Can You Plant Zoysia Plugs in the Winter? Yes, Here's How

When planting new grass, it is customary to wait until spring to get started. However, for anyone eager to get a head start, it's worth asking: can you plant grass plugs in the winter? This question becomes particularly relevant for those living in temperate climates like Florida, where harsh winters and extreme cold are less of a concern.

Winter can even offer an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate your lawn. Planting zoysiagrass plugs during this season allows the grass to establish its roots without the stress of extreme summer heat. As the grass matures, it will be well-positioned to thrive come spring, making it a strategic move for anyone looking to improve their yard without the wait for warmer weather.

Why Should You Plant Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season variety that thrives in full sun. It is a perennial grass, spread by stolons and rhizomes, with stiff leaf blades and dense growth that creates a healthy, thick lawn. Zoysia sod is widely favored in Florida for being drought tolerant and for its ability to tolerate partial shade. This versatility makes it ideal for lawns with varying sunlight exposure.

With its rapidly spreading growth pattern, Zoysia forms a dense carpet of grass that can handle foot traffic, recover quickly from damage, and retain its color and texture without requiring special attention on maintenance.

Several varieties of zoysiagrass are available in Florida, each differing in texture, growth habits, and weather resistance. To find the best option for your lawn, explore the 6 Types of Zoysia Grass in Florida and their distinct benefits.

One of the key advantages of Zoysia is that it can be established successfully as sod and grass plugs. Grass plugs offer a cost-effective solution, ideal for small repairs or filling in bare patches. When planted correctly, it can quickly spread and create a lush, green lawn. As mature grass, Zoysia sod plugs are particularly resilient, capable of thriving in challenging conditions such as prolonged heat, dry spells, and heavy foot traffic.

When to Plant Zoysia Sod Plugs

The best time to plant Zoysia plugs is in spring, allowing the grass to establish strong roots before the summer heat sets in. This timing also ensures the grass develops a resilient root system, improving its drought resistance during the peak of summer or periods of limited water availability.

However, Florida’s relatively consistent climate offers a window of opportunity for planting zoysiagrass plugs beyond spring. The winter months in Florida are mild enough to allow Zoysia to establish itself, particularly in regions where temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Although the best results for establishing a zoysiagrass lawn occur in the warmer months, planting in Florida at any time of the year still holds potential, as long as extreme weather conditions such as drought or heavy rainfall are monitored.

Remember that while the climate may be forgiving, winter planting presents a few challenges. For example, lower soil temperatures may slow down root establishment. You also have to pay proper attention to the plugs, such as protecting them from extreme weather and providing adequate water.

Zoysiagrass Plugs: Planting and Maintenance

Grass plugs are designed to simplify lawn care. They're easy to plant, quick to establish, and relatively low-maintenance once they adapt to their new environment.

Digging Holes for the Plugs

A tool like the SodPods grass plugging tool is designed for this purpose. Use it to create uniform holes that fit the plugs and are deep enough to allow them to sit level with the surrounding soil. Space the holes 9-18 inches apart, depending on the desired speed of lawn coverage.

Using NutriPod Grass Fertilizer

NutriPod is a slow-release grass plug fertilizer with a 17-1-10 NPK ratio, promoting faster establishment in new grass plugs. Its formula accelerates growth up to two times faster, supplying essential nutrients to support root development, improve coverage, and speed up lawn recovery.

Watering

Newly planted grass plugs require frequent watering to help them settle in. For the first two weeks after planting, water the grass plugs consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as excess moisture can lead to root rot. This practice will encourage the development of deeper, more resilient roots. As Zoysia becomes more established, taper watering—aim for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, spread over 1-2 watering sessions.

Mowing

During this initial period, avoid heavy foot traffic or other disturbances that could damage the new grass. Once you see new growth, you can start mowing the grass at around 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Afterward, you can transition to regular lawn care. Mow the grass weekly during the growing season, avoiding cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single session.

Zoysiagrass has a dense growth pattern that naturally suppresses weeds, making it a relatively low-maintenance option. However, it may still face challenges like chinch bugs and leaf spot disease. By maintaining its health and monitoring regularly, you can reduce susceptibility to these issues and address them promptly if they arise. Be sure to dethatch your lawn periodically to maintain health and aerate in early spring to ensure air and nutrients reach the roots.

Final Thoughts

Planting zoysiagrass in the winter is possible in Florida, where the mild climate supports its establishment. Recognized for its drought tolerance and ability to withstand foot traffic, zoysiagrass is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a lush and durable lawn. While late spring remains the ideal time to plant Zoysia plugs, winter planting in Florida can be successful with proper soil preparation and careful monitoring of environmental conditions.