Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun & Shade

EZ Seed is the duct tape of lawn care — it's not the most elegant solution, but it works, and it works every time. The combination of grass seed, mulch (ground wood fiber), and fertilizer in one product solves the three biggest reasons bare spot repairs fail: poor seed-to-soil contact, seeds drying out, and no starter nutrition.

The mulch component is the star here. It expands when watered, creating a moisture-retaining blanket over the seeds that keeps them hydrated between waterings. It also prevents bird predation and holds seeds in place on slopes where they'd otherwise wash away. It turns a tricky repair job into a brainless one.

The grass seed blend is Scotts' standard Sun & Shade mix — KBG, fescue, and rye. Nothing special, but reliable for the purpose. The fertilizer provides a starter boost.

The cost per pound of actual seed is high — you're paying mostly for mulch and convenience. For large bare areas (more than a few square feet), you'd save money buying seed, starter fertilizer, and straw separately. But for small patches, dog spots, high-traffic areas, and slopes, EZ Seed is hard to beat.

We'd recommend EZ Seed for spot repairs up to about 50 sq ft per patch. For anything larger, switch to regular seed + starter fertilizer.