I have an area that was a playground for about five years. Alas, my daughter has outgrown the swingset so we took it down. When I built it, I put down landscape cloth to prevent the sod from growing, lined the area with landscape timbers and filled it with mulch. I've already removed the swingset and the mulch, and I'm ready to begin reclaiming the area as part of the lawn.

I plan to seed, rather than sod, since it's fairly level and it's also a relatively large area (20x30ft). I thought about seed blanket for about half a second after I saw the cost!

I'd like to know how to determine the depth of soil I should but down to adequately hold the seed. I understand I should put down soil, level it and roll it with a water-filled roller, then top it with straw.

I haven't really pulled the landscape timbers yet to see how much the sod drops from the edge of the grass to the playground area. I'm guessing that will be one determining factor. Right now, the entire area looks like packed clay under the landscape cloth.

Also, our local topsoil seller offers 3 types of soil: topsoil, pulverized topsoil, and a mixture of 60% pulverized topsoil, 20% sand, and 20% comtil (an organic compost). My first inclination is to use pulverized topsoil -- it should be easier to spread.

I'd like to begin the seeding right away. My concern is that it's already too late to seed, with the summer dry season heading our way near the end of June.

Finally, any recommendations for seed (brand or variety) is welcome. The area is full sun and is fairly moist.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.