how to plant st augustine grass plugshow to plant st augustine grass plugs
Plugs are ideal for small areas or places where the homeowner isnt in a rush to have a yard full of grass. Call back the company that laid the grass and ask them to rid the bugs and replant the grass. By doing so, you are giving your grasses sufficient time to get prepared for the upcoming extreme weather. Water as needed, especially during hot, dry spells. By using our site, you agree to our. Step 1. Houston Grass South is located just a few miles east of Sienna Plantation in Arcola, TX. Thoroughly water the area before planting. Planting St. Augustine Grass Through Plugs. St. Augustine is one of the fastest-growing grasses, which means that ignorance of maintenance requirements can lead the grass growth to get out of hand. Once they start spreading, you will notice your lawn is getting greener day by day. Give it a year to take hold. Looking for some answers when it comes to feeding your lawn? In the fourth week, water 1-2 times every other day. Not only will it be the envy of the neighbors, you can do it 10x less than using sod. If you only have a few weeds here and there, you can hand-pull them, but be sure to get the entire root system. St. Augustine grass not only tolerates warm temperatures but thrives in the hot sunny season. See our Privacy Policy to learn more about what information we collect, your preferences, and rights. One of the great virtues of St. Augustine grass is that you don't have to mow it much, a fact that you will especially appreciate if you crave low maintenance. SodPods can also be used as a cost-effective way to plant a beautiful new lawn. References. Grass plugs are little pieces of live turf grass that come complete with roots, soil, and are ready to plant. You surely cant just leave your grass to fend for itself. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during a growing season for a hardy and disease-resistant St. Augustine lawn. If the holes are too deep, add a small amount of soil to level the plug. These sod plugs are packaged in trays for convenient shipping and easy installation. Weeds will compete with your grass for nutrients. This may vary from place to place. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Join our mailing list to keep tabs on how to care for your lawn! You can look for St. Augustine grass plugs at your local garden stores. In the third week, you should reduce watering to 1-3 times per day and sometimes skip a day between watering if the lawn is not drying out. You can do this by using a sod cutter or rototiller. However, late spring has moderately warm weather between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. St. Augustine grass is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and is moderately drought-tolerant once established, but it will perform best when you avoid either moisture extreme: too little or too much. Evenly applyScotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair for St. Augustine Lawnsover the planting area so that no bare ground in visible. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. St. Augustine grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are in warmer climates. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You can also use a hoe or shovel by inserting the blade vertically to cut out the desired piece. If you see any brown spots or mildew beginning to form, contact your local extension agency for treatment options. Buy fresh plugs and keep them moist. Rake the area clean so the new transplant has contact with the soil. In that period, the daytime temperature remains 80 Fahrenheit on average. Once you have planned the grid pattern, its time to start digging. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After 2 weeks, you can till the ground and lay your sod. St. Augustine grass plugs are the best way to repair bare spots in your lawn. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Scotts EZ PatchLawn Repair for St. Augustine Lawns, Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action, Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader, Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn FoodFL. Using a sod plugger tool, insert it into the ground, twist and lift. [8] The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. Simply water the plugs sufficiently but not so much that it pools on the surface. If there is any thatch (built-up dead tissue) or plant residue on the surface, youll need to remove it too. Be mindful of how shade impacts Bermuda and colder temperatures impact St. Augustine. Stolons facilitate faster lawn coverage once the plugs are in place. St. Augustine grass is a low maintenance sod that can perform well with little extra care . Lastly, water the plugs again. Otherwise, sod is easy to plant over cleared and tilled ground. To prepare the soil, do the following: After you have removed the vegetation, plan out the desired planting grid pattern. It thrives in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting in Rows Dig a row to the depth of your plugs using your hoe. Plant Your Grass Plugs Place the plugs into the holes and ensure they're leveled with the ground. This will ensure that the st. Augustines growth isnt interrupted mid-way. If the area experiences heavy rain, you may need to improve drainage or create a rain garden to help manage excess water. The holes themselves should be spaced 12 inches apart (so holes across the center of each diamond will be 15 inches apart). By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. After you plant the plugs, you will notice the grass is spreading. Water the new plugs just as you water new sod. St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular lawn grasses in Florida and the Gulf states, thanks to its tolerance of heat and humidity. The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. Before going ahead with this important task, it is recommended to water the dug-in holes deeply and saturate the field. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. But, for best results, grow St. Augustine grass in full sun. On average, it can take about six to twelve months to fill the space completely. In doing so, make sure that you dont overdo it. This is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the closer together they are, the faster they will spread on your landscape. What should I do before trying to lay more sod? With proper care, St. Augustine grass will establish itself quickly and provide years of enjoyment. Once you have taken the measurements per square foot, go to your nearest gardening store and buy the plug trays. Maintaining these plugs is extremely significant if you want a well-established lawn. If you want to plant St. Augustine grass using plugs, the best time to do so is in the late spring or summer. You do not have to remove the old plant matter. To get St. Augustine grass to spread faster, plant St. Augustine during summer and make sure you lay it down the right type of soil - preferably a well-aerated soil type. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Because in these seasons, the average temperature remains 80 to 100 Fahrenheit which is ideal for growing St. Augustine grass. Firstly, no weeds. St. Augustine grass is common from tropical areas up to the southern coastline of the U.S.A. You want to avoid this because soil-covered crowns can rot and die. Happily, the preventive measures required dovetail with the lawn care tasks you should be performing regularly (even if you don't fear a chinch bug infestation). You may even find them at some big stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Area must be cultivated, graded, then compacted to prevent subsequent settling. Make slightly larger holes than the plugs; this will make it easier to plant them. But, if you are lucky enough to find the seed and want to try your hand at it, sow it in late spring to early summer. Helps repair St. Augustinegrass 60% faster* *Results 15 days after application vs. untreated control. Prepare the area to transplant the St. Augustine grass by removing all dead and diseased turf grass down to the bare soil. Make. Ultimate Weed Identification Guide With, Best Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass How To Do It, Centipede Grass Pros and Cons When Its Good, Centipede Grass Seed Whats Critical to Know Before You Sow, How to Clean and Maintain your Artificial Lawn, Sevin Dust One of the Best Pesticide Dusts, Use an all-vegetation herbicide to kill all grass and weeds in the area we recommend, Wait two weeks for the herbicide to completely dissipate, Break up the soil break up compacted soil with a tiller; if soil is loose, use a garden rake, Remove all dead thatch and plant residue from the area. St. Augustine will take root and spread faster in the right soil conditions. Spacing multiple feet between holes and in a checkerboard pattern will help your yard heal quicker. Water early in the day so that the grass blades have time to dry before nightfall. You might need to adjust this in case of rainfall. St. Augustine grass does better in a soil pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Whether starting a new lawn or replacing an old one, a soil test is necessary for both. Measure the lawn or the area you want to plant the grass plugs in before purchasing them. Surface Studio vs iMac - Which Should You Pick? It killed the sod; now I have dead brown grass. Take the details to your supplier for advice or use it to calculate your sod spacing intervals. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. Plugs can also be made from existing grass in your yard. http://www.walterreeves.com/lawn-care/st-augustine-general-notes/, http://www.star-telegram.com/living/home-garden/neil-sperry/article155731284.html, http://www.walterreeves.com/lawn-care/st-augustine-planting-sod/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-lay-sod, http://publications.tamu.edu/TURF_LANDSCAPE/PUB_turf_Maintaining%20St.%20Augustine%20Grass%20Lawns.pdf, https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/turf/publications/staug.html. The closer they are, the faster the bare spots will get filled up. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. . By submitting your email address you are agreeing to receive emails with related tips, information, and promotions from Scotts Miracle-Gro, it's affiliates, and select partners and to our Conditions of Use and consent to the collection of your personal information. Prevention is the best way to control chinch bugs. Its tolerance to heat, salt, and humidity makes it suitable for coastal yards and subtropical humid areas. Poor air circulation promotes diseases such as downy mildew. It has a thick, deep root system and can grow fairly feet tall. Plant a section of sod. Hi, I'm Sean, the senior editor here at Fertilizer Pick. How you feed, mow and water your lawn can help it resist fungal diseases like dollar spot and brown spot. Plant the grass plugs at least 90 days before your regions first estimated fall frost. Water daily or as needed until the plugs are firmly rooted and starting to spread. It is a true grass as a member of the Poaceae family. ft. once established. Use a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorous. 6:06 pm Then reduce watering to once a day. Planting St Augustine Grass Plugs is simple. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. Depending on the spacing, 18 plugs covers around 32 square feet. Laying sod is a breeze, and the result is an instant lawn, so you will pay the most for that option. Plug hole depth will vary based on the amount of root system on the St. Augustine plugs. You can also determine the best time by looking at the forecast. Take-all root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the grass and can cause yellowing or browning of the grass. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How long does a St. Augustine grass lawn last? This is a warm season turfgrass and loves heat, so it grows best when high temperatures are between 80- and 100-degrees F. However, it's not quite that easy. If you're planning on establishing a St. Augustine lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda . If you use smaller squares of sod, stagger the rows. This warm-season plant can grow and thrive in a wide range of soil types with a pH between 5.0 to 8.0. Typically, holes will be between 2-4 deep. Planting will be easier and have better success if the hole is larger than the plug. Plugs can be spaced 12 or more inches apart but the closer together they are spaced, the faster the grass fills in for complete coverage. This makes plugs a great choice for thin or bare spots in your lawn. How to Kill Bermuda Grass in 5 Different Ways, What to Know About Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option, What to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass and How to Care for It, Everything to Know About Growing Tall Fescue Grass, 9 Types of Sod for Your Lawn and How to Choose One, How to Winterize Your Lawn to Keep It Healthy, How to Dethatch a Lawn and Why You Need To, How to Fix Patchy Grass and Bare Spots in Your Lawn, Mexican Feather Grass: Plant Care & Growing Guide, St. Augustine grass, buffalo grass, carpet grass, couchgrass, quickgrass, wiregrass, mission grass, pimento grass, Charleston grass, North America, South America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Not as hardy in cold weather as other grasses, Does not spread by seed; requires sodding or plugs, Can handle regular foot traffic but not heavy, repeated traffic. 3 steps to success: Prep, Apply, Water. However, sods may not be suitable for everyone because they are costly. With a little maintenance, the sod may soon grow into a luxurious St. Augustine lawn. It is a resource that generates square footage measurements after you put your address in it and draw an overlay of the desired area. Weed resistance: Sodded St. Augustine instantly chokes out any weeds. You can also buy or rent a grass plugging tool from your local hardware store or online. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The time taken ensures your grass plugs will not die off. Now you are ready to plant the St. Augustine sod plugs! Planting the plugs incorrectly can lead to a loss of resources. By this time in the southeast, temperatures are well above 80. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The best way to ensure that your holes are perfectly dug is by using a grass plugging tool, these are generally available in local gardening tools, and you can use them without much effort. They thrive in wet, humid environments. With a little care and patience, plugs will easily renovate your yard. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. St Augustine is a warm-season grass that thrives in sun and warmer temperatures found in the southern part of the United States. St. Augustine is a broad bladed, medium green colored grass. A tray of 18 plugs will cover approximately 32 square feet. If it is dead, this might be due to bugs. This grass can tolerate humidity, heat, and even salt, which makes it not only suitable for warm states but subtropical and coastal areas. Natural and shipped fresh from the farm, each pod has been carefully nurtured to have a fully developed root system, just like your lawn. It is just the beginning, so be prepared for the long road ahead. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Since St. Augustine grass spreads so vigorously via its creeping stolons, it is easy to establish it from sod. After successfully planting the grasses, you can start expecting a dense, lush green grass carpet on your lawn soon. One tray of 18 planted 12" to 16 apart will cover 50 square feet. Be sure your area is appropriate for sod as well. You can grow St. Augustine grass during the summer and make sure you lay the plugs on well-aerated soil, then apply phosphorous fertilizer and come up with a good watering schedule that will encourage quicker root and foliage development. Okay, weve discussed when to grow St. Augustine grass. Known for its exceptional heat tolerance, St. Augustine grass is a favorite in warm-weather areas. The most common use of St. Augustine grass is in lawns and landscapes because it is drought tolerant and shade tolerant. Using plugs is the cheapest way to grow an st. augustine lawn, and heres how you can do it. St. Augustine grass is prone to attacks from insects and diseases. You wont need to wait for years to see your lawn turn lush green. Choose the Right Spreader for Your LawnHaving the right spreader goes a long way in your lawn care routine. If you want to establish a St. Augustine turf and you are tight on budget, you need to think again. St. Augustine plugs needs at least 90 days before the first frost. The water should never linger on the soil or run off the grass. Water new sod to help roots take hold in the lawn. Propagation: Bermuda grass can be grown by seed, while St. Augustine grass only grows from transplanted sod or plugs. Mowing When talking about St. Augustine grass plugs, a relevant question comes out, where to find grass plugs? A pound covers about 330 square feet. Take a sample of the soil, to a nearby extension agent to advise whether the soil needs fertilizer or pH amendments. Water your lawn adequately. Our specialists recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes. In the fifth week onward, your lawn should go 2 to 3 days between watering unless there is extreme drought. After you see the grass spreading, you can mow your lawn, ensuring that you dont cut them too short that they become lower than 2 inches. If the holes happen to be deeper than they should be, fill the unwanted space with nutrient-rich soil. Continue watering until the EZ Patch is completely saturated and no more water is being absorbed which may take several minutes. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. St. Augustine grass should be mowed at a height of 2 to 3 inches at all times. Cut the end off a can, place it on top of the grass, then fill it with water. Watering Guide. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This will help the roots to be firm and stable in the soil. Does the time of the year even matter? Let it root in for at least 3 weeks. Ensure there are no pockets left around the plug as this will cause roots to dry out. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. Each hole should be spaced according to your plan, 6 to 12 apart. Stores like Lowes and The Home Depot sell 18 grass plugs to a tray. For digging holes, a garden trowel is enough. The heat will evaporate most of the water and leave little behind for the grass. Local shops usually have much better experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to thoroughly wet without causing water to pool. Plugs are small, like 2 to 3 inches in general. Youll need to monitor them regularly and keep a note that mildew or brown spots are among the earliest signs. Each hole should be dug slightly larger than, but the same depth as, the plug's root ball. If you want to avoid this from happening, then make sure to keep a close eye on your st. Augustine grass plugs. With proper soil preparation, adequate timing, and care, the rooted pieces of sod will gradually spread and fill every space within them, offering a dense beautiful carpet. Make your own plugs by cutting pieces of sod into desired size with a shovel or garden shears. 4 Ways to Bring it Back ,Planting Bermuda Grass Plugs ,How to Fix a Patchy Lawn - Floralawn,Bethel Farms Natural St. Augustine Sod Plug,St. Plugs are the more common method of planting St Augustine grass. Lawn Tips, Staff's Picks. St. Augustine grass requires warm weather to grow. Place the plugs 5. The southern law chinch bug has probably been feeding on the stems, this causes the straw colour and some patches to appear. This will help you plan how many holes you 'll need to dig and decide whether you 'll need more grass plugs. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. It's simple, planting St Augustine plugs is as easy as throwing down one two inch plug for every twelve inches of soil. St. Augustine grass is an aggressive grower and can compete with weeds. Weve said earlier that its an excellent choice to start from scratch. Creating plugs from pieces of sod will help stretch the coverage area. apart in a prepared lawn. This new growth spreads along the top of the ground, filling in the area between the plugs. St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs (32-Count) Natural, Affordable Lawn Improvement Turn the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 4 inches. Once planted, St. Augustine grass plugs will spread. Annually de-thatch your St. Augustine. For best results, keep its soil evenly moist. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. After considering all these requirements, it is safe to say that the best time to plant st. augustine grass plugs will be spring (late spring, to be particular) and summer (early summer). Examples include: St. Augustine grass has traditionally been propagated via sod (plugs), and it is in this form that turf farms or their retailers sell it to homeowners and landscapers. There are a few green twigs coming back to life but I think it's dead. Make sure that the crown of the plug isnt covered in soil. It prefers warmer weather and grows best when temperatures are at least 75-degrees Fahrenheit. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Next, apply a non-selective herbicide 2 weeks before planting to kill weeds; make sure you use a product that doesnt leave a residual that would harm the newly planted St. Augustine grass. The Questions People Ask Most About Lawn Fertilizing. World rights reserved. The best time to grow St Augustine grass is in May through July when the average daytime temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime soil temperature is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This time is suggested because the grass will have plenty of time to establish itself before the winter months approach and dormancy takes over. 2. This grass loves the full sun and grows best under sunlight and heat. Imidacloprid 2F Select T/I is a highly effective insect control product and termiticide that offers prevention and control over a wide array of common lawn and garden insects. Keep the newly planted St Augustine grass plugs moist for two weeks; . Provide St. Augustine grass with good drainage. Plugs quickly establish and start spreading, which is why they are used to repair damaged areas or fill in the bare spots on your lawn. It was fine and then turned to a straw-like color over the winter.
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