| First, do a soil test. Why? Because you need to know the pH of the soil - whether it's acid or alkaline. The results of this test will tell you if you need to add phosphorus, potassium, lime or sulfur. You'll also want to find out how much to add and how often to add it.
You can get soil test kits at local home centers or at your local extension agent. You may even opt to have a professional come out and do the test for you. Soil kits in home centers usually run about $10.
Once the soil is ready, make sure you prepare the surface by raking it flat and even. You can get a lawn one of two ways: sow it yourself or have sod delivered. There are lots of sod farms around the country and they are the quickest - but not necessarily least expensive - way to have a lawn.
If you need a lawn fast and money is no object, go the sod farm route. Sod is delivered to your property in easy to manage rolls and you need to make sure that seams are tight when placing them down on the soil.
If you're going to sow the grass seed yourself, your next decision will be type of seed you want to sow. This decision will depend on a couple of things. How much sun do you get during the day? What kind of lawn do you want? Experts at the home center and local extension office as well as your neighbors will give you guidance.
Climate will play a starring role in when and what you plant. For example, if you live in a warm climate, you'll plant warm-season grass seed in the springtime. If you live in the north or central part of the country, you'll want to use a cool-season grass, planted in the fall, like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass.
Okay. You've got your soil ready and you have your seed. What's the best method for sowing that seed? You have three choices: by hand, a broadcast spreader or a drop spreader.
Obviously, if you have a small space sowing by hand or a broadcast spreader is your best bet. I recommend a broadcast spreader - even in postage stamp sized yards - because of the evenness of sowing. I always feel a bit like an old farmer feeding her chicks when I sow grass seed by hand. Some spots get a little more seed; some none at all. For a large area, go with a drop spreader. This tool will help you get the job done faster.
Consistent watering is the next step even if you've planted sod. You want those roots to grow good and strong so you have your lawn for a long time. You may want to spread straw over the grass seed to keep it in contact with the soil. Whatever you do, though, do not use anything that has seeds in it. This will surely give you a lawn you didn't intend.
Once your lawn is established, make sure to maintain it by over-seeding and feeding at least once a year. This will keep your lawn vibrant and green and make your house the one everyone wants to visit - just to stretch out on the lawn!
Victoria Rosendahl is a freelance copywriter, novelist, and passionate gardener. Visit her website, http://www.money-saving-garden-tips.com, for three FREE gifts and tons of great money saving ideas for your garden. You can also email her at victoria@money-saving-garden-tips.com | 
» THP Home
Have you just moved to a new house that has little or no lawn? Or have you just put the finishing touches on the construction of a new home?
