Should I put straw down when I put grass seed down in my yard?

Question

I don't want a lot of weeds, but runoff water might wash away my seeds. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

We have been in the lawn business for 21 years..1st u need to rake up soil, loosen it..I always get about an inch of loose soil, THEN spread your grass seed, use your rake and rake the seed into the soil..I always then add a little more soil on top to cover..water well..DONT USE STRAW..it's messy, it dosent decompose for a LONG time, and by then the new grass underneath will be dead..
Water your baby grass every morning REALLY WELL, until its nice and thick.

Answer 2

I think the straw will mainly keep the birds and wind from taking away the seed. Go get some sod, that would be the easiest. I doubt straw will keep the weeds out. You need some kind of fertilizer for that.

Answer 3

I think peat moss is a good choice. One of the primary functions it provides is a method to hold the seeds in place and at the same time hold moisture that is important to get the seeds to germinate. It is relatively easy to spread and will decompose into the soil later.

Answer 4

Hardware and lawn care stores sell a netting that you can lay down on top of the area. It comes in a roll (like a carpet, but shorter.) It lets the grass grow through the netting, but keeps birds from being able to get at the seeds.

Answer 5

Yep. Straw keeps the seeds from blowing all over the place as well.

Answer 6

Unless you want birds to have a feast, I'd put some straw down.

Answer 7

straw helps - it helps hold in the water by acting like mulch. Later, it will break down and rot, helping to enrich the soil.

Answer 8

NO. Straw is too messy. Use peet moss. IT is better and actually helps put nutrients into the soil.