Buying turf in Marbella area

 Hi all

 Turf is very difficult to obtain in Spain probably because they don't have the meadows and fields (in the south, at least) to harvest this.  With water being at a premium, turf is very expensive and time consuming to produce hence you will not see many actual real gardens in the south.  Those who do have grass normally grow it from seed.  If you go down that route then you need to look for a warm season grass or a specific Mediterranean grass.  It will need copious water at the start but only 2 or 3 times a week when it is established.  Types to look for are Benissa Green or Benissa silver grey as they tend to bind better than the grasses used in UK.

If you do find turf, you will find it expensive as the grower has to keep it watered and fertilized prior to selling it or it quick turns yellow and brown which is not very attractive for customers.  Planting turf will need loads of water at the start otherwise it curls up at the edges and doesn't bind in.  By loads of water I mean a sprinkler system for at least 30 minutes twice a day and more if it starts to go dry (if you walk on the grass and your footprints remain after 5 minutes or so, it will need more water.)

Best of luck.