• General Steps For Seeding Large Or Small Areas.
  

1. Begin with 6" of topsoil. 4" if compacted.
2. Remove all large stones 4" and larger.
3. Remove all sticks and debris.
4. Level soil. Get rid of peaks and valleys greater than 2".
5. Rake or prep soil. Use 36" alum. landscape rake or machine.
6. Remove all stones greater than 3/4" with the rake or machine.
7. SOME MACHINE OPTIONS HERE 
8. Spread seed with walk behind spin spreader. Not a drop spreader.
9. Apply evenly. Some Pros set at 1/2 recommended rate and go over it twice. 
10. Press seed into topsoil with standard lawn roller. Add water only if more weight is needed.
11. Seed needs to be firmly in contact with soil. It might not germinate (sprout) otherwise.
12. Spread straw from bales. Can be done by hand or with a straw blower.
13. Use erosion control matting (straw or wood fiber matting) on slopes. 
14. Straw matting suitable for slopes up to 10% or where water run off is minimal.
15. Wood fiber matting has interlocking curly wood fibers - stays in place better. Use it for steep slopes and water channels.
16. Secure erosion control matting with staples pounded in with a plastic or wood mallet.
17. Watering the newly seeded lawn generally only necessary if seeded in June, July or August.
18. September is generally considered the optimal month for seeding grass, followed by May and April. 

• Link to best selling straw matting at Gap Power.    See below for straw matting do's and don'ts.

Straw & Wood Fiber Erosion Control Matting. How To Install. Do's & Don'ts w/ FAQ.

Do stretch it tight. Grass seedlings can & will push it up as opposed to growing through it.

Do use loose straw for edges and odd corners. Much easier than cutting matting to fit.

Do fasten the matting with staples made for erosion control. Pound in with a mallet.

Do not place matting over existing grass, even if it is a thin stand. The grass will push it up.

Do not allow any objects or terrain from keeping the matting off the soil. Staple liberally.

If you allow the matting to rise up it will eventually become caught up in lawn mowers.

Sometimes this product is referred to as grass growing mats or grass seed blankets.