Do I Need to Spread Hay Over Grass Seed When Planting?

Preparing to Seed

• Preparation is key to having a healthy, smooth lawn. Prepare the area by removing all remaining grass and weeds. Remove rocks, fill holes and then till the ground, adding sand and compost as needed to augment the soil. This is also the time to use lime or sulfur to adjust pH to the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Smooth the area with a landscape rake to ensure even drainage.

Seeding the Lawn

• Choose an appropriate seed variety for the climate and soil type. Disperse grass seed in an even layer across the lawn. Rotary or drop spreaders are recommended. Hand-held spreaders are good for small areas, but for larger yards, use a walk-behind spreader. Using the back of a plastic leaf rake, gently run the seeds into the soil. Make short strokes to avoid redistributing seeds and creating uneven patches of grass.

Protecting the Investment

• Mulching the area helps conserve moisture, keep the soil surface cool and reduce erosion and surface crusting until the seed is fully established. Recommended materials are weed-free, small grain straw or hay at a rate of one to two bales per 1,000 square feet, depending on the type of grass. Roll or water mulch into place. If done lightly and evenly, the mulch will decompose in the yard and will not need to be removed.

Water Schedule

• Immediately after sowing and mulching, water lightly. The entire area should be dampened. For the first two weeks, water two to three times daily for five to 10 minutes. Avoid runoff, as it can wash away the seeds or regroup them into patches. Once the grass germinates and you can see sprouts, reduce watering to once a day for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid evening watering as it can encourage fungal growth.