How to Plant Grass in a Garden | Step-by-Step Guide

A lush green lawn changes a garden’s look entirely. But many fail because of wrong methods or unsuitable grass types. The following steps will show you how to plant grass in a garden in very clear, step-by-step instructions. 

I’ll also include practical insights for those living in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.), where climate, soil, and shop options differ from temperate zones.

Finally, I’ll show how to find the best grass plant shop or outdoor plant shop in the UAE, and highlight ground cover grass and nursery tips.

Instant Green Isn't Simple: Step-by-Step Guide

Many expect that you can just throw seed over bare soil and in a week you’ll have a perfect lawn. That rarely works. Grass, especially in hot climates, fails because:

• Soil is compact or lacks nutrients.
• Wrong turf species for your sunlight or salinity conditions.
• Poor timing with temperature, rain, or watering.
• Competition from weeds or pests.
• Poor watering regime (too much, too little, or wrong timing).
• So, we must go deeper. The path to success is careful preparation, the right material, and disciplined care. Now let’s break it down.

Choose the Right Grass Type

Especially in the UAE (or similar arid zones), you must pick a grass variety that can handle heat, occasional salinity, and intense sun. Ground cover grass may also be viable in shaded or tricky zones. Common UAE-friendly grasses:

• Bermuda grass: Very popular. Creeping habit, tolerates heat and foot traffic. 
• Paspalum (e.g., SeaIsle Paspalum or Durban grass): Better salt tolerance, good for coastal zones. 
• Grass carpet/turf rolls: Grown in pre-mature turf farms and sold as rolls or strips.
• Mexican Grass (Korean): Low maintenance, premium look.
• Selection-1 (Shade Grass): Perfect for balconies and low-sun regions.

If your garden has shady patches, you might use a ground cover grass, but in the UAE, full shade is tricky.

Choose Seed, Sod (Turf), or Plugs

You have three main options:

• Seed/grass seed: Most economical but slower and more vulnerable before.
• Sod/turf rolls: Instant lawn effect; faster establishment, but may be more expensive. 
• Plugs/stolons: Small patches of established grass planted and allowed to spread.

In the UAE, many homeowners prefer turf rolls because of speed and reliability. But for small patches or repairs, seed or plugs may suffice.

Site Preparation

This is where many fail. If the soil is not prepared, the grass roots won’t thrive.

• First of all clear off, weed, rocks, litter, and stragglers.
• Then prepare the soil, till or dig to a depth of 3-5 inches (or more in hard soil).
• Enrich soil composition, add compost, decomposed organic matter, or sand to drain.
• Level the ground, fill its rut. Flatten with a roller or the rear of a rake to remove low spots.
• Wet the soil, sprinkle the ground with water prior to planting keeping the soil moist and not soaked.

These measures maximize the interaction of the grassroots and the soil. Guides such as Savvy Gardening recommend that it is essential to loosen and smooth out the soil prior to planting.

Planting: Seed, Sod, or Plug

If Using Seed (Grass Seed)

• Spread seed uniformly, ideally in two passes (one direction, then across) to prevent gaps. 
• Lightly rake the seed into the top ¼ to ½ inch of soil.
• Cover the seed with a thin layer (¼ inch) of straw, fine compost, or mulching material to protect from birds and drying. 

• Keep the soil always moist until germination.

If Using Sod / Turf Rolls

• Lay the first strip along a straight edge (wall, path).
• Butt the next strip edges tightly (avoid gaps).
• Stagger seams like bricks.
• Use a roller to press the turf onto the soil for good contact.
• Water immediately after installation. 

If Using Plugs / Stolons

• Plant plugs in a grid (e.g., 6″–12″ spacing) depending on species.
• Press soil around each plug.
• Water well. Over time, they will expand and fill gaps.

Watering & Before Care

• Watering is critical. In the UAE’s heat, grass can dry out fast. From experience and regional tips:
• Water lightly but often in the first 10–14 days so seeds or turf don’t dry out.
• After roots begin, gradually shift to deeper but less frequent watering.
• Water before morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
• Avoid overwatering the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.

In too hot months, you may need to water twice/ day initially. Some locals report watering twice daily during summer. 

Mowing, Fertilizing & Maintenance

Wait until new grass reaches 3 inches before first mowing. Use a sharp mower blade; cut only the top third of the blade height.

Fertilize lightly after the grass is established. Pull weeds manually early rather than use heavy herbicides on a new lawn. Monitor for pests or diseases (fungus, grubs). Use organic or mild treatments.

At Cplants, we stock organic fertilizers and weed control products safe for new lawns. 

Dealing with Special Conditions

Some grass types struggle under trees or in deep shade. You can use shade-tolerant ground cover grass (if available).

Thin the tree canopy to allow more light. Use mulch under dense shade zones instead of full turf. 

Salinity & Water Constraints

If your water supply is somewhat saline, opt for salt-tolerant grasses like Paspalum. Hydroturf in the UAE grows grasses tolerant to recycled or saline water. 

Extreme Heat

During mid-summer heat, water more carefully and avoid mowing during the hottest midday hours. Shade the newly planted area if possible (temporary shade nets).

Plant Grass Shop & Outdoor Plant Shop in the UAE

Choosing where to buy your grass, soil, or equipment is as important as planting it right.

• Cplants: The best grass plant shop for seeds, turf, and ground cover grass. We deliver across Dubai and UAE.
• Outdoor plant shops in the UAE: Some offer general plants, but for grass and turf, a specialist nursery like ours is recommended.
• Nursery in Dubai: Cplants provides expert advice, premium turf rolls, and soil solutions for every garden.

Final Thought

 Knowing how to plant grass in a garden is not about magic, but rather a matter of patience, planning, and care. In such places as the UAE, the climate and soil require additional care.

The right turf type, soil preparation, and proper water practices are the difference between a patchy lawn and a green lawn.

Whether you need ground cover grass, turf rolls, or seeds, Cplants is your trusted best grass plant shop and nursery in Dubai. We don’t just sell grass, we guide you through the process so your garden thrives.