Converting a Garden into a Lawn
Why and how to do it
When I first purchased my home I inherited a beautiful perennial garden at the foot of my front yard... well, I'm sure it was beautiful at one time. The previous owner clearly had lofty ambitions at first: the bed was jam-packed with every perennial possible. But it hadn't been properly cared for, and what I faced when I moved in was an out-of-control mess with limp, pale plants that were now food for pests and had become way outnumbered by weeds.
At first, I tried to make it work. One day, as I was on my knees battling the "jungle," a woman walked by and said, "Oh, you'll have so much fun with that garden!" I wasn't having fun. I didn't think it would ever be fun. And I was coming to terms with my limited green thumb. That was it. I decided it would be best to tidy up my yard, simplify my life and forgo the garden for grass lawn space. The result? My front yard looks larger, better kept, and best yet, requires much less maintenance.
If you're struggling with a garden that you're less than in love with, you might want to consider replacing it with grass, too. It's easy. Here's all you need to do.
Start digging.
Shovel out the plantings, being sure to get the roots as well as the growth. You can add them to a compost bin if you have one, share them with friends & neighbors or even give them away on websites like Craigslist.
Prep the soil.
Whether you choose to start your lawn from seed or lay sod, use a tiller, shovel or rake to loosen the dirt and break up clumps. Do this for about the top two inches of soil. Next, give your soil a nutrient boost by adding a generous layer of potting soil and/or compost, working it into the dirt with a rake. You may also want to cover the area with an herbicide to prevent old plantings and weeds from sprouting up, but keep in mind that some herbicides, such as Preen, prevent plants from germinating, so make sure to read all package directions and talk with your home garden center experts). Then get even: Use a rake to create a level planting surface.
Choose seed or sod.
Seed is the least expensive way to grow new grass, and generally requires less effort then sodding, since you don't have to worry about precise cutting to fit. Watch our video tutorial Seeding Your Lawn for more information. Of course, sod offers the benefit of immediate gratification. If sod is the way you want to go, watch our video tutorial, How to Lay Sod for Instant Green.
If you choose seed:
- Be sure the seed you select is right for your area. Do you need cool season or warm season grass? For information about different grass species available to choose from, review the Yard Doctor's section on grasses.
- Use a spreader to lay down your seed, making sure you've properly set your spreader rate for planting new grass. For more even coverage, spread twice: the first half of the grass by walking in one direction, the second half walking crisscross to the first direction.
- Sprinkle a fine layer of topsoil or compost over the seed. Then cover the area with straw to help hold in moisture and keep the seed warm to promote better growth.
- Water the area thoroughly (but gradually to prevent puddling) after your initial planting. You'll want the water to seep in at least six inches down into the soil. Then water the area daily and protect it from traffic until your grass lawn is thick and strong.
- Believe it or not, a time will soon come when you'll need to mow your new lawn. Wait until it's about 3 to 4 inches high. Then follow the Yard Doctor's Prescription to a Better Lawn to keep your expanded lawn space lush and healthy for years to come.
