How to Plant Grass With a Slit Seeder

Clear the planting soil of roots, weeds, rocks, soil clumps and any other debris. On established lawns in need of rejuvenation, rake up all loose and dead grass, thick matted stolons and any weeds or invasive plants that have invaded the lawn. Use a fixed tine rake on clear soil or a de-thatching tool over lawn grass. Leave a relatively smooth surface over which the slit seeder will do its work.

Set the slit seeder calibration to deposit the appropriate amount of seed over the area based on the coverage recommendations on the seed package and according to the operator's instructions on your brand of seed slitter. Fill the hopper with your grass seed of choice.

Position the slit seeder at one corner of the area to be seeded. Turn the machine on and walk behind it at a steady pace as the seeder does its work. Cover the entire soil or lawn area in very slightly overlapping rows. Make a second pass over the soil or lawn at a right angle to the first pass. This will create a cross-hatching effect of seed dispersal and ensure that there are no bare patches, gaps or visible lines in the grass once it begins to grow in.

Water the seed and surrounding soil thoroughly but gently until wet at least 6 inches down. Use a garden hose sprayer attachment set to mist or light rain or other gentle flow so as not to disturb the soil or seeds. Strong streams of water also create divots in the soil which make for an uneven lawn.