Step-by-Step Guide: When and How to Plant Zoysia Plugs

by Jamie Tedder September 11, 2023

Looking to upgrade your lawn? Zoysia plugs are a great way to establish a dense, resilient yard. SodPods Zoysia plugs offer a convenient solution for repairing bare spots or testing a grass variety before committing to full sod. These tiny powerhouses of established grass are your shortcut to a vibrant lawn makeover. Let’s dive into how Zoysia plugs can transform your lawn and how to plant them for the best results.

What is Zoysia Grass and the Benefits of Using Grass Plugs

Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass known for its durability, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in various conditions. Its fine texture, dense growth, and deep green color make it a preferred choice for homeowners seeking a lush, low-maintenance lawn. Zoysia grows well in full sun and can tolerate partial shade, making it a more versatile option than other warm-season grasses like bermudagrass.

Zoysia can be established successfully using grass plugs, which are small sections of mature sod with an established root system. Unlike seeding, which takes longer to develop into a full lawn, planting plugs facilitates faster coverage and better resilience. Zoysia grass plugs are widely available and offer several advantages:

Faster establishment – As mature grass with fully developed roots, grass plugs root quickly into their new environment and spread to form a uniform lawn. This makes them an excellent choice if you want visible results within a shorter time frame.
Better weed control – The dense growth pattern naturally suppresses weed growth. This reduces the need for herbicides, making it a more eco-friendly and low-maintenance option.
Drought resistance – Zoysia requires less water once established, contributing to water conservation efforts and making it suitable for areas prone to dry conditions. With deeper roots, it can access moisture stored in the soil, reducing dependency on irrigation.
Low maintenance – Zoysia also requires less mowing and fertilization than other turfgrasses. Its slow growth means fewer clippings, saving time and effort on lawn upkeep.

Key Factors That Influence When to Plant Zoysia Plugs

Timing plays an essential role in how successfully your Zoysia plugs are established. Factors like soil temperature, climate, and the growing season all determine the best time to plant. As a warm-season grass, Zoysia thrives when soil temperatures remain consistently warm, allowing roots to develop efficiently.

Best Time to Plant Zoysia Plugs

So, when is the best time to plant Zoysia plugs? The answer depends on your location and climate.

As a general guideline, the ideal time for planting is late spring to early summer, when the soil is warm enough to encourage strong root growth. If you live in Florida, Zoysia plugs can be planted almost any time of the year because of the temperate climate. The warm soil allows for consistent growth, even outside the typical planting season in cooler regions. However, avoid planting during peak summer heat, which can stress the new plugs, or in winter if the ground is frozen, as freezing temperatures can prevent root establishment and delay growth.

READ: Can Grass Plugs Be Planted in Winter?

How to Plant Zoysia Grass Plugs

Proper planting helps your Zoysia plugs establish quickly and spread efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Prepare the Planting Area – Mow existing grass close to the ground and remove debris or weeds. Water the soil until it’s moist but not soggy. Loosening compacted soil can also improve root penetration.

2. Dig Planting Holes – Space the holes 12–18 inches apart for even coverage. The SodPods grass plugging tool can help create uniform holes easily. Proper spacing prevents overcrowding and allows for optimal spreading.

3. Fertilize for Growth – Instead of measuring granular fertilizers, use NutriPod grass plug fertilizer to simplify feeding. With a 17-1-10 NPK ratio, NutriPod is formulated with the essential nutrients to help your plugs establish quickly and develop strong roots.

4. Plant the Plugs – Place each Zoysia plug into its hole, pressing firmly around the edges to remove air pockets. Keep the grass runners level with the soil for even growth. This helps prevent uneven patches and promotes a smooth, uniform lawn.

5. Water Thoroughly – Immediately after planting, water deeply to help the roots settle and ensure proper soil contact. Keep the soil moist for the first 10–14 days to encourage strong root establishment. Proper hydration is crucial in preventing transplant shock.

6. Adjust Watering Over Time – Gradually reduce watering frequency after the first two weeks. Once new growth appears, transition to 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into one or two watering sessions. This fosters deep-root development for long-term drought resistance.

Why Proper Watering is Essential When Establishing Grass Plugs

Consistent watering is critical for newly planted Zoysia plugs. Keeping the soil evenly moist helps the roots establish and prevents stress that could slow growth. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues.

For the first 10–14 days, maintain consistent moisture by watering daily. Once the plugs start anchoring into the soil, reduce watering frequency while increasing the amount per session. This encourages deeper root growth, making the grass more drought-tolerant over time.

Using a slow-release fertilizer like NutriPods ensures your plugs receive steady nutrients without overfeeding, supporting strong and healthy growth.

Expert Tips for Successful Zoysia Plug Planting

Want to ensure the best possible results when planting your Zoysia plugs? Here are some expert tips to help your lawn thrive:

Use the Right Tools – A grass plug tool like the SodPods Power Planter Auger can speed up the process and ensure even spacing and depth. Proper tools minimize effort and ensure consistent planting depth for uniform establishment.
Choose Quality Plugs – When purchasing Zoysia grass plugs, buy from a trusted source like SodPods, which has a reputation for providing healthy, vigorous plugs. High-quality plugs have better root development, leading to quicker establishment and growth.
Start with a Complete Bundle – A planting bundle with SodPods, NutriPod, and a planting tool simplifies the process and ensures better results. Getting all the supplies you need at once can also help save on costs, as bundles often come at a discount and reduce shipping expenses compared to purchasing items separately. Being prepared not only streamlines the planting process but also improves overall lawn health and establishment.

Final Thoughts

Planting Zoysia plugs is a smart way to establish a durable, low-maintenance lawn. The best time to plant is during the growing season, typically late spring to early summer when soil temperatures are warm. In Florida, you have more flexibility to plant year-round due to favorable conditions.

Following proper planting techniques and providing consistent care can help your Zoysia plugs establish quickly, filling in bare spots and creating a lush, green yard. SodPods Zoysia plugs offer a reliable solution for lawn repairs or testing a new grass variety before committing to full sod.

Visit the SodPods website today to explore your grass plug options.

Jamie Tedder

Jamie surrently serve as Vice President on the board for Turfgrass Producers of Florida. He currently oversees the production of all grasses throughout all farms in Florida at Bethel Farms. He is actively working with top grass breeders, researchers, producers and end users from public and private institutions around the country to stay up to date on current industry developments. Being a University of Florida graduate, he has applied that knowledge to over 22 years of experience growing spectacular grass!