You might not know this, but clay soil normally cannot drain well. This is also an issue for grasses that don’t get sturdy roots in the water-saturated soil. Besides, it is difficult for the grassroots to push their way through clay for their growth.
In this case, the best grass seed for clay soil is the one with robust and deep root system that can deal with heavy soil. To help you find out the best grass varieties for clay soil, gardening101.net have researched various typical products available in the market currently.
Are you eager to know? Let’s get the ball rolling!
What Is The Best Grass Seed For Clay Soil?
#1: Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed
The Jonathan Green 10323 made its leading way on our list thanks to various reasons. First, because the varieties are made of waxy coating, they could avoid diseases and save the leaf moisture. Therefore, you can rest assured of lush green and healthy grass even during extreme weather of summer because it is drought resistant.
Another reason is that it, with a 25-pound weight, could offer coverage of up to 10,000 sq ft. This is a figure that most products are inferior to it.
Moreover, we are impressed with this product because it features species diversity, comprising of Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Black Beauty Tall Fescue grasses. This mixture can allow it to deliver a dark green color.
Furthermore, it is excellent for both clay and sandy soil. Also, the seeds could be used in the areas suffering a full sun or a partial shade.
The last feature of the Jonathan Green 10323 that outweighs other products is that it could help the roots grow up to 4 ft deep. In a nutshell, it is definitely an ideal choice for your beautiful lawn. We do not have any complaints about its performance at all, yet its price is quite high. That said, if you do not have any budget restrictions, it would be best to go for this option!
Pros:
- Include waxy coating warding off diseases and saving moisture
- Make roots grow up to 4 ft deep
- Insect resistance
- Offer coverage of up to 10,000 sq ft
- Offer species diversity
Cons: Expensive
#2: Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed
The runner-up spot goes to the Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed. Similar to the first option, this product can be used in areas that experience full sun and partial shade.
That said, we find that it can work well in extreme temperature conditions. The warmer the soil is, the quicker the germination rate is.
Besides, a feature of this product that stands out among other products is that you can see the results within 14 days.
Moreover, the varieties could withstand traffic after they are planted. Therefore, you don’t need to concern that your children and pet step over those newly-sown ones.
Plus, you will love the seeds as they do not require much maintenance until they fully grow up. You only need to add some organic fertilizers before sowing and water after planting to make sure they will grow healthy.
Another plus point of the product that the first option does not feature is that it is 100% pure. You know, this will optimize the growth of the plants.
When it comes to its coverage, for each 2-pound bag only, it could cover a significant area of up to 2,000 sq ft, which is even higher than that of the Jonathan Green 10323.
The only letdown of this product is that it seems to be not an excellent choice for Spring. Thereby, if you are into the market for the seeds for this season, it would be better if you skip this option.
Pros:
- 100% pure for higher germination rate
- Ideally deliver results within 14 days only
- Withstand extreme temperature conditions
- Required minimum lawn care
- Coverage of up to 2,000 sq ft with a 2-pound pack
Cons: Not ideal for Spring.
#3: Pennington Smart Sun and Shade Grass Seed
The Pennington Smart Sun and Shade Grass Seed is another great choice for clay soil. The seeds included in this product could work well in the areas experiencing the full sun and partial shade.
Plus, these varieties could be resistant to drought, diseases and insects as well. Thereby, you will not need to put much effort into caring for them.
Another highlight of this product is that it features the company’s exclusive technology called Penkoted, which could protect the seeds from a deadly fungus.
Moreover, you will like the Pennington grass seed, knowing that it uses 30 percent less water than a conventional grass seed mix.
Last but not least, it could also deliver a thick and dark green lawn in the end.
Any cons? Unfortunately, we have to say Yes. We find that its coverage is not as high as most products available in the market. So if you have a big lawn, you will need to buy more bags.
Pros:
- Suitable for full sun and partial shade
- Resistant to drought, diseases and insects
- Require less care
- Use 30% less water
- Offer thick dark green lawn
Cons: Lower coverage
#4: Mountain View Seeds Natures Own Grass Seed
Combined with numerous grass species like Blue Grass, Fescue, and Perennial Rye Grass, the Mountain View Seeds provides a bunch of benefits.
Initially, it comes with the resistance of droughts and insects. Thanks to that, you will not need to worry about the existing lawn when the grass grows well in clay soil.
Plus, the seeds have a unique type of coating dubbed WaterSmart QS, which can capture and release water in the varieties. Thereby, this coating could stay in a moisture environment. In turn, this will cut the amount of water that the grass needs.
Moreover, while most varieties don’t grow well in scorching weather, this product can be used in any conditions. That’s why you will rest assured that your lawn will look beautiful in the end, with no concern about the weather.
Another point that this Mountain View Seeds product is different from other seeds is that it does not contain fillers and additives. Accordingly, you will get a 100% pure combination of numerous seed species. Ultimately, you will see the results after 6-14 days of planting the seeds.
Nevertheless, there are several points that the Mountain View Seeds need to be improved as well. First, the germination rate is not quite high, which is really a letdown of this product. Moreover, it is also inferior to the products mentioned above in offering a dark green lawn in the end.
Pros:
- Resistant to droughts and insects
- WaterSmart QS coating for capturing and releasing water in the seeds
- Could be used in any weather
- No fillers and additives
- 100% pure
Cons:
- Low germination rate
- Not providing a dark green lawn in the end as good as other products
#5: Canada Green Grass Seed
The last position on our list named a product from the brand Canada Green. The product is a mixture of numerous species, including Red Flowers and Blue Grass, which act as a supporter of healthy grass growth.
We are pretty sure that with the Canada Green Grass Seed, you could get a thick green lawn as the results.
Another significant advantage of this product is that it is resistant to not only weed but also insects. Thereby, you don’t need to concern extra-unwanted cutting and growth.
Plus, it could spread evenly throughout the areas it’s sown, creating a beautiful coating in a long time.
Similar to the above product, the Canada Green Grass Seed can withstand extreme temperature conditions. Not to mention, you could use it in both sandy and clay soil.
Finally, it could provide a coverage of up to 3,000 sq ft and give you fantastic grass you could ever get.
However, fair and square, this product does not provide a green lawn that is great as those of the above options. That’s why it ranks in this position on our list. Also, its resistance to insects is inferior to those of the higher-ranking options.
Pros:
- Resistant to insects and weed
- Even distribution
- Tolerate extreme weather conditions
- Used in sandy and clay soil
Cons:
- Not provide the ultimate green lawn as good as other options
- Lower resistance to insects
What to look for when buying grass seed for clay soil
Though you have just finished our reviews of the best grass seed for clay soil, it would be better to get clear about the following factors. They will help you make a proper buying decision as well. Let’s check them out!
Seed Types
Initially, you should determine whether you want a specific type of grass seed or a mixture of various grasses. Based on your preference, you can choose the right seeds for the lawn.
In a nutshell, there are two options for you to choose from. First, you could get a mixture of numerous grass seeds, which will provide you with different features, including durability, drought-resistant, insect-resistant, and so on.
Second, you can pick up a straight grass seed that provides a kind of grass seed only. This is regularly used in golf courses or when you want your lawn to be in a uniform.
Traffic resistant
It is no doubt that you will worry about the quantity of grass in your garden that can bear the traffic. It is quite crucial, especially when you have children and pets in your house. That’s why you should take into consideration this element so that the grass can withstand traffic. Plus, your family members will not be restricted from going around.
Partial Shade vs Full Sun
You might not know this, but not every seed can withstand the full sun. Thereby, you should make sure whether it’s suitable for the full sun or shades before buying seeds. Anyway, some grass seeds grow healthily in both conditions. That’s why you should choose for this kind, so you will not need to worry whether the area is shady or sunny.
Texture
It’s a critical feature, especially when you concern about the roughness and softness of the grass. Based on your preference, you can opt one that can lead to thin and soft grass or probably coarse to withstand traffic.
Fillers
Most products out there are grass seed – weed mixtures. It is okay to get about 0.5% of weed in grass seeds. Yet it would be better to pick one without additives as the entirety of pure grass seeds will grow better than the mixtures. Therefore, if you want to grow grass in clay soil, you should go for products with 100% grass seeds.
FAQs
Which Grass Types Grow Best In Clay Soil?
The kinds of grass that suit the clay soil best include tall fescue grass seeds, Zoysia grass, buffalo grass and Bermuda grass seed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of planting on Clay Soil?
There are various soil types currently, which have both pros and cons such as sandy soil, clay soil, silt sold, and so on. Of which, you might not know this, but clay soil comes with higher fertility than other top soils. The fine particles also lead to greater availability of nutrients in the dissolved form.
That said, it needs organic matter and good soil structure. One of the cons of heavy clay soil is poor drainage. Without the right soil structure, the drainage through the clay soil could be slow, resulting in ponding root conditions. Ultimately, working with clay soil can be challenging, fair and square.
How should you prepare clay soil before planting?
Before planting trees, it would be best if you have enough preparation. Accordingly, you could improve the soil quality by adding organic materials and compost. Also, you should create space for the growth of the tree roots as well.
Final Thoughts
So you have done our article of the best grass seed for clay soil. In sum, grass seed is quite critical for clay soil as it can provide strong roots to deal with this kind of heavy soil. And we would consider the Jonathan Green 10323 as the best at all thanks to its performance in providing a dark green lawn in the end as well as its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and quite high coverage.
Anyway, if you have any further ideas, do not hesitate to let us know in the comment box below. Thank you for reading!