Starting a New Lawn from Seed

Remove all debris and any wood, stones, or large roots. Use a spade and garden rake to smooth the soil. If your budget allows, add organic matter, such as a 1-inch layer of compost, sphagnum peat moss, or well-rotted, dried manure. Dig or till in the soil to loosen soil and smooth again with a garden rake.

Calculate the space you'll be seeding. For small areas, smaller than 150 square feet or so, you can simply scatter the seed by hand. In larger areas, you can use either a broadcast or drop spreader for uniform coverage. First divide the seed into two equal portions. Sow the first portion across the lawn in rows; then sow the second portion in rows at right angles to the first until you have crisscrossed the whole lawn.

Mulch lightly after seeding to keep the soil moist. Use a 1/4-inch layer of any number of materials, including fine compost, dried manure, topsoil, straw, or even a thin layer of sawdust.