Do I Need Straw or a Blanket on Grass Seed?

Preparing the Soil After Seed and Fertilizer

• You've leveled the area, broadcast seed and spread out fertilizer. Now it's time to mix it in. Use a landscaping rake to mix the grass seed and fertilizer in with the top 1/4 inch of topsoil. Move the tines of the rake back and forth over the ground, and the tines will cover the seeds with dirt. Don't dig the tines in too deep, or you'll bury the seeds beyond their ability to sprout through the soil crust.

Spreading the Straw

• Break open a bale of straw in the middle of the lawn. Cut the strings with a pocket knife to do this. Kick the large flakes of straw around to get them to break up. Rake the straw over the seeded area until it's only 1/2 inch deep. You'll see areas where the ground shows through, but don't be too concerned. Add more straw as needed. The idea is to get an even layer of straw across the area. You might need more or less than one bale, depending on the size of your seeded area.

Erosion Control Blankets

• These blankets can be found at your local home and garden store. Lay then on ridges, slopes or gullies where storm water will occur. If you don't use these, erosion will cover up and carry away your grass seed. If you live in a high wind area, stake the blankets down with wooden surveyor's stakes. Pound them in with a hammer to keep them from blowing away.

Using the Straw and Blankets Effectively

• Wet the straw and straw blankets with your sprinkler system. If you don't have in-ground sprinklers, use an oscillating sprinkler connected to a garden hose. Let the sprinklers run for a half-hour three times per day. Do this until you see grass sprouts. Water for an hour each morning thereafter. This extra water will help establish the root system. If the weather turns hot, the straw will help reduce evaporation. Mow your lawn when the grass has reached 3 inches tall.