Question
I also live in the Northeast (New Jersey). My back yard is large, but most weed grass and mixed weeds in the spring. My plan was to cut the grass down as low as possible, rake and pickup and use my spike aerator on my lawn tractor and the spread the grass seed. I completed cutting the grass down and started the picking up, however  I just checked the weather report for the next 10 days looking for rain and only found Friday, but more concerning is that the temperature will be high in the low 50s and overnight in the low 30s (frost possible). My question is it to late, should a rush, or wait? Thank YOU!

Answer
I am feeling here like the people at the Federal Express depot, watching people run just after the door was locked, but I don't have the key.

Like I just told someone on Cape Code, that window's closed, Pat.

Best time to sow grass in the Garden State: late August through early October.  Although most authorities on this subject maintain that autumn is seed-sowing season, not even a quick-germinate grass variety - Perennial Ryegrass comes to mind - will sprout in less than a month.

And that's the best case warm-weather scenario.

Reschedule this exercise for Spring 2007.  Sow early as weather allows.  Even with global warming, you will at least encourage solid rootgrowth before the heat arrives.

What does grass have to deal with in spring that it doesn't deal with if sowed in autumn?

May plantings have to compete with crabgrass and other summer weeds, plus sudden attacks of heat and inadequate moisture.  If you insist on autumn sowing, a temporary Rye Grass lawn, planted next May, will keep your summer lawn green.  You'll be ready for permanent seeding the following fall.

When you do put down seed, follow up with a 1/4-inch layer of good loam - it gives the best seed-to-soil contact, accelerates germination, and you won't end up feeding all the neighborhood birds breakfast.