Question
Moved into a new house which had sod but it never took and died. We had soil put on top of lawn last fall. What must we do to prepare it so we can plant new seed? Thanks for any help you can give us!

Answer
Hi David;
Could be too much clay in the soil to grow things. Heavy clay soil will not let water through to get to the roots, and the roots can't push through the clay, soooooo.
You can easily tell if you have good soil and how far down.
Spade up a chunk about 3 inches deep, and test it, then dig about 6 inches down and test it.
If it is dry and the spade will go in fairly easily ( hard clay will feel like you are digging in concrete) then you may not have as bad a clay problem.
Take a fistful of the dirt and clamp your fist together, firmly, but not trying to pack it into a rock. Then open your hand flat. If the soil makes a pretty firm ball and some of it breaks away, your soil is pretty good, and doesn't need too much, if any amending.
If there is no firm ball and it all breaks away, your soil is too loose, and needs firmer soil added to it.
A load of loam would probably firm it up enough.
Too sandy and the soil won't hold water long enough to do the grass and plants any good.
A good balanced soil will start you off right.
Proper watering is the next most imprtant thing, whether you seed or sod.
I prefer to sod in St. Augustine for my yard.
Adopt a completely organic program whichever way you go.
Have you read my organic program?
That should start you off very soon with a very nice, easy to maintain lawn.
Write if you need any more information about the organic program.
Charlotte