Overseeding isn’t rocket science, but it’s close. You need to rake, seed, and keep it moist like a helicopter parent on caffeine. For sunny spots, seed in early fall when the soil is warm but the air is cool—grass loves that Goldilocks sweet spot. For shady spots, you can get away with spring, but be prepared for less drama because shade grass grows at the speed of a sleepy sloth. Pro tip: don’t bury the seeds deeper than a quarter-inch, or they’ll suffocate. Seeds are dramatic like that.
Best Grass Seed for Overseeding | Varieties & Tips for Success
Surprising fact: grass seeds can actually germinate in the dark, but they’ll do it slower than a teenager waking up for school. And if you’re overseeding under a tree, you’ve got another enemy: leaf litter. Fallen leaves are like a thick blanket of “nope” for your seedlings, so rake them up or your new grass will stage a protest. Also, water in the morning—not the evening—unless you want to host a fungus rave in your yard.
