Grass Plugger & 6 Other Essentials For Planting Plugs

Bethel Farms has specialized in growing warm-season grasses in trays, called the SodPod—a miniature lawn in a pod. It consists of mature grass with a well-established root system to guarantee more planting success. We recommend our grass plug solutions as a more cost-effective way to establish new lawns and refill sparse areas in both residential and commercial settings.

As a family-owned and operated farm, we often get asked how best to get the grass plugs in the ground. Looking at numerous trays of grass plugs waiting to be planted can seem intimidating initially. But, with the proper tools, mainly a grass plugger tool, we confidently assure you that planting and tending to grass plugs is a straightforward task—even easier than starting a lawn with seeds or sod.

Here are The Tools You Need for Planting Grass Plugs

Soil Testing Kit

Although optional, a soil test can assess your soil pH and nutrient makeup, which are valuable insights that guide you in making an educated decision on the type of fertilizer you use and any amendments required to create the optimal conditions for successfully planting grass plugs.

Performing a soil test and sending it to a laboratory usually takes about two weeks to receive the results. Factor in this timeframe before buying grass plugs to make sure that you have enough time to assess your soil's needs.

Non-Selective Herbicide

In preparation for grass plug installation, it's essential to clear your lawn of weeds and undesired vegetation that can compete with your grass for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Using a non-selective herbicide is a product that can get this job done.

Unlike selective herbicides that target specific types of weeds, a non-selective herbicide removes all vegetation it encounters. Make sure to take a soil test before applying, as this chemical can temporarily alter the soil pH. If signs of new growth persist, re-apply 3-4 days after the initial treatment.

Sod Cutter

After the grass has died off, use a sod cutter or, alternatively, a rototiller to pull away the upper layer of grass and debris, so you can start with a clean slate for planting grass plugs. Investing in this equipment can be expensive, especially considering its occasional use. So, we recommend renting instead of buying one.

Rake

A versatile gardening tool, a rake serves the double purpose of removing grass debris and leveling the soil effectively. Use the pronged side to loosen up the soil across your landscape, and flip it over to the backside to even out the surface. For best results, consider adding topsoil to further level your lawn.

Sprinkler

A sprinkler system serves various purposes in the grass plug planting process. You can attach this garden device to a hose in your yard to spray water onto your lawn.

By evenly distributing water, it aids in compacting and stabilizing the soil. It also keeps soil consistently moist, which is particularly essential during the first two weeks to help the grass plugs adapt into the new soil. Deep waterings promote deep root growth and, therefore, greener and healthier grass plugs that are more resistant to pests and damage.

Grass Plug Tool

Also called a bulb planter or sod plugger, a grass plugger is a handy gardening tool that simplifies the process of transplanting grass plugs.

Our specialized SodPod Power Planter features a cylindrical structure with an auger bit that you can attach to a power tool. This allows you to create precise holes or cavities for planting grass plugs. Interestingly, it can also double as an aerator to improve soil drainage and allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate better into the soil.

To use, simply insert the tool into the ground by pressing or twisting to extract a core of soil, leaving behind a perfectly sized hole ready to accommodate our 3x3-inch SodPods. This ensures uniform growth and coverage throughout your lawn.

Slow-Release Grass Plug Fertilizer

NutriPod is a slow-release granular fertilizer designed to complement our SodPods grass plugs. It has a higher nitrogen content to promote leaf growth, phosphorus to encourage broader and deeper root growth, and potassium for better water and nutrient absorption.

Each pouch has 16 pre-measured pods, facilitating an easy and mess-free fertilizer application. Simply drop a pod into the hole before planting your grass plugs. Its slow-acting nature guarantees a gradual and steady release of nutrients necessary to help your new plugs thrive and establish themselves in the new environment. With effects lasting up to 45 days, it minimizes the risks of over-fertilizing and nutrient leaching.

Establishing a New Lawn with SodPods

This array of gardening tools not only eases the transplanting process but also makes lawn care a seamless and accessible endeavor. A grass plug tool, in particular, proves to be helpful in digging precise holes and creating optimal soil conditions for grass growth, making it easier than ever to nurture and cultivate a healthy, green lawn.

Ready to get started? Shop for SodPods grass plug planting tools on our website today.