Fixing Soil That Won’t Absorb Water in Northern Nevada

Rehabilitating Hydrophobic Sandy Soil for Grass

Your backyard soil soaks only 3 inches, then turns muddy on top while staying dry beneath. Grass grows just an inch tall. You need a long-term fix.

Step-by-Step Soil Building

1. Contact a bulk supplier for leaf mold, fine pine bark, or a soil mix containing them.
2. Spread 3 inches over the area and till 10–12 inches deep.
3. Sow annual ryegrass at 1 lb per 100 sq ft.
4. Test soil pH (target 6.5) and fertilize per results.
5. In 6 weeks, till again and re-sow ryegrass.
6. At final planting time, till once more and sow permanent grass or lay sod.

Goal

Create a uniform, loose 12-inch root zone. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.