Very Sandy Soil

[lzicc]

I'm clearing out some of the woods on my property. Once I clear out all the trees and weeds, I want to plant grass. The dirt is extremely sandy. I thought about renting a wood chipper and chip up all the branches and mix it in the sandy soil to give it some substance and let it ferment over the winter, but it may take a few years to compost. I called around for mushroom compost, but it is expensive along with topsoil. Any thoughts on this?

 

[rustyshakelford]

Throw out some winter rye to hold the soil and plant next spring.

Brett

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I'm having a hard time believing that in PA you have sandy soil unless you are in a creek bottom and even then I'd bet that it was a dry loam. I'd suggest a <$10 soil test to find out what amendments that you need before you spend money on suggestions from the internet. Go to the local soil conversation office and get the kit. The results should come back in 2 weeks + or-.

 

[lzicc]

I know. i would have thought I would have had good soil being wooded like it is, but it is very sandy.

 

[CalG]

I'm clearing out some of the woods on my property. Once I clear out all the trees and weeds, I want to plant grass. The dirt is extremely sandy. I thought about renting a wood chipper and chip up all the branches and mix it in the sandy soil to give it some substance and let it ferment over the winter, but it may take a few years to compost. I called around for mushroom compost, but it is expensive along with topsoil. Any thoughts on this?

View attachment 522895

Looks like some nice lawns across the roadway. Ask your neighbor what it takes.

 

[lzicc]

I like the winter rye idea. That would give it some substance and prepare the soil of what I have been reading online about it.

 

[jeff9366]

Cheap seed for creating 'green manure' is deer food plot seed from Walmart. In Florida $22 for 50 pounds. I turn under the mature plants with a Disc Harrow with 20" diameter pans.

If you want to plant now in Pennsylvania, you will need Fall/Winter food plot blend.

 

[Streetcar]

Fall is the best time to plant in pa. Decaying wood will draw nitrogen from the soil.
Plant fescue now

 

[orezok]

Raw wood chips will steal all the nitrogen from the soil. Not a good idea if you plan to plant it.

 

[kthompson]

If you are looking for grass look at bermudas, some varieties do well in sandy soils. Look at Coastal Bermuda only issue is you sprig it, right sure coastal bermuda is grown in PA for hay in some areas of the state.