How to Make Sod Using Bermudagrass Seed
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) forms a dense sod with roots that reach downward, 6 inches into the soil. It spreads rapidly through above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes. Left unchecked, the grass can become invasive. A warm-season turf grass, Bermudagrass seeds do best when planted in the spring or early summer. The seeds require a soil temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to adequately germinate and form a thick, robust root system. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find a planting location in the full sun with well-draining soil. The soil of the planting location should have a minimum pH of 6.0.
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Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches to encourage healthy root development. Add a lawn starter fertilizer to the soil prior to planting the Bermudagrass seeds. Follow the directions on the fertilizer label.
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Level the soil using a garden rake. The top 1/2 inch of soil must be crumbly to the touch.
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Spread 2 to 3 pounds of Bermudagrass seeds across every 1,000 square feet of prepared soil. Use a seed spreader to evenly disperse the seeds. Using 2 to 3 pounds of grass seed will create a dense sod.
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Lightly rake the soil across the seeds. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil.
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Keep the soil moist to encourage germination. Bermudagrass seeds require consistently moist soil for at least one to three weeks after planting.
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Mow the grass three weeks after planting. Clip away a third of the leaf blade.
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Tips & Warnings
Bermuda seeds germinate in seven to 10 days.
The grass will fully establish in six to 10 weeks.
Avoid using herbicides or pesticides in the planting area prior to planting the grass seed.
References
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