GardenBanter.co.uk - help ineed help!

Rick wrote:
I just moved into a small duplex in San Jose, CA. My landlord put a thin
layer of asphalt down and now it’s all cracking with weeds sprouting up.
I would like to plant grass, the other tenant tried removing the asphalt
and planting grass, but it did not go well the landlord said that the
soil is bad, is there anything I can do minimize my chances of having
problems the area in question is about 15’ x 30’.

Thanks
Rick