On Sep 2, 6:49*am, Rebel1 wrote:
Those are my two choices before overseeding my 12,000 sq ft lawn in
central NJ. Few companies offer dethatching, but I'm not sure if that's
for their convenience or because aerating is really the best way to go.
I would describe the lawn as good; not the best or the worst in the
neighborhood. Soil is loam. Problems are bare spots, clover, crabgrass
and a few misc weeks. I keep after the dandelions, so they are under
control.

Regarding aerating: The seeds that fall into the holes are about 1.5
inches below the soil surface, far below the fraction of an inch seed
companies recommend. While these seeds won't have any soil covering
them, will they still germinate properly? And if they do, when fully
established will the grass from the seeds in the holes look different
from the surrounding grass?

TIA for your responses.

R1

Would you consider turning all or part of the lawn to other uses?
Ex: Food crops. Even in New Jersey you have enuff growing season
for many food crops, like tomatoes, green onions, beans, peas, corn,
etc. When the snow comes, let the earth sleep under its white
blanket.

Another, or supplementary, choice would be decorative shrubs/plants
suitable for the area. Intersperse with bark mulch -- very attractive
look.

Leave a much smaller patch of lawn for little humans and canines to
play on during summer. (Be sure not to use pesticides and herbicides
KNOWN to harm little humans. Little canines probably are too smart to
expose themselves. (Of course they have other habits that need, uh,
re-training).

Try rec.gardens for experienced advice on your original question.

HB