How to Plant Stolons
Some kinds of lawn grasses increase by sending out long roots, called stolons or sprigs, that spread on the surface of the soil or just below it. Two common lawn grasses that produce stolons are hybrid bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. If you're replacing or repairing your lawn with one of these grasses, you'll probably buy and plant stolons, rather than sowing seed. Buy stolons by the bushel and plant them in late spring or summer. Choose a time when rain will keep the soil moist for several days or plan to water the lawn until the stolons take root. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Spread lime and fertilizer or compost over the soil, based on the results of a soil test. Cultivate the soil with a lawn-tractor-pulled disc or a walk-behind tiller.
-
2
Rake the soil with a lawn rake to level the surface. Smooth out any low spots and slope the soil gradually away from buildings to encourage even drainage.
-
-
3
Spread stolons by hand at the rate of 4 to 6 bushels per 1,000 square feet, broadcasting them evenly over the area. Alternatively, plow furrows no more than 2 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches apart, using a lawn tractor's plow, and drop the stolons in the furrows, spacing them 6 to 12 inches apart.
-
4
Disc the soil lightly to cover broadcast stolons or rake the soil back over the furrows. Roll the area lightly to press the soil against the stolons.
-
5
Water the soil and keep it moist until the stolons take root and you notice new green growth.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're planting only a small area, loosen the top few inches of soil by hand with a shovel, rake the area smooth and make furrows with a hand hoe. Drop the stolons in and cover them by hoeing dirt back on top, pressing them down with the hoe or by stepping lightly on the furrow.
References
- Photo Credit rasenmähertraktor image by Ideenkoch from Fotolia.com
