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How To Plant And Grow Zoysia Grass
If you’re looking to fill your lawn with lush grass that requires less maintenance, the zoysia grass might be just for you. For starters, Zoysia grass is a light-green-colored turfgrass popularly used for home and commercial lawns.
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It has a deep-rooted system that makes it possible to endure extreme climates, especially heat. Due to their drought tolerance, they can thrive in regions that have long, warm seasons and shorter winters. Moreover, this type of grass can survive cold temperatures and quickly bounce back and continue to grow once the spring season begins.
In addition to withstanding heat, Zoysia grass can also handle heavy foot traffic, as the grass blades will only rebound after lifting off weight. Hence, they’re commonly used for playgrounds, parks, and golf courses. With the perks and benefits of having Zoysia grass, it’s no surprise that many people would love to plant one for their lawns.
If you’re also thinking of planting some for your lawn, you can learn more about Zoysia grass and the best planting times.
You can plant zoysia grass from seed, sod, or plugs. People often use plugs or sods when planting them since they’re slow growers. However, you can still plant Zoysia seeds as they’re a cheaper option than sods and plugs.
To start, here are the steps to plant Zoysia grass:
1. Choose Your Planting Site
Zoysia grass will require a full blast from the sun for its roots to grow faster. That’s why it’s always recommended to plant your Zoysia seeds during late spring or early summer, where the heat is at its best. Furthermore, choose a plant site with direct access to sunlight, such as your front lawn or backyard.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect planting site, clear the area from any grass, weeds, rocks, and other debris. If the soil’s heavily compacted, loosen it up first with a soil tiller. Then, use a garden rake to spread the ground and even out the low areas.
2. Perform A Soil Test
Soil testing is crucial to ensure the soil has enough pH necessary for the Zoysia seeds. Preferably, the soil must have a pH of 6.5 - 7.0 since it’s the perfect balance for seed germination. You can consult your local extension office to perform a soil test and ensure that your lawn has moderate phosphorus, nitrogen, iron, and potassium levels necessary for Zoysia’s growth.
If it hasn’t reached the standard 6.5 pH, you can add nutrients into the topsoil until it reaches the ideal pH level.
3. Measure the Lawn
Before buying the seeds, measure your planting site first to determine how much seed, fertilizer, and topsoil are needed for the planting project. This will also ensure you don’t buy too much and waste more money.
4. Spread the Seeds
With everything ready, you can start spreading the seeds evenly across your lawn. To make the job easier, you can use a seed spreader to help you apply the right amount and prevent seed overcrowding, which could discourage germination. You can use a hand-held seed spreader if you’re planting on a small lawn. Meanwhile, for spacious lawns or wider properties, a walk-behind spreader may be best for the job.
After spreading the seeds, don’t cover them up with soil. Remember, zoysia seeds thrive best when exposed directly to the sun. So, use a lawn roller for good soil contact.
5. Keep the Soil Moist
Generally, Zoysia seeds will take around 14 to 20 days to germinate. While waiting for them to grow, keep the soil moist but not too soaked to avoid the seeds from drowning. You can water the seeds with ¼ inch of water twice a day. Remember, your Zoysia seeds are still vulnerable during this period, which means they require special care. Most importantly, avoid stepping over the soil in any way.
6. Avoid Mowing too Early
Once you finally see the grasses growing, avoid mowing them yet until they’ve grown to at least two and a half to three inches tall. Then, once the grass is ready for mowing, you can cut off ½ inch shorter every week to achieve that lush green golf course look.
7. Water the Soil Once a Week
As mentioned, Zoysia grass is suitable for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn. Since they only require basic care, you can water the grass once a week, which is enough to keep the grass healthy and green.
8. Check for Any Bugs
While Zoysia grass isn’t necessarily vulnerable to pest infestation, it can be infested by billbugs and chinch bugs. You can tell the presence of bugs when the grass leaves have uneven bite marks. To keep bugs at bay, you can spray the grass with a natural insecticide.
Key Takeaway
When planted and maintained properly, your Zoysia grass can grow beautifully and cover your lawn with a fresh green color. They may grow slower than other turfgrasses, but their perks will make it worth the wait.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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