Too late to apply compost?

The builder of my addition re-graded the lawn, spread seed, then covered it with straw. I was hoping to spread some compost prior to the straw, but that didn't happen (soil is red clay). Would it be okay to gently rake back the majority of the straw to apply some compost, or would that be a bad idea? Would I risk raking up the seed or should it be pretty well anchored into the soil at this point? The seed was planted two days ago and I've been watering twice a day. I also applied starter fertilizer. I plan on spreading lime in the next day or so as well.

 

I would wait. Likely you would cover the seed or rake it away.

Have you had a soil test done to know you need lime?

 

I agree with SS, you'd likely do more harm than good adding compost at this time.

 

Yes on the soil test. Had one done three years ago, and the report said to apply lime once a year I believe. Considering the lawn has now been all stirred up from grading, I'm assuming I'll have to start conditioning the soil all over again.

 

When they excavated did they put the top soil off to the side and then spread it last before seeding?

 

I think you know the answer to that question based on how my project has been going thus far

 

In my mind, that's reason for a new soil test.

Honestly, I have tuned out most of your construction threads and I know I am not alone so getting a good answer here might be more likely if you made no such assumption.

 

No, they did not separate the top soil from the other soil. I would be shocked if any builder/contractor would put forth the effort to do this, at least in this area. Whatever is easiest and causes the homeowner the most aggravation and financial burden is how things work around here. They also did not mechanically tamp the soil next to the foundation wall when backfilling, so I have settling to look forward to and the my own backfilling, reseeding, etc. to do down the road. Good times.

 

I arrived home Friday and couldn't believe my eyes--1" tall seedlings covering my yard! The bag says 10 to 14 days for germination, and I have seedlings just 4 days after the seed was spread--on top of heavily clay soil. Miracle seed I guess!

 

Different varieties germinate at different rates. What's up now is likely rye while bluegrass can take three weeks.