Should I Cover the Bare Spots on My Lawn Where I Put Seeds With Compost?

Growing grass can be harder than it seems.

Planting and maintaining an evenly green lawn isn't always easy. Even in the most temperate climates, lawns often develop bare or bald spots. Weeds, dog urine and fertilizer burn can sabotage otherwise thriving patches of grass. Many lawns require reseeding once a year, in bald spots or all over, and compost can help the new seeds sprout more quickly.

When to Reseed

Make the most of your efforts by reseeding your lawn at the right time of year. If you have a warm-season grass, such as Bahia or Bermudagrass, reseed the bare spots at the end of spring. If you have a cool-season grass, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, reseed the spots in early fall. If you're not sure which type of grass you have, pay attention to when the grass turns brown. If it turns brown as soon as the temperature drops, it's a warm-season grass. If it turns brown in the heat, it's a cool-season grass.

Cultivate and Plant

When the appropriate time for reseeding arrives, prepare the bare spot by tilling the soil and removing any dead grass or weeds. Mix in some compost, and plant the seeds. Cover the area with a ½-inch-thick layer of compost.

Water

The new seeds need plenty of water to take root and sprout grass. If it does not rain regularly, water the lawn every day until you see grass sprouting. This may take a few days or a few weeks. Use the misting nozzle on the hose to prevent washing away the seeds.

Pet Concerns

If your bare spots were caused by pet urine or feces, prevent the reappearance of the bald spots by cleaning up after your pet in a timely manner. If necessary, wash away urine with water within 8 hours. Use a pet composter to recycle your pet's waste into fresh fertilizer for your lawn and garden.

References

• Gardens Alive: Fall Lawn Care -- Now's the Time to Feed, Over-Seed and Just Plain Plant Cool-Season Grasses
• American Lawns: Grass Types