Please evaluate my grass planting plan.

 I have an area behind my chicken coop where pine trees used to grow.

The area is in partial shade (eastern part of the house)

This is agricultural zone 5 (Northrn Illinois)

We cut those trees down and removed stumps, and planted 4 fruit trees.

We want to plant grass lawn in the area. Most of the area is barren,
but there is some weed type growth on one side.


My plan is:

1. Kill weeds with ROUNDUP. Wait 2 days.

2. Rent a TILLER and TILL the area, and level it (it is uneven).

3. Sprinkle a layer of TOPSOIL

4. Spread high quality SEED

5. Sprinkle more TOPSOIL

6. WATER the area on a 3x Daily basis for 1 month

Is this sensible?

i

 
I already have roundup at home... So your comment, while possibly very
wise, does not apply.


Okay, so at least that's a good idea to till.


No, I just want to add maybe 1/2" of topsoil for the seeds to start
growing. The soil in the area is tolerable and I do not want to really
build up, all I want is to provide nice environment for the baby
seedlings, so to speak.


The area is about 20x45 feet, pretty large. I am however, very open to
the idea of using sod, but it is a bit too much hard work, it seems.


Someone in the biz told me that if I use SOD, I have to "flood" it
with water even more, according to him.

i

 Ignoramus,

   You have a plan but have no basis for a plan. No one here knows what you
soil conditions are so no one can give you good advice. Let's go through
your questions:


   The directions on the bottle should be followed.


   After a soil test and the addition of any needed chemicals or fertilizers
tilling and leveling is ok


   This makes no sense unless the soil test suggests that you have no top
soil


   This is correct but when will you do this? Now may not be a good time for
planting in your area


   No, this doesn't make sense


   This sounds like too much watering.

   There should be a local office of your State's ag extension service. Call
them and get expert advice suited to your soil and your climate. They'll
probably test your soil for free but now is the busy season so don't expect
your test results anytime soon.

Good luck,
Dave M.

 Martel wrote:

thanks.


Sounds like a huge hassle, the soil looks okay to me, why should Itest
it? It looks like all other soil in my yard, and Iknow that grass
grows there.


thanks, appreciate that.


What is a good time?

To be honest, I also suspect that it is not a good time, but will
appreciate some more detail about what is a good time and why now is
not a good time (need to explain this to WIFE).


Why, I need to hide the seeds from birds...


that's what the instructions on the seed say.


Thanks, will check it out... Is it by state or county?

i

 <snip>>

Fall, without question
<snip>.