SodPods® Grass Plugs: What to Do After Delivery
Repairing your lawn with grass plugs is an exciting journey. From deciding to improve the look and health of your lawn to searching for reputable suppliers and jumping from one how-to guide to the next, you've done your homework. Now, the moment you've been waiting for is here—your SodPods® grass plugs have been delivered!
So, what's next?
SodPods® is a preferred supplier of high-quality warm-season grass plugs, providing a cost-effective and homeowner-friendly solution that provides more flexibility than sod. Because grass plugs are essentially mature plants with established roots, they can survive longer if properly cared for. However, there are crucial steps you should take between unpacking and planting to ensure their success.
1. Unbox Immediately
As soon as your SodPods® grass delivery arrives, immediately unbox the grass plug trays. Remove them from the packaging and inspect them. Give the plugs a light watering daily to keep them hydrated and ensure the roots stay moist until you're ready to plant them.
At this initial stage, direct exposure to sunlight is unnecessary because the plugs have been in transit and may need time to adapt to their new environment. During shipping, they may have been in a dark, enclosed space, and sudden exposure to sunlight can stress the plants further, leading to issues like wilting or burning. Instead, keep the plugs in a well-ventilated area with indirect light. This gradual transition lowers the risk of shock and allows the plants to slowly adjust to their new conditions.
2. Prepare for Transport Stress
At SodPods®, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality grass plugs promptly and securely. Our meticulous packing process is designed to protect your grass plugs during transit. However, despite our best efforts, occasional accidents can occur, with boxes being jostled, dropped, or turned upside down, causing plugs to pop out of the tray. Don't worry! As long as the roots are intact, these plugs are still viable and ready to thrive.
It's also normal to see signs of transport stress, such as yellowing, discoloration, shrinkage, curling, or slight dehydration. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve once the plugs acclimate to their new environment.
3. Acclimating
Our grass plugs are cultivated to thrive in various soil conditions, giving you the best chance for a successful lawn. They are designed to make planting easy and convenient. However, it doesn't hurt to use caution when exposing them to your actual growing conditions.
When you're not ready to plant them, you can gradually expose your grass plugs to natural light, increasing their daily exposure. This acclimation process helps them adapt to your specific conditions and recover from any transport shock before transplanting.
Timing Your Transplant
Although grass plugs offer more leeway than sod, it's advisable not to let them sit in the tray for too long. Prolonged tray time can lead to root binding, resulting in stunted plants that will not reach their full potential. Grass plugs are ready to be planted in their final location upon arrival. Ideally, you should transplant them within 7-10 days to ensure optimal growth.
After Transplanting Your Grass Plugs
Working on moist soil can make it more workable and easier to plant your grass plugs. After transplanting, water your grass plugs immediately and keep the soil moist for the first two weeks. This helps the roots establish and prevents them from drying out.
Additionally, avoid mowing your lawn for at least 2-3 weeks to give the grass plugs time to root deeply and grow strong. This patience will pay off, as it allows the new grass to integrate seamlessly with your existing lawn, resulting in a lush and healthy green cover. We recommend nourishing your plugs with NutriPod®, a lawn fertilizer designed to help your new grass establish in its new environment and accelerate growth up to two times faster.
Ready to get started? Explore a wide range of high-quality warm-season sod grass for sale at the SodPods® website.
