Ethan Clarke
Growing sod on plastic is a great way to get a lush, green lawn quickly. It is a landscaping project that can be done by anyone and is much quicker than growing a lawn from grass seeds. The process involves using black plastic seed-starting trays filled with a mixture of dirt, sand, and potting soil, and sowing grass seed. The grass can then be transplanted to the lawn once it has grown. To ensure the grass grows well, it is important to select the right grass seed, create a nutrient-rich soil mixture, and germinate seeds in a warm environment. Proper soil preparation and care are crucial for the success of a new sod lawn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil composition | Loamy, fertile soil that drains well |
| Soil pH | Ideal |
| Soil mineral levels | Ideal |
| Soil moisture | Damp 3-4 inches below the surface |
| Soil temperature | Warm |
| Tray material | Plastic |
| Tray contents | Dirt, sand, potting soil |
| Tray lining | Scraps of landscape fabric, thin cotton fabric, or cheesecloth |
| Tray setup | In a greenhouse, sunroom, or covered patio |
| Tray filling | Mix of vermiculite, topsoil, and peat moss |
| Seed type | Grass; Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, or a blend |
| Seed coverage | Generous sprinkling |
| Seed coating | Liquid plant food |
| Watering schedule | Daily or multiple times a day for 6-8 weeks, then once or twice a week |
| Root depth | 3-3.5 inches |
| Fertilizer type | Nitrogen-rich |
| Fertilizer application | 3-4 weeks after planting, then again after 30-60 days |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the ground
Preparing the ground is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your sod. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Clear the Planting Area
Start by removing any obstructions, such as lawn decorations, large sticks, rocks, bricks, and construction materials. Take out anything larger than approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter to ensure a smooth surface for working. This step is essential to prevent any obstacles from interfering with the preparation and planting process.
Remove Existing Vegetation
Kill all weeds and unwanted plant life from the area. Use a complete vegetation herbicide at least two weeks before you begin planting your sod. This step will ensure that the weeds are eliminated and reduce the chances of their regrowth. You can apply the herbicide according to the instructions on the packaging.
Test and Amend the Soil
It is important to test your soil using a soil test kit to determine its pH and mineral levels. This step should ideally be done a month in advance to allow time for necessary adjustments. If your soil is clay-heavy or sandy, mix in 1 to 3 inches of topsoil, compost, grass clippings, or decomposing leaves. These amendments will improve the soil's nutrient content, loosen the soil, and promote healthy grass growth.
Grade and Level the Area
Rough grade the area to create a smooth and level surface. If there are ditches, uneven hills, or holes, it will be more challenging to lay the sod neatly. By levelling the ground, you will also improve drainage. Ensure that the ground is 1 inch below the level of any adjacent hard surfaces, such as sidewalks or patios. After grading, you can install any desired drainage or watering systems.
Loosen the Soil
Use a rototiller to loosen the dirt in the planting area. This step ensures that the soil is well-aerated, which is beneficial for better root growth. The rototiller will also help uncover any hidden rocks or debris. Till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, depending on the compactness and composition of your soil.
Rake and Water
Once you've tilled the soil, use a dirt rake to create a level surface. Remove any remaining rocks, roots, or twigs that may have surfaced during tilling. Lightly water the area to check for low spots where puddles may form. Fill these spots with extra topsoil to ensure proper drainage.
By following these comprehensive steps, you will effectively prepare the ground for your sod, creating the optimal conditions for healthy grass growth.
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Choose the right grass seed
Choosing the right grass seed is crucial for a lush lawn. If you are starting from scratch, select a grass species that suits your local climate and yard conditions. For sunny yards, a blend of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue is a good choice. This blend will thrive in sunny conditions and provide an aesthetically pleasing lawn. If your yard receives full sunlight, with 6 to 8 hours of sun each day, this blend will perform well.
On the other hand, if your lawn is shaded by trees or buildings, opt for a fine fescue blend designed for shady or mixed conditions. Fine fescue is well-adapted to lower light conditions and will ensure your lawn remains healthy and vibrant. Additionally, some grass seed varieties offer improved resistance to disease and pests, which can reduce maintenance requirements.
If you are patching an existing lawn, it is essential to use the same grass seed as your current sod to ensure uniformity. Otherwise, your lawn may end up with irregular patches of different grass types. If you are unsure about the grass type, consult a landscaping company or your local cooperative extension office for guidance on the best grasses for your region.
When purchasing grass seed, consider factors such as drought tolerance and mowing requirements. If you prefer a low-maintenance lawn, choose a drought-tolerant variety, which requires less frequent watering. Additionally, grass seed mixes like Eco-Lawn or microclover blends offer the benefit of a beautiful lawn even when left unmowed.
Grass seeds are vulnerable to competition from weeds, so proper planting timing is crucial. Fall planting is advantageous because weeds are less active during this season. By choosing the right grass seed for your specific conditions and following best practices, you can create a lush and healthy lawn.
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Set up trays and fill with soil
To set up your trays, you will need to decide whether to use a greenhouse, sunroom, or covered patio as your growing space. If you are using a greenhouse, a small, backyard variety from your local home improvement store will do. If you don't have access to a greenhouse, you can try growing the sod in a sunroom or on a covered patio.
Next, you will need to gather your planting trays. If you are growing a large amount of sod, consider using longer trays by cutting the ends off your trays and connecting them. Black plastic seed-starting trays can be purchased, or you can use trays made from other materials.
Once you have your trays, it's time to fill them with soil. For the soil mixture, create a mix of one-third vermiculite, one-third topsoil, and one-third peat moss. If your soil is clay-heavy or sandy, you may want to add more topsoil and compost to improve drainage and nutrient retention. You can also add grass clippings or decomposing leaves to the mix to create a nutrient-rich environment for your sod.
Before filling your trays, consider lining the bottom with scraps of landscape fabric, very thin cotton fabric, or even cheesecloth. This will make it easier to remove the sod from the trays once it's ready to be transplanted. Fill your trays with the soil mixture, leaving some room at the top so that you can sprinkle grass seed generously on top and cover them with about a quarter-inch of the soil mixture.
Now that your trays are set up and filled with soil, you're ready to move on to the next step of growing your sod.
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Watering techniques
Watering your sod correctly is crucial for its health. Watering properly immediately after you install your grass will ensure it gets established in the soil. The time of day you water your lawn also counts when you want to grow healthy grass. Water in the early morning to take advantage of the start of your grass' growing cycle and in the late evening when there are lower wind speeds. Water evaporates faster as the day gets hotter, so more water is wasted.
Water your new sod within half an hour of laying it in your garden. Apply enough water to ensure the soil beneath the turf is sufficiently wet. Gardening experts recommend you ensure at least three inches below the surface are wet. To test this, push a sharp object such as a screwdriver through the turf, and it should come out moist along the first three or four inches.
Water your sod at least three times a day during the first two weeks for at least 15 to 20 minutes in every area of your lawn. This time is dependent on how much water your sprinkler emits. You can irrigate fewer times if the temperatures are not high and it is not sunny. Increase water volumes or the number of times you water during dry, hot or windy days. During weeks two and three, reduce watering to once or twice a day for approximately double the time you watered in week one. Watering for longer periods encourages roots to hold on to the soil and grow deeper. You know the roots are attaching to the ground when it becomes difficult to pull the sod up from the ground.
The goal is to keep new sod "wet like a sponge" until roots form and you feel resistance due to roots tacking your new sod to the ground. You can check this by peeling back a corner of your new sod and touching the ground underneath. Water should have penetrated through the soil layer of the new sod and the ground should be moist/wet with a slight “give” when you walk across it. If your lawn is squishy, if you’re leaving footprints, or you have water running out from underneath the sod, gradually reduce your watering times.
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Transplanting the sod
Planning:
Before ordering your sod, it is important to determine the best time for planting or moving it. Choose a cool season for planting, as warm weather can subject the sod to burnout. In the northern hemisphere, it is recommended to plant in the fall or spring, while in the southern hemisphere, spring is the best season. It is also crucial to plan the amount of sod needed, ordering slightly more than required to account for installation errors and ensure a cohesive look.
Preparation:
Prepare the planting area by removing any existing vegetation, including weeds, stray plants, and tree stumps. Apply an herbicide to suppress growth and let it sit for a few weeks. Next, test the soil to determine its pH and mineral levels, adding nutrients, topsoil, fertilizer, or lime as needed. Use a rototiller to loosen the dirt to a depth of about 6-8 inches, ensuring the soil is well-aerated and levelled. Remove any stones, branches, debris, and large rocks that may have surfaced during tilling.
Installation:
Once your sod is ready, lift it out of the tray at one end, allowing it to roll up like a cylinder due to the meshed grass roots. Transport the sod to the prepared area and unroll it. Cut the sod to fit the new area, ensuring the edges align closely together. Use a sod knife or pruning shears for precise cuts.
Post-Installation Care:
Water the sodded area well, maintaining consistent moisture for at least two weeks to establish deep roots. During this period, the transplanted grass should start taking root. Continue to water the sod regularly, adjusting the frequency and amount based on the season and weather conditions.
Transplanting sod requires patience and dedication, but with careful planning and execution, you can achieve a lush and attractive lawn.
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Frequently asked questions
First, select your grass seed. If you are patching up existing sod, use the same species. If you are starting from scratch, choose a grass type that will thrive in your region and climate.
Set up your trays. You can use black plastic seed-starting trays and fill them with a mixture of dirt, sand, and potting soil.
Sprinkle grass seed generously on top. Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil and water them. You can add a few drops of liquid plant food to the water to boost growth.
Water the grass seeds daily or multiple times a day for six to eight weeks to keep the soil moist.
After six to eight weeks, the grass should be thick and lush. You can then roll up the sod and transport it to your yard.
