How to Cover Grass Seed With Straw

Spread the seed on the ground. Follow instructions on the package as to how much seed you need based on the size of the space being seeded. If you are unsure of the size, measure it. Collect the width and length of the space and multiply those numbers together for the overall size. Use a seed spreader to spread half of the quantity in rows across the lawn, then repeat with the other half of the seed in rows at a perpendicular angle to the first.

Sprinkle topsoil over the seed to a depth of 1/4 inch. Seeds must be in contact with soil to germinate. Even though they should be resting on soil when they are spread, covering seed with a bit more soil will only increase the chances of germination.

Cast straw over the lawn by hand. Take a clump of straw with two hands and hold it loosely between your hands. Hold your hands over the soil at the edge of the planted space and shake. The straw will slowly fall through your hands and to the ground. Make sure there are no clumps.

Move your arms from side to side as you shake to lightly cover an area with straw. You don't want it to be thick or the growth won't get enough light. Also, if the straw is laid down too heavy it will retain moisture and possibly develop mold growth. You want just enough to hold the soil so it doesn't wash away. Spread the straw out as far as you can reach around the seeded area without walking on the soil. When you need to walk in on the soil, stay on the areas that already have straw. Take as much straw as you can with you into the area so that you don't have to make too many trips.

Water the lawn so that it gets damp down about 2 inches. Water daily for the first couple of weeks and then reduce to twice a week.