Start a Lawn with Plugs & Sprigs

Sprigs are available by the bushel. Make your own by separating grass plants from sod.

Sprigging is the least expensive and fastest method of establishing or repairing a lawn of warm-season grass. However, sprigs require more initial and postplanting care than plugs, and are less likely to survive adverse conditions. Remember that whether you use plugs or sprigs, it is of utmost importance to keep them from drying out before you plant them.

There are three different ways to sprig a lawn. The broadcast method is the fastest way to install sprigs. You simply toss shredded stems evenly over a prepared, moist soil bed, then cover them with a light layer of soil. Invariably some will be completely buried and fail to grow, but the roots of most sprigs will take hold.

The furrow method is more time-consuming. Dig 3-inch-deep furrows in the soil 4 to 12 inches apart. Plant each sprig so that the roots are buried and the foliage is above soil level when the furrow is smoothed over.

A third option is to plant sprigs individually in a grid pattern.

Whichever method you choose, aftercare is critical. Walk over the area or roll it with a lawn roller at half weight to firm the soil around the crowns of the newly planted sprigs.

Keep sprigs moist until planted. Place longer ones in furrows in prepared soil about 6 inches apart. Poke shorter pieces into the soil with your finger.

Water immediately after planting. Continue watering frequently so the young plants don't dry out while they become established. Keep the area free of weeds. It may be necessary to fill in between the sprigs with extra soil to bring the planting bed up to grade level. This helps the horizontal runners sent out by the sprigs establish themselves quickly. When the grass is 3 inches tall, mow, cutting less than 1/2 inch off the blades of grass.