How to Reseed a Lawn With Clay Soil

Planning and Soil Preparation

• 1

  Reseed the treated area of your lawn in late summer, just after the hottest part of the summer is over. This will allow the new grass ample time to germinate before a frost and will prevent competition with spring-germinating weeds.

• 2

  Run a core aerator over the area of your lawn to be reseeded. Pass the aerator over the area several times, each time in a different direction.

• 3

  Spread a 1/2 an inch of organic-matter soil amendment over the surface of the aerated area. Work the soil amendment into the surface of your lawn with the back of a garden rake.

Reseeding

• 4

  Spread grass seed mix containing clover over the prepared area with a seed spreader. Clover's deep roots help to aerate clay soil and improve grass growth. Apply the seed in two passes, so that the second pass is perpendicular to the first pass.

• 5

  Rake the seed into the soil until only 10 percent of the newly applied seed is visible. Roll the area with a soil roller to press the seed into the soil.

• 6

  Water the newly planted grass seed thoroughly, until puddles begin to appear. Continue watering the area each evening until the temperature begins to cool and the new grass is well established. Allow a full year before walking on the reseeded area.