Why do you need to overseed? Bluegrass usually fills in on it's own. I'd imagine you'd be having problems in the shade though. What is happening?

Impossible to recommend seeds without knowing where you live.

Sorry, Long Island. Gary, you've been helping me on another post (overwhelming lawn problems). Not sure of the proper protocol here. I listed this question separate because your answers to the prior post helped solve those issues. The reason for aerating, top dressing and overseeding is to help relieve compaction issues and thicken up the lawn. Just not sure of a good seed mixture to use. Thanks for the help.

Ah, yes. I recognized the name but could not remember the location. Hey, you could put that info into your profile and then it would show up on every post. Location is so much more important than zones since they vary so much.

Anyway, any of the common 'cool season' grasses will serve you well in LI. They are Rye, Fescues (Tall turf type for sun - fine for shade) and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Each type has its own special and unique characteristics. For example, perennial rye is often used in parks and sport fields because it takes abuse. Tall fescue is more drought resistant during summer and Kentucky Bluegrass will spread out and fill in any bare spots. There are many more differences between them and turf science sites like Rutgers and Cornell U will better explain than I can, LOL! I'm sure someone else will chime in and perhaps point you to a link that describes the differences.

What's best for you? That's hard to say. Most here would simply over seed with more of what they have already. Don't know what it is? Don't worry, most seed companies sell a mix of different seeds, ergo a little this and a little that, so one gets a combination (or mix) of various seeds suited for their area. Keep in mind, the old saying is true with seeds. You do get what you pay for. Scotts Pure Premium is better than a cheap "contractors mix".

Turf grass over view
http://www.outsidepride.com/resources/grass/infoturfgrasses.html

Kentucky Bluegrass specifics
http://www.outsidepride.com/resources/grass/bluegrassinformation.html

Thanks for the info and the link. Any thoughts on grabbing a good quality seed mix from Lesco as opposed to Scotts?

If you decide to go with PR, Lesco's "Double Eagle" is a great seed mix, and you don't wind up paying for 48% seed content(the new coated Scott's/Pennington seeds) or 8% seed content (the Scott's EZ-Seed bags)- you get 100% seed. It is beyond me why people will pay enormous premiums for "fluff" that that protects you from missing a single day's watering. And all of the Scott's mixes available in lower NY this year have quantities of hybrid heat-tolerant bluegrass - yuck - someone is clearing a warehouse of that junk.

Andy, I was hoping to go with a high quality KBG mix. I know its more work to maintain but I'm hearing it can't be beat if the lawn is taken care of properly. There seems to be a ton of choices and I'm not sure which one to go with. I tried researching at Lesco online but I'm not getting much info there. Any suggestions?

Am I over thinking this? Should I just go with a good sun and shade mix or could I over-seed with something like Galaxy KBG which seems like a good fit seeing the lawn is two season old KBG sod?

> "could I over-seed with something like Galaxy KBG which seems like a good fit seeing the lawn is two season old KBG sod?"

That's the ticket!

http://www.roseagriseed.com/store/product_detail.php?obj_id=11

If your sod is KBG, I would definitely stick with KBG for overseeding. Galaxy is a great mix but to make the most of your time and money, I would overseed in the fall. Just do the aeration now if you think you need it.

Ok Galaxy it is. Unfortunately I'm not the type to stomach looking at a somewhat thin lawn and a few brown patches until this fall. It will drive me mad, so I'm going to aerate and over-seed now and if need be I'll do it once more in the fall. I'm going to use Tupersan again at seeding, but can I then hit the lawn with a post emerge at some point or do I need to wait until the fall to deal with whichever weeds happen to surface? Thanks to all for the help and advice. It's much appreciated.

> "but can I then hit the lawn with a post emerge at some point"

Sure. Begin applying herbicides like Weed B Gone after two or three mowings of the "new" grass during spring* or fall.

* do not applying herbicide during scorching heat though. See the label.

I like KBG, and rye. It's hard to germinate KBG in the spring, but it can be done. The rye is cheap, so I use it when I think the conditions are prime to fail.

Anyone knows if LESCO Premium Sun and Shade Seed Blend is a good seed? I leave in Philadelphia PA.