How can I grow grass in sandy areas?

My front yard has a big bare spot that grass want grow because of sandy dirt. Any suggestions

  11 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 12, 2018

    If you're in a warmer area, add some top soil and Sphagnum peat moss to the area via digging in or tilling, then plant your grass seed and starter fertilizer.

    If in an area with freezing temps, wait to seed until Spring.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 12, 2018

    When my dad lived in Florida panhandle area, they used Bermuda Grass for sandy soil. Others that are supposed to work are Zoysia, Bahia, and Cool Season Fescue.

  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Nov 12, 2018

    I would dig up some of the sandy area about a couple of inches and lay sod! Instant grass.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Nov 12, 2018

    You could try removing some of the sandy soil and adding topsoil, but rain will eventually wash it down through the sand. I've used zoysia grass in sandy soil and it grew great. The problem with zoysia is that it's extremely invasive. It is a weed that spreads underground and will get into just about everything. Since your garden is so close, you'd have to put something about a foot or two deep in the ground around any area that you don't want it growing in.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 13, 2018

    Hi Phyllis,

    If this was my lawn, I would strip , level and lay a new turf lawn. Maybe at that time I would redesign my garden so I didn't get this happening again. A defined pathway etc. Hope that's of some help. Or ofcourse laying Artificial Grass would solve the problem and give no maintenance, don't know whether you could consider that!

  • Diane Coverdale Diane Coverdale on Nov 13, 2018

    When it rains there, does the water run away or pool in those sandy areas? You may need to rake the area first (and a little bit more) and then add a mixture of the grass seed and sphagnum moss. This part may be a bit messy, but if the area was smaller it might be better if the moss was a bit damp too so that the seed has a bit of moisture to help it to root. If possible try seeding after a rain, as then the seed and moss mixture won't be washed into an area that is nicely growing. Pick the seed type according to the growing conditions (sunny or shade).

    Good luck and hope the birds won't find the seeds!

  • 19698379 19698379 on Nov 13, 2018

    If you live in a very warm area, like southern California, what about planting aloe and cactus?

  • Michelle Michelle on Nov 13, 2018

    I would create a wildflower gardens in those spots, perfect for butterflies and humming birds

  • Melissa O' Melissa O' on Nov 13, 2018

    Compost, compost and more compost. It can amend the sandy soil.

  • Kelly Pinette Kelly Pinette on Nov 13, 2018

    I would create a path with cobblestone pavers filled with pea gravel, expanding around the bigger area (think tennis racket shape) in the same manner with cobble stone and pea gravel. Then set up a bistro table, a couple of chairs with colourful cushions and perhaps potted greenery to give a softening effect 😊

  • MGMN MGMN on Nov 13, 2018

    Not sure where you live, but have you considered native plants? Native plants are plants that were in your area prior to European settlement, which means they have adapted to your conditions like climate, soil & precipitation. Native plants also have deep root systems which will help control errosion & they are also low maintenance. Check with your local extension office, conservation district, or chapter of Wild Ones and they should be able to help you identify which plants are native to your area and could also direct you to native plant growers. Hope this helps!