I've got a yard that's mostly weeds, and I want to start fresh by creating a full lawn without breaking the bank. I'm in the middle Tennessee region and have my own seed spreader, but I can't afford to hire anyone. I'm looking for advice on the steps I need to take, including the best time of year to do this, and what types of grass would thrive in my area. I've tried using 'Weed and Seed' in the past, but it didn't seem to work for me. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I hear you on the weed battle! If you're ready to put in some sweat equity, consider covering your yard with layers of cardboard or wet newspaper to smother the weeds. After a few weeks, top it with some good soil and seed it in the fall. Make sure to research the best local grass varieties and plant multiple types for resilience—this will help combat those invasive weeds. Also, don’t cut your grass too short; letting it go to seed can save you money in the long run! Oh, and if you can, investing in an aerator might be helpful too.
Consider giving native grass seeds a shot! They thrive in your area and won't cost a fortune, especially if you plan to overseed. Just expect it to take time and a fair amount of effort to turn that weed patch into a proper lawn. Also, remember that you can plant right over the weeds; grass is pretty resilient! Look into some smothering techniques, like using cardboard or newspaper, to kill those pesky weeds before you start planting. Consistency is key, so be ready to put in some work every year as your lawn evolves.
Honestly, just start by lowering your expectations a bit! A beautiful lawn takes time and patience. You may want to just let some of those wild plants grow while you work on transitioning. A hose spray product can be effective at keeping weeds in check if they start getting out of hand. But keep in mind, your grass is going to need some time to establish itself, so don’t be in a rush. Every year, you can add more seed as you see what works for your lawn.