Whether you’re growing a lawn in some newly cleared space, or you’re just frustrated with your current lawn and want to just start over, there are a couple of basic beginning points for everyone.

Before you start it’s important to have your soil tested for both acidity and fertility.

You’ll need to add lime if the soil is acidic—that’s a pH level that’s well below 7. You may also need other amendments. Organic matter like peat is great for loosening hard clay soil and adding nutrients to sandy soil. In some cases a nitrogen-based fertilizer is also needed.

Then, before you plant, consult some local experts about which seed mixture works best under your area’s conditions. Some grasses tolerate heat or moisture better than others, and you’ll want a mix that will thrive throughout the year.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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