Question
Hi,
I live in southwest Ohio and had my yard torn up and added top soil and seeded and srawed last fall (Oct 08). My neighbor tells me I should rake the straw out now that the grass is about an inch high to allow for more growth and so I can over seed in the areas that may need it. I've also heard that I should leave the straw and that no harm would come by doing so. Which way should I go? I used starter fertilizer at time of seeding and was also wondering when and what kind of fertilizer to use for this year?
thanks,
Rob

Answer
It really depends on how much straw there is. If the ground is totally covered, you should pick it up. If it's more like 50% covered, you can leave it there. It will break down eventually, and raking it could disturb the seedlings.

As for fertilizer this year, well, I'd recommend reading up. There are several applications to be done throughout the year and I couldn't do it justice to try and outline it in a brief answer here.

Good luck Rob. Let me know how it turns out.

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com