Hi everyone!
I am in Chicago and desperately struggle with this small patch outside my house. Nothing will grow here no matter how hard I try! I’ve tried all different types of grass seed and the most I ever see are some struggling sprouts and the usual weeds.
The area is full shade so that’s contributing to our struggle. But I’d love any suggestions or advice! Otherwise I may just have to result to some sad mulch and lose the opportunity for something green.
TIA
by thecrankypickle
27 Comments
Mulch it and then do some shade plants in containers with potting soil (if you think they won’t get messed with)
Check r/nativeplantgardening and post or search for Chicago / Illinois, you’ll find a lot more suggestions there. Wild Ginger might be a good option, it’s best to start with a native groundcover that will spread on its own to fill in. Native ferns are also a good choice, albeit usually a bit slow to spread. Consider some rocks or bricks to keep people from walking on it. The soil most likely very compacted due to being empty for so long (which makes seeds extra impossible to sprout), so you will want to dig a hole twice as wide as the pot, then backfill and plant in. Add lots of mulch to help the plants survive. Consider a layer of compost on top too, to add nutrients back to the soil. I saw someone else mention salt could be in the soil, that’s definitely a possible concern and more of a case for adding or replacing soil with fresh compost.
You can also search prairie moon nursery, and filter to only see plants that survive in shade and can withstand drought.
I second native plants. Post afters
It might be an issue with the soil as well. Go buy some full shade plants at the nursery (like ferns, hostas). Dig large holes and mix in some new soil. Plant them and mulch around. You don’t need to cover everything but a few small to medium plants in a bed of mulch will be nice (and they will grow bigger over time, with little maintenance needed)
I would do a soil test first before you spend any money on plants. U of I does free soil samples. They will tell you what your soil needs. Also i live in chicago as well… these hells trips are notorious for salt and dog piss. Two things plants cant stand. The soil might be garbage- but always amendable!
The sidewalks have probably been salted so much that the soil is as dead as the crops of your biblical enemies. If you’ve got the time and cash, replace at least the top 6” of soil. More if possible. Then plant some hardy shade-loving ground cover, like pachysandra. And in the wintertime, ease up on the salt. Good luck!
Plenty of reasons for zero growth. Over compaction, poor soil quality, lack of sun, chemicals…I’d start with a soil test and see how easy or hard it is to dig. Call 811 before you do anything there tho, that seems like a public easement, meaning lots and lots of data cables, phone, water, electrical or gas lines… don’t let a $30 shovel end up costing you $300,000!!!! It’s happened before and it’ll happen again.
811!!!
Put down some mulch and wait.
That’s not soil, it’s dirt
Get some rolled wire fencing, and make plant cages. Our animals and plants evolved together, so native plants are best. Either find a local native nursery or order online. Check Facebook for nature center and master gardener plant sales. Place signage indicating a native pollinator planting.
[wildlife friendly landscape](https://www.nwf.org/Home/Native-Plant-Habitats/Create-and-Certify)
similar problem here. I’m in the process with two of these spaces
one of them: I built a 6″ tall enclosure from old pallets and filled with decent but cheap dirt. I planted native plants in it and they all died, this year I gave up and put in mint, day lilies, and will let them battle it out. it’s a coffin in there – 6 feet deep concrete on every side. they at least can’t escape
the other area I have like this is a long, LONG devil strip. I’m still trying to figure out what to do. the city says no new trees in it as it’s under power line so I’m trying to figure out shrubs, flowers, native reseeding perennials. the dirt is compacted all to hell so I’ll likely have to scrape the surface off and mound up some better dirt.
update us I’m really interested to see what you put in.
oh; also! sea kale survived in mine, it doesn’t mind salt! might look for plants that are more coastal and can handle salt spray.
edit to add: contact the city too. see if you can get permission to remediate the soil, some cities pay for part of it, or give free plants to put in, or will help in other ways. if you can get them to clear you for it, a broadfork will loosen up soil that’s been walked on that much, it’s hard work but it helps
Try biochar, I’ve seen it do some magic it could work for you.
You need plants that tolerate high salt in the soil, like seaside goldenrod, blanket flower, or dwarf yaupon holly.
Well not with THAT attitude!
Did you do a sole sample? Did the to plant sunflowers 🌻
That looks like prime fern territory
Are there a lot of dog owner around the neighborhood? I only ask because where I live there are, and those strips between the street and sidewalk are where many do “their business”.
Ostrich ferns, hostas, and astilbe are all salt-tolerant (for winter when you know salty slush goes flying), shade-loving, and lush enough to fill the space. If you just want ground cover, I’d recommend periwinkle (vinca).
INFO: other than grass, what else have you tried?
I agree that it could be the soil, but I think it’s highly likely that you’re planting the wrong things. I see on the other side of the tree things are growing just fine, which makes me think it may not be just the soil that’s the problem.
It looks very compacted, it’s shady, and if you are trying to grow things from seeds (you mentioned grass…) you’re probably not going to have much luck even if the soil is fine. Depending on the amount of sun, I’m guessing you need to look for shade-tolerant plants that are already somewhat established.
You’ll probably need to put some real work on the soil to de-compact it, and if you can remove a couple inches and replace with quality top soil. And then I’d head to the local plant store, with a picture, and ask for something that can tolerate those conditions. Then I would plant and install a small fence to keep out dogs and discourages people from walking there.
ferns or mint
Fill it in with nice smooth River Rocks and put some potted plants out there
Things that like low light: Ginger, Elder, Fescue, those Plantagos you see in the picture, ferns, mint as others have said, Caladium, Spiderplant.
You have hostas there. Two types! Bottom left and bottom right of third picture.
I would fill it with hostas. They like shade so they would do well there
Yeah, that’s way too much shade to plant any grass, it’s a miracle if even the shade tolerant stuff would grow there.
Wild strawberries like to volunteer in that level of shade in my yard. As do native violets.
Wild geraniums will grow in shade but don’t bloom as nicely, I have one in part shade that’s spreading like a weed though so if you get a few hours of sun that would work. Ferns are another good option (go for native varieties)
Try some shade tolerant native ground cover
If that shade is all day probably doesn’t help either.