Question
Hi Long Island Gardener - I came across this website via a google search and am most impressed with all of the amazingly helpful advice you give out to people about their lawns!
My husband & I just bought a house in September and we are anxious to get started with landscaping our backyard.  Well, if you can call it that. Currently it is in a bad state, mostly dead grass and dirt.  I really don't know where to start and don't know a lot about different types of grass. We have an 18mo old son and we picture spending many weekend days frolicking in our beautiful grassy (chemical free) backyard. Where do I start? Will it even be possible to have a lush backyard in a short amt of time?  Should we lay sod?  Is there a sod out there that is not laden with pesticides?
I live in Roslindale 02131 and I gather the first step is getting our soil tested?

Any advice on first steps would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!

Cara

Answer
Soil test -- music to my ears!  You can get that done at the Univ of Mass Soil Testing Lab:

www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest

Their 'Standard Soil Test' is $9 and includes pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and a half dozen other talking points to get you up close and personal with your Soil.  While you're waiting for the results:

1. Start a Compost Pile (great lesson for the kids -- and you can pick up Red Wiggler Earthworms at your local fishing supplies store; they'll accelerate the composting)

2. Find a good source of Manure (any), Humus and/or Compost and roll it out on your Lawn.

3. PULL UP ALL FLOWERING WEEDS -- it's that time of year.  Get them by the roots and throw'em in the Compost Pile.

4. Order Grass Seed.  You can do Sod in some of the nicer areas (like right out in front); it's the perfect time of year to roll out Sod.  No, I don't like the pesticides either -- but in this world we live in we have to compromise sometimes.  You MIGHT have a local Organic pesticide-free supplier because you have the luck to live in one of the higher educated corners of the universe; support your local Organic Sod supplier.  Otherwise, just for the sake of your own morale, compromise with the Sod and get it down.  The rest can be healthy, clean Seed selected for your situation: Traffic and Sun exposure.  If you decide to go with all Seed, include Rye in your mix so that you get quick coverage.

Let me know what you decide and we'll take it from there.  Congratulations on your new home.