Planting Grass From Seed Northwest Tucson (Phoenix, Tempe: university, live in, costs)

[Rudydog1]

Hi..

Yes I am finally tired of all the rocks in my back yard and wish to establish a small pad of grass.

After looking into the ridiculous prices for the fake stuff, plus my doggies would not be impressed I have decided to go it myself.

Sod is out of the question since it appears all that is available in this area is bermuda. I came to detest this type in Virginia as it spread like a weed and became very matted and seemed to be in a seed mode most of the time.

However looks like the evil bermuda seems to be the only thing that will survive in our heat? I am a little cooler up by Saddlebrook so maybe a mixture of something else?

So now it is October and I want to get started. Looks like a Rye blend will work until the heat hits.

I am curious as to others going down this path and their success's or failures.

Yes I know I live in the desert scape environment, and water is an issue. I do have plenty of other environmentally correct vegetation

Ever notice all the grass you see in yards and commercial complexes in the Phoenix area with their heat, crazy.


Thank you..

[Vision67]

When I lived in Tempe, because I am allergic to bermuda grass, we planted St. Augustine grass. If you plant cuttings, they will spread.

However, I have no idea how water restrictions or water costs in Tucson may impact your choice. Perhaps other posters can help.

[Bummer]

Planting GRASS, regardless of the type, in the Desert Southwest is nothing more than Declaring War on Mother Nature.

. . . guess who is gonna WIN?

[Rudydog1]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Planting GRASS, regardless of the type, in the Desert Southwest is nothing more than Declaring War on Mother Nature.

. . . guess who is gonna WIN?

Point well taken however I am willing to try and face the consequences, reason why I wish to seed instead of sod, $$$.

We maintained a nice patch of the real green stuff when we lived up this way many years ago and it did fine, just can't remember the mixture.

[WilmaWildcat]

Since golf has been a big business around these parts, the U of Arizona has a Turfgrass Research, Education, and Extension program through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and university extension. You might be able to find out something good at their website and at the Karsten Turfgrass Research facility on Roger Road. When I lived in town, I would go to the extension weekly gardening talks at the campus agricultural center together with the turf facility there.

Turfgrass Research, Education and Extension at The University of Arizona

The Karsten Turfgrass Reseach Facility at The University of Arizona