Is there a risk of laying a new lawn in the sand because the soil is too poor for a green carpet? Then create a dry lawn. Read here how to plant and care for the colorful mixture of herbs and perennials.

Important site conditions at a glance

If poor, sandy conditions prevail in a garden, the area is ideal for planting dry grassland. They not only create a decorative appearance, but also a valuable small biotope. In order for a nutrient-poor grassland to grow well and thrive, the location should be as follows:

  • Full sun to sunny position
  • Sandy, well-drained soil
  • With little humus and minimal nutrient content

South-facing slopes or pronounced limestone soil offer dry grassland excellent growth conditions. In addition, nutrient-poor grassland is very suitable for areas with sandy soil.

Soil preparation and use - how to do it right

Where the ideal living conditions for dry grassland do not naturally exist, you can help a little with soil preparation. Follow these steps:

  • Dig out the intended lawn area 40-50 centimeters deep
  • Fill the small pit with a 35-34 cm layer of gravel and grit (€46.95).
  • Spread a 5-10 centimeter thin layer of sand and topsoil on top
  • Before sowing, work the substrate into fine crumbs and smooth it out with a rake

Distribute the preferred seed mixture evenly with the spreader or the hand spreader and work it lightly into the substrate with the rake. Finally, water the seedbed with the lawn sprinkler (€26.95) and the finest water jet.

These plants thrive in dry grassland

In order for a nutrient-poor lawn to establish itself over many years, we recommend sowing regional grasses, herbs and perennials. The following overview presents some typical candidates for dry grassland:

  • Grasses: sweet grass, trembling grass, eyrie red fescue, golden oat, meadow foxtail
  • Herbs: yarrow, meadow bellflower, sage, buckhorn, rough dandelion
  • Perennials: snow heather, mountain sand bell, heather carnation

How to care for nutrient-poor grassland with expertise

The type of dry grass that is sown determines in detail what care is required. If you choose a low-growing mixture of herbs and grasses for alkaline subsoil, the care is different than with lean lawns for alkaline soil with a growth height of 60 to 100 centimeters. The following premises apply to the cultivation of dry grassland in general:

  • Do not fertilize nutrient-poor grassland
  • Only water once a week during summer drought
  • As soon as it rains again, stop sprinkling

High-growing dry grass is mowed once or twice a season, in July and September. If you create a small, nutrient-poor lawn, it will be cut four to six times a season. Since a conventional lawn mower is not designed for mowing, experienced gardeners use a scythe.

tips and tricks

The perfect care of dry grass no longer causes you headaches if your garden is suitable for keeping sheep and goats. When these animals graze a nutrient-poor grassland, all the requirements for regular mowing and nutrient supply are met in a natural way.

Category:

Garden design