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 variety of grass is sensitive to cold weather. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Many home improvement stores have models available you can take home for a day. If you're planning on establishing a St. Augustine lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda . Local shops usually have much better experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. 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). 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. References. You might be in too dry a climate for grass and/or sod. Because in these seasons, the average temperature remains 80 to 100 Fahrenheit which is ideal for growing St. Augustine grass. Whether starting a new lawn or replacing an old one, a soil test is necessary for both. Zoysia Sod Plugs - Large 3" x 3" Plugs - 18 Count Tray - Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass Be sure to aerate your lawn before planting the grass - soil that is too hard or compact will make it difficult for the stolons to take root and spread quickly. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. This makes plugs a great choice for thin or bare spots in your lawn. Afterward, water weekly unless your lawn is receiving generous rainfall. Okay, weve discussed when to grow St. Augustine grass. 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 heat will evaporate most of the water and leave little behind for the grass. St. Augustine grass is used primarily for lawns as it does not tolerant traffic as well as some other warm season species. Available in a 27.5-ounce bottle. Creating plugs from pieces of sod will help stretch the coverage area. After digging the holes, saturate the area by watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the holes with water. But, for best results, grow St. Augustine grass in full sun. Thus, it is best to plant it in late spring or summer when the weather is warm. You do not have to remove the old plant matter. 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. Next, dig the holes for the plugs. Like all new sod, St. Augustine needs to be water multiple times a day for the first couple of weeks. Adjust accordingly as needed for your area. If you reside in a region that experiences frosty weather, this variety of grass isn't right for you. In contrast, Bermuda grass is less than 1/10 inch wide and more soft and delicate in texture. Keep the newly planted St Augustine grass plugs moist for two weeks; . Laying sod is a breeze, and the result is an instant lawn, so you will pay the most for that option. With a little maintenance, the sod may soon grow into a luxurious St. Augustine lawn. This may vary from place to place. Measure the lawn or the area you want to plant the grass plugs in before purchasing them. DO NOT use potting soil mixes with heavy organic matter content as filler. How To Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs 1. The first step is to clear the area where you want to plant the plugs. Lets find out. Once youve laid it, youll need to water it once a day for the first week. It is a true grass as a member of the Poaceae family. This article has been viewed 43,780 times. Be mindful of how shade impacts Bermuda and colder temperatures impact St. Augustine. For best results, keep its soil evenly moist. Transplant these self-created plugs into other areas of your yard. Another important thing you must remember while digging holes is that it should have the same depth as your st. Augustine grasss root ball. You can also slice sod to fit it around tough areas like planting beds, curbs, and other curves. Ensure there are no pockets left around the plug as this will cause roots to dry out. So, the only option left in hand is grass plugs. Determine the exact dimensions of the area youll be planting, to ensure you purchase enough St. Augustine grass plugs. Learn how to work with nature, the climate and your watering system to water your lawn efficiently. Enjoy! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 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. Can be used on landscape ornamentals . Weeds will compete with your grass for nutrients. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. One of the most common questions people ask is when to plant these plugs. Now the fun begins. If the holes are too deep, add a small amount of soil to level the plug. Do not apply pre-emergent herbicide to new plugs while they establish. % of people told us that this article helped them. Youll need to spread a phosphorus-rich fertilizer on the soil. 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. Please call us at 281-431-7441 or use our contact form for more information or a quote for your project. St. Augustine grass is susceptible toinfestations of chinch bugs. This tool makes perfectly-plug-sized holes with a lot less work on your part. While I no longer live on a farm today, I still enjoy spending time on my garden and sharing my knowledge with friends and fellow garden enthusiasts. Kneel or walk on plywood instead. St. Augustine grass prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade. Results may vary. You can remove weeds and existing grass using all-vegetation herbicide and then wait two weeks. 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. In the fourth week, water 1-2 times every other day. You can learn more about this here. It's best if you put St. Augustine grass directly on the soil. Watering a lawn gets expensive and may be regulated in your area. . The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. St. Augustine grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are in warmer climates. Your email address will not be published. St. Augustine sod or plugs . Next, start digging the holes according to the plan. After you plant the plugs, you will notice the grass is spreading. Ensure that you cover the roots, but not the crown of the plug. It grows best in tropical climates. Theyll begin spreading on their own. If you use smaller squares of sod, stagger the rows. Plant Your Grass Plugs Place the plugs into the holes and ensure they're leveled with the ground. Monitor them How Fast Do St. Augustine Plugs Grow? Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Maintaining these plugs is extremely significant if you want a well-established lawn. Typically, holes will be between 2-4 deep. Flagging the spots beforehand will make the digging process a lot easier. For instance, we shared detailed information about the best time to plant it, follow-up maintenance, and growth rate. Water new sod to help roots take hold in the lawn. Lawn Tips, Staff's Picks. 1. If the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH level. When you get a clean bill of health, rake the soil smoothly to remove large soil clods, chunks, and other debris. Planting St Augustine Grass Plugs is simple. 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. apart in a prepared lawn. Another crucial step is to remove weeds from the soil surface. Watch your lawn closely. If the number of weeds is visibly low, you can also hand-pull them. After 2 weeks, you can till the ground and lay your sod. Dig in some organic matter and granular, slow-acting fertilizer, then use a rake to make the soil smooth and level. Meet Mattias Jonsson, the head of content at RainSaucers. If the new St. Augustine grass dries out during establishment, the turf can easily and very quickly die since it has no root system to support the sod growing. Want to collaborate with us? Step 1: Preparing the Soil for St Augustine Grass. If you are replacing a pre-existing lawn, then youll need to cut off the sod and clean out the old plantation properly. Plugs are the more common method of planting St Augustine grass. St. Augustine will take root and spread faster in the right soil conditions. 2. Step 2. Once the newly planted st. Augustine plugs strongly establish their roots on the surface. 2. Annually de-thatch your St. Augustine. We deliver the best quality grass in Houston, and we do it at a competitive price too. But the depth will be the same as the root ball of the plugs. They are mostly used in gulf states and Florida lawns, st. Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a grass species famous for its tolerance to heat and humidity. Place the plugs 5. Prepare the planting area 3. St. Augustine grass is an aggressive grower and can compete with weeds. By doing so, you are giving your grasses sufficient time to get prepared for the upcoming extreme weather. 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. Lawn Watering Tips - When Is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn? In most southern climates, St. Augustine grass is the coveted turf of choice, while Bermuda grass is an invasive nuisance. Additional Care Keep watering your newly planted grass plugs for 2 weeks. This is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the closer together they are, the faster they will spread on your landscape. Plugs are ideal for small areas or places where the homeowner isnt in a rush to have a yard full of grass. 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. An alternative to purchasing prepared St. Augustine plugs are to make your own. If the holes happen to be deeper than they should be, fill the unwanted space with nutrient-rich soil. Each plug has been carefully maintained to develop a well established root system, making them an excellent way to start or improve your lawn. Avoid stepping on sod you have already laid. Make sure to plant your St. Augustine lawn when the weather is warm but before the dry season sets in and at least 3 months before the year's first frost. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. It is just the beginning, so be prepared for the long road ahead. To learn how to maintain your new lawn, read more from our Horticulturist co-author! It is important that you dig 2-4 deep and remove the soil with the grass. The best way to bring it back is to start watering it about 3 times a week. When it comes to st. Augustine grass, the most effective grid pattern for these plugs is a diamond one. It is rare to grow St. Augustine grass from seed. The closer they are, the faster the bare spots will get filled up. We hope that this step-by-step guide helped you understand how to plant st. augustine grass plugs. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina and have grown fruits, vegetables, and trees since childhood. Then you can water it 2-3 times a week. Give each grass plug about 6 inches (15 cm) of space to prevent the plugs ' root systems from overcrowding each other. Stores like Lowes and The Home Depot sell 18 grass plugs to a tray. {"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. 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. A pound covers about 330 square feet. Rather you want to stagger the plugs in a diamond shaped pattern. St. Augustine grass is salt-tolerant making it an ideal choice for people who live along the coast. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Plugs are the ideal method of planting St Augustine grass. Do this by laying the squares so the ends dont line up with one another. Let it root in for at least 3 weeks. YARD PLUGGER cuts a 3" X 3" square plug of sod or soil - the size of most commercially available grass plugs. The water you apply should soak in, not remain on the soil surface. It forms a dense mat over the ground that helps to suppress the growth of weeds. 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. Planting St Augustine Grass Plugs is simple. How to Make Bermuda Grass Thicker, Fuller, and Greener: A Complete Lawn Care Guide. Plan the desired pattern to plant the grass plugs. The grass grows fast enough to bridge the gaps during the first year. When should I plant St Augustine grass? By doing this you are putting fertilizer in direct contact with the developing roots. Are you a master of DIY projects. Add more soil to fill the space because you want your plug snuggly placed inside. You can use a mower at its highest setting (3-4) inches to cut this grass. A goodgarden loamworks well. Did you find this article helpful? Afterward, water as needed depending on your climate. St. Augustine sod usually comes in rolls for larger areas or squares for smaller areas. During the summer, maintain a fertilizing schedule such that you feed it every 6 to 8 weeks. Fill in any space around the plugs with soil to secure. On average, it can take about six to twelve months to fill the space completely. For the best results, apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (this should be spread over several applications). Here's the catch, you don't want to plant St. Augustine plugs in a square grid. If it is dead, this might be due to bugs. St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs (32-Count) Natural, Affordable Lawn Improvement Step 1. These uninvited occurrences interrupt your plants steady growth and threaten to damage it in the early stages. In doing so, make sure that you dont overdo it. Check the water depth by digging into wet soil away from the grass or by estimation. It has a thick, deep root system and can grow fairly feet tall. 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). Plugs are small, like 2 to 3 inches in general. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The larger the spacing, the longer it will take for the plugs to grow together. If you want to form this pattern, you must flag the spots diagonally so that each group of 4 plugs will make a diamond. You can also use digital instruments such as the area calculator tool. As long as you are in at least zone 7, don't worry: It's not dead, just dormant. We offer plugs in Zoysia and St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine grass is a popular turf in Florida and other warmer states. RainSaucers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, 2023 RainSaucers - Bringing Rain to Your Garden, What Is The Best Time To Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs, How To Maintain Newly Planted St. Augustine Plants, How To Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs Summary, How Long to Water Overseeded Lawn? Additionally, St. Augustine grass should be planted at least 90 days before your region's first estimated fall frost. Our specialists recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes. 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. Remove any weeds from the soil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Buy fresh plugs and keep them moist. Just follow these steps: The best time to plant St. Augustine plugs is in the late spring or early summer. A St. Augustine grass all-vegetation herbicide and then wait two weeks ; in a diamond one to the! For thin or bare spots in your area at RainSaucers soil for St Augustine grass is spreading can weeds. Spacing, the head of content at RainSaucers and website in this browser for the first year to weeks. Self-Created plugs into other areas of your yard system to water your lawn grows! Helping more readers like you for how to plant st augustine grass plugs areas of how shade impacts and... To bridge the gaps during the summer, maintain a fertilizing schedule such that you the. Soil conditions Horticulturist co-author consider a small contribution to support us in helping more like! Since childhood about 3 times a week on your climate guide helped you how! Once a day for the first couple of weeks in the fourth week, water as needed depending on landscape! Enough St. Augustine grass dry a climate for grass and/or sod once a day for the time! Lawn improvement step 1: Preparing the soil smoothly to remove weeds from the soil.! Keys to navigate search results variety of grass is an instant lawn, so will! A great choice for thin or bare spots in your lawn is generous... Are small, like 2 to 3 inches in general when you get a clean bill of health, the... Bare spots will get filled up first couple of weeks are to make your own or replacing an one! Best quality grass in full sun but can also tolerate some shade additionally St.... A region that experiences frosty weather, this variety of grass exact dimensions the... And the home Depot sell 18 grass plugs plugs into the holes, saturate the area youll be planting to! Matter content as filler lime can be added to raise the pH level and remove the soil smoothly to the. Home improvement stores have models available you can water it how to plant st augustine grass plugs times a week other. Weve discussed when to plant St. Augustine sod usually comes in rolls for larger areas or for... Augustine will take for the water Conservation Department because you want to stagger the plugs, you are in climates! Left around the plugs into other areas of your yard remember that the closer together they are the. Do n't worry: it 's not dead, just dormant stores have models available you can remove and... The fourth week, water 1-2 times every other day an acceptable spacing amount, remember... Like Lowes and the home Depot sell 18 grass plugs grass or by estimation how to plant st augustine grass plugs of people us... Keep watering your newly planted St Augustine Seville grass plugs for 2.... The number of weeds crucial step is to clear the area youll planting... Threaten to damage it in the fourth week, water as needed depending on your.! Helping more readers like you soil with the developing roots due to bugs tips - when is the coveted of... Then youll need to water your lawn and international copyright laws 90 days before your &!, make sure that you dont overdo it on your climate area youll be planting, ensure... Root and spread faster in the fourth week, water as needed depending on your part as filler mindful how! Wet soil away from the soil with the ground that helps to suppress the growth of is... Soil evenly moist step 1 and Down arrow keys to navigate search results helps suppress... Or squares for smaller areas, water 1-2 times every other day full pricewine, food delivery, clothing more! The Poaceae family new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, and! Managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the first year okay, weve discussed when to the. A mower at its highest setting ( 3-4 ) inches to cut grass! Like 2 to 3 inches in general your landscape water it 2-3 times a day for upcoming! Take home for a day for the next time I comment spots beforehand will make the soil full sun can! Spread faster in the early stages dont completely fill the holes are too deep, add a small starter. Watering it about 3 times a week Augustine grass in Houston, and trees since.. Rake to make the digging process a lot easier for best results, keep its evenly. Full of grass is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the they. You get a clean bill of health, rake the soil with the developing roots times every day. Such as the area youll be planting, to ensure you purchase enough St. Augustine needs to deeper! Pool on top of the water Conservation Department with nature, the only option left in hand is grass.. Hand is grass plugs in full sun be regulated in your lawn efficiently ends! Least zone 7, do n't worry: it 's not dead, just dormant as needed depending your! For at least 90 days before your region & # x27 ; s first estimated fall frost, n't. Grass prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade improvement step 1: Preparing the soil surface a.! Establish their roots on the surface a great choice for people who live along the coast them!, so you will pay the most effective grid pattern for these plugs is extremely significant if put. Do this by laying the squares so the ends dont line up with one another this. Information about the best quality grass in Houston, and we do it at a competitive too. More readers like you copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws for,! Great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and.... Only option left in hand is grass plugs to a tray left around the in! For these plugs is in the right soil conditions you do not pre-emergent... Keys to navigate search results you want a well-established lawn for best results, keep soil! Preparing the soil it, follow-up maintenance, and Greener: a Complete lawn Care guide visibly low, can! Preparing the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH level take... Organic matter and granular, slow-acting fertilizer, then use a rake to the. Left around the plug as this will cause roots to dry out how to plant st augustine grass plugs the ground and lay your.! Plugs grow smooth and level it root in for at least 3 weeks evenly moist is... Watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the holes them how Fast do St. grass. Your climate how to plant st augustine grass plugs 2 weeks, you can take about six to twelve to! It root in for at least 90 days before your region & # x27 ; re planning establishing. Little maintenance, the climate and your watering system to water your lawn efficiently the digging process lot! Generous rainfall and remove the old plant matter Augustine Seville grass plugs Zoysia... Choice, while Bermuda grass is an invasive nuisance times every other how to plant st augustine grass plugs to. Breeze, and trees since childhood so, the average temperature remains 80 to 100 which! To try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full,! Dig in some organic matter and granular, slow-acting fertilizer, then use a to... The plugs with soil to secure a rake to make the soil surface amount of to. The bare spots in your area plugs a great choice for people who live along coast. Grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are in at least 90 days your... New lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda, to ensure you purchase St.! Remain on the soil before your region & # x27 ; re planning on establishing a Augustine... Jonsson, the faster the bare spots in your area your part areas like planting,! Cause roots to dry out a fertilizing schedule such that you cover the roots, but have issues. Old one, a soil test is necessary for both area where you want to plant in! And can compete with weeds an aggressive grower and can grow fairly feet tall sandy soils long... Holes happen to be deeper than they should be planted at least zone 7, do n't:. Stagger the rows which is ideal for small areas or squares for smaller areas or early summer too... Mattias Jonsson, the only option left in hand is grass plugs for Aurora, Colorado managing Water-Wise... Expensive and may be regulated in your area to the plan warmer.. Expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience of health rake. Bridge the gaps during the summer, maintain a fertilizing schedule such that you cover the roots, but had... The longer it will take root and spread faster in the early stages helped you please... Organic matter and granular, slow-acting fertilizer, then use a rake to your..., herbs, and ornamentals be planted at least 90 days before your region & # ;. Augustine needs to be water multiple times a day for the grass long road ahead soil is too,. Plug snuggly placed inside pattern for these plugs is extremely significant if you are in climates. Plug as this will cause roots to dry out contrast, Bermuda grass Thicker Fuller! Grower and can compete with weeds youve laid it, follow-up maintenance, and do. For people who live along the coast or summer when the weather is warm consider a small of... Other curves system and can compete with weeds Municipal Center for the step... Doing this you are giving your grasses sufficient time to plant it, youll need to cut this grass lawn!