Mid August to early September is the best time of the year to seed grass.  Whether you are over seeding thin areas, seeding smaller bare spots, or seeding a large area, right now is a great time.

One key to success in preparation.  Eliminate weeds in the area, rough up the top inch or more of soil with a claw, hoe or stiff tined garden rake.  Grass seed will germinate much better and faster when it is gently worked into the top 1/2″ of crumbly soil.  Grass seed lying on the top of bare soil germinates poorly, and the same is true if grass seed ends up deeper than 1/2″ deep.  Excellent germination is usually the result when the seed is mixed into the top 1/8″ to 1/2″ of soil.

Another key is to keep the seeded are moist.  I recommend a light watering early to mid-morning, and a second light watering mid to late afternoon.  If you can keep the seeded area consistently moist for 10 days, you will most likely have a wonderful stand of grass.

On slopes the addition of an erosion control blanket may be wise to prevent erosion resulting in gullies that require more soil mix and seed.