Potting soil is used to grow many different types of plants. When most people think of potting soil, they think of growing plants in containers. However, potting soil when used properly can also be used to improve your lawn. Today you will learn how to use potting soil to grow grass which will help your lawn look its best.
Can You Use Potting Soil to Grow Grass?
You might be wondering if you can use potting soil to grow grass. The answer is yes, you can use potting soil to help your grass grow. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you get started using potting soil on your lawn.
Tips For Growing Grass in Potting Soil
Follow the tips below to help you get started improving your lawn with potting soil. Each of these tips is important to your success, so follow them wisely.
Loosen Up The Topsoil First
Before adding potting soil to the lawn, you will need to loosen up the topsoil first. The best way to loosen up the topsoil is with a garden tiller. If you don’t have a tiller, you can rent one from a local garden supply company or hardware store. Carefully till up the area, you wish to plant grass seeds in before adding in the potting soil.
Add Potting Soil into The Loosened Soil
Next, you will need to evenly spread potting soil onto the loosened topsoil. Make sure you cover the entire area for the best results.
Evenly Mix the Topsoil and The Potting Soil
Next, you will need to mix the potting soil with the topsoil. Doing this will help your grass grow faster and become established. When you mix topsoil with potting soil, you will get the best of both worlds. Each soil type adds something different to the lawn, and mixing them will provide you with a fertile and fruitful lawn.
Spread Out the Grass Seeds
Once you have the topsoil and potting soil mixed, it is time to spread out the grass seeds. To complete this task, it is best to use a seed spreader. However, you can spread grass seeds by hand in smaller areas.
Rake In the Grass Seeds
Next, you will need to use a rake to cover the seeds. Drag the rake slowly along the surface of the soil. Doing so will help to cover the seeds and protect them from erosion.
Use A Lawn Roller to Flatten the Mixed Soil
Finally, you will need to use a lawn roller to flatten the mixed soil. This will push the grass seeds deeper into the soil. The lawn roller will give the seeds a great start, and soon you will see them begin to take root. Also, make sure you lightly water the lawn to help the seeds sprout.
The Benefits of Using Potting Soil to Grow Grass
Potting soil contains fertilizer: One of the main benefits of using potting soil to grow grass is the fact that it contains a balanced amount of fertilizer. Topsoil, on the other hand, can become void of fertilizer over time.
Potting soil can help the grass grow faster: As mentioned above, potting soil contains a balanced amount of fertilizer. These nutrients can help the grass grow faster, which will give your lawn a boost in the spring.
Potting soil is great for filling in dead patches: If your lawn is prone to dead patches, a great way to fill them is with a mixture of potting soil and topsoil. This mixture will help the grass become established and catch up with the rest of the lawn.
Potting soil is sterile: Unlike topsoil that can contain weed seeds, potting soil is sterile. Using potting soil to start grass seeds will help the grass get ahead of any competing plants.
The Drawbacks of Using Potting Soil to Grow Grass
Potting soil drains quickly: One of the drawbacks of potting soil is that it drains quickly. Potting soil drains much faster than topsoil so you will need to mix the two for best results.
Potting soil often lacks organic matter: Most generic potting soils lack organic matter. However, you can buy organic potting soil that does contain organic matter. Organic potting soil is recommended for lawns that naturally lack organic matter.
Potting soil can expire quickly: Believe it or not, potting soil has an expiration date. Over time potting soil can lose its nutrients, making it unsuitable for growing grass.
Mixing Topsoil with Potting Soil for The Best Results
As you have learned above, mixing topsoil with potting soil will help your grass grow much faster. Each of these soil types has different things to offer, and together they make the perfect growing medium.