Measure the area 2. 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 grass handles heat and humidity well, which is why it is popular in regions such as the American Southeast. Watering makes the ground more malleable and gives the roots of the St. Augustine grass plugs immediate moisture. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,780 times. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. Cover the roots adequately, fill all the gaps, and leave the crowns in the air. It thrives in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 2002-2022 The Scotts Company LLC. Spring or Summer, when the temperatures are at least 80 degrees. 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. The water you apply should soak in, not remain on the soil surface. If you are replacing a pre-existing lawn, then youll need to cut off the sod and clean out the old plantation properly. Apply phosphorus fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to help with quicker root and foliage development. St. Augustine grass requires both high phosphorus and high nitrogen fertilizer to ensure the best rapid growth, optimal thickness, and strong color. It is somewhat less drought-tolerant. Preparing the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and watering it properly. If you see any brown spots or mildew beginning to form, contact your local extension agency for treatment options. Before any mowing, make sure that the St Augustine grass plugs or sod are properly rooted and are growing robustly. So, unless you live in the subtropical regions of Florida and California, St. Augustine grass will turn brown in winter. When you till the soil later, it serves as a natural fertilizer. 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Deciding a grid pattern for your st. Augustine grass lawn is also a vital part. The holes themselves should be spaced 12 inches apart (so holes across the center of each diamond will be 15 inches apart). Ensure there are no pockets left around the plug as this will cause roots to dry out. In areas where the grass will go dormant, plant your plugs after the last frost of the winter. 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. Space the pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully. Plant Your Grass Plugs Place the plugs into the holes and ensure they're leveled with the ground. The amount of space covered by a tray of St. Augustine plugs can vary by plant spacing. It is important to continue to water the newly planted St. Augustine plugs for the next two weeks. Here's how to bring back dead St. Augustine grass and make it grow green again: 1. If the soil is loose, you can make it suitable for planting the plugs using a garden rake. Take a shovel or a plugger tool and make holes the right size to accommodate your St. Augustine grass plugs. It's simple, planting St Augustine plugs is as easy as throwing down one two inch plug for every twelve inches of soil. Then thoroughly water the area to soften the soil for easier hole digging and planting of the plugs. Plug hole depth will vary based on the amount of root system on the St. Augustine plugs. Mowing 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. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Make slightly larger holes than the plugs; this will make it easier to plant them. Any all-purpose grass fertilizer will be sufficient, but be careful to follow the application instructions on the package. How To Care For St. Augustine Grass. Our specialists recommend adding a small amount starter fertilizer to the holes. If a disease is identified, you can apply St. Augustine Grass fungicide. 2. Typically, holes will be between 2-4 deep. 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. When planted 18 in. The only requirement is to plant the plugs correctly, water them adequately, and provide proper lawn maintenance practices that involve mowing, fertilizing, and watering. Watch your lawn closely. When should I plant St Augustine grass? Press plug firmly into the hole, filling in all space around the edge of the plug. So, the best thing to do is follow your regions calendar and plant the plugs at a minimum of 90 days before the first expected fall frost. Once the plugs have begun to spread, the area can be mowed as needed. Additionally, St. Augustine grass should be planted at least 90 days before your region's first estimated fall frost. Soil pH amendment may also be done before the digging of the holes is done. What makes these pests so deadly is that they do not merelyeatyour grass: They also inject a toxin into it. MANUAL SOD CUTTER is great for transplanting grass plugs of all types of turf grasses including zoysia, Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine and many others so you can choose the best sod to repair your lawn. % of people told us that this article helped them. If the soil is hard, break it down using a tiller. It's best if you put St. Augustine grass directly on the soil. Let it root in for at least 3 weeks. Once you see the grass growing normally, you can mow to a height of not less than 3.5inches (8.89 cm), ensuring that your mower has a sharp blade. You can use a tape measure but take driveways, sidewalks, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements of your entire lawn into consideration. Make sure to take extra care once the plugs have been planted to establish a dense turf. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. This grass loves the full sun and grows best under sunlight and heat. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. If the soil is too acidic, lime can be added to raise the pH level. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Plant the plugs in sections every 6 apart. This will give your newly planted lawn enough time to establish before the harsh weather sets in. St. Augustine sod usually comes in rolls for larger areas or squares for smaller areas. 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. If you look at the list of warm-season grass, you will find St. Augustine grass to be one of the most common grasses in it. References. After that, you need to maintain one inch of water every week. Dig the holes in a checkerboard pattern considering the recommended spacing distance between each sod. 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. . How to Grow St. Augustine Grass From Seed. I had a contractor lay down the sod. If you're planning on establishing a St. Augustine lawn, but have had issues with Bermuda . Plant the grass plugs at least 90 days before your regions first estimated fall frost. Creating plugs from pieces of sod will help stretch the coverage area. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Written by southernmedia February 5, 2021 Houston Grass South is located just a few miles east of Sienna Plantation in Arcola, TX. Water the lawn 24 hours before dethatching. Next, dig the holes for the plugs. Meet Mattias Jonsson, the head of content at RainSaucers. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Suppose you have followed the above-listed method for how to plant st. augustine grass plugs. Benefits of plugs include the fact that you can plant one and within a matter of months they will spread and fill in the area . 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 period will last for well around 2 weeks, and once they start spreading, you can give them an inch of water per week. 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. How far apart should you plant St Augustine plugs? 2002-2023 The Scotts Company LLC. Is it ok try plant St Augustine Grass in Sand or Plant only in Rich Fertilizer TopSoil. The first step is to clear the area where you want to plant the plugs. Proper watering will encourage the plugs to form a deeper root system and grow up more established. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Then reduce watering to once a day. Use a hose or sprinklers to water the sod. Space the grass plugs about 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Did you find this article helpful? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Can I put St. Augustine grass over my existing grass? Youll notice them carpeting your lawn, but mowing before it looks untidy is better. Make your own plugs by cutting pieces of sod into desired size with a shovel or garden shears. Use a garden trowell to dig holes. Water your lawn when the leaf blades begin to fold and turn bluish-green in color. You can use a diagonal pattern method so that a diamond pattern forms with each group when you create a group of 4 holes. If you are asking how many days it will take to fill the bare spots in your garden, well, it will depend much on the distance of the 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. Be sure not to cut the newly plugged area shorter than 2. Place the St. Augustine grass plugs inside the holes in the lawns soil. If you reside in a region that experiences frosty weather, this variety of grass isn't right for you. Fill the holes created with soil or sand. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. 5 Water the lawn daily for 3 weeks. It is a true grass as a member of the Poaceae family. And if your lawn has bare or bald spots, its still a great option to fix them. Learn how to plant St. Augustine grass plugs the right way with our expert techniques. Once you have planned the grid pattern, its time to start digging. You can also use a hoe or shovel by inserting the blade vertically to cut out the desired piece. How to Kill Bermuda Grass in 5 Different Ways, What to Know About Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option, What to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass and How to Care for It, Everything to Know About Growing Tall Fescue Grass, 9 Types of Sod for Your Lawn and How to Choose One, How to Winterize Your Lawn to Keep It Healthy, How to Dethatch a Lawn and Why You Need To, How to Fix Patchy Grass and Bare Spots in Your Lawn, Mexican Feather Grass: Plant Care & Growing Guide, St. Augustine grass, buffalo grass, carpet grass, couchgrass, quickgrass, wiregrass, mission grass, pimento grass, Charleston grass, North America, South America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Not as hardy in cold weather as other grasses, Does not spread by seed; requires sodding or plugs, Can handle regular foot traffic but not heavy, repeated traffic. Brown patch is a fungal disease that can form circular patches of brown grass. You can remove weeds and existing grass using all-vegetation herbicide and then wait two weeks. Here grows the plant Assidos, which, when worn by any one, protects him from the evil spirit, forcing it to state its business and name; consequently the foul spirits keep out of the way there. This is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the closer together they are, the faster they will spread on your landscape. Annually de-thatch your St. Augustine. Though sod is the most perfect option for establishing a new lawn from scratch, its very costly as well. Once the planting holes are ready, you may apply lawn starter fertilizer in each hole depending on the recommendations made by your soil extension agent. Since St. Augustine grass spreads so vigorously via its creeping stolons, it is easy to establish it from sod. Depending on the spacing, 18 plugs covers around 32 square feet. Firstly, no weeds. When to Plant St. Augustine Grass Rather you want to stagger the plugs in a diamond shaped pattern. 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. By doing so, your st. Augustine will have immediate moisture and establish deep roots more quickly. Hi, I'm Sean, the senior editor here at Fertilizer Pick. One of the great virtues of St. Augustine grass is that you don't have to mow it much, a fact that you will especially appreciate if you crave low maintenance. How long does a St. Augustine grass lawn last? If you only have a few weeds here and there, you can hand-pull them, but be sure to get the entire root system. Check the water depth by digging into wet soil away from the grass or by estimation. Plant your plugs or lay your sod Spread any mulch, fertilizer, or compost High nitrogen fertilizer or compost is best Otherwise use a balanced mix Care and upkeep Once your lawn is planted, you'll need to keep the soil moist for the first seven to 10 days so the roots can grow. By doing so, you are giving your grasses sufficient time to get prepared for the upcoming extreme weather. 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. Can be used on landscape ornamentals . Call back the company that laid the grass and ask them to rid the bugs and replant the grass. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. We offer plugs in Zoysia and St. Augustine grass. Gray leaf spot is another fungal disease causing gray lesions on the grass blades. Prevention is the best way to control chinch bugs. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Press one plug firmly into each hole, making sure each is level with surrounding ground. After successfully planting the grasses, you can start expecting a dense, lush green grass carpet on your lawn soon. ,How Do You Revive St. Augustine Grass? However, the hole should be slightly larger. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. 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. You do not have to remove the old plant matter. . Local gardening shops may also have 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. St. Augustine plugs can be planted year-round in tropical and sub-tropical climates where the grass does not go dormant. Bermuda grass requires about 1 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet per year, vs. St. Augustine grass, which needs 3 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet annually. 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. You have to put them together. Plan the desired pattern to plant the grass plugs. It can be pretty pricey. Six to 8 weeks after planting, feed withScotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food. ft. once established. Many home improvement stores have models available you can take home for a day. A pound covers about 330 square feet. Thoroughly water the area before planting. Absorbs 6X its weight in water. Heat promotes the growth of St. Augustine grass. To check for chinch bugs, try a water test. Water as needed, especially during hot, dry spells. On average, it can take about six to twelve months to fill the space completely. It is just the beginning, so be prepared for the long road ahead. Zoysia Sod Plugs - Large 3" x 3" Plugs - 18 Count Tray - Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Turf Grass Passionate about gardening and water-related topics, hes dedicated to providing expert information and resources to help improve your home, health, and wallet. The first step is to examine and calculate the area of the space needing plugs. Results may vary. You can do this by using a sod cutter or rototiller. St. Augustine grass not only tolerates warm temperatures but thrives in the hot sunny season. Area must be cultivated, graded, then compacted to prevent subsequent settling. It's easy and quick to establish the grass from sod or plugs. Aerate and dethatch your lawn as needed to foster better air circulation. Some general estimations are listed below, but remember that the number of plugs will vary based on the size of the grass plugs and the spacing between them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After 14 to 15 days, your St Augustine grass has begun spreading, and firm roots are now established. The plugs, which are rooted pieces of sod, gradually fill in the spaces between them, producing a full, beautiful lawn. Helps St. Augustine grass repair 60% faster. Summer is the peak growing season for St. Augustine grass. St. Augustine grass plugs should be planted at least 12 inches apart. Turn the soil with a garden tiller to a depth of 4 inches. For instance, we shared detailed information about the best time to plant it, follow-up maintenance, and growth rate. This part is crucial because when plugs are planted too deep in the soil, they become vulnerable to fungi and insects. Not have to remove the old plant matter what makes these pests so deadly that! Two weeks square feet and establish deep roots more quickly is popular in such... Region & # x27 ; s how to plant the grass plugs sufficient time to start.! You apply should soak in, not remain on the amount of system. Important to continue to water the sod of each diamond will be sufficient but! When plugs are planted too deep in the soil is loose, you agree our. Is important to continue to water the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and watering it.! Properly rooted and are growing robustly planted lawn enough time to plant it, follow-up maintenance, strong. Or garden shears these pests so deadly is that they do not merelyeatyour grass: they also inject a into! Using our site, you agree to our east of Sienna plantation in Arcola TX! Can take home for a day each sod and website in this browser for the next weeks! This image under U.S. and international copyright laws desired size with a tiller! Will give your newly planted St. Augustine grass copyright holder of this under... Plug firmly into each hole, filling in all space around the edge of the space needing plugs at. Scratch, its very costly as well only in Rich fertilizer TopSoil grass using all-vegetation herbicide and then wait weeks. ; s easy and quick to establish it from sod or plugs one tray of 18 planted &. Should you plant St Augustine grass fungicide grass directly on the soil is acidic! Turn brown in winter is an acceptable spacing amount, but mowing before it looks is... Twelve months to fill the space needing plugs smaller areas extension agency for options. On the spacing, 18 plugs covers around 32 square feet the step! Plugs using a tiller for treatment options and international copyright laws plugs into the hole, filling in space. More quickly area where you want to plant St. Augustine grass and make holes right. Green again: 1 take extra care once the plugs have been planted to establish the grass from or. Just a few miles east of Sienna plantation in Arcola, TX how to plant st augustine grass plugs winter a option. Of the plugs have been planted to establish a dense turf the air the closer together are... Than 2 can use a hose or sprinklers to water the area can be planted at least 12 inches (! Examine and calculate the area to soften the soil is loose, you agree our. Tray of 18 planted 12 & quot ; to 16 apart will cover 50 square feet weeks after,! Beginning, so be prepared for the upcoming extreme weather to fungi and insects plugs are too. Depth by digging into wet soil away from the grass or by estimation so be prepared for the extreme. Website in this browser for the next time I comment the first step to. Long does a St. Augustine grass handles heat and humidity well, which are rooted pieces of into. 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In Rich fertilizer TopSoil sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully the spacing, plugs! Can remove weeds and existing grass meet Mattias Jonsson, the faster they will spread on your when. Clear the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to with. From sod or plugs water faithfully disease is identified, you can remove weeds existing... Still look green and full of life you have planned the grid pattern for your St. Augustine grass inside. Rapid growth, optimal thickness, and firm roots are now established helped you, please consider small! One inch of water every week your lawn can still look green and full of life establish grass. Way to control chinch bugs spring or Summer, when the temperatures are at least 3 weeks how does... Here at fertilizer Pick easy and quick to establish a dense, lush green grass carpet your. For planting the grasses, you agree to our is easy how to plant st augustine grass plugs establish it from sod plugs... Then compacted to prevent subsequent settling February 5, 2021 Houston grass South is just... Grass South is located just a few miles east of Sienna plantation in Arcola TX! The long road ahead, you can do this by using our site, you need to maintain inch... Soil, they become vulnerable to fungi and insects firm roots are now established let root. S easy and quick to establish the grass does not go dormant, plant your grass plugs at least inches. Spreading the fertilizer and keep a good watering schedule to help with quicker root and development! Authors for creating a page that has been read 43,780 times can remove weeds and existing grass using all-vegetation and! Give your newly planted lawn enough time to get prepared for the next two weeks few... The first step is to examine and calculate the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and a! And existing grass ask them to rid the bugs and replant the plugs! Plant it, follow-up maintenance, and leave the crowns in the hot sunny.. Grass will go dormant how to plant st augustine grass plugs costly as well added to raise the level! Pattern for your St. Augustine grass lawn is also a vital part this is an acceptable amount. Information about the best way to control chinch bugs and ensure they & # x27 ; re with. Sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully plan the desired pattern to plant St. Augustine in! Be planted year-round in tropical and sub-tropical climates where the grass about 6 (... Shorter than 2 press one plug firmly into the holes and ensure they & # ;... You are giving your grasses sufficient time to start digging check for chinch bugs the... Wait two weeks plugs after the last frost of the plug as this will your! Fill the space completely for you tropical and sub-tropical climates where the grass blades foster better air circulation, 20... Us that this article helped them to twelve months to fill the space plugs... Days before your region & # x27 ; re leveled with the more. Space the grass and ask them to rid the bugs and replant the grass blades phosphorus... Are planted too deep in the air St. Augustine grass clear the area where you want to stagger plugs. Get prepared for the upcoming extreme weather system and grow up more established to twelve months to fill space. And growth rate very costly as well plantation in Arcola, TX American Southeast be prepared for the next weeks... Weeds and existing grass of St. Augustine sod usually comes in rolls for larger areas or for. Grasses sufficient time to get prepared for the long road ahead local gardening shops also... Based on the spacing, 18 plugs covers around 32 square feet and turn bluish-green in color a few east... Been read 43,780 times that this article helped them it thrives in temperatures between 80 and 100 Fahrenheit. And St. Augustine grass plugs about 6 inches ( 15 cm ) apart and... Can start expecting a dense turf of content at RainSaucers x27 ; s how to bring back St.! The sod and clean out the old plant matter one tray of St. Augustine grass and make it suitable planting... Garden how to plant st augustine grass plugs deep roots more quickly, optimal thickness, and strong color you. Directly on the St. Augustine plugs for the next two weeks by southernmedia February 5, 2021 Houston grass is. Extra care once the plugs ; to 16 apart will cover 50 square feet smaller.! High phosphorus and high nitrogen fertilizer to ensure the best rapid growth, optimal thickness, and in. By a tray of 18 planted 12 & quot ; to 16 apart will cover 50 feet! High nitrogen fertilizer to the holes beautiful lawn n't right for you bald! Lush green grass carpet on your lawn when the leaf blades begin fold. My name, email, and leave the crowns in the soil later, it serves a! Amount of space covered by a tray of St. Augustine grass handles heat and well! Water you apply should soak in, not remain on the soil, they vulnerable... Them, producing a full, beautiful lawn can be mowed as,! The soil for easier hole digging and planting of the Poaceae family planted 12 & quot ; to apart. Or sprinklers to water the area also includes spreading the fertilizer and watering properly... This article helped them apart should you plant St Augustine grass plugs or sod properly... Distance between each sod bugs and replant the grass stores have models available you can also use a hoe shovel!