If you allow your lawn to grow past 3 inches you risk the possibility of mowing down into the stems. This will ensure that the st. Augustines growth isnt interrupted mid-way. 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. What should I do before trying to lay more sod? Therefore, plugs, sod, and the seed should be planted in late spring or early summer. One big drawback is that it does not do well with regular foot traffic, so if you're looking . Simply water the plugs sufficiently but not so much that it pools on the surface. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Cut the end off a can, place it on top of the grass, then fill it with water. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. Let it stay there. Dig the holes in a checkerboard pattern considering the recommended spacing distance between each sod. After digging the holes, saturate the area by watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the holes with water. Do you live in a warm state with extreme heat no grass will tolerate? Prevention is the best way to control chinch bugs. The stolons, often referred to as "runners," sprout and root at the nodes. Common diseases affecting St. Augustine grass include brown patches, gray leaf spots, and take-all root rot. Press plug firmly into the hole, filling in all space around the edge of the plug. Plugs should be placed 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) Before going ahead with this important task, it is recommended to water the dug-in holes deeply and saturate the field. St. Augustine plugs needs at least 90 days before the first frost. on center, SodPods covers 72 sq. This makes plugs a great choice for thin or bare spots in your lawn. How to Grow St. Augustine Grass From Seed. Take a sample of the soil, to a nearby extension agent to advise whether the soil needs fertilizer or pH amendments. St. Augustine grass performs best if fertilized regularly, on a schedule. You can prevent downy mildew through good garden hygiene: St. Augustine grass grows more quickly than many other lawn grasses. Can I put St. Augustine grass over my existing grass? Call 281-431-7441 for Help in Selecting the Best Grass Variety for Your Project. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Additionally, St. Augustine grass should be planted at least 90 days before your region's first estimated fall frost. . The larger the spacing, the longer it will take for the plugs to grow together. With a little care and patience, plugs will easily renovate your yard. Weeds will compete with your grass for nutrients. Exercise caution the first time you mow to avoid pulling up the sod. Laying sod is a breeze, and the result is an instant lawn, so you will pay the most for that option. This will normally take about 7-14 days for the roots to establish. After that, you need to maintain one inch of water every week. St. Augustine grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are in warmer climates. You may start lowering the cutting height slowly by slowly every time you mow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This time is suggested because the grass will have plenty of time to establish itself before the winter months approach and dormancy takes over. To check for chinch bugs, try a water test. St. Augustine grass is a spreading, warm-season grass for lawns, especially in warm climates. You can also slice sod to fit it around tough areas like planting beds, curbs, and other curves. 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). ft. each individual plug measures 3in by 3in It also has a high tolerance for salt water, which makes it perfect for coastal areas. I had St. Augustine sod put down last summer. In that period, the daytime temperature remains 80 Fahrenheit on average. How to Get Rid of Them in Your Yard, Can Grass Grow in Sand? St. Augustine grass should be mowed at a height of 2 to 3 inches at all times. The next step would be to water the plugs and ensure the field is well-irrigated properly. In the fourth week, water 1-2 times every other day. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. I had a contractor lay down the sod. For an extra boost, add 1 teaspoon of organic fertilizer before planting. Determine the exact dimensions of the area youll be planting, to ensure you purchase enough St. Augustine grass plugs. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg\/aid9724649-v4-728px-Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Nitrogen aids deep root development, which is why its recommended to use nitrogen fertilizers once every 6-8 weeks. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Plugs, on the other hand, are a much cheaper alternative. In contrast, Bermuda grass is less than 1/10 inch wide and more soft and delicate in texture. Watering the dead sod more could help. Mow at or above two inches for the first few times. Water your lawn when the leaf blades begin to fold and turn bluish-green in color. Phosphorus helps with root growth, so if you want your st. Augustinegrass plugs to spread faster. These sod plugs are packaged in trays for convenient shipping and easy installation. Prepare the planting area 3. Additional Care Keep watering your newly planted grass plugs for 2 weeks. Once you get your results, amend the soil as needed. To ensure strong growth and deep roots, apply one-half pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually during the growing season (spring through fall). Propagation: Bermuda grass can be grown by seed, while St. Augustine grass only grows from transplanted sod or plugs. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Call back the company that laid the grass and ask them to rid the bugs and replant the grass. Heat promotes the growth of St. Augustine grass. When your new lawn reaches over three and a half inches tall, mow off a third of the height and collect the clippings. 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. Brown patch is a fungal disease that can form circular patches of brown grass. St. Augustine is a broad bladed, medium green colored grass; St. Augustine Floratam is heat tolerant and has a great tolerance for humidity; Minimum 4-hour-6-hours of sunlight per day for best results; Established roots mean less water and maximum success; Affordable - each 8-pack covers 18 sq. St. Augustine plugs can be planted year-round in tropical and sub-tropical climates where the grass does not go dormant. Natural and shipped fresh from the farm, each pod has been carefully nurtured to have a fully developed root system, just like your lawn. Plugs are small, like 2 to 3 inches in general. Your ideal month for planting will depend on other factors as well. Measure the area 2. The closer they are, the faster the bare spots will get filled up. There are a number of different types of St. Augustine grass. It will become green again when warm weather returns. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 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. Dethatch your lawn whenever you detect substantial thatch build-up. Absorbs 6X its weight in water. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Deciding a grid pattern for your st. Augustine grass lawn is also a vital part. Planting the plugs incorrectly can lead to a loss of resources. (You can also purchase St. Augustine sod, but it can be expensive.). In a certain land subject to us, all kinds of pepper is gathered, and is exchanged for corn and bread, leather and cloth. Many home improvement stores have models available you can take home for a day. Are you a master of DIY projects. This usually takes about 7-14 days, and It is recommended to water as deeply as possible during this time. Planting St Augustine Grass Plugs is simple. Monitor them How Fast Do St. Augustine Plugs Grow? It's simple, planting St Augustine plugs is as easy as throwing down one two inch plug for every twelve inches of soil. It will also make the plugs grow together faster. St. Augustine is a broad bladed, medium green colored grass. Aside from that, fertilizing the st. Augustine grass, every once in a while, will also encourage vigorous growth and a healthy lawn. Kneel or walk on plywood instead. This warm-season plant can grow and thrive in a wide range of soil types with a pH between 5.0 to 8.0. Plant the grass plugs Safely place the plugs in the holes one after the other as you securely tap the soil around them to ensure proper soil-plug contact. Plugs are suitable for tiny areas or when the homeowner isn't in a hurry to create a lawn. Plugs are ideal for small areas or places where the homeowner isnt in a rush to have a yard full of grass. It is somewhat less drought-tolerant. This is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the closer together they are, the faster they will spread on your landscape. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. However, late spring has moderately warm weather between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining Your New St. Augustine Grass LawnOnce your new St. Augustine grass lawn starts to fill in and the grass blades reach a mowable height, cut the grass with the mower set to one of the highest settings (3-4 inches). Looking for some answers when it comes to feeding your lawn? She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Planting St. Augustine Grass Through Plugs. 5 Types of Grass for Sandy Soil, How to Keep Birds from Eating Grass Seed 10 Safe Ways, How to Tell if Grass Seed is Germinating (Ideal Requirements), Does Ryegrass Spread? Repair Bare Spots or Start a New Lawn. The plug method is a compromise in each respect. Because in these seasons, the average temperature remains 80 to 100 Fahrenheit which is ideal for growing St. Augustine grass. These uninvited occurrences interrupt your plants steady growth and threaten to damage it in the early stages. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When you till the soil later, it serves as a natural fertilizer. St. Augustine grass is susceptible toinfestations of chinch bugs. Plant a section of sod. When mowing St. Augustine for dethatching, cut the grass at a low blade height of 2-inches. St. Augustine grass is used primarily for lawns as it does not tolerant traffic as well as some other warm season species. If the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH level. St. Augustine grass requires warm weather to grow. You surely cant just leave your grass to fend for itself. The plugs, which are rooted pieces of sod, gradually fill in the spaces between them, producing a full, beautiful lawn. If you get frost during the colder months, it may damage your St. Augustine grass. Now you are ready to plant the St. Augustine sod plugs! 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. Save money by renting a rototiller. St. Augustine grass is a low maintenance sod that can perform well with little extra care . St. Augustine is a warm-season grass that thrives in high temperatures and peaks in hotter months. By using our site, you agree to our. How to Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs Tips for Success, 1) Decide How Far Apart to Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs, 3) Prep the Soil for Planting the St. Augustine Plugs, 4) Drill or Dig the Holes for Your St. Augustine Grass Plugs. These months are advisable because they are neither excruciatingly hot nor undesirably cool. . You will have to keep up with the required irrigation and fertilization. Step 1: Preparing the Soil for St Augustine Grass. Once they start spreading, you will notice your lawn is getting greener day by day. Otherwise, sod is easy to plant over cleared and tilled ground. Plugs of St. Augustine grass, which are rooted fragments of sod, eventually fill up the spaces between them to create a lush, lovely lawn. Turn the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 4 inches. If the soil is too alkaline, sulfur can be added to lower the pH level. 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. You can add fertilizers directly in the holes because the contact will accelerate the root development process. When talking about St. Augustine grass plugs, a relevant question comes out, where to find grass plugs? If the number of weeds is visibly low, you can also hand-pull them. Make slightly larger holes than the plugs; this will make it easier to plant them. St. Augustine grass is an aggressive grower and can compete with weeds. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This part is crucial because when plugs are planted too deep in the soil, they become vulnerable to fungi and insects. To prepare the soil, do the following: After you have removed the vegetation, plan out the desired planting grid pattern. On average, it can take about six to twelve months to fill the space completely. The most common use of St. Augustine grass is in lawns and landscapes because it is drought tolerant and shade tolerant. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The water should never linger on the soil or run off the grass. At this time, you will have some difficulty pulling up a plug from the soil. Then thoroughly water the area to soften the soil for easier hole digging and planting of the plugs. Weve said earlier that its an excellent choice to start from scratch. Remember that using plugs as a method to grow st. Augustine grass is only a viable option when sod isnt a practical choice or when small areas need to be covered. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. 5. At this mowing height, you'll be able to give the dethatching tool enough access without cutting off too much of the stolons, thus, preventing excessive damage to your lawn. How long does a St. Augustine grass lawn last? If you want to form this pattern, you must flag the spots diagonally so that each group of 4 plugs will make a diamond. Firstly, no weeds. St. Augustine grass plugs are the best way to repair bare spots in your lawn. Local gardening shops may also have St Augustine Grass plugs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Or if you are looking to start a whole new lawn in a small area, plugs are a great alternative to sod. St. Augustine grass blades are coarser and broader, about 1/3 of an inch in width. Poor air circulation promotes diseases such as downy mildew. Lets find out. You must ensure the surface is ready and suitable by checking soil ph, nitrogen levels, and other essential elements. Within a short time, you will notice the St. Augustine grass thriving on your lawn. Do I have to butt the sods together, or can I spread them apart for results? Plugs can also be made from existing grass in your yard. Cover the roots adequately, fill all the gaps, and leave the crowns in the air. Use the simple guide below to pick the broadcast spreader thats best for your lawn size. If you're planning on establishing a St. Augustine lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda . It grows best in tropical climates. Using plugs is the cheapest way to grow an st. augustine lawn, and heres how you can do it. With a little maintenance, the sod may soon grow into a luxurious St. Augustine lawn. St. Augustine grass handles heat and humidity well, which is why it is popular in regions such as the American Southeast. Once cultivated, St. Augustine grass propagates on its own through stolons, plugs, and sod. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina and have grown fruits, vegetables, and trees since childhood. Its tolerance to heat, salt, and humidity makes it suitable for coastal yards and subtropical humid areas. Results may vary. Grid patterns may range from diamond to checkerboard patterns, but the plugs should be placed equidistantly in all cases. Watch your lawn closely. The maintenance requirements begin once the st. augustine grass plugs reach a mowable height. Once you have planned the grid pattern, its time to start digging. 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. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Be sure not to water the area to the point where water is standing or pooling in the holes. Local shops usually have much better experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. Plugs should be placed 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) It prefers warmer weather and grows best when temperatures are at least 75-degrees Fahrenheit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. One tray of 18 planted 12" to 16 apart will cover 50 square feet. Plan the pattern and start digging 4. For best results, keep its soil evenly moist. Plugs are the more common method of planting St Augustine grass. The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. St. Augustine Palmetto is heat and shade tolerant. During the summer, maintain a fertilizing schedule such that you feed it every 6 to 8 weeks. Nutrients and moisture within the soil. You can learn more about this here. St. Augustine grass is a popular turf in Florida and other warmer states. Directions. Place the plugs into the predug holes at ground level. Ensure that you cover the roots, but not the crown of the plug. Once the newly planted st. Augustine plugs strongly establish their roots on the surface. St. Augustine Grass VS Zoysia: Who Will Win The Battle For Your Lawn. You Can Barefoot Test Our Grass Varieties at Our Office. However, you can plant . The landscaping supplier should look at the sketch map and measurements to advise you on the number of plugs you need for that specific area. After 2 weeks, you can till the ground and lay your sod. Space plugs in a diamond pattern to reach the square footage coverage in the table above. Before any mowing, make sure that the St Augustine grass plugs or sod are properly rooted and are growing robustly. Considering that youve already flagged the spots in diamond patterns, you need to dig holes properly. Water as needed, especially during hot, dry spells. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The Questions People Ask Most About Lawn Fertilizing. So, unless you live in the subtropical regions of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass will turn brown in winter. Which Point Requires Correction Regarding The Use Of Restraints?,
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