Grass won't grow, almost.

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I've got about a 150 sq ft area between my house and garage that gets very little sun. It's always supported some type of smattering of grass and little broad leaf things that pop up and fill in during the summer. This past year I've really worked the topsoil over in that area and just about all the life forms have been turned under. I'd like to get it greened up again but I figure I had better ask some professionals about what kind of grass seed and possibly broad leaf plant seeds I should start out with, considering the low light considerations.

What kind of grass might grow well in this little patch of land? I'm in Lexington, Ky, btw.

Thanks!
 
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As @DirtMechanic stated Mondo/Monkey Grass is a good though a tad expensive alternative to grass. There is another ground cover called Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans). This walkable and colorful plant grows fairly fast in shady areas. It also flowers with a little blue flower on a short spike. It is much cheaper than Mondo and can be grown from seed. There are different varieties of this plant. You will not find a lawn grass that will grow well in shade.
 
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There are several reasons why your grass isn't growing. This is the same reason that will explain why your grass is not thick or green enough. Sometimes the problem is bare spots where grass stubbornly refuses to grow. In other cases, the entire lawn — despite hours and hours of effort and money spent on grass seed, fertilizer and pre- and post-emergent — is like a weedy field. Grass needs the right conditions to grow and look like a green carpet.
 
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I've got about a 150 sq ft area between my house and garage that gets very little sun. It's always supported some type of smattering of grass and little broad leaf things that pop up and fill in during the summer. This past year I've really worked the topsoil over in that area and just about all the life forms have been turned under. I'd like to get it greened up again but I figure I had better ask some professionals about what kind of grass seed and possibly broad leaf plant seeds I should start out with, considering the low light considerations.

What kind of grass might grow well in this little patch of land? I'm in Lexington, Ky, btw.

Thanks!
Given the low light conditions in your area, you may want to consider shade-tolerant grass species such as fine fescues, turf-type tall fescue, or Kentucky bluegrass. These grasses are better adapted to growing in shaded areas and can tolerate less sunlight than other grass species.

Fine fescues are a group of grasses that includes creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue. They are fine-textured and shade-tolerant, making them a good choice for your area. Turf-type tall fescue is a coarser grass that can tolerate some shade, but it may not do as well in very low light conditions. Kentucky bluegrass is another option, but it may not perform as well in the shade as the fine fescues.

When selecting a grass seed, look for a mix that is labeled as shade-tolerant or suited for low-light conditions. These mixes often include a combination of different grass species that can help improve the overall performance of the lawn. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for seeding rates and planting times.

In addition to grass seed, you may also want to consider planting some shade-tolerant broadleaf plants, such as hostas, ferns, or creeping phlox. These plants can help add some variety and texture to the area and can thrive in low light conditions.

It's also important to note that in areas with low light, it may take longer for the grass to establish and fill in. Make sure to keep the area well-watered and fertilized to help encourage healthy growth. With some patience and care, you can have a thriving green area in your shaded patch of land.

For more info check this resource
 
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I had an area that grass would not grow well, not only because of the shade, but also because of a Southern Magnolia tree which has very shallow roots and spreads. I mulched the area heavily and then started filling in with plants.

Here's a picture of the area after mulching and before planting other plants. You don't have to use leaves, you could also use woodchips which can be delivered by a local tree removal company.

I didn't try and grow grass, because it would have been too expensive to keep up. It was miserable to lawn the grass in this area, because much of it was simply dirt. Now it's soil
 

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