If you’re looking to give your lawn a lush, green look, planting St Augustine grass plugs is a great way to do it. This type of grass is known for its thick, carpet-like texture and its ability to thrive in hot, humid climates. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you’ll need to take to successfully plant St Augustine grass plugs in your lawn. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for the grass once it’s planted so that it will stay healthy and vibrant. So, if you’re ready to give your lawn a makeover, read on to learn how to plant St Augustine grass plugs!
- Gather Materials
When planting St. Augustine grass plugs, it is important to gather all of the materials that you need before beginning. The most necessary items are a shovel, a wheelbarrow, gloves, and the St. Augustine grass plugs themselves. If desired, you may also wish to have fertilizer on hand for after the planting is complete.
It is best to wear gloves when handling the soil and planting the plugs as this will help to keep your hands clean and protect them from any dirt or debris that may be present in the soil. It can also be helpful to use a wheelbarrow to transport the soil from one location to another if needed.
Having the right tools and materials on hand before planting will make the process much easier and faster, allowing you to get started on making your new lawn look beautiful in no time!
- Choose a Planting Site
When selecting a planting site for St. Augustine grass plugs, it is important to consider the climate, sun exposure and the soil type. St. Augustine grass grows best in warm climates and needs full sun for optimum growth. It is not tolerant of cold temperatures so if you live in an area with cold winters, this turf grass may not be suitable for your lawn.
The soil should also be well-draining as St. Augustine grass can develop root rot if its roots stay constantly wet. It prefers slightly acidic soil so if you have alkaline soil, adding sulfur to lower the pH level can be beneficial before planting the plugs. Test your soil’s pH level before beginning any work on the lawn to ensure that it is within the suitable range for planting St. Augustine grass plugs (6 – 7).
St. Augustine grass does not do well in shady conditions, so make sure to select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. If there are large trees or buildings blocking some of the sun from your chosen planting site, consider trimming back branches or using tree reflectors to help increase light levels and promote healthy growth of your lawn’s turfgrass plugs.
- Prepare the Soil
Preparing the soil for planting St. Augustine grass plugs is an essential step to ensuring healthy and vibrant growth. The soil should have a pH balance of between 6 and 8, which can be tested using a pH meter or soil test kit. The texture of the soil should also be checked; it should be loose and free-draining, with no hard clumps or excessive amounts of clay. If the soil contains organic matter such as compost, manure, or peat moss, it should be mixed in at a ratio of 10% organic matter to 90% existing soil. Additionally, any rocks or stones should be removed from the planting site before planting your plugs.
- Plant the Plugs
When planting St Augustine grass plugs, it is important to ensure that each plug is planted correctly to ensure optimal growth. To plant the plugs, make sure to dig a hole in the soil that is slightly larger than the plug itself. Make sure the sides of the hole are smooth and even, so that the root of the plug can spread out smoothly. Place each plug into its respective hole, ensuring that it is planted at an angle with about half of the plug above ground level and half below. Firmly pack soil around each plug, making sure there is good contact between the soil and roots. Water each plug generously after planting.
- Water and Fertilize Regularly
Watering and fertilizing regularly is an essential step for ensuring your St. Augustine grass plugs thrive and become a lush, attractive lawn. Depending on the climate where you live and the weather conditions, you may need to water more or less frequently. Generally, during hot summer months, St. Augustine grass should be watered once or twice a week with approximately 1 inch of water per session. During cooler winter months, however, you should only water once every 10 days.
Fertilizing should also be done regularly throughout the year at least four times per year. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizer; however, it’s important to read and follow instructions closely as each type has specific instructions for use. Apply the fertilizer to the soil when you are ready to plant your St. Augustine grass plugs and then again after planting. 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).
- Mow and Mulch for Optimal Growth
Mowing and mulching are essential steps for healthy growth and maintenance of your St. Augustine grass plugs. Mowing helps to keep the grass from becoming too tall and will help you maintain a neat, uniform appearance. It is important to mow the grass at the proper height which varies depending on the type of St. Augustine grass you planted. For example, Empire Zoysia should be kept between 1/2 – 3/4 inches tall while Palmetto St. Augustine should be kept between 1-1/2 – 2 inches tall. If it is left too high or cut too low, it can damage or even kill the grass plugs.
Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and will also improve soil texture while suppressing weeds. An easy way to mulch your St. Augustine plugs is to use a layer of straw spread evenly over the surface of your lawn after planting the plugs. This will provide much needed nutrients to your newly planted plugs as well as protecting them against heat, cold, drought and disease. After mulching, water thoroughly so that it reaches deep into the soil below the root zone where it can reach more of your roots allowing them to take advantage of these essential nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planting St. Augustine grass plugs is a great way to add lush, green grass to your lawn. To ensure the best results, be sure to gather the necessary materials before you start, choose an area in your yard that has enough sun and good drainage, prepare the soil before planting, plant the plugs at the right depth and spacing, water and fertilize regularly, and mow and mulch for optimal growth. With these steps followed correctly you can enjoy a beautiful lawn of St. Augustine Grass in no time!