What Is Needed for Grass to Grow?

Soil

• Grass needs to be planted in soil that is loose with plenty of organic matter but also can retain the amount of water necessary for growth without accumulating too much. Prepare the soil effectively by using a tiller to loosen it. You may also want to lay down a new layer of soil if the soil on your property is not ideal for growing grass. Take a measurement of the pH in your soil: 7 is neutral, while any number lower is acidic and higher is alkaline. Try to get your soil in the 6.5 to 7 range. You can use lime to raise the pH of your soil and sulphur to lower it.

Fertilizer

• Fertilizer is not an absolute necessity for getting grass to grow. The wrong type of fertilizer will adversely impact your grass's growth. If your grass is planted on good soil and the grass is growing well, add a slow-release fertilizer. If your grass is failing to thrive, add a starter-type fertilizer that has lower levels of nitrogen but higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus. High-nitrogen fertilizers are notorious for causing weeds to grow faster than your lawn, so avoid them.

Water

• Water is a crucial component to growing grass. If there is not enough water present while your grass is germinating, the seed may die before it is able to flourish. If you water it too much, you may kill the seed. Water grass in the morning and evening for five to 10 minutes, depending on how much water your sprinkler emits. Grass needs to be watered once a day once it has reached full growth, and you can slowly begin to space the watering process out as the grass matures. The surface of the grass needs to be constantly moist until all seeds have germinated. Try weaning grass away from daily watering during the fall instead of in summer, when it is hottest.

Sunlight

• Sunlight is vital for getting grass to grow. Some areas, specifically those that are blocked by trees or structures, are not suited for growing grass. On average, grass needs to get at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can purchase grass seed that is specifically designed for shady locations to increase your chances of getting it to thrive.

Maintenance

• Proper maintenance is just as crucial to the success of your lawn as the correct materials. Wait to mow the grass until it is at least 3 1/2 inches tall, and take off no more than an inch of grass. Use a sharp lawnmower to cut the grass, especially for the first cut. Dull blades have a tendency to rip up the roots. Do not spray chemicals, including weed killers and fungicides, on new grass. Wait a minimum of four to five months before using any chemicals.