Grass Seed

[drebo]

I'll be planting a new lawn in a few weeks on top of bare soil. I plan to water the bare soil for about a week to see if any weeds sprout just so I can be sure they're all gone, but when that's done, I'll be doing seed grass.

The area is L-shaped, probably about 500sqft total. Half of it will be in pretty much full sun in the summer while the other half will be around 50% sun.

Based on this and where I am (central california,) it seems like bermuda grass is a safe bet. It'll be general purpose, kicking a soccer ball with my 2-year old, etc.

My question is, should I just go to local hardware store and buy whatever bermuda grass mix they have or is it worth it to go with a more high-end/boutique grass?

I'm looking at Bermuda Triangle: http://www.seedranch.com/Triangle-Bermuda-Grass-Seed-1-Lb-p/triangle-bermuda-1.htm

Anyone used something similar? What else should I look at in Central California?

 

[3chordcharlie]

Don't bother 'testing' to see if there are weeds. I promise there are, since there are weed seeds everywhere. Get the grass growing - that's the best way to reduce the weeds.

<---- landscaper. grows grass for a living.

 

[zardthebuilder]

50% sun is not a lot of sun for bermuda. nowhere in the Bermuda Triangle characteristics does it say, "shade tolerance". bermuda died on my front lawn due to shade. i installed TifGrand Bermuda sod (Georgia). it is doing very well. "TifGrand Bermuda grass is scientifically bred to withstand up to 60% shade." you should try to find a bermuda seed that makes similar claims.

http://www.supersod.com/sod/bermuda-sod/tifgrand-bermuda.html

 

[Exterous]

See if there is a landscaping supply company around you that will sell to the public. There is one by me and they have a much better selection at 1/3 the price of my local hardware stores or the tree\gardening places

I am by no means a landscaper but if you seed I would recommend renting a slit seeder. My results with a slit seeder >>>>>>> rotary spreader

 

[highland145]

And soil test or you may be wasting your $$.

 

[Ban Bot]

My lawn is a disaster, not sure where to start.

We live in the Pacific NW north of Seattle. Our lawn is a mix of moss and weedy grass, a rogue blackberry here or there, with mole hills all over.

Not sure what seed to get yet--PNW tends to be acidic (have Cedar trees). Our yard is a mix of full sun for 40%, part sun/shade (30%), and full shade (30%).

We are currently ripping out the mats of moss and will get some moss killer tonight. Not sure for the next step though--especially seed. I see on Amazon Scotts has mixed reviews.

 

[highland145]

^^^
Large bed areas for the full shade.

Do you have an ag extension to ask questions?

 

[Ban Bot]

AG?

The county website for Farming and Gardening has a ton of links to local wineries, upicks, farmer markets, etc.

 

[highland145]

AG?

The county website for Farming and Gardening has a ton of links to local wineries, upicks, farmer markets, etc.

Agriculture.

Clemson has local extensions around the state. Very helpful people. Soil tests, advice, times to plants, plants to avoid, etc.

 

[Greenman]

I'll be planting a new lawn in a few weeks on top of bare soil. I plan to water the bare soil for about a week to see if any weeds sprout just so I can be sure they're all gone, but when that's done, I'll be doing seed grass.

The area is L-shaped, probably about 500sqft total. Half of it will be in pretty much full sun in the summer while the other half will be around 50% sun.

Based on this and where I am (central california,) it seems like bermuda grass is a safe bet. It'll be general purpose, kicking a soccer ball with my 2-year old, etc.

My question is, should I just go to local hardware store and buy whatever bermuda grass mix they have or is it worth it to go with a more high-end/boutique grass?

I'm looking at Bermuda Triangle: http://www.seedranch.com/Triangle-Bermuda-Grass-Seed-1-Lb-p/triangle-bermuda-1.htm

Anyone used something similar? What else should I look at in Central California?

I wouldn't put in a lawn at all since you won't be able to water it in the very near future. The report I heard the other day said we had one year of water left. Mandatory rationing is coming, and watering your new lawn will cost you a fortune in fines.