Your work to this point will have been in vain if you don't care for the young grass plants as the seeds germinate and grow. The most critical need is to apply water at least twice a day, assuming no rain. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the seedlings won't germinate or will soon wither and die.

To maximize the germination rate, soak your lawn on the same day you sow the seeds. On the next day, assuming no rain, lightly sprinkle or mist the lawn for about five minutes morning and afternoon. Be sure you have moistened the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Keep the overseeded lawn moist until the young grass plants are 2 inches tall by repeating a light watering every day during periods without rain. This will take four to six weeks. When the grass is 2 inches tall, resume normal watering patterns.

If the weather is dry, warm, or windy, spread a layer of hay mulch to protect the seed. Use clean mulching straw that's free of seed. Evenly spread about 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Avoid putting down a heavy layer that would inhibit grass growth.

Begin mowing once the new grass reaches 2 inches. Use a sharp blade; a dull one may tear up young grass plants. Otherwise, stay off the seeded areas except to fertilize. If needed, apply the rest of the fertilizer as recommended by your soil test, or apply a second dose of 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet six weeks after germination.

Courtesy Yardcare.com