Best grass seed for sandy soil: Are you searching for the right type of grass seed that will grow on sandy soil? Then you have come to the right place. This is not a very complicated task. Finding the right type of seed and the techniques to grow them on sandy soil will be super easy as you read on. However, you may need suggestions from an expert gardener if you are having more than a few problems with your lawn.
What Grass Grows Best In Sandy Soil?
In this article, we will discuss the various seed types that do well in sandy soil. To add to that, we have years of expertise in growing our lawns, gardening and dealing with most planting troubles ever so often. So, you are in the right place if you need to grow your lawn.
First of all, you need the best grass seed for sandy soil. Finding the right seed that will grow effectively on sandy soil is just the first step. You will find different types of grass seed available around you, but not all of them are good seed types. It would help if you purchased a particular type that would quickly grow in sandy soil with little maintenance. As a gardener, you might know how challenging it can be to grow anything on sandy soil. There are seasons to follow. For most grass types, it is better to grow them in spring and late autumn.
If you still have multiple planting issues, we are sure that sharing our planting experiences and expertise with you will make it very easy to start a seedbed. We will share information about some good seed varieties that will no doubt work very well for you. Additionally, you can then draw estimates on how to select them, along with their valuable features. So, hang around, and we will guide you through the results we have had the pleasure to experience. Let’s not dally and get right into it.
What is grass seed for sandy soil?
You will have different types of grass seed, but not all of them will suit the sandy soil in your lawn. In addition, there are some unique breeds that are suitable for growth in sandy soil. You will learn about them in the next sections. Among multiple grass seeds, seeds such as bentgrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, bermuda grass, and Zoysia are some of the suitable breeds to grow on sandy soil. Without a doubt, you will get good results from these grasses. Additionally, these grasses will cover your yard with very green grasses. Having the right solution for your yard will make the task easier.
There is another option for sandy soil too. We should be sure that the right type of grass seed can grow there, but it will need the right environment and season too. You can wait for both spring and late autumn to start your gardening. So, before starting germination or sowing, you should conduct some online research and get suggestions from the gardeners in your area. We will try to share the most practical knowledge with you as we go on.
Why should you buy a grass seed for sandy soil?
There are several methods that you can use to grow grass in your sandy soil lawn. At first, you can bring seeds and make a seedbed, then plant the grasses on the lawn. Finally, you can bring grasses and directly plant them on your lawn. There are very many options to select from. You can follow any one method from above.
The grass seeds are best if they are collected from reliable sources or suppliers. In that case, you can check the best-reviewed seeds from online stores, and they are definitely good products. You can also source from amazon or any other sources. You can purchase seeds from the stores near you. But discuss the performance of the seeds to be sure first. We trust you won’t install anything that is not good for your lawn. It could be very disheartening.
On the other hand, you can purchase grasses in a packaging tray, and you can directly plant them in the soil. Planting in sandy soil is a little bit tough. In addition, you need to care for the grass in accordance with the season. It is better to plant your grass in spring or late autumn to get better results. Or your grass may not survive at all. So, you can do it in the way you prefer.
There are already some options that you can follow, and we will suggest you do whatever seems easy to you, for example, the method that has better seed features and the highest possibility to have a green and lovely lawn. However, one way or another, you need to make it happen; we can only guide you and share our experiences with you.
How To Maintain a grass seed for sandy soil
Maintaining the grass seed for sandy soil is a technical matter. First, you need to know how to make a grass seedbed. We will now discuss our topic and the process of how to do practice it in detail. Firstly, you need a seedbed for grass, where you can germinate the seed. After that, you can then transfer the grasses to the lawn. Sandy soil is suitable for this task, and we can learn how next.
There should be two separate patches on the lawn, one for seedbeds and another for the lawn. As previously mentioned, even if the lawn is covered with sandy soil, we can still make an excellent lawn. First, we need a seedbed, which should be cleaned from all kinds of debris, rocks, weeds and other things. Then we have to break the soil up to 8 inches with a spade. We then need to add some organic fertilizer. It will take some while to get ready and start germination for the patch of lawn.
Next, you can collect some good-quality grass seeds that will grow well in the seedbed. Ensure to water the beds well before planting. You can then plant them in a row to get accurate results. Keep in mind that we need to give enough time to germinate all the grass. After germination, is complete you will get lush grasses for your thick and lush lawn.
First of all, we need to keep our eyes on the growing process, and to ensure that, we need to put in a lot of work. Secondly, we have to use organic fertilizers in the top 4 inches of soil. The fertilizer application amount should be 10 pounds for every 500 square feet area. Next, we have to thoroughly rake the soil and sprinkle the necessary amount of water. Then, the final planting site should be watered two to four times to make that preparation for final planting. Finally, you should know when to fertilize the lawn depending on the germination period, growth period, or flowering period.
The 10 Best grass seed for sandy soil
We will now fully discuss the best grass seeds that are suitable for sandy soil. In addition, we will also discuss the benefits and the advantages of the seeds. You can then select the right one that will be suitable for your lawn, including the type of soil, the season, and the requirements of the seed. Furthermore, there is a long list of at least 10 types of grasses that are suitable for sandy soil.
We have rounded up the top 10 grass seeds that are currently the best in the market. According to customer reviews and ratings, our list of grass seeds is excellent for sandy soils. Let’s dive right in.
1) Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda Grass
Scotts turf is one of the best brands in the stores, and you can believe in the quality with your eyes closed. These seeds are bred to comply with the full sun, drought environment and high traffic area. In addition, these are highly modified with special coatings to absorb more water and be safe from all kinds of diseases. You will love this Bermuda grass seed that will make things better in your seedbed.
These seeds are specially modified to prevent disease. These seeds are also from the best products from Scotts as they will grow into long and thicker green grasses. You will also enjoy having these grasses on your lawn. They also spread to the bare points in your lawn and crowd out weeds.
Does it suit the sandy soils? Yes, it is a perfect match for sandy soils. Genetically it is made for high heat, drought and bare spots to be covered and filled with green grasses. So, there is nothing to worry about your lawn being bare land anymore; all will be covered with green grass. Additionally, it will be a quick process with this best grass seed. Bermuda grass grows well in warm seasons because it is one of the best warm-season grasses.
PROS
- High heat resistance
- Drought resistance
- WaterSmart PLUS coating
- 2 tines longer blades of grass
- Excellent performance
CONS
- Requires proper care while germinating
2) Pennington Smart Seed
Of course, a sandy lawn will be challenging terrain to any plant. However, some types of grasses are perfect for sandy soil conditions. This tall fescue grass species is perfect as a lawn grass. Different grass types require a healthy lawn for growth. Tall fescue grass is perfect for very sandy soil. It is mixed with other grasses for a beautiful sandy yard. Quick draining sandy soils with a deep root system such as fescue grasses will give you a beautiful, lush green lawn.
It is easy to plant hard fescue grass seed, and this 7-pound bag covers up to 2,330 square feet for over-seeding an existing lawn and 770 square feet for starting a new lawn. In areas of your lawn that receive at least four to six hours of sunshine daily, plant your grass seed mix in the early spring or early fall. You should see tall fescue grass popping up in 8 to 21 days. Sandy soil is best for this seed mix.
Furthermore, tall fescue doesn’t require much water. It consumes up to 30 percent less water than other grass types. Hard fescue grass seed is coated in fertilizer to speed germination and promote growth.
PROS
- Drought resistant
- Perfect grass for sandy soil
- Great for a dense lawn
- Disease resistant
- Fertilizer enhanced
CONS
- Over-seeding will grow more weeds
3) TifBlair Centipede Grass Seed
Finding the right seed solution is challenging but not impossible. You will get a good lawn solution from TifBlair. They produce good quality grass seed since a lot of research has gone into the seeds that will be a good choice for your lawn. Initially, you might have different types of problems one of them being that sandy soil can be harmful to tender seeds. But these seeds are tough to fight harsh weather and soil conditions. You can plant these seeds in the warm season.
These coated seeds are perfect for germination, and they will make you happy. They are drought tolerant and can grow in full sun. It is incredible that these do not need any shade at all. When there is extreme sun or cold, the grasses will not die on the lawn. It will survive itself. You will find this grass type thriving and growing better than many other reputed brands.
This one packet of grass seed will cover up to 4,000 square feet of area. That is a large area to cover, and you can oversee your lawn with it. You can try this bag of seeds on your lawn, and we can assure you that you will be happy and fully satisfied with the results.
PROS
- Heat resistant
- Better germination
- No shade required
- Drought resistant
- Covers a 4,000 square feet area
CONS
- Comparatively expensive than other brands
4) Hancock Seed Company Hancock’s Ryegrass Seed
Ryegrass is suitable for both clay soil and sandy soil. This versatility is what makes this grass type excellent for sandy lawns. Ryegrass is a superb choice as lawn grass. It is excellent for soil protection and suppressing weed growth because it grows quickly and also grows throughout the fall and winter. Ryegrass is among the cool-season grasses, and it requires 65 degrees and below. Planting should be done at nighttime when temperatures are lower.
Additionally, ryegrass is perfect for sandy soil conditions because it is also perfect as forage or a nurse crop for legumes and perennial crops. It is also perfect as a cover. This grass grows and matures in late June and early July. Ryegrass does exceptionally well in sandy soil, direct sunlight, and it has a deep root system which makes it the best grass for sandy soils. Additionally, with its multiple uses, it becomes the best grass for sandy soil.
PROS
- Versatile
- Fast-growing
- Non-GMO
- Low-maintenance
- Sandy yard ready
CONS
- It might grow in clumps if not over-seeded
5) Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Pensacola Bahiagrass
This is another excellent product from Scotts Turf that will produce awesome bahiagrass. Furthermore, you can easily plant them on your lawn after germination. This breed is specially made for complete sun germination, and it is called Pensacola bahiagrass seed. It is modified for growing in odd environments and brutal weather. It has exceptional absorbing capacity too. In addition, its special coating will absorb two times more water that will make it excellent for growing grass for your lawn.
It will establish deep roots and can tolerate stress in lower maintenance environments. So, it is a perfect fit for sandy soils. You can select this product that will also give you common types of grasses for a very nice lawn. They are also heat and drought-resistant and you can cover around 1,000 square feet in area.
All in all, you will get the toughest seed tolerance from this brand. It is also easy to germinate and grow this seed.
PROS
- Heat resistant
- Drought resistant
- Coated seeds for water absorbance
- 1,000 square feet
CONS
- Price is comparatively high than other brands
6) Midnight Kentucky Blue Grass For Sandy Soil
For a thick lawn, the Kentucky bluegrass is perfect for sandy lawns. For an attractive lawn, Kentucky bluegrass mixed with creeping red fescue grasses will form a dark green shade of green grass for a very beautiful lawn. Additionally, you can grow grass in the cool season, as it is a cool-season grass that grows in a dark green color. The deep root system is essential for absorbing nutrients, and it is the best grass for sandy areas.
This grass type loves to grow in direct sunlight and well-drained soil. If you spread seeds evenly, you will have a beautiful lawn in a few weeks. As a bonus, if you plant grass in loose soil, it will spread quickly to form grass plugs. This sandy soil grass type is happy with sunlight and perfect for filling in bare spots in any lawn, including southern lawns. However, this grass type requires watering twice every week to retain water and be well-drained soil.
PROS
- Beautiful
- Good grass for sandy soil
- Deep root system
- Disease-resistant
- Doesn’t require peat moss
CONS
- High maintenance
7) Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Zoysia Grass Seed
This is another type of grass seed that Scotts turf produces. Furthermore, you will also like this new Zoysia grass specifically because it is perfect for sandy soils. It is designed for heat resistance, high sun and light shade. It will germinate in most soils and even in the sandy soils of your lawn. It is programmed for rugged, durable and maintenance-less lawns. You will find these seeds are pretty good for any type of sandy soil. We are pleased to say the results of the grass will make you very happy.
Everybody loves a green lawn, but those with sandy soils face different troubles. Scott’s turf seeds are perfect for these types of soils. You will also find these grasses are 99.9% free from weeds. This ensures that there are no other risks that come with planting this grass type. Additionally, you can easily germinate this grass for your lawn.
As we have previously mentioned, these seeds are heat and drought-resistant. You can germinate them in partial shade, too. So, it is a superb choice for your lawn. Furthermore, the coverage of this breed is also good. You will get roughly 2,000 square feet of coverage with these seeds. If you do plant this grass seed, the results should be visible in about 14 to 21 days.
PROS
- Grows in full sun
- Heat resistant
- Drought resistant
- Needs Shade
CONS
- Requires partial shade for germination
8) Nature’s Seed Dutch Clover For Sandy Soils
A clover lawn can be a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to any other traditional turf lawn. If you have shady spots or problem areas in your yard, this is the best soil for sandy soil. Furthermore, it is a warm-season grass with a relatively shallow root system and does well in clay soil and sand soil types. It has moderate to full coverage, which is perfect for high foot traffic. It also works exceptionally well as a moderate cover.
This grass for sandy soil is also a suitable pollinator species that will attract honey bees. Additionally, the sand soil is helpful in growing this grass. Before planting, ensure to mix the seeds in with a bit of sand and then plant your warm-season grass as usual. This method is different from other warm-season grasses. If you grow grass, then you should let the seeds fall on the soil surface to ensure your grass grows well.
PROS
- Perfect for sandy soil
- Low maintenance
- Covers bare spots
- Beneficial to the environment
- Natural fertilizer
- Terrific texture
CONS
- Clover lawns stains clothes easilyIsn’t a good high-cover option
9) Zoysia Plugs – 50 Large Grass
Among all our other products, Zoysia Plugs are a little bit different. These are grown and germinated grass plugs that you will get to cover your lawn. It is easier to cover your lawn as it only needs to settle down within a few days. They are also perfect for a ready-made lawn setup. This fantastic product is easier to use compared to laying seedbeds and germinating grass seeds from scratch.
These grasses come in trays, and they make a nice, low-maintenance lawn anywhere you plant them. Additionally, they will cover your entire lawn in a few days, and you can be stress-free about the lawn. Furthermore, it is a different type of grass product that is worth trying out. The seed features also include cold and drought tolerance for longer survival. Additionally, this grass type also stays green in full sunlight. Once it grows, it will be a nice feeling looking at a very beautiful lawn every day.
We guarantee that you will like this product, and if you want to avoid any type of germination process or sowing seeds, then it is the next best idea. If you love it, you can suggest it to other people.
PROS
- 50 plugs per tray
- Cold and drought tolerant
- A little shade needed
- Low maintenance farming
CONS
- Without proper care, the grass may die
10) Hancock Common Bermuda Grass Seed
Bermuda grass does well in poor soil conditions, and especially in sandy soil. It is the perfect grass for sandy soil, and it is warm-season grass and grows in late spring. It gives any lawn a beautiful dark green color and is perfect for places with high foot traffic. Bermuda grass seeds typically come coated in fertilizer to promote faster growth and establishment. Additionally, Bermuda grass also does well in well-drained soil.
This grass type is suitable for any bare areas in your lawn. It is also suitable for families with dogs that like to dig. Furthermore, it is also suitable as a cover around other trees, including fruit trees. To plant Bermuda grass, try to turn up the surface soil using a garden rake. It is vital to over-seed when it comes to Bermuda grass, especially in sandy soils. This is to avoid any bare spots when the Bermuda grass grows out.
PROS
- Drought-resistant
- Heat-resistant
- Tolerates heavy traffic
- Warm-season grass
- Grows thick
- Low-maintenance
CONS
- Poor tolerance to insects
How To Treat Your Sand soil Lawn
While we have discussed a variety of grass types, there are some grass types that do well with sandy soil, as long as the Ph is constant. The best grass for sandy soils has already been listed. However, each grass type has specifications. For example, there are warm-season grasses and cool-season grass types, which have different requirements.
a) Adding A Compost Layer
Adding a compost layer is vital for plant species such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, centipede grass, creeping red fescue grasses, and Bahia grass seed. A compost layer will form a dense layer to keep the growing grass anchored. This works exceptionally well, even for cool-season grass with deep roots.
b) Adding Fertilizer
We all know that sandy soil lacks nutrients because it drains too quickly. Some growing grass have a shallow root system that prevents them from absorbing nutrients. To prevent your Bahia grass seed from drying out before it even grows, you should ensure to add fertilizer. Fertilizers that are highly concentrated in Nitrogen and Potassium should significantly help with plant growth.
c) Minimizing Salt Levels
Sandy levels lack nutrients, but they are high in salt content. High salt content is disastrous, especially to deep roots, Zoysia grass seed, Bermuda grass, bahiagrass and centipede grass. It is recommended that the best grass for sandy soil be layered with any type of peat. This ensures any organic matter has the chance to grow better. Balancing out the soil composition should be done prior to growing any organic matter.
d) Re-seeding
Grass has a critical part to play in soil health. What you may not know is that every time you plant grass, the soil quality becomes better. Growing grass is also good for the environment. Furthermore, the best grass for sandy soils helps the soils retain more moisture and nutrition. Furthermore, if you have a sandy lawn, it would be better to keep on re-seeding it rather than building your lawn afresh.
Building your own lawn with fresh grass might seem inviting; however, that is not the case. It is a lot of unnecessary work. Instead, you can make your sandy lawn into the most beautiful space for you and your family.
How To Choose The best grass seed for sandy soil
There are some technical issues you need to address before going for the grass seeds. You can purchase one pack of seeds and begin germination, but the process is not that easy. Additionally, you can also do it another way like purchasing grass plugs. Before you select a method of planting, do a little research first to find what’s best for your lawn. Consider this as a buying guide before you select the next best thing for your lawn.
Here are some of the pointers that should guide you in the best direction for your lawn grass. We have rounded up a few and we hope you find this review helpful.
i) Suitability with Sandy Soil
Before purchasing any kind of grass seed for your lawn, you need to thoroughly check your lawn soil type. If the soil type is sandy, then you select the seeds that are perfect for sandy soil. It might be very challenging, but you can easily check online and search for the perfect seed type. On the other hand, if you decide on a more hands-on approach, discuss the suitability of seeds with a professional, who may give you better information.
ii) Heat Resistance
Based on the environment and weather, you need to confirm that the seeds are resistant to heat. When you purchase a seed that is highly heat resistant, you can plant in summer. Additionally, you can also plant in sandy soils. This is a good feature that seeds should have. After germination, you can then follow step-by-step instructions on how to care for the grass until it can grow without much care.
iii) Drought Resistance
Water is another factor for grass farming. It is essential that you check the drainage condition of your lawn soil. If you live in a dry area then, you need to check the seed features. If your seed type is drought resistant, it will make seeding your lawn easier. You will need not think about watering the lawn every day because such seeds don’t require much watering. On the other hand, sandy soil has poor drainage and isn’t suitable for germination unless it has some fertilizer or compost.
iv) Water Absorbent
When you are choosing a grass seed package that you’re going to use in your sandy soil, check for the water-absorbent features. If it is water absorbent, then you will have an easy time when you plant the seed. In addition, these seeds will absorb twice the water in them and will survive. So, water-absorbent seeds are good for germination especially in dry areas, or where there is poor soil drainage.
v) Requirement of Shade
In some cases, you will need shade for your seedbed. Some grasses need partial or total shade to germinate. If your seed needs shade, then you will need to make shady places in your lawn to protect the seedbed. If you get seeds that need to grow in the shade, ensure you provide shade otherwise they will not grow. On the other hand, if you have a lawn that is partially or totally shady, you won’t have to provide shade.
Picking out the right seed for your lawn will also depend on the requirements of the seed. After analyzing your lawn, ensure that the conditions are suitable for the particular seed type you have in mind.
vi) Growing Performance And Reviews
Before purchasing any kind of grass seed or any grasses, you need to check the customer reviews. If the store has an online presence, check the online reviews. Most previous users will leave an honest review if they purchased or used an item. This will make it easier for you to know which product is better performing, which seed type grows well in sandy soil, and how to maintain them. The best online stores are easy to interact with and you also get better feedback. If you purchase seed from the local seed store, ensure that an attendant takes you through the pros and cons of the seed you prefer.
vii) Seed or Grass
Which one should you go for? Seed requires you to make a seedbed and transfer seedlings after germination. On the other hand, if you buy basic grasses, you can directly plant them on the lawn. The latter seems like a better idea, however, it’s not that simple. If the grass seed is not meant for sandy soil, then it might not survive even with the best care you can offer. Therefore, it is better to find warm and drought-resistant seeds and germinate them. In the general sense, it may be better for you, if you purchase seeds instead of plugs. However, it all comes down to your lawn. In addition, the seed or grass plugs you choose should be the perfect choice for your lawn. If you consider both germinated grass and seeds, you will still have a green and lovely lawn at the end of the day.
We hope you found this review helpful. If you have additional questions or queries, you can reach us via email on our website. We will reach out with a solution. Additionally, you can also employ the services of a gardener who can show you what to do and how to go about things. In our overall discussion, we have highlighted some information that you can fully utilize if you plan to plant yourself. Additionally, you can research more and, if need be, reach us. We hope is not too hard to complete the planting process. When it comes to a beautiful lawn, y not only need the best seed but the best soil for grass seed as well.
At this point, you should have a rough idea of how to start, and which method to choose. In addition, you can pick your product from our listed products. You can also check the buying guide and then move on to pick a product. After selecting the grass type or seed, you can now begin your planting. If your preferred method is using seed, then ensure you overseed your lawn. If you select a grass plug, ensure to prep your lawn very well.
Final Summary
We hope you have enjoyed the discussion above. If you are still unsure, we can help with clarification. Additionally, growing grass on a sandy lawn is not a tall order. It might be a little daunting at first, however, once you get the hang of it, it gets easier. Before you select seed type, ensure you know how to care for your lawn. The soil type also matters. Of course, our focus is on sandy soil today. We have listed some tips on how to improve drainage in sandy soils.