Help creating ANYTHING that resembles grass

[suprnova]

I know this isn't a lawn and garden forum but I figured who better to know how to grow grass than the folks who work the land. Granted, I own a tractor, and I don't know how I am going to tackle this yard. Wife and I bought a house in Chesapeake, Va on 3.2AC of previous farm land. Not sure what or if the builder seeded anything but the folks who have owned it managed to kill whatever there was and not promote anything new. Anywhoo, the land has proper drainage but no irrigation. The area averages anywhere from 3.5-5.5" of rain per month, and I definitely don't have the money to install three acres worth of sprinklers. I'll be gone all the time for work and the wife works and plays single mom most of the time with another on the way so we don't have much time for anything. Basically what I'm looking for is to take the yard from the pictures included to something that at least has roadside appeal. Anyone have any suggestions? I'll be contacting the local extension office to find out what is native and what they recommend. I'm thinking about just throwing down bermuda seed, raking it and hoping for some rain and a few seeds to take and take off. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[Code54]

I would start by doing a soil test - that will tell you want the dirt needs or is lacking. I had a similar situation and did the soil test and fertilized as instructed. I then scratched the entire yard up and over seeded (a bit heavy really and used the seed that the extension office recommend for our area) and hoped for rain. Well, I lucked out and the rains came and now we have about 90% coverage. Figure I will later go back and reseed the last 10%.
Good luck!

 

[smstonypoint]

I am going out on a limb and make a bold prediction.

The extension is agent is going to tell you that you first need a soil test to determine your lime and fertilizer requirements.

Bermudagrass doesn't tolerate shade, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Steve

 

[suprnova]

I am going out on a limb and make a bold prediction.

The extension is agent is going to tell you that you first need a soil test to determine your lime and fertilizer requirements.

Bermudagrass doesn't tolerate shade, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Steve

That seems to be something I left out of the original post. I'm headed out there this week to snag a sample so when we move in I'm a step ahead. We'll see what extension office says, still looking for input though.

 

[kevin37b]

Kill everything you have , Roundup . Wait a month and work up the dirt . I use a cheap little springtooth thatcher . Broadcast seed and pull thatcher again to work seed in . Then ROLL it , very important . Then stand at the window looking for rain . I forgot to mention starter fertilizer with the seed when you broadcast it . Hope this helps .

 

[s219]

In this area, native Bermuda will do well in summer and out-compete anything in its path. It goes dormant/brown in winter, but most folks don't care.

I have historically preferred fescue, but it's a battle in the summer months in this part of VA. I am seeing how fescue does on our new property in Toano, which has better native top soil than our old place in Williamsburg that was solid clay. If the fescue doesn't survive the summer, I will look at other options.

I don't know if you can buy the native Bermuda seed, as it's pretty much considered a weed here in tidewater. If you buy one of the commercial "developed" bermuda varieties, expect to pay BIG dollars. It's at least 10X the cost of fescue, if not more.

If there is any native Bermuda on or around your property, just give it time. It will take over any sunny areas agressively.

EDIT TO ADD:

If planting fescue or a cool-season grass, wait to September/October to put down seed for best results. You can also plant in early March, but it won't root deep enough for summer. Planting fescue in this area between April-August is a waste of time and money. If it grows at all, it will die as soon as the weather turns warm and/or be overtaken by weeds.

If planting bermuda or a warm-season grass, best time to seed is May.

 

[smstonypoint]

In this area, native Bermuda will do well in summer and out-compete anything in its path. It goes dormant/brown in winter, but most folks don't care.

You can overseed burmuda in the fall with annual ryegrass if you want your lawn to be green in the winter.

I don't know if you can buy the native Bermuda seed, as it's pretty much considered a weed here in tidewater. If you buy one of the commercial "developed" bermuda varieties, expect to pay BIG dollars. It's at least 10X the cost of fescue, if not more.

If you want to use common bermuda and can't find the seed at lawn and garden centers or big-box stores, try an "old-fashioned" feed and seed store.

If planting bermuda or a warm-season grass, best time to seed is May.

Bermuda seed is very small -- you can mix the seed with sand when when using your spreader.

Steve