Question
Can this be done in a yard with old dirt?  I'm planning on turning the "soil".  Also, does fertilizing at the same time as seeding have any negative affect on each step?  

Answer
jackee
i normally would not recommend tilling lawn areas unless the area needed to be regraded because of uneveness. you can fertilize , lime, and seed at the same time. you can't use weed control w/in 30-45 days of seeding. if you don't follow up w/proper lawn care you will just be back where you started from the next year.

i'm in southern NJ. here's a good plan for my area.
normally 3 applications of lawn fertilizer w/some weed controls per year is enough to improve your lawn appearance by 90 +%. adjust your mowing height to 2-4" depending on the type turf you have(blue grass, tall fescue, etc.). this will eliminate a lot of weed. lime 2x's per year to raise the soil pH. some people have gone to all organic fertilizers w/no weed control.

for now - in early spring(march-april when daffodils are in bloom) lime w/turf lime and apply scotts +halts TB pre-emergent fertilizer. follow the directions on the bags for good results. this will prevent most narrow-leaf weeds from sprouting. opt for no weed control and just use a fertilizer.

in late spring apply scotts +2 post-emergent TB fertilizer as per directions. wet the lawn lightly just prior to the application to aid the weed control in sticking to the weed foliage(dandelions, clover, chickweed, & other broadleaf weeds). no water or irrigation for 24-48 hrs. after that, if it does not rain, irrigate the area for 15 minutes. opt for no weed control and just use a fertilizer.

in the fall-the best time to do seeding (mid to end of sept) start by aerating(rent an aerator) the areas. then apply turf lime(40 lbs/1000 Sq Ft). buy some scotts TB, Ringer, and/or milorganite lawn fertilizer(no weed controls included) and fertilize as per directed by the label on the bag. seed w/the appropriate mixture for your area(sun/shade mix). keep the area moist until germination starts. back off on watering as the weather gets cooler. always water before 2PM and not on rainy days.
check w/your garden center/nursery if other problems arise.
your lawn should look fine from spring thru fall.

visit a local garden center/nursery to see what they recommend for your area. buy products from them & they should be glad to help you plan your project.

good luck
rick
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