Can You Put Topsoil on Top of Grass Seeds?

Testing the Soil

• Use a hand shovel to collect soil samples from three to four areas where you will plant grass seed. Have the soil tested at a nursery or county extension office. The soil test will tell you if the soil needs extra nutrients or other materials that will help the grass grow. If the test results show that you need some fresh, clean topsoil, you will add this when you prepare the soil for planting.

Preparing the Soil

• Lay 1 to 2 inches of topsoil over the existing soil. If you need to add any other materials as recommended by the nursery or extension, add this with the topsoil. Using a tiller, turn over the soil and topsoil going down at least 6 inches in the ground. This works the topsoil into the soil. Remove any debris and large rocks after tilling the soil.

Planting the Seed

• Sow the seed using your hand if you have a small area or with a lawn spreader. Use the directions on the bag of grass seed to set the lawn spreader. The grass seed is sown on top of the soil. You do not cover the seed. Grass seed needs light to germinate. If you need to keep birds away from the grass seed, use a thin layer of clean straw to cover the seed. Do not cover the seed completely. You should have just enough so you can still see the soil.

Water

• Water the seed to keep the soil moist but not wet. The straw helps the soil retain moisture under the hot sun. Continue to water the seed during the day if the soil dries out. Continue watering the seed until the grass blades are at least 3 inches tall.