How Much Top Soil is Needed to Plant Grass Seeds?

Considerations

• Spread topsoil over the planting area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Spray it with water until moist to settle it down and remove air pockets. Rake the soil to loosen it back up, then plant grass seeds.

Prevention/Solution

• Topsoil is useful to prevent pooling or washing away of grass seeds. Spread it in low-lying areas or dips in the yard. This will keep the seed in place and create a level planting surface. Spread just enough to fill the area and rake it until smooth.

Warning

• Grass seed needs direct contact with soil to germinate. It does best when it is mixed with the very top layer of soil. After dispersing it, drag the back of a metal rake over the yard to bury the seed with the top 1/4 to 1/8 inch of top soil. Not doing so may slow down germination and expose the seeds to birds, who will carry them away.