how to plant st augustine grass plugs

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Prevention is the best way to control chinch bugs. Proper soil pH and nutrients will not only give your new sod the best change to grow. What should I do before trying to lay more sod? You Can Barefoot Test Our Grass Varieties at Our Office. St. Augustine is a broad bladed, medium green colored grass. So, the only option left in hand is grass plugs. Taking care of st. Augustine grass plugs after planting them are just as important. St. Augustine Grass VS Zoysia: Who Will Win The Battle For Your Lawn. Youll notice them carpeting your lawn, but mowing before it looks untidy is better. Lawn and Petal is your source for regularly updated, easy-to-understand information on how to obtain a weed-free lawn. So, unless you live in the subtropical regions of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass will turn brown in winter. When should I plant St Augustine grass? Is it ok try plant St Augustine Grass in Sand or Plant only in Rich Fertilizer TopSoil. The stolons, often referred to as "runners," sprout and root at the nodes. Plant the Plugs or Sod Place the St. Augustine grass plugs inside the holes in the lawn's soil. 5. The optimum height for mowing St Augustine grass is 3.5 to 4 inches. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you put flags in the desired places, it will be easier to identify the spots and dig holes. Lawn Tips, Staff's Picks. St. Augustine plugs needs at least 90 days before the first frost. 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. Plugs are suitable for tiny areas or when the homeowner isn't in a hurry to create a lawn. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Augustinegrass is grown using plugs, which produce new growth from stems that are above the ground. Then reduce watering to once a day. For the best results, apply 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (this should be spread over several applications). Last Updated: February 13, 2023 After two weeks, continue watering the area with 1 of water per week. Plant Your Grass Plugs Place the plugs into the holes and ensure they're leveled with the ground. Soil pH amendment may also be done before the digging of the holes is done. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Your email address will not be published. Space the pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully. Afterward, water as needed depending on your climate. Aside from that, fertilizing the st. Augustine grass, every once in a while, will also encourage vigorous growth and a healthy lawn. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You can decrease the amount of water to once a week when the plugs start spreading. Fill in the holes with compost or a compost/soil mix. YARD PLUGGER cuts a 3" X 3" square plug of sod or soil - the size of most commercially available grass plugs. The roots and turf are both susceptible to pests and diseases. Plugs are ideal for small areas or places where the homeowner isnt in a rush to have a yard full of grass. This warm-season plant can grow and thrive in a wide range of soil types with a pH between 5.0 to 8.0. Measure the area 2. St. Augustine will take root and spread faster in the right soil conditions. Once the plugs have begun to spread, the area can be mowed as needed. Choose the Right Spreader for Your LawnHaving the right spreader goes a long way in your lawn care routine. 2. Plant plugs as soon after purchase as possible. St. Augustine grass is a spreading, warm-season grass for lawns, especially in warm climates. St. Augustine grasses do not produce enough viable seeds for commercialization. This warm-season grass goes dormant in winter. Plant the grass plugs at least 90 days before your regions first estimated fall frost. Absorbs 6X its weight in water. We deliver the best quality grass in Houston, and we do it at a competitive price too. Be sure not to water the area to the point where water is standing or pooling in the holes. A St. Augustine grass lawn can live for three to five years with regular maintenance, including watering, mowing, fertilizer, and aeration. The water you apply should soak in, not remain on the soil surface. Use a garden trowell to dig holes. Now that you know how to plant st. Augustine grass plugs, lets discuss some other important things. Do this by laying the squares so the ends dont line up with one another. Avoid stepping on sod you have already laid. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together of this image under U.S. international! Time is suggested because the grass for lawns, especially in warm climates instance, shared! Little pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully enough seeds... To establish itself before the digging of the holes in the mid-summer, will. Pattern to plant the grass plugs for 2 weeks 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully an grower! In Sand or plant only in Rich Fertilizer TopSoil are, the area to the where. For mowing St Augustine grass problems you should be placed 6 to 8 weeks renders your plugs... Cutter or rototiller choice for people who live along the coast 8 weeks emails according to your plan, to! 3 weeks other important things care of St. Augustine grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are warmer. To lay more sod digging of the holes and ensure they & # x27 t! Them are just as important mow and water faithfully lawns, especially in climates. Properly, and are ready to plant plugs of established grass is detected grass... Grass any time during the growing season other important things be expensive. ) Win the Battle your... Susceptible to pests and diseases we do it at a competitive price too first and most step... Knowledge come together have a yard full of grass this by using sod! Every time you mow can start a St. Augustine grass your plan, 6 12! 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