- 1). Check the soil with a soil test kit to get the pH level. Most grasses prefer slightly acidic soil between 6.0 and 7.0. Use a hand trowel to dig down several inches and get a sample of the dirt.
- 2). Place it in the test container and follow the instructions on the test kit to get the pH level.
- 3). Add fertilizer to lawn area if it is needed based on the pH test. An acid based fertilizer should be applied if the pH level is above 7.0, and an alkaline fertilizer should be applied if the pH level is below 6.0. Follow the instructions on the package to know the quantity needed for your size lawn. Use a lawn spreader to apply the granules.
- 4). Rent a tiller if you don't have one, break up the soil and incorporate the fertilizer.
- 5). Spread seed on the yard. Follow the instruction on the seed package to apply the proper quantity based on your yard size. The central Arizona area is a warm grass climate as opposed to a cool or intermediate grass. Plant grass such as blue grama grass, Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass and buffalo grass. These do well in heat and drought conditions, as well as the cooler night air and winter.
- 6). Cast the seeds with a lawn spreader in a crisscross pattern.
- 7). Sprinkle a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil on top of the seeds and then cover with straw.
- 8). Water the yard well so that the soil becomes damp down to a depth of at least 2 inches, not so much as it gets soggy. Continue to water every day for the first month, then cut back to watering based on the type of grass you chose. Your packaging should say, but for example blue grama grass only needs about 10 inches per year, while Bermuda grass needs regular watering each week.
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