Preparation of Farm Land

The Organic Manual

LAWN PLANTING

Lawn planting techniques can be quite simple and economical, or complicated and wasteful. If you follow these simple techniques, lawn establishment can be successful and affordable.

Soil preparation should include the hand or mechanical removal of all weeds, debris and rocks more than two inches in diameter from the surface of the soil. Rocks within the soil are no problem because they can actually aid drainage. Herbicides are unnecessary and not recommended. Products like Roundup are toxic and should not be used.

Lightly till or scarify the topsoil to a depth of two inches, rake smooth and gently slope to prevent ponding of water. Deep rototilling is unnecessary and a waste of money unless the soil is heavily compacted. In fact, rototilling can be damaging, especially if there are trees on the site.

Soil amendments in general are unnecessary. Only in solid rock areas is the addition of native topsoil needed. Imported foreign topsoil is a waste of money and can cause a perched (trapped) water table and lawn problem. Poor drainage is often a result of this procedure.

Prior to seeding, spray the soil with a biostimulant such as Garrett Juice. Treating the seed is also helpful. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer at the time of the first mowing. Products that contain mycorrhizal fungi are also very helpful.

Severely sloped areas should have an erosion protection material, such as jute mesh, placed on the soil prior to planting. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation.

Some people still recommend and use toxic herbicides to kill weeds prior to planting. I don’t! These chemicals are extremely hazardous and hard on the life in the soil. Use a little more elbow grease and dig the weeds out. The weeds’ root system will actually help you establish the permanent grasses. Weeds can also be killed with vinegar or fatty acid products.

Seeding and hydromulching should be placed in direct contact with the soil. If hydromulching is used, the seed should be broadcast onto the bare soil first and then the hydromulch blown on top of the seed. One of the mistakes I see in grass planting is mixing the seed in the hydromulch. This causes the seed to germinate in the mulch, suspended above the soil, and many of the seeds are lost from drying out.

After spreading seed, thoroughly soak the seeded area as necessary to keep it moist. As the seed germinates, watch for bare spots. Reseed these bare areas immediately. Continue to use the light watering until the grass has solidly covered the area. At this time, begin the regular watering and maintenance program. Deep, infrequent waterings are best. Light watering done every day or every other day causes all kinds of problems, such as shallow roots, salt buildup in the topsoil and high water bills.