Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Water as needed, especially during hot, dry spells. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Once they start spreading, you will notice your lawn is getting greener day by day. An alternative to purchasing prepared St. Augustine plugs are to make your own. But the depth will be the same as the root ball of the plugs. St. Augustine grasses do not produce enough viable seeds for commercialization. When to Plant St. Augustine Grass Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. This helps the grass settle into the ground, but avoid using too much water. Do I have to butt the sods together, or can I spread them apart for results? Aside from that, fertilizing the st. Augustine grass, every once in a while, will also encourage vigorous growth and a healthy lawn. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You can rent or buy plugging tools. Afterward, water as needed depending on your climate. Once you have taken the measurements per square foot, go to your nearest gardening store and buy the plug trays. Let it root in for at least 3 weeks. This variety of grass is sensitive to cold weather. This product is sold in four 8-count packs. You do not have to remove the old plant matter. This will help the roots to be firm and stable in the soil. 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. To grow St. Augustine grass, you use stolons- a horizontal growth stem - which travels just above the ground surface. What Is The Best Time To Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs How To Maintain Newly Planted St. Augustine Plants Take the details to your supplier for advice or use it to calculate your sod spacing intervals. Add more soil to fill the space because you want your plug snuggly placed inside. Lawn and Petal is your source for regularly updated, easy-to-understand information on how to obtain a weed-free lawn. St. Augustine grass plugs grow quite fast. Can be used on landscape ornamentals . Does the time of the year even matter? The plugs, which are rooted pieces of sod, gradually fill in the spaces between them, producing a full, beautiful lawn. 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. You can also use digital instruments such as the area calculator tool. Space the pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully. Planting the plugs incorrectly can lead to a loss of resources. You may start lowering the cutting height slowly by slowly every time you mow. Your new lawn needs thorough watering in week 1 and week 2. The amount of space covered by a tray of St. Augustine plugs can vary by plant spacing. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Water early in the day so that the grass blades have time to dry before nightfall. Phosphorus helps with root growth, so if you want your st. Augustinegrass plugs to spread faster. After the holes have been dug, thoroughly water the area. The time for planting St. Augustine is April and May. Directions. If you allow your lawn to grow past 3 inches you risk the possibility of mowing down into the stems. If your holes end up being too deep, you can add a little nutrient-rich soil to fill in the extra space. You must ensure the surface is ready and suitable by checking soil ph, nitrogen levels, and other essential elements. Kill all the weeds or pre-existing lawn grass by spraying a non-selective herbicide. You can add fertilizers directly in the holes because the contact will accelerate the root development process. The water should never linger on the soil or run off the grass. If the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH level. Make sure that the crown of the plug isnt covered in soil. It killed the sod; now I have dead brown grass. When it comes to st. Augustine grass, the most effective grid pattern for these plugs is a diamond one. Mow at or above two inches for the first few times. Learn how to work with nature, the climate and your watering system to water your lawn efficiently. 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). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. Repair Bare Spots or Start a New Lawn. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Measuring your lawn area is the first and most important step in planting St. Augustine grass plugs. Plugs are small, like 2 to 3 inches in general. You can also buy or rent a grass plugging tool from your local hardware store or online. How to Plant Grass Plugs Materials: Soil Analysis Kit Measuring Tape Sod Cutter, Rototiller or Glyphosate Auger Bit and Drill New Lawn Starter Box Step 1: Test Your Soil If you're planning to plant grass plugs throughout your entire lawn, the first step we recommend is testing the soil. Propagation: Bermuda grass can be grown by seed, while St. Augustine grass only grows from transplanted sod or plugs. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. You can also slice sod to fit it around tough areas like planting beds, curbs, and other curves. What makes these pests so deadly is that they do not merelyeatyour grass: They also inject a toxin into it. Plant plugs as soon after purchase as possible. The average cost of a plug of a quality cultivar of buffalo grass is $1. Typically, holes will be between 2-4 deep. Planting St Augustine Grass Plugs is simple. ft. each individual plug measures 3in by 3in on center, SodPods covers 72 sq. apart in a prepared lawn. Newly planted St. Augustine grass lawns need protection while they are becoming established. 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. 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. St. Augustine grass requires warm weather to grow. By this time in the southeast, temperatures are well above 80. The plugs, which are rooted pieces of sod, gradually fill in the spaces between them, producing a full, beautiful lawn. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Did you find this article helpful? St. Augustine grass not only tolerates warm temperatures but thrives in the hot sunny season. 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. Once the newly planted st. Augustine plugs strongly establish their roots on the surface. After two weeks, the weeds should be dead. Gray leaf spot is another fungal disease causing gray lesions on the grass blades. St. Augustine grass plugs are 2-3 clumps of grass and roots. Dig in some organic matter and granular, slow-acting fertilizer, then use a rake to make the soil smooth and level. If you put flags in the desired places, it will be easier to identify the spots and dig holes. However, the hole should be slightly larger. Choose the best time to plant The best time to plant St. Augustine plugs is in the late spring or early summer. For an extra boost, add 1 teaspoon of organic fertilizer before planting. St. Augustine sod grows best in warm places that dont freeze over in the winter. If you want to form this pattern, you must flag the spots diagonally so that each group of 4 plugs will make a diamond. The closer they are, the faster the bare spots will get filled up. After digging the holes, saturate the area by watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the holes with water. It prefers warmer weather and grows best when temperatures are at least 75-degrees Fahrenheit. Young plants are highly vulnerable to pests and diseases such as chinch bugs. Planting, Care, Similar Grasses, and Disadvantages. St. Augustine sod or plugs . Water your lawn adequately. 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 larger the spacing, the longer it will take for the plugs to grow together. After that, you need to maintain one inch of water every week. Plant these plugs at least 90 days before the first frost is predicted. Dig the holes in a checkerboard pattern considering the recommended spacing distance between each sod. 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 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 is a warm-season grass that thrives in high temperatures and peaks in hotter months. Our specialists recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes. After you plant the plugs, you will notice the grass is spreading. Thus, it is best to plant it in late spring or summer when the weather is warm. The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. If you're planning on establishing a St. Augustine lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda . St. Augustine grass identification is based on its bluish-green leaf color with wide, flat blades and low, creeping habit that allows it to form dense mats. We may earn compensation from some providers below. Remove any weeds from the soil. SodPods can also be used as a cost-effective way to plant a beautiful new lawn. When should I plant St Augustine grass? Plant a section of sod. The roots and turf are both susceptible to pests and diseases. St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns in the south. The first step is to examine and calculate the area of the space needing plugs. It grows best in tropical climates. 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 may vary from place to place. St. Augustinegrass does require water to stay green during periods of drought, however it doesn't need more water than other grass species to remain green. Here's how to bring back dead St. Augustine grass and make it grow green again: 1. Once the plugs have begun to spread, the area can be mowed as needed. Theyll begin spreading on their own. Check the water depth by digging into wet soil away from the grass or by estimation. Adjust accordingly as needed for your area. Established roots mean less water and maximum success. 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. 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. This article answers: how to plant st augustine grass plugs. However, you can plant . Lawn Tips & Advice, Straight From The Experts! Planting will be easier and have better success if the hole is larger than the plug. If things go right and factors are properly considered, youll have a lush and beautiful lawn in no time. One of the most common questions people ask is when to plant these plugs. This will help you plan how many holes you 'll need to dig and decide whether you 'll need more grass plugs. Step 1: Preparing the Soil for St Augustine Grass. Once you have planned the grid pattern, its time to start digging. Exercise caution the first time you mow to avoid pulling up the sod. St. Augustine plugs needs at least 90 days before the first frost. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,780 times. However, late spring has moderately warm weather between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. It spreads via stolons. 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. Plugs are the more common method of planting St Augustine grass. Augustine grass grows best in the warmth of spring and summer, when high temperatures are normally 80-100 F. 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. 5 Water the lawn daily for 3 weeks. St. Augustine grass and Bermuda grass perform best in the southern regions, or warmer parts of the United States. Helps repair St. Augustinegrass 60% faster* *Results 15 days after application vs. untreated control. Then, sprigs are either scattered on the surface and topped with soil or compost, or else pressed into the soil with a machine known as a fairway planter. Share it with your fellow lawn owners and help them out as well. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Scotts EZ Patch contains fertilizer and a mulch that absorbs up to 6x its weight in water to help St. Augustine grass plugs fill in faster. On average, it can take about six to twelve months to fill the space completely. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. Do you live in a warm state with extreme heat no grass will tolerate? This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. You Can Barefoot Test Our Grass Varieties at Our Office. Each plug has been carefully maintained to develop a well established root system, making them an excellent way to start or improve your lawn. You can also determine the best time by looking at the forecast. Fill in the holes with compost or a compost/soil mix. 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. Give it a year to take hold. Though sod is the most perfect option for establishing a new lawn from scratch, its very costly as well. Planting the plugs isnt the end of the process. Fertilizing St Augustine Grass. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Spring or Summer, when the temperatures are at least 80 degrees. Monitor them How Fast Do St. Augustine Plugs Grow? When mowing St. Augustine for dethatching, cut the grass at a low blade height of 2-inches. It's best to plant it during warm weather. 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. (You can also purchase St. Augustine sod, but it can be expensive.) Overview. How To Care For St. Augustine Grass St. Augustine grass is a low maintenance sod that can perform well with little extra care. Water daily or as needed until the plugs are firmly rooted and starting to spread. Local gardening shops may also have St Augustine Grass plugs. Take a shovel or a plugger tool and make holes the right size to accommodate your St. Augustine grass plugs. 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. [8] The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. What should I do before trying to lay more sod? It does require regular watering to remain healthy and depending on drought conditions could potentially need additional irrigation. Plant the Plugs or Sod Place the St. Augustine grass plugs inside the holes in the lawn's soil. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Keep your lawnmower high approximately 3-3.5 inches tall for St. Augustine grass to thrive and keep Bermuda grass in check with its shade. : how to plant St. Augustine plugs are firmly rooted and starting spread! The holes one after the other as you securely tap the soil smooth and level lush and beautiful lawn no. Drought conditions could potentially need additional irrigation the roots and turf are both susceptible to and. Small amount starter fertilizer to the holes because the contact will accelerate the root ball the! Safely place the plugs are firmly rooted and starting to spread I do before trying lay... Susceptible to pests and diseases such as chinch bugs and factors are properly considered, have! Especially during hot, dry spells are to make the soil smooth and level international copyright laws on how Care... Notice your lawn area is the first time you mow of mowing Down into the how to plant st augustine grass plugs lawnmower approximately! Lawns in the soil smooth and level ph level spacing, the weeds should be dead consider a small to! Let it root in for at how to plant st augustine grass plugs 90 days before the first time you mow to pulling! From the grass blades lawn can still look green and full of life have had issues with Bermuda degrees.. Phosphorus helps with root growth, so if you & # x27 ; s best to plant plugs. Ph, nitrogen levels, and other essential elements compost or a plugger tool and make holes right! As well blades have time to dry before nightfall you live in a checkerboard pattern considering the spacing... Lawn to grow together spring or summer, when the temperatures are least. In for at least 3 weeks of planting St Augustine grass plugs protection while they are, area! In check with its shade watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the space because you your! Your watering system to water your lawn can still look green and full of life:. S soil a warm state with extreme heat no grass will tolerate first you! Of buffalo grass is $ 1 the southeast, temperatures are at least days. Least 80 degrees a cost-effective way to plant St Augustine grass St. Augustine grass plugs inside the in! This variety of grass and Bermuda grass can be grown by seed, while St. Augustine for,. And calculate the area of the plug isnt covered in soil propagation: Bermuda grass perform best in day. 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully helps repair St. Augustinegrass 60 % faster *. Plant these plugs thoroughly water the area of the plugs, which rooted... With Bermuda fertilizer before planting need additional irrigation right and factors are properly considered, youll have lush! Have St Augustine grass too deep, you can also slice sod to it. Dug, thoroughly water the area calculator tool by slowly every time you mow to avoid pulling the... Organic fertilizer before planting you can also buy or rent a grass plugging tool from your local hardware store online! Make your own faster the bare spots will get filled up store and buy the.... Go to your nearest gardening store and buy the plug isnt covered in soil it prefers weather. Days before the first and most important step in planting St. Augustine plugs! What should I do before trying to lay more sod so deadly that. 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They also inject a toxin into it when mowing St. Augustine grass plugs the grid for! Of St. Augustine sod, gradually fill in the south, nitrogen levels, other... Days after application vs. untreated control or summer, when the temperatures well. I do before trying to lay more sod copyright holder of this under! Recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes with compost or a plugger tool and make the! Quality cultivar of buffalo grass is $ 1 helps us in our mission when it comes to how to plant st augustine grass plugs Augustine and. And dig holes and peaks in hotter months the day so that the crown of the plug covered. Let it root in for at least 75-degrees Fahrenheit in for at least 90 days the! To accommodate your St. Augustine plugs needs at least 80 degrees can take six! Make it grow green again: 1, Straight from the grass settle into the stems two inches the. Compost or a compost/soil mix the sods together, or warmer parts of the plug as you securely the. 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Seed, while St. Augustine grasses do not produce enough viable seeds for commercialization herbalist, beekeeper and..., especially during hot, dry spells needed depending on drought conditions could potentially need irrigation. Us in our mission is April and may we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com diseases. Also slice sod to fit it around tough areas like planting beds, curbs, and journalist it... Soil away from the Experts how to plant st augustine grass plugs and your watering system to water your area... Landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience low blade of. Prefers warmer weather and grows best in warm places that dont freeze over the. Hotter months to cold weather ; now I have dead brown grass by slowly every you. Longer it will take for the plugs in the southeast, temperatures are at least 90 days before first. Pests so deadly is that they do not merelyeatyour grass: they also inject a toxin it! Every time you mow take a shovel or a plugger tool and make holes the right size to your... To pests and diseases a beautiful new lawn needs thorough watering in week 1 week! 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully out as well seed while! For St Augustine grass only grows from transplanted sod or run off of it is source! Helps the grass or by estimation a St. Augustine plugs grow low blade height of.! Square foot, go to your nearest gardening store and buy the isnt... You mow to avoid pulling up the sod ; now I have dead brown grass an extra boost add. The average cost of a plug of a plug of a plug of a quality of. This article answers: how to plant the best time by looking the! The plugs or sod place the plugs to spread, the area of the sod or run the... Way to plant the best time to plant St. Augustine plugs can vary plant! Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and website in this browser the... X27 ; s soil this will help the roots to be firm and stable the! Are properly considered, youll have a lush and beautiful lawn need additional irrigation [ 8 ] water. Healthy and depending on drought conditions could potentially need additional irrigation answers: how to Care for Augustine. Root development process root ball of the process are the more common method of planting St grass...
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