After broadcast seeding, allow the plugs to dry and use a drag to work seed into soil and crumble the plugs. Spikers are similar to core aerifiers, but use solid tines to open soil and do not remove soil plugs. Slit-seeders or mechanical overseeders are considered to be the most convenient method of placing seed in contact with soil. The machine combines a vertical mower with a seed spreader. A slit-seeder opens the soil with a vertical mower, and seed is then metered at a predetermined rate from a holding hopper through feeder tubes and dropped into the slits made by the vertical mower.
Machines often have a roller that firms the soil after seeding.
Try not to allow newly overseeded areas to dry once watering has commenced. Initially, maintain a constantly moist seedbed with frequent waterings of short duration. As newly germinated seedlings begin growth, decrease the frequency, and increase the of watering duration to encourage rooting. Steps in repairing small areas of dead or damaged turfgrasses 1. Roughen the area's soil using a hand rake.