OldWasp wrote:
My question is about using a weed barrier to stop any roots/seeds
from


I have never grown grass before so would appreciate some advice.



When I moved in, my garden was an absolute jungle due to it being

untouched for around 10 years. I have now cleared one side and want
to

get grass growing.



My question is about using a weed barrier to stop any roots/seeds
from

coming back up.

-

Using a weed barrier where? I'm not a big fan of weed barriers, but
if they are going to be used, they are used in landscaped beds,
around trees, etc, not where you have turf. How would grass grow if
you have a weed barrier?



-

Would this work do you think? Obviously, I would use a weed barrier
that

allows water to drain through and I would probably have around 3
inches

of top soil/compost on top for my seeds.

-

And the weeds will grow just like the grass grows.


-

Also, is it best to use compost on the top to level it all off, or do
I

need to use top soil? I am not really sure what the difference
between

the two is.
-

You want topsoil. Compost can be mixed in. Topsoil is the top layer
of
the soil, extending from a few inches to maybe a foot or so,
depending on
the area. Compost is decayed organic matter. Topsoil consists of
some compost, which occurs naturally from decaying vegetation, plus
other soil
components like sand, clay, etc. If the topsoil is good, you don't
need
to add compost. For growing new turf in most areas, you don't need
to add compost in, but it can help. What you use depends on what is
available
locally and how much it costs.

I'd google for lawn renovation or seeding a new lawn. Also, don't
know where you are, climate, etc. But if it's a cool season grass
area and it's summer now, it's the worst time to try to establish a
new lawn. Fall, ie Sept is best time. Then you have cooler temps.
Now you'd have
to water the lawn many times a day to keep it wet. And even once it
starts
to grow, you have to keep putting water on it if it's 85F. You also
have huge competition from weeds. In Sept, nature is on your side.
And
then the lawn has a long time to establish good roots, before it hits
it's first summer stress. If you want a lawn now, I'd consider
buying sod,
depending on area, budget, etc.

Thanks for the advice.

I meant put the weed barrier on top of the soil, then add more soil on
top (e.g. 3 inches) for the grass to grow on.

I am going to have to top up the soil area so that it is level, so I
was just wondering whether there is any advantage from putting a weed
barrier down before I put fresh top soil on top to level it.

I am in Scotland so I was thinking to do it about now when the sun is
still out. My box of seeds says September is the latest time of year
you can sow them.

Don't have money to spend on turf but it's not urgent either so I can
wait for the seeds to grow.

Using weed barrier as you suggest would just limit the depth that grass can grow
its roots, making it less drought tolerant.

If you want to start it now, you will have to be serious about watering. When
you first plant the seed, you want to water very lightly until the grass is well
sprouted. This means running a sprinkler for maybe 5 minutes morning, noon, and
mid afternoon. You don't want to soak it, but you don't want the seed to dry out
and die. When the grass is well sprouted, reduce the frequency gradually. while
increasing the amount of water to get the soil wet deeply. It would be easier in
the fall, but similar "rules" apply.

For leveling whatever topsoil you add, or even the soil there already if you
don't, Rent a WIDE landscapers rake, and work hard to get it level. Using a lawn
roller to firm it up, then raking, repeat a few times, so you don't end up with
more settling producing low spots. Spots that were tilled deeper than others
will settle more unless you do something to prevent it.