My friend just purchased a house, and the backyard has been neglected for years, with a lot of leaves covering the soil. After removing the leaves, they found that some additional trees fell down and any grass or weeds that were present have died from the clearing process. Now, they're left with mostly bare dirt and clay in their Tennessee yard. They want to find some grass seed to throw down to cover the ground and prevent it from turning to mud, but they don't have an irrigation system and probably won't keep up with watering aside from the initial growth phase. What are some good seed options for this situation?
2 Answers
You might want to check out 'playground mix' at your local farm store. It's a blend that typically includes fescue, annual rye, and perennial rye, which is great for quick coverage. If they don’t carry that, ask if they have a contractor’s mix, since it's often a similar blend. Just keep in mind that some people advise against contractor mix for various reasons, but it can work for low-maintenance needs if laid down right.
If they’re really not into maintaining a lawn, consider just throwing down some clover seeds. Those are super low maintenance, help improve the soil, and keep things from getting muddy too. Plus, they look nice! They won't need much water and can thrive without a lot of care.

Yeah, I've heard mixed reviews on contractor mixes too! But if your friend is looking for something that requires little care, it could be worth a shot, especially since they're in a bind with the bare dirt.