The soil should be raked lightly to cover the seed with 0.1 to 0.3 inches of soil. If some seed can still be seen after raking, they have not been covered too deeply. Apply a mulch after seeding to ensure optimum moisture conditions and reduce erosion. Straw applied in a thin layer is a very satisfactory mulch. When the job is finished there should be half soil and half straw when looking directly down on it.
Most people apply straw too heavily than too lightly.
If straw is applied at a rate higher than that recommended, one-half of the straw mulch should be removed when the grass is 1.0 to 2.0 inches tall. Piles of mulch caused by wind should be respread or removed to prevent smothering the young seedlings. Rake in fertilizer as stones and trash are removed. Apply straw mulch. On terrace slopes where erosion may be a problem, stake down burlap, cheesecloth, special netting, or other very thin cloth through which the grass can sprout.