How to Grow Grass in Mud
Growing grass in mud is challenging because of the heavy, wet conditions. Grass seeds need loose, fertile soil to germinate. Muddy conditions are so moist that the seed may move to other locations, causing a sparse-looking lawn in some areas. It's possible to grow grass in mud--as long as you take extra time to prepare and dry out the yard.
Remove debris such as sticks and rocks in the mud. Pull out weeds. Grass seed needs to touch soil to sprout. Rake the area until it's level and smooth.
- Growing grass in mud is challenging because of the heavy, wet conditions.
- Grass seed needs to touch soil to sprout.
Dump topsoil and sand on the mud to dry it out and improve water drainage. The amount depends on the extent of the mud problem.
Till the soil and sand into the mud, using the rototiller. Combine to a depth of 4 to 6 inches until the three are well-blended and you notice the mud drying out. Add more soil, if needed, to low-lying areas to prevent future water pooling. Rake until smooth.
Add 1 inch of compost to the amended mud. This will help balance the ground so the grass seed will germinate.
- Dump topsoil and sand on the mud to dry it out and improve water drainage.
Spread grass seed with a mechanical or hand spreader, depending on the size of the lawn. Make sure it disperses the seed evenly. Too few seeds will create a sparse lawn and too many will have to fight each other for nutrients.
Run the back of a metal rake gently over the grass seed. Cover the seed with a small amount of the amended mud to keep it in place.
Water the yard twice a day for 5- to 10-minute intervals, keeping it moist. Continue this for 10 days. If you notice the ground is still moist because of the mud, cut back on watering to avoid oversaturation. Cut back on watering when the grass begins to grow to 15 minutes a day.
- Spread grass seed with a mechanical or hand spreader, depending on the size of the lawn.
- Cover the seed with a small amount of the amended mud to keep it in place.
Tip
Wear gloves when handling grass seed.
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References
Tips
- Wear gloves when handling grass seed.
Writer Bio
Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
