Planting Grass

mikeandronda

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May 13, 2003
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We just bought a house and the yard is in terrible condition. It is on a hill and we have that wonderful Ozark mountian soil(sarcasm here). Needless to say it is quite rocky. There has been alot of run off and there are many bare spots.(front yard needs to be redone completely). Im starting on the back yard because it is at least still half grass. Does anybody have any ideas or sugestions on how I should go about planting new grass? Thanx in advance. :)
 

revertmastec

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Nov 16, 2001
Messages
279
Re: Planting Grass

If your slope is pretty steep and runoff is a problem you may want to try a product like this. blanket I have used this product in the past with great success. You seed like you would normaly and then apply this product, does wonders for controlling runoff and erosion. Good luck
 

gaugeguy

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Jun 4, 2003
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Re: Planting Grass

Yep, Scott's is the way to go, whatever you want they have it.
 

mellowyellow

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Jun 8, 2002
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Re: Planting Grass

just beware of the cheapo brands they sell at<br />the home store. most of them are annual seeds<br />and will not grow back next year. I have had luck<br />mixing about 10% of them in with good seeds cuz<br />they sprout very quick and help protect the good<br />seedlings the first year. good seeds ain't cheap!
 

eurolarva

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Jun 24, 2003
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Re: Planting Grass

actually the annual seed is the one you want to avoid. It is perenial seed that is desired. This will come back year after year. If you have a compost site near you get a truck load of it. New seed has to stay wet for the first two weeks and compost holds water really good. You should water it three times a day and get it done before it starts getting hot out. Problem is the ground temp needs to be at least 55 degrees for the seed to sprout.
 

Boomyal

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Aug 16, 2003
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Re: Planting Grass

eurolarva:<br />two questions.<br />1) what is the meaning of your name?<br />2) shouldn't your signature read "minnisquito"?<br /> :D
 

dhud64

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May 2, 2003
Messages
344
Re: Planting Grass

Mike<br /> Use the Scott's link as directed. When choosing seed, stay away from bluegrass unless you plan to water during the summer. I live about 25 miles south of Kansas City, so our climate is very similar. Bluegrass goes dormant in the heat. I started out with bluegrass, and over the years I've began overseed each fall with a tall feascue blend. Not K-31!
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
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Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Planting Grass

Hey Boomyal Eurolarva is a fly larva that looks a lot like wax worms. They are put in different color dyes (green and red). In the winter when they are in there larva state they squirm like a worm. I fish pan fish in the winter and use them all the time instead of wax worms. I wanted to be beetlespin but that was taken.<br /><br />Minnesocold works well in the winter but I do have to agree with you about the minnisquito
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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5,754
Re: Planting Grass

LMAO @ Nailbender.. Don't feel bad, Hell, I can't even grow good weeds.. lol... :D <br /><br />Yup, rocks and mulch.. Thinkin' thats the way to go.. I wanna pond too... :)
 

Ralph 123

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Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: Planting Grass

There is also a grass known as Zoysia which grows slowly in height, needs little water and stays green even in severe dought. It also spreads and choakes out everything including weeds. It was engineered for golf coarses.<br /><br />You can learn more and buy it here:<br /> http://www.zoysiafarms.com/index.html
 

Kiwi Phil

Commander
Joined
Jun 23, 2003
Messages
2,182
Re: Planting Grass

You have recieved some good sound advice.<br />Could I add:<br />1. Check what grasses are grown sucessfully in your area. Your neighbours may be able to advise you, or maybe a local turf farm or nursery.<br />There are a wide variety of turfs for a wide variety of areas, and a wide variety of climates etc.<br />2. If you feel you may have an erosion problem, remember grass is actually a ground cover and one of the best products for holding soils together and controlling run off.<br />3. I have used different types of "blankets" on big jobs, and yes, they are sucessful, but consider a possible alternative of say, laying stips of turf. Just as good.<br />4. If you have run off problems, consider laying turf sideways, or across the "hill", not down it.<br />5. If the grade is steep, then consider pinning turf with simple small hoops of fence wire. Just to hold it in place till it takes. Take them out before cutting though - don't forget!!!!<br />6. For turf, ensure there is dirt, not rock, underneath the turf.<br />7. If the area is too large to turf completely, consider running one strip, leave an equivalent space, then another. The two will grow together.<br />8. Keep all turf damp, do not allow to dry out.<br />9. Do not mow too short in difficult areas. Long staples (length of grass blades) slow water, stop gouging, generally best. (I have a water course to my dam, and I mow the turf on it at about 4" with the brush cutter)<br />10. When it comes to ornimental areas, like the picture on the Scotts site, then go for the doctor. Get the good looking stuff, fertilize it, water it, mow it often and trim the edges. looks a million dollars.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip
 

mikeandronda

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
1,888
Re: Planting Grass

Ok here is kind of another problem my yard is pretty decent size. 3/4 of an acre so........An expensive protective covering is kinda out of the question. You see the wife says hey we could just do a western landscaping deal :rolleyes: :rolleyes: So when I talk about big money ideas she gives me that look :eek: :eek: So my new ? is how well does hay really work? once again thanx for all your responses.
 

gaugeguy

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Jun 4, 2003
Messages
3,564
Re: Planting Grass

It does work and lots of people do it, the problem is that hay carries seeds from grasses that you may not want in your lawn. How about peat moss?
 

Ralph 123

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Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: Planting Grass

With Zoysia, you just plant plugs and within a season or two it will spread w/o any real care.<br /><br />If you are doing a whole brand new lawn with traditional grass you can go with hydro seeding which has the protective layer and fertilizer all mixed in. It is sprayed on and grass sprouts w/in like a week. All you have to do is water.
 
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