Grass seed is relatively small and must not be planted deeply. Cover larger seeds such as rye grass and Chewings fescue with soil to provide enough contact with the moist soil for germination and growth. Small seeds such as the bent grasses need only partial covering in moist seasons. You will need 4 pounds of seed for 1,000 square feet of lawn; heavier seeding will not make up for poor-quality seed or a poorly prepared seedbed as it merely causes an excess of competition between seedlings.

If possible, use a mechanical spreader. Whether by hand or spreader, sow by dividing the seed, spreading part in one direction, the rest crosswise to the first. This insures even coverage and lessens the chance of missed spots or windrows. Rake the seed lightly, or drag a flexible steel doormat over the area. Then roll lightly to firm the seed into the soil. Small lawns may be top-dressed with 1/8inch or so of screened soil or compost.

Slopes require special treatment as new seedings on them are likely to be washed by heavy rains. You can use straw to cover them, but it must be picked up as soon as the grass gets started. Or the new seeding can be promptly covered with open mesh burlap or cheesecloth or a special garden-supply stock of open mesh cloth that can be left in place to rot and become part of the soil. This prevents soil erosion and keeps the soil surface moist, protecting the young seedlings from damage by exposure to the sun. Ordinary burlap should be removed when grass sprouts are 1/2 to 1/4 inch long.

Natural rainfall is best for new seeding, but if the weather is dry it is necessary to water for prompt germination. Do your watering in the morning, with a fine mistlike spray to avoid puddling or crust formation. Once the seed has started to sprout, the moisture supply must be constant or the plants may die. For level places use a sprinkler and get the soil wet at least 5 inches with each watering, but don't keep watering until the soil is waterlogged and too compact. For slopes use a canvas hose, or wrap the hose in porous canvas, so that the water will ooze out slowly in big drops and go off into the soil quickly. Seed mixtures in new plantings develop unevenly.