The peat moss thing has long been discouraged :-) First, it is extremely acidic (pH of 4.5 or so) so no need to add to soil acidity in most cases and second, it becomes hydrophobic if allowed to dry out even slightly, so repels water rather than holds it. Just add or spread a fine layer of soil or screened compost to cover the seed.

Others may have differing opinons but I have never been a fan of starter fertilizers for lawns.....just another marketing ploy to sell more fertilizer :-) Like all seeds, grass seed contains all the nutes necessary for germination and initial growth. I'd wait 3-4 weeks after overseeding or until the new grass is 1-1.5 inches before applying any ferts.......pretty much at the same time you would do your typical fall fertilization.

Agree on both counts. I never use peat moss for anything , and starter fertilizers don't need to have the massive amount of phosphate they contain.......Its better to use a mild , balanced NPK organic fertilizer. Seed cover can be one of those products designed for that purpose - at your garden center. Usually they are blended with various composted stuff.

If you're overseeding into a decent stand that's thin but not bald, you really don't need to cover the seed at all, just keep it moist. If you have large bald spots I would suggest covering the seed because it can run off if a downpour comes your way. You can use a thin layer or grass clippings or the thatch that you raked off in preparation for seeding to cover the seed.

I would advice to cover the seeds because the d**n birds will eat it all. I have seen doves from my neighbor coming down on to my newly seeded lawn and munching happily.