Another Grass post

jrkjpf

We moved into a house in September, renting, but our landlords let us do whatever we want to the house and surrounding yard.

The previous renters had 3 dogs in a yard about 9'x13', not including the flower beds, the yard is also densely shaded. So do the math, 3 previous dogs + dense shade = no grass. We've been planting and planting, watering and planting...even bought the dense shade grass seed mix. But we are having a very hard time getting the grass to grow evenly, and the grass that is growing, is that horrible tough crab grass. We originally tore the entire yard up with a metal rake, pulled as many weeds and possible, and started fresh, still, no luck.

 Any ideas on how to get this grass to grow, special brands, etc?

 

~NB~

It sounds as if you're doing everything correctly.

 :::shrug:::

I used this: http://www.penningtonseed.com/pd-_485-100

First, I broke up the packed dry clay and raked it smooth, tossing out all the weeds as I went. Then I soaked the ground, then scattered the seed. I kept it moist (watered a couple of times a day, sometimes more) and did not walk on it.

One month later & I have the thickest, greenest lawn in the neighborhood. It's almost a shame that the lawn is so tiny.

In all fairness, I do not have dense shade. I do get a couple of hours of sun in some spots, but I used the dense shade blend.

FoxinFiji

We have a lot of shade and a fenced in dog yard (not the whole backyard).  We're planting shade loving groundcovers instead of grass and it's working out well.  Irish moss and ajuga are my two favorites both flower and are dense enough to block out most weeds and take lots of foot traffic.  Plus there is no mowing required! 

Otherwise what kind of grass have you been using?  Fescue or creeping fescue is the best to use for shade.  You can find it at a local nursery (not big box store's garden center).  Is it just the annual/temporary place holder grass that isn't taking hold or has it been long enough that the perennial grass isn't growing? 

WhiteGarden

My husband has planted centipede grass in our yard.  It's come up nicely. We have a very large yard (most of it in the sun, however) and two dogs.  It's supposed be some kind of miracle grass that doesn't need to be mowed as often, keeps weeds out, etc.  You might want to check it out.  I dunno.  I love to mess with plants, but the grass really isn't my thing. 

another KT

don't feel bad about the crabgrass, the only thing you could have done to prevent it was to put down some premergent preventer which would have prevented your grass seed from germinating.  Just work on the crab grass next spring when you are not tring to getting grass seed started.

jrkjpf

I believe this is the seed we used: click here

Like i said its working in some areas and not in others, we haven't walked on the grass at all since planting. A few friends said to try Scotts Smart Seed - Shade and that apparently it will sprout in a few days. I am not so much worried about it this year, we can try again next. But FI is very strong on having "soft green grass".

 

~NB~

jrkjpf:

I believe this is the seed we used: click here

 A few friends said to try Scotts Smart Seed - Shade and that apparently it will sprout in a few days.

This link is PENNINGTON Smart Seed (not a Scott's product).

As I said, I also used Pennington shade seed and I'm very satisfied with it.

Tyrna

I got The Organic Lawn Care Manual at the library and it is so eye-opening and helpful.  It sounds like this might be really helpful for you because you can start (almost) from scratch, which seems easiest and best.  GL!