Making a New Lawn Select the type seed or seed mix. Cultivate and, if necessary, improve soil by adjusting pH with limestone or sulfur. Add organic amendment. Spread 6 pounds of a high phosphorus 16-20-0 fertilizer or equivalent (1 pound of actual nitrogen) per 1,000 square feet. Level the soil. Allow weeds to sprout before planting. Sprinkle the soil to encourage weed seeds to germinate. When they do, eliminate them with a light raking. If there are a great many weeds, repeat the process. Install a lawn watering system at this stage, if you plan to have one. Rake and level the soil a final time. Spread seed. Use a drop spreader for best accuracy and least waste. Cover the seed with a 1/8-inch-thick layer of mulch Optional: Press the mulch and seed into the soil with a roller (available at rental yards), except if your soil is heavy clay. Water lightly and frequently enough to keep surface moist until seeds germinate, about 10 to 30 days.