When it comes to lawn design and maintenance, there are countless aesthetic outcomes that you can aim for. Paving slabs are a common design feature, but many people do not like the boring, dullness that they can bring.
One counter to this is to grow grass between the paving slabs to create an attractive and intricate border network of green, luscious grass. But is it actually possible in the long term, and how easy is it to maintain?
Why Grow Grass Between Pavers?
The main reason is for aesthetic beauty, and to create a more interesting design for existing paved areas.
Generally speaking, even the most intricate patterned paving slabs can become gray and miserable over time – due to the exposure to the elements, changes in temperature, and other environmental factors.
However, by encouraging grass to grow in between them, you can create a much more natural and attractive appearance – not to mention providing a much needed jolt of color to complement the stone.
Is It Possible?
The process is more than possible, and in fact many people end up with some form of plant growth between their paving slabs regardless of their initial intentions.
As a rule of thumb, there is still some form of soil beneath paving slabs, and these gullies and cracks often harbor moisture and rainfall, which can be perfect for encouraging grass, moss, and other forms of weed to grow between them.
As such, with a little encouragement and care, you can easily grow healthy, green grass to add that extra bit of aesthetic beauty to any paved area.
How To Grow Grass Between Paving Slabs?
Now that we have ascertained the rationale behind it, and whether or not it is actually a feasible undertaking, we can now take a look at the methods you will need to use to make it a reality.
The main thing you need to bear in mind is that you will generally need more space between your pavers than normal.
Preparatory Steps
This might not always be an option – especially if your pavers are already laid – but this will make it much easier, and will create a much more aesthetically pleasing final design.
Generally speaking, this gap should be around 2-3 inches wide, and this will allow a thick strip of grass to form between the pavers and create that contrast you were looking for.
Step One
But whatever size your gap is, the first thing you need to do is to layer the channel with topsoil, compost to create a healthy, nutrient rich bed for the grass seeds to be planted within.
This should begin with a layer of topsoil on the bottom, followed by plenty of compost on top.
Depending on the space you have (and the tools at your disposal) you can either plant straight from seed, or cut a specially fashioned piece of turf to place in the spaces.
Truth be told, planting from seed is easier, and will give a more comfortable, natural finish.
Step Two
You should also use compost to protect and fill any bare spots around the pavers, ensuring there are no gaps that will cause unsightly holes in your finished grass.
Alternatively, you can also use light soil if no compost is available to hand.
Step Three
The next step involves planting the seed itself, and for the purpose of this job you will want a low-growing grass seed. This will create a much more aesthetically pleasing finish, and will give that clear division and sense of contrast you were looking for.
Next spread the seeds generously along the gullies of soil you have created. Don’t be afraid to be overly generous – just be sure to create as even a covering as possible, as this will give the best finished look.
Step Four
The last step is more for maintenance, and involves watering the seeds on a regular basis to ensure healthy growth.
You could always set up a drip line to make things simpler, or if you have the money and inclination, sprinkler systems can also be an effective and labor saving way to achieve this end.
How Long Will It Take To Grow?
This entirely depends on the climate in which you live, the quality of the soil and compost you used, your watering regimen, and the weather you are exposed to in your region.
For moderate, comfortable temperatures with normal rainfall, you can expect the grass to begin germination in a matter of days, and grass to have fully grown within a period of one to two months.
How To Encourage Grass Growth
There are also many things you can do to encourage your grass to grow faster and thicker than normal.
Water Deeply & Infrequently
It is far better to water your grass well and infrequently, than lightly and daily. This will encourage proper growth, and will help nourish the roots as they begin to grow.
Use Natural Fertilizers
Using natural fertilizers and avoiding chemicals is a good way to encourage healthy, thick growth from your grass. Some examples include manure and other forms of composted plant matter – both of which are rich in nutrients and numerous vital minerals.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about growing grass, and whether or not it is possible to grow it between paving stones.
When it comes to lawn care and design, there are numerous methods you can use to achieve that perfect visual aesthetic you have always wanted.
There are really no wrong answers when it comes to design – but when it comes to proper garden maintenance, sticking to the proper methods is the best way to get the results you want.
So if you want to grow grass between pavers, then be sure to follow these methods. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!