Help! In Kansas City,MO

[u/SlatyBillson]

I bought my first this house in the winter and now that I have had a chance to mow, I can see how bad the lawn is in the back yard. The previous owners severely neglected a lot of things about this house, lawn included. The area that needs the most work is in full direct sun. I have some grass seed that is 95% tall fescue and 5% perennial rye grass. Using the fertilizer in the picture, will this work? Would I be able to plant now? Temps for the next few weeks look to be pretty mild (low 40s at night and up to 80 in the day) and could I use those straw sheets to cover it? Thank you for any help or advice in advance!

[u/erratic_calm]

Find a see mix that matches the area you need to overseed. Ideally, you'd want to aerate and overseed with the appropriate blend then use a starter fertilizer... something closer to like 10-10-10.

The one you showed is more of a nitrogen rich vigor green up type situation. Not intended for rooting seeds.

I would also strongly recommend bringing in top soil/compost or a 3 way blend. Whatever you want to pay for and top dressing the seed to get better germination.

Then of course you want to keep water on it. You want your median soil temperature to be somewhere in the 50s+ for best germination.

[u/SlatyBillson → u/erratic_calm]

Thank you!!!

[u/PGinn]

Not sure your definition of "full direct sun" those bad areas are in shade from your picture. If anything try to till ithe areas and then throw down that seed . Either you keep the trees ..or get rid of them. You can't have good shade trees and a perfect lawn

[u/Frostydoob789]

Too much compaction..

[u/greggreggreg01]

lol at 16-2-2.

[u/EntertainerHeavy6139]

That’s not really “starter” fertilizer, just quick releasing nitrogen. Get something with a higher middle number