Planting grass seed in Ohio is successful when you use a climate-compatible grass type and plant it at the proper time of the year. According to Ohio State University, the cool-season grass types of Kentucky bluegrass, turf-type tall fescue, perennial ryegrass or fine fescue work well for home landscapes. Sow the grass seed in northern Ohio from mid-August to mid-September and in central and southern Ohio during September.
Remove weeds and other debris from the lawn area to prepare it. Till the soil to a depth of 10 inches while working in a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic compost. Smooth the soil and add top soil to fill in holes or low areas.
Test the lawn soil pH to verify it is between 6.0 and 7.0. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH or limestone to raise the pH. Water the soil well and let it rest for at least two weeks before planting.
Pack the soil with a lawn roller filled with water for weight. Apply one-half of the grass seed by rolling a broadcast spreader in a north/south direction across the area. Repeat the grass seed application by rolling in an east/west direction. This will give an even spread of seed across the lawn.
Cover the seeded lawn with clean straw mulch to protect the seeds from wind, birds and being washed away by water. Mulch will also assist with moisture retention during the germination process.
Water the seeded lawn two or three times a day for 10 minutes during the first three to four weeks of growth. Continue to water the lawn once a day for 20 minutes when there is no rainfall, until the grass becomes established.
Mow the lawn to a height of 2 inches once the grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent damage to the grass blades. Do not mow more than one-third of the grass height.