The Conservative Cave

Interests => Around the House & In the Garage => Topic started by: longview on May 31, 2012, 10:17:47 PM

Title: growing grass
Post by: longview on May 31, 2012, 10:17:47 PM

I realize a thread with this title may get more traffic at other sites, but I have questions about growing the type of grass that is found in the average lawn.

I recently made a huge upgrade in housing.  Still renting near where my day job is.  But, a much better place and neighborhood and lower rent.  However, the lawn is in sorry shape.  I think.

I see a lot of dead matter laying on the ground.  Do I need to de-thatch?  What time of year is the best for doing that?  The existing grass is not a rich, dark green.  Should I get a soil sample (like I would with hay ground), or can I just buy anything bag of whatever and it all helps?  Is there a best time to fertilize? 

Seriously.  I can grow hay that makes a rancher drool.  But this lawn stuff is all new to me. 

Are there good websites?  Going to a store... it seems like you get bull-hockey salesmanship.

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: Wineslob on June 01, 2012, 10:08:36 AM

If you have full sun try a tall fescue. Water, water, water.......

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: Gina on June 01, 2012, 10:11:53 AM

DUmmies gonna be hitting this thread all day and they are going to be disappointed  :lmao:

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: IassaFTots on June 01, 2012, 10:27:06 AM

Your lawn sounds like mine.   :whatever:  I removed a large Catalpa (Indian Bean) tree about 3 years ago.  When the lawn was shaded, it was St. Augustine, and it was nice.  Sometime before I bought my house someone must have seeded Bermuda, because it is taking hold now.  With full sun and the drought we had last year, it looked scorched.

 I aerated it, because I had the old dead St. Augustine thatch everywhere and then I scattered red sand and green sand on top.  North Texas Soil isn't really soil, but clay, so the sand breaks it up.  Without any watering from me, my lawn is still green.  We are still under drought restrictions, and I use the alloted water time to water my vegetable garden and soak the foundation.

I would suggest doing a soil sample before you do anything else, because if you spend money and time trying to do something to crappy soil, you have just lost your money and time. 

I get a lot of my info from Texas A&M's ag department.  You might be able to get info from the University up there.  My cousin is a prof there, I can find out if their ag departments has anything published.

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: Zeus on June 01, 2012, 10:31:55 AM

 A fesue grass is a good type for your region. Might even go with a Ryegrass/Bluegrass mixture.

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: longview on June 03, 2012, 11:54:03 PM

Thanks for the input.  I'll definitely get a soil sample. 

I just got back from my daughter's place.  They grow hay.  Lots.  Hay is so easy compared to lawns!

Title: Re: growing grass
Post by: seahorse513 on June 04, 2012, 02:27:44 AM

I will tell you one thing grass seed and fertilzer is darned expensive!!! I would deinitely get a soil sample done, it will save you money in the long run....and ask a professional on what kind of grass seed to get after the soil sample..