Question
Hi, Tom.  First, thanks for answering my previous question regarding my rocky topsoil.  We're thinking about seeding tomorrow, so I thought I'd send another quick question by you.

So, as mentioned before, the topsoil (4-6" of it!) is very rocky.  We harley raked it then removed surface rocks.  It seems so dry and hard.  It's hard to rake it loose at all.  A rototiller would results in tons - literally tons - of stones.  So, we're thinking about scratching it up, seeding, then adding a little topsoil when there's not enough (1/4") topsoil  Then, as mentioned before, straw, then water, water, water.  Oh yeah - fertilizer will be put in there, too,

It seems there are two reasons for the topsoil: 1.  For roots.  I think it'll be ok for that, and 2.  For germination.  That's what the extra soil is for.  

Thanks,
Kris

Answer
Kris:

I agree with your strategy.  Remember that clay soil baked by the July and August sun is hard.  It will not soften until rain returns.  Hopefully, the cycle of rain will be constant and not dry out too much between events so that the seed dies.  Of course, reseeding after all the other hard work is easy.

Be careful about the fertilizer applied.  Make sure it is not too high an analysis, or is slow release, and contains no pre-emergent herbicide.

Grass seeds need water, sunlight, and contact with the soil to germinate.  You have all of these.  What happens after germination will determine coverage.

Apparently, your are taking the spirit of Labor Day seriously.  Good luck.