[sion01]

My lawn is looking a bit sad so have decided to overseed it.I will scarify it and the book said topdressing.Is this just compost or am iway off the mark.It then says seed .Can I mix the seed with the topdressing and spread the whole lot evenly over the lawn.I think this would be better than sowing on top of the topdressing as the seed would have better contact with the soil.Any ideas

[Trillium]

Top dressing can be either compost or topsoil (the rich black stuff). And yes, mixing in the seed would save a step. It might be a touch uneven in seed spread but unless you're using one of those special seed spreaders, it's as good a job as any. Once you spread out the seed/soil mix, firm it down with the back of a rake or step on it so there's good ground contact and then water.

[sion01]

Trillium is wise

[Faz]

Or if you have a heavy soil a top dressing of sharp sand will also be useful, just to help with drainage.