Re-seeding lawn help

[1969Fatboy]

OK, this thread is completely out there.....I aerated my yard this w/e and thanks to the county workers....(they dug up a huge part of my yard) there are still alot of bare spots. Question....I aerated very well and plan on reseeding today. Should I fertilize as well, use any lime, or just re-seed and water generously. I will be re-seeding already grown grassy areas and dont want to just dump expensive as hell seed if it isnt going to be beneficial. Any help would greatly be appreciated! BTW I have Georgia red clay and it hasnt rained in 24 days but I do have a sprinkler system. Fescue grass also.

[Dennis]

Before you dump any chemicals on your lawn, you should get a soil test done so you know what you should do. A good garden supply place will have the kits and instructions, usually through your local extension office. Contacting your extension in general will also be beneficial as they can tell you where to find items if you are having trouble or the proper grass mix for your area.

Dennis

[1969Fatboy]

Just contacted a local Atanta lawn guru and got the lowdown:( I didnt aerate enough....the ground is probably too dry and I will have to water like hell for at least 2 weeks and we are under watering ban:( I might just try to hit the bad spots. Dennis, he said the same thing about chemicals....not until germination is well underway and healthy sprouts.

[TwelveBravo]

Try to rent a slit seeder, if available in your area, make 4 passes. Parallel, perpendicular, and 2 XTG. Starter fertilizer should be ok. WATER, WATER, and WATER. Fall is the best time to start a lawn. Generally better weather and less weed seed competition. Good luck.

Rick

[mulepackin]

In addition to whats been posted, the new seed and seelings need some sort of material to help provide shade, and hold moisture in place. Straw, peat moss, or burlap work well for this, as will brown dry grass clippings (don't use green, fresh). New grass always does better when it is cooler outside also.

[_JP_]

I recently stripped and seeded about a 1000 sq ft of ground last August during the heat and lack of rain that we had then. I used a standard grass seed mix and watered that area daily. It sprouted in about 6 days and continued to establish itself with the assistance of daily watering until the cooler weather finally arrived in September. Nothing else was added, no fertilizer, no lime, no straw, just lots of water and sun.

[tim8557]

I have always had success by overseeding in January up here. Your climate may be different. I simply scatter seed and let the freeze-thaw cycles bring them into the soil. We usually have wet springs so nature does all of the work for me.

[crazycliff200843]

Rye grass might work out well. It should grow in pretty quick and fill in the spots at least. Then your old grass will eventually take over again. Your old grass might not spread as quick with the cooler weather coming in, but it should spread some. The rye grass is kinda delicate, but very cheap, and will probably die when winter hits, but at the very least it should cover the spots quickly and turn to fertilizer by the time spring rolls around. Well, rye grass works pretty good over here in texas where the clay is a bit darker.

[1969Fatboy]

All done! I seeded the hell out of the bare areas, water heavily, and put down a nice layer of wheat straw(which goes ALONG way) We also just had rain this AM for the first time in 25 day:) We will see how it grows:) thanks for the suggestions.

[ratcheer]

I was told to only try re-seeding during the warmest months, but mainly June and July. I was seeding with Bermuda. It still didn't work.

Tim