How to Plant Grass Seed Under Straw

Preparations

• 1

  Research the right type of grass for your location. If the soil patch receives four or more hours of sunlight per day, you can plant a turf grass. If not, you will need to choose a more shade-tolerant grass.

• 2

  Determine your climate. Climate also makes a difference when it comes to choosing a specific type of grass. Cool season grasses are generally for those who live in the northern United States and require planting in early spring or fall. Warm season grasses, designed for the southern states, require planting during the late spring and summer.

• 3

  Take a soil sample if you are unaware of your soil pH. Grass prefers to grow in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil test purchased from a garden center can help you determine the soil pH.

• 4

  Amend the soil with lime if the pH is below 6.0, or add peat moss to soil with a pH above 7.5. Break up the soil at a 12-inch depth prior to amending, using a rototiller or shovel. Add the required amendment according to label instructions.

• 5

  Mix a 5-10-10 starter fertilizer in with the soil according to label instructions. Level out the soil afterwards, using a metal garden rake. If you are unable to plant your grass seed right away, you will need to rake the soil again, prior to planting.

Spreading and Protecting

• 6

  Fill the reservoir of a lawn spreader with grass seed. Spread the grass seed over the soil, walking in one direction until you have covered the entire soil patch. Afterward, go back and spread the seed over the soil while walking in the opposite direction. Walking the lawn spreader over the soil in two different directions will ensure better coverage.

• 7

  Lightly rake the seeded soil after spreading. Raking will help to cover most of the grass seed with a thin layer of soil. Spread a 3-inch layer of straw over the soil to protect the grass seed. Spread the straw so that you can still see the soil below. Straw that is layered too thickly will suffocate the grass seed underneath.

• 8

  Water the grass seed generously after planting. Use a soaker hose to keep the soil moist throughout the germination process and up until the point of establishment. Water the grass seed at least three times a day.

• 9

  Remove the straw from the newly seeded area once the grass seedlings begin to appear. Use a pitchfork or metal garden rake to carefully lift the straw away from the grass.