I'm trying to get some dead spots in my backyard to start growing grass again. I bought some Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix and put the seed/fertilizer down.

Is this seed going to catch if the dirt I put it on is compacted really well? It's been a dead spot for a while and it's extremely hard to rake by hand with a metal rake. I was only able to disturb about one inch thick across the dead area, but any deeper than that I would probably need to get a machine to have it tilled. I think the previous homeowner had something laying on top of this area.

Been watering twice a day. Seems like the seed is partially buried across the area, but not by much.

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Posted by ronk

Member since Jan 2015

6915 posts

Posted on 3/27/25 at 5:44 pm to b1ll

If it is the rye and fescue mix it won't work very well. What grass type do you have? You always want to match grass types unless you are trying to flip your lawn.

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Posted by Grassy1

Member since Oct 2009

7234 posts

Posted on 3/28/25 at 6:17 am to b1ll

I suspect that your future grass won't be very hearty with only 1" available root growth or moisture absorption.

If there's barely room for a seed, then there's not going to be room for roots either.

If you really want grass there, you need to till it. If it's straight clay, you need to amend the soil while you're at it.

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Posted by bayoubengals88

Member since Sep 2007

21058 posts

Posted on 3/28/25 at 8:37 am to b1ll

Get one of these and rough it up real good.

Then add compost/manure and peat moss and mix it in. Both can be found at Walmart or any gardening store.

You might also look into using this product for your whole lawn.
AIR-8
A $45 gallon will last you 2-3 years.

This post was edited on 3/28/25 at 8:38 am

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