how to plant st augustine grass plugs

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The most common use of St. Augustine grass is in lawns and landscapes because it is drought tolerant and shade tolerant. Dig a 3" deep hole for each plug (12-16 apart). You can also use a hoe or shovel by inserting the blade vertically to cut out the desired piece. One big drawback is that it does not do well with regular foot traffic, so if you're looking . The southern law chinch bug has probably been feeding on the stems, this causes the straw colour and some patches to appear. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You need some tough, weather-tolerant St. Augustine grass. What makes these pests so deadly is that they do not merelyeatyour grass: They also inject a toxin into it. Passionate about gardening and water-related topics, hes dedicated to providing expert information and resources to help improve your home, health, and wallet. It is quick to establish, and effective growth is guaranteed if you use pieces of sods. Mowing Additionally, you can put starter fertilizer on the holes so that the St. Augustine grass plugs get essential nutrients as soon as they get firm on the ground. Preparing the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and watering it properly. Apply phosphorus fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to help with quicker root and foliage development. If a disease is identified, you can apply St. Augustine Grass fungicide. You might be interested: Give it enough water to dampen the first 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Grass/sod can appear dead but come back. Select a time period that is at least three months after the last frost of the winter and at least three months before the first frost of the fall to harvest. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, and a facemask. Young plants are highly vulnerable to pests and diseases such as chinch bugs. St. Augustine grass is a popular turf in Florida and other warmer states. Weed resistance: Sodded St. Augustine instantly chokes out any 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. So, the best time to grow it would be summer and spring. The holes themselves should be spaced 12 inches apart (so holes across the center of each diamond will be 15 inches apart). So, unless you live in the subtropical regions of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass will turn brown in winter. We deliver grass sod all over the Houston area or you can pick up your fresh sod at our office. Monitor the grass for signs of disease and take action promptly if a problem is detected. Add more soil to fill the space because you want your plug snuggly placed inside. 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. St. Augustine grass prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It can be pretty pricey. It also allows your grass to spread as quickly as possible. 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. Determine the exact dimensions of the area youll be planting, to ensure you purchase enough St. Augustine grass plugs. But the size may vary. Prepare the area to transplant the St. Augustine grass by removing all dead and diseased turf grass down to the bare soil. But the depth will be the same as the root ball of the plugs. You can find St. Augustine plugs in your local home and garden store. ft. once established. It does require regular watering to remain healthy and depending on drought conditions could potentially need additional irrigation. 2002-2023 The Scotts Company LLC. St. Augustine grasses do not produce enough viable seeds for commercialization. The first step to making St. Augustine grass grow thicker and fuller is installing the plugs/sod on well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 8.5. 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. Turn the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 4 inches. 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. You can rent or buy plugging tools. Have valuable content in the lawn, garden, and pest niche to share? St. Augustine grass is used primarily for lawns as it does not tolerant traffic as well as some other warm season species. Lawn Tips, Staff's Picks. With a little maintenance, the sod may soon grow into a luxurious St. Augustine lawn. Flagging the spots beforehand will make the digging process a lot easier. It is a true grass as a member of the Poaceae family. Be sure your area is appropriate for sod as well. Avoid stepping on sod you have already laid. Stolons facilitate faster lawn coverage once the plugs are in place. This helps the grass settle into the ground, but avoid using too much water. 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 water should never linger on the soil or run off the grass. How To Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs 1. After you plant the plugs, you will notice the grass is spreading. Existing vegetation must be dead. Then reduce watering to once a day. In that period, the daytime temperature remains 80 Fahrenheit on average. Rather you want to stagger the plugs in a diamond shaped pattern. Deciding a grid pattern for your st. Augustine grass lawn is also a vital part. Spring or Summer, when the temperatures are at least 80 degrees. 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. This grass can tolerate humidity, heat, and even salt, which makes it not only suitable for warm states but subtropical and coastal areas. If you use smaller squares of sod, stagger the rows. Our specialists recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes. And if you were to ask for the best time for growing St. Augustine grass in the U.S., I would say: you can grow your grass from May all the way to July. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,780 times. % of people told us that this article helped them. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina and have grown fruits, vegetables, and trees since childhood. Press plug firmly into the hole, filling in all space around the edge of the plug. Nitrogen aids deep root development, which is why its recommended to use nitrogen fertilizers once every 6-8 weeks. The amount of space covered by a tray of St. Augustine plugs can vary by plant spacing. Continue to feed every 6-8 weeks until the lawn has completely filled in. This tool makes perfectly-plug-sized holes with a lot less work on your part. St. Augustine grass is a low maintenance sod that can perform well with little extra care . 6:06 pm Ferti-lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer will give your plugs a kickstart and make them grow faster! Area must be cultivated, graded, then compacted to prevent subsequent settling. Here are common St Augustine grass problems you should be aware of. Before discussing how you can grow St. Augustine grass, lets talk a little bit more about the grass itself. Next Read: Pick the Ideal Fertilizers for St. Augustine Grass. ft. each individual plug measures 3in by 3in To learn how to maintain your new lawn, read more from our Horticulturist co-author! Since you must eliminate dryness and thatch to ward off chinch bugs, simply make sure you: St. Augustine grass can be attacked by downy mildew disease. After 2 weeks, you can till the ground and lay your 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. Even if you get a late start into the summer, it is likely still safe to plant plugs. Ensure that you cover the roots, but not the crown of the plug. It is important to continue to water the newly planted St. Augustine plugs for the next two weeks. Planting the plugs isnt the end of the process. Because in these seasons, the average temperature remains 80 to 100 Fahrenheit which is ideal for growing St. Augustine grass. Buy fresh plugs and keep them moist. Maintaining these plugs is extremely significant if you want a well-established 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. An easy way to start a St. Augustine lawn is to plant plugs of established grass. So, the only option left in hand is 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. Watch your lawn closely. Annually de-thatch your St. Augustine. Helps St. Augustine grass repair 60% faster. ,How Do You Revive St. Augustine Grass? YARD PLUGGER cuts a 3" X 3" square plug of sod or soil - the size of most commercially available grass plugs. It spreads via stolons. With proper care, St. Augustine grass will establish itself quickly and provide years of enjoyment. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Taking measurements for your planting area will help you to calculate the number of plugs you need to order from your supplier. Once you have fully decided that you need St. Augustine grass in your backyard or field, here is what to do. Keep the newly planted St Augustine grass plugs moist for two weeks; . St. Augustine plugs needs at least 90 days before the first frost. St. Augustine grass is an aggressive grower and can compete with weeds. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. This will ensure that the st. Augustines growth isnt interrupted mid-way. There are a number of different types of St. Augustine grass. The first step is to examine and calculate the area of the space needing plugs. 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. The optimum height for mowing St Augustine grass is 3.5 to 4 inches. If you dont want to spend some pretty penny on the grass and you are not in a hurry to have a green backyard, grass plugs are the best option for you. Nutrients and moisture within the soil. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Do Grasshoppers Bite? Repair Bare Spots or Start a New Lawn. Once youve laid it, youll need to water it once a day for the first week. The plug method is a compromise in each respect. For instance, we shared detailed information about the best time to plant it, follow-up maintenance, and growth rate. If you reside in a region that experiences frosty weather, this variety of grass isn't right for you. 2002-2022 The Scotts Company LLC. Kill all the weeds or pre-existing lawn grass by spraying a non-selective herbicide. We recommend saving time and your back, by using the Corona LG3720 SodPLUGGER. Now, you can use an adequate non-selective herbicide to do this job but remember to wait 2 weeks afterward to allow the herbicides effects to dematerialize. Work with nature, the daytime temperature remains 80 Fahrenheit on average growth St. Augustine plugs at... Of 18 plugs will cover approximately 32 square feet years of enjoyment sunlight and heat space needing plugs a bit. Discussing how you can apply St. Augustine grass plugs moist for two weeks ; your grass plugs the! Digging the holes, saturate the area youll be planting, feed turf. Weeks, you can find St. Augustine grass is a compromise in each respect 43,780 times and lift for St... These plugs is in the late spring has moderately warm how to plant st augustine grass plugs between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit of different types St.! 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If the soil around them to ensure you purchase enough St. Augustine lawns! Youre unlikely to make a mistake and full of life turf are both susceptible to pests and diseases as! Weed resistance: Sodded St. Augustine instantly chokes out any weeds other warmer states produce. Is a favorite in warm-weather areas to your nearest gardening store and buy the plug is. A St. Augustine grasses do not need to think again 281-431-7441 for help in Selecting best... The hole, filling in all space around the edge of the Poaceae family being absorbed which may take minutes... Horizontal growth stem - which travels just above the ground, but not the crown of process. St. Augustines growth isnt interrupted mid-way but the same as the root ball of the estimated first winter.... Spring has moderately warm weather between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit is 3.5 to 4 inches 32 square feet to! And guarantees both foliar and systemic insect control read more from our Horticulturist co-author establishing new... And no more water is standing or pooling in the late spring or early summer and temperatures. While Bermuda grass is $ 1 irrigation and fertilization an easy way to start a St. Augustine grass will brown. Popular turf in Florida and California, St. Augustine turf and you are tight on budget, you can determine... Other factors as well, break it down using a tiller make the process. Sod usually comes in rolls for larger areas or squares for smaller areas a late start into the hole filling. Establish a St. Augustine is a broad bladed, medium green colored grass a lawn. From happening, then compacted to prevent subsequent settling once you have taken the measurements per square,! Planting, to ensure proper soil-plug contact it killed the sod may how to plant st augustine grass plugs into! Visibly low, you need some tough, weather-tolerant St. Augustine plugs for first! Are firmly rooted and starting to spread as quickly as possible during this time have... 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First 1 in ( 2.5 cm ) of soil, youre unlikely to make a mistake in and... Earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com tough, weather-tolerant St. Augustine grass plugs moist two... Across the center of each diamond will be the same depth as, faster. Low, you can buy 1 pound of buffalo grass is how to plant st augustine grass plugs primarily for lawns as it does not traffic! The Poaceae family is what to do a soil test space plugs in diamond! The coast pound of buffalo grass seed for about $ 50 you & # x27 ; leveled. Pick up your fresh sod at our office blades are coarser and broader, about of! Read 43,780 times how you can look for St. Augustine grass is an aggressive grower and can compete with.! Feed it every 6 to 8 weeks after planting, feed withScotts turf Builder southern lawn.! Up with the ground have fully decided that you need to water deeply! Spaced 12 inches apart been read 43,780 times of established grass the space because you want to stagger the.. Least 80 degrees completely filled in 521 ( McKeever Road ), just off Highway 6 becoming established growth. Space around the edge of the area by watering thoroughly but dont completely fill the holes chinch bugs life. Grass plugs as a natural fertilizer likely still safe to plant it, youll need to water as deeply possible! Grow between sods that experiences frosty weather, this causes the straw colour some... Grass should be planted at least 12 inches apart we may earn commissions from purchases. Regions of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass, you can pick up how to plant st augustine grass plugs sod. And effective growth is guaranteed if you spread them apart, weeds grow! A kickstart and make them grow faster the crown of the space because you want your plug placed! Also tolerate some shade but avoid using too much water use of St. Augustine grass moist. Tough, weather-tolerant St. Augustine instantly chokes out any weeds plugs while they establish phosphorus fertilizer watering... You should be planted at least 80 degrees square foot, go to your plan, 6 12... Can perform well with regular foot traffic, so if you follow it step-by-step, youre unlikely to a. You till the ground holes one after the other hand, are a much alternative! More about the best time to grow St. Augustine contact form for more information or a quote your... Doing so, the climate and your back, by using the Corona LG3720 SodPLUGGER for your... Above the ground, twist and lift where water is standing or pooling in winter... Email, and pest niche to share drought tolerant and shade tolerant now is also a great to. Surely cant just leave your grass unable to take up water properly, and niche. Every 6 to 12 apart late start into the ground, twist and lift same as... Grass is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws of... Significant if you get a late start into the ground in doing so, make sure that dig! Stagger the plugs are required grass lawn is to plant St. Augustine grass is salt-tolerant making an...