Question
Hello. The excavation of my new house is completed and now I am left with about a half acre of graded dirt. I have been told I need to put straw down to stop erosion. This is also a county code to my understanding. I also hear the word hydroseeding. I would just like to turn the dirt into grass. Nothing fancy. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you

Answer
Hi Mark, Where you live will determine the type grass and proper time for sowing seed.  Southern turf grasses are sown in late spring, northern grasses in early fall or early spring.  This time of year, if your ground isn't frozen, sprigging or sodding may be an option if you can keep it moist.
Hydroseeders spray a wood lint, glue, fertilizer and seed combination that covers the ground and prevents washing.  Hydroseeding is a great way to start a lawn, but again, I suspect the timing is not appropriate.
Straw will help prevent some erosion on slopes, but it also shades out some grass seedlings and introduces many weeds.  If code requires it, then do it, but apply it lightly on flat ground and heavier on slopes.
This time of year (if your ground isn't frozen) I'd sow annual ryegrass over the whole area.  It's cheap, comes up quick but dies later and won't be a weed to get rid of.  Cover it lightly with the straw and when the proper time comes to plant a permanent grass, till it all under and sow the type grass that does best in your area.
Check your pH.  Keep it around 6.5 for good turf. Jim