest fee, just contact them for instructions. The results will tell you if you need to add nutrients or balance the ph. It is always a good idea to add amendments into the soil. Compost is by far the best but leaves, rotted manure, perhaps sand it just depends on the condition of your soil now and how much better you want to make it. Call your local county extension office, perhaps there is a Master Gardener nearby who could help you out.
3. Are you preparing the soil first? It should be tilled at least six inches deep, raked and leveled first. It might help to till in some organic material such as manure or peat moss and, if you have heavy clay adding some sand at the same time might also help. Bert
4. Ok first off you're over watering. You really only need to water it once a day. Also you should only water in the morning or evening, if you do it in the afternoon you'll scorch your grass. Next you really need to make sure that your dirt is turned up really well. I also suggest using more seed than the pakage reccomends, cause you also have birds, bugs and other small critters who love to eat those seed. Once you've spread your seed, get some sphagnum peat moss and some Bone Meal and lightly sprinkle it over the seed. The moss will help retain moisture and the bone meal will give the seeds nitrogen to grow.
5. Dig the soil from the area at least 4 inches down. Now fill the hole with topsoil then reseed. It could be an area that the soil is contaminated with gasoline or a strong herbicide. You also need to be sure the ground has been worked up before seeding