Measure the area to be plugged

Measure the area to be plugged. To calculate the number of plugs needed, use the following formula for the appropriate spacing.

Plugs placed 12 inches apart should cover in 2 to 4 growing months.  Reduced spacings should be used for areas subject to erosion, such as slopes,or when a quicker establishment is desired.

Storing the plugs until planting

You do not have to plant the plugs immediately, but the plugs are perishable.  Unpack the plugs as soon as possible from the box they were shipped to you in or remove them from your vehicle as soon as you get home.  Place the trays in a single layer in an area protected from the wind. Water the plugs immediately and keep them moist until you are ready to plant them.

Soil Preparation

*It is very important to treat your space prior to installation and make sure that your existing lawn, or any weeds have been completely killed off. Otherwise they may overtake the your young plugs while they are establishing.

New Lawns

Remove all construction debris, stones, vegetation, etc.  Start with a properly graded yard.  Do not expect the plugs to hide a rough grade.  Be sure all areas drain properly.   After final grade is complete, firm any loose soil by rolling or water slowly to avoid erosion and let soil settle. Rake smooth.  Then follow the "Spacing and Planting" directions below for planting the plugs.

Renovated Lawns

Herbicide Method - Following label directions, spray the entire planting area with glyphosate non-selective herbicide such as Round Up®.  After a minimum of 24 hours your site is ready to plug.  Follow the "Spacing and Planting" directions below for planting the plugs.

 

Mechanical Method - If you prefer not to use chemicals in your renovation you need to remove the current grass by one of the following methods:

• Using a sod cutter, (these are available at many rental stores) remove the existing grass.   Follow the "Spacing and Planting" directions below for planting the plugs.

• Roto-till the area to a depth of 3 to 4 inches, tilling the existing vegetation under, mixing it with the soil.  Wait 5 days to allow the tilled vegetation to die.  Water the area, let it dry and roto-till it again.  Depending on the amount of vegetation, you may have to repeat the tilling several times.  Be sure to repeat enough times to give you a good soil bed, free of dirt clods and old vegetation.  Firm any loose soil by rolling or water slowly to avoid erosion and let soil settle. Rake smooth.  Follow the "Spacing and Planting" directions below for planting your plugs.

Spacing and Planting

Mark the area to be plugged with your desired spacing.  Stagger the rows as in figure 1.  At each plug location drill a hole about 1 1/4 inch deep.  If you are planting a small amount of plugs, a 1-1/4 inch drill bit can be purchased at a hardware store.  If you are planting a large number of plugs you might want to consider purchasing the 18 inch Soil Auger.  It fits on any 1/4" or larger electric or cordless drill and can reduce the amount of strain on your back from bending down to the ground.   Place the plug into the hole being sure it is firmly against the bottom of the hole.  This is very important.  If the plug is not pressed in it will create an air pocket under the plug and could reduce the chance of survival.   Repeat for all plugs.  Water areas as they are completed.

Figure 1    x            x            x            x               x

x            x            x               x            x