How Close Should You Plant SodPods Grass Plugs?

Lawn damage is a part of life. Heavy foot traffic, pests, and drought can all contribute to bare patches and thinning grass. While the most obvious solution is to let the grass naturally grow back and fill in the damaged areas, sometimes the damage happens faster than the grass can recover. In these cases, grass plugs offer an efficient and practical solution. They are particularly helpful when you need faster recovery in high-use areas, to repair bare spots due to heavy traffic activity, or to establish grass in areas prone to erosion.

What Are Grass Plugs For?

Grass plugs are convenient for establishing a new lawn, repairing damaged areas, or filling bare patches. Warm-season grasses like bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine can be successfully established using grass plugs, spreading through stolons or rhizomes.

A key advantage of grass plugs is their faster establishment. This means less watering and maintenance during the initial establishment stage. Grass plugs are designed to make lawn repairs easy and homeowner-friendly. They are cost-effective, versatile, and adaptable to various soil conditions. They can thrive in challenging areas such as slopes or shaded spots.

Like how flowers are sold in pots for decorating your yard, grass plugs are individual plants—ready to be planted for lawn repairs or to introduce a new variety to your lawn. SodPods grass plugs measure 3x3 inches, with mature grass and fully-grown roots attached to the soil. Using the grass plug planting tool ensures precise and efficient planting.

How Far Apart Do You Plant Grass Plugs?

Proper spacing when planting grass plugs is crucial to achieving maximum coverage in the shortest time. Ideally, the grass pods should be planted 12- 18 inches apart. This spacing strikes a good balance between coverage speed and cost-effectiveness. Closer spacing accelerates the filling-in process, especially in areas prone to erosion or heavy foot traffic. Wider spacing, while more economical upfront, extends the time required for the plugs to grow together and increases the risk of weeds filling the gaps.

For even faster coverage, particularly in small areas or high-priority zones, consider planting the plugs closer than 12- 18 inches apart. The closer the plugs are planted, the quicker they will cover the area, leaving no room for weeds or bare spots.

5 Tips to Make Grass Plugs Spread Faster

Although grass plugs are designed for convenience, there are steps you can take to ensure successful results.

Prepare the Soil

Preparing the soil properly is essential for successful grass plug growth. Start by loosening compacted soil with a core aerator to improve root penetration and growth. Enrich the soil by adding organic matter such as compost, which enhances its structure and provides essential nutrients.

Water Consistently

Watering during the initial establishment stage facilitates root-to-soil contact and keeps the plugs from drying. Water the plugs immediately after planting to help them establish strong roots. Maintain consistent moisture levels during the first 2-4 weeks to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. After this phase, you can taper to watering 1-2 times a week, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week. 

Use NutriPod Grass Plug Fertilizer

Using NutriPod grass plug fertilizer can significantly accelerate growth. This specially formulated fertilizer for grass promotes faster and healthier root development, helping your plugs grow up to two times faster. Simply drop a pod into the hole when planting grass plugs for the best results.

Control Weeds

Weeds can compete with grass plugs for nutrients, sunlight, and water, so it’s essential to keep the area weed-free. Regularly check for and remove weeds around the plugs. Applying a light mulch layer can further minimize weed growth.

Mow Strategically

Avoid mowing until the plugs are well-established, which typically takes 4-6 weeks after planting. Once the plugs have rooted and started spreading, mow the lawn at the appropriate height for your grass variety, typically 2-3 inches for warm-season grasses. This encourages lateral growth and helps the plugs spread more quickly.

Protect from Foot Traffic

Limiting foot traffic in newly planted areas is essential to prevent damage to the plugs. Consider sectioning off the repaired areas with temporary barriers or ropes to keep people and pets away. Alternatively, designate a specific area for foot traffic or activity while the plugs are established. Allow the grass plugs sufficient time to establish strong roots before subjecting the area to regular use.

Final Thoughts

Following these spacing and care tips will help your grass plugs spread quickly and evenly, resulting in a healthy, resilient lawn. With SodPods grass plugs, NutriPod fertilizer, and proper maintenance, your lawn will thrive and achieve maximum coverage in less time.

Ready for a lush, green lawn? SodPods grass plugs are the perfect solution for creating a resilient lawn. Check out our bundle deals that include everything you need—grass plugs, fertilizer pods, and sod tools to get started.