Can You Save Leftover Grass Plugs for Later?

When you’ve finished installing grass plugs, you may find yourself with a few extra, and you’re faced with the question: can you save those leftover grass plugs for later? Grass plugs are mature grass plants that are pre-grown in small trays, ready for planting. They’re an affordable and efficient option for establishing or repairing lawns, particularly in areas that require faster recovery and green coverage.

Often, leftover plugs are a common occurrence during lawn repairs, whether you’ve overestimated the amount of grass needed or simply have more than enough for the job. Instead of discarding them, you can save and reuse these plugs for future lawn repairs, provided you care for them properly. With the right approach, these plugs can be stored for weeks, giving you the flexibility to patch up bare spots later. The key lies in treating these plugs like the plants they are: nurturing them so they can stay healthy until it's time to plant them.

What to Do with Leftover Grass Plugs After Lawn Repairs

Grass plugs are small sections of mature grass plants grown directly in trays. These ready-to-plant plugs are sold in trays, making them an easy way to establish a lawn or repair damaged spots. Because they come with established roots, they often develop a better root system than seeded grass and can fill in your lawn more quickly.

One of the key benefits of using grass plugs is their efficiency in terms of cost and time. They are cheaper than sod, which gives an immediate, fully covered lawn, but they still provide many of the same advantages, such as quick root development. On average, grass plugs take from 3 to 6 months to fill in your lawn, depending on factors such as spacing, maintenance, and the growing season. The closer you space the plugs, the quicker they will spread. Additionally, regular watering, proper fertilization, and favorable weather conditions during the growing season can help speed up the process. Grass plugs gradually fill in the lawn with minimal maintenance, resulting in a more resilient and established turf over time.

If you find yourself with leftover plugs after your lawn installation or repair, you’ll be happy to know that, yes, you can save them for later use. Proper care is essential to extend the life of the plugs, so you’ll need to store them in a way that preserves their health until you’re ready to plant them. With a bit of attention, those leftover plugs can be used to patch up problem areas in your lawn when needed, saving you money in the long run.

Proper Storage and Care for Leftover Grass Plugs

Proper storage and care are crucial to maintaining the viability of your leftover grass plugs for future use. Grass plugs are essentially plants—they require regular moisture, the right temperature, and protection from extreme conditions.

Start by storing your plugs in a cool, shaded area. Direct sunlight can stress the grass, causing it to dry out quickly and potentially leading to its death. Regular watering is essential, as the small trays they come in can dry out quickly. The grass plug trays usually have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, but this also means they lose moisture fast. Water the plugs regularly to maintain moisture, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot. It’s a delicate balance, but as long as the plugs stay moist without being soggy, they’ll stay healthy. Make sure to check on them often to ensure they don’t dry out.

If you're concerned about the plugs drying out too quickly, you can cover the tray with a damp cloth or plastic sheet to help retain moisture. Just ensure that the covering doesn't seal them off entirely from airflow, as the plugs still need some air circulation to prevent mold growth.

When to Use Leftover Grass Plugs

Leftover grass plugs can be a lifesaver for future lawn repairs. These plugs are perfect for filling bare spots or patching areas that may have been damaged by heavy foot traffic, pests, or disease after the initial repair. Even during the off-season, such as early spring or late summer, you can plant grass plugs as long as the weather is favorable—cool enough to keep them from drying out, but warm enough to encourage root growth.

In Florida, there’s a longer planting window due to its temperate climate. You can plant grass plugs anytime throughout the year, provided you avoid extreme conditions, such as prolonged dry spells or extended rainfall. The consistent warmth allows for year-round growth, but, like anywhere else, remember to keep an eye on moisture levels to support a successful establishment.

Additionally, grass plugs are ideal for expanding existing lawns or addressing areas where sod might be too expensive or difficult to install. They’re a great option for spot repairs or filling gaps in your lawn. So, if you have leftover plugs, don’t let them go to waste—save them for those little fixes that come up later in the season.

Recommended Spacing for Grass Plugs

Spacing your grass plugs 6-18 inches apart is generally recommended. The closer the plugs are, the faster the grass will spread and fill in, while wider spacing will save you money but take longer for the plugs to cover the area.

• Close Spacing: For quick coverage, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or high visibility, placing plugs about 6-9 inches apart is ideal. This ensures that the plugs will spread quickly, creating a thick, resilient lawn.
  

• Wider Spacing: If cost is a concern and you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for the grass to spread, spacing the plugs about 12-18 inches apart can work. Just keep in mind that this will result in slower coverage, so consider planting excess plugs later to fill in any gaps.

The type of grass you have plays a role in how quickly the plugs will spread. For example, bermudagrass plugs tends to spread quickly, so you can space your plugs a little farther apart. On the other hand, zoysiagrass plugs grows more slowly, so you’ll want to plant your plugs a bit closer together for quicker coverage.

If you're aiming for a full, thick lawn faster, planting extra plugs to close the gaps after the initial round of planting is always a good idea. Just be sure to maintain the recommended spacing to ensure the plugs have room to grow and thrive. Discover more tips on how to make grass plugs spread faster such as using Nutripod grass fertilizer to accelerate growth up to twice as fast. 

Final Thoughts

Leftover grass plugs don’t have to be discarded—properly cared for, they can be saved and reused for future lawn repairs or expansions. Storing them in a cool, shaded area and keeping them moist (but not waterlogged) will help preserve their health until you’re ready to use them again. Remember to space them correctly when planting, taking into account the type of grass and the speed of coverage required.

While grass plugs are an excellent solution for lawn repair, don't forget to consider other options, like sod, depending on the extent of your lawn’s needs and the speed of recovery you're aiming for. However, with the right care, those leftover grass plugs can be a cost-effective and straightforward way to maintain a lush lawn for years.