Advice on growing grass for 8 x 8 lawn?

Question

I tried putting down sod but I found that my dog could still pull it up even after it had been down for 5 months. Didnt even let them touch it for 4 months. I eventually just put down some grass carpet, but the urine smells are killing me. Yesterday, I pulled up the carpet and now want to grow grass again. This time I want to do it natural. I saw a commercial on patch perfect, i'm thinking it will be good considering the space is so small. Right now I have a shaded canope over it because I dont want a lot of debree to fall on the dirt. My questions is will patch perfect work? I live in S. California and it is extremely hot right now. Also, can someone explain to me the process of growing grass meaning what are the steps? Also, when i lay down the seed, should i remove the canope and let all the sun in?

Answer 1

wait until fall. then aerate the the yard (rent a plugger) apply lime,starter fertilizer, and grass seed (common for your area,a home center will sell it) spread the seed and cover with a layer of straw. keep damp until germinated. wait for the grass to grow to three inches high before cutting.If your in the shade use a shade mixture if sun and shade use that type of mixture and if full sun that type. remember that children and dogs will damage the grass so once a year in the late summer or early fall you will need to over seed  your yard with grass seed and fertilize once in spring. good luck ,it is not rocket science

Answer 2

If you have pets, I would not bother with seeding, I would sod the area again.  If they ruined it, it will get ruined even faster with a seeded lawn.  I just would not leave them unattended on it ever.  It is a very hot time of year to be trying to start a lawn, and sodding would be best, but you MUST keep it watered every day.