Laying My First Lawn

Hi Everyone, this is my first post and really my first bit of gardening.

I am attempting to lay a lawn where a patio once was.

The patio had some decorative chippings in the middle, I have removed most of those and lifted the patio slabs and the sand/cement base. Under the base was a lot of gravel which i assume was for drainage. I have removed a lot of the gravel but a lot still remains.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone can help with.

I have read a bit about ground preparation but would like to clarify.

DO I need to remove all stones from the area or is leaving some of the gravel acceptable?

The soil underneath seems quite clayey (if that is a word). I think I should add some good quality top soil/compost. I would like to know how deep this should be and what sort of ratio of top soil/compost to use?

Any other hints or tips you could give to help me would also be great.

Thanks in advance.

Jon

 

Hi Jon, and welcome to Gardeners Corner.

I am assuming that when you say "lay a lawn" you are going to turf and not seed it?
You are thinking along the right lines,without seeing it, I would lightly dig in some good top soil not to deep 3 or 4 inches,I think the gravel that is left will help with drainage if there is not to much.

If you are going to seed take much more care and a fine tilth is needed.

 

Thanks for your reply Rodders. Yes I am going to turf it.

Should I put top soil and compost down first?

 

Yes,good top soil should be ok,sprinkle some compost if you like but I wouldn't spend to much on it.
Make sure it's firm(no soft spots) where it would sink.
Don't lay it on dry soil and make sure the turf has copious amounts of water for some time after.
Good luck.