I am a new homeowner and for the first time I have to take care of my own lawn. I live in IL and had my house built in a new development area. Sod is in the front but the sides and back was a seed blanket. I have noticed that even the sod is not as pretty as it was at first and not much grass grew from the seed blanket. I want pretty grass and lots of it. I want to know how to seed "pretty grass" and how to make it healthy and green. Help!!

Where do you live? Most of us in the Northern hemisphere will be looking at yellow grass or snow now until April. Unless you are in a fairly mild climate, likely you missed the important fall fertilizer. Fertilizer, 3-4 times a year, makes a big difference. Follow package recommendations. I would buy a broadcast spreader. The drop spreaders do a better job for the most meticulous workers, but leave streaks for most of us. You can also pay others to do the job.