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First, what is that stuff growing in the foreground of the picture? Weeds? Shrubs?
Cut back shrubs and trees to let in light. Get rid of weeds. In a small space, wait for rain to soften the ground and then pull them out--get the roots.
Till the space. By hand, or rent a small tiller for an afternoon and grind up the top layer about three or four inches deep.
Till in compost or cow manure or other organic material. Couple of bags should do.
Rake it smooth and then seed it with a HIGH QUALITY fescue from Rebel or Scotts. Don't use cheap seed.
Spread Scotts Starter Fertilizer over the area and then lightly scratch the surface with a lawn/leaf rake--just enough to get the seed mixed in with the soft soil.
Spread a cover of quality straw (NOT HAY) over the area to keep seeds moist and protected from harsh sunlight.
Water lightly...a couple of times each day at first. Then once a day until you have a good stand of new grass.
Mow tall, and grind up the straw with the grass cuttings. Maybe bag some of it if it clumps.
Keep it watered and mowed throughout the summer and autumn and you will have a good stand of quality, thick grass. Just the same as if you bought good quality sod--which needs the same amount of preparation and attention.
Growing grass and maintaining it require diligence. Just throwing down seed will not do much for you. That's a nice space, very manageable, and perfect for a great little lawn.
Good luck. Just stick with it, don't skip or skimp. Water and food after the grass is established will keep it healthy.
do NOT till, all you will do is bring up dormant weed seeds. Better to put down a couple inches of pulverized top soil either from a reputable garden center or with a yard that small, you could buy a couple dozen bags of bagged top soil from a big box store for $2- $3 a bag...don't buy the cheap bags in order to save a few dollars, they will have more weed seeds.
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