Plant Bermudagrass

Plant Bermudagrass

Bermuda grass grows best in the southern half of the country where hot temperatures in summer and mild temperatures in winter allow this perennial to thrive. Primary uses for Bermuda grass is on sports fields, golf courses or any lawn that is under heavy abuse. The grass spreads through rhizomes and seeds. It grows on most any soil with plenty of sun light exposure. There are many varieties to the species of Bermuda grass and a consultation with your local agricultural extension service will give the best variety for your climate.

List:
Soil test results
Mechanical cultivation (roto tiller or cultivator attachment for tractor)
Fertilizer as per soil test
Live Bermuda grass seed (optional)
Bermuda grass sprigs (optional)
Watering method (Garden hose w/ sprinkler)
Mower

Conduct a soil test of the area where the grass is to be planted. Optimal times for a soil test should be approximately 6 months prior to Bermuda grass planting. Bermuda grass is best seeded or sprigged into the ground between April 1st and June 1st to take advantage of the natural spring rainfall. Consult the agricultural extension service for soil test methods.

Use any method of field cultivation that is available to you. Large fields will require a cultivator attachment to a tractor. Small areas can use a roto tiller to completely cultivate the area. Work the ground so at least a 3-inch to 4-inch depth of soil cultivation is performed. Cultivation of the soil should be performed after the soil test is received back from the county extension service and you are ready to fertilize and plant.

Apply the fertilizer to the Bermuda grass area according to the soil test results. In most general applications a Nitrogen based fertilizer will be used. The fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil during the cultivation process.

Seed the area with the live Bermuda grass seed at an application rate of 4 pounds to 8 pounds per acre. A quick translation of this seed rate is approximately 0.5 pound to 1.0 pound per 1000 square feet.

Use the sprig method if you desire a faster establishment of the Bermuda grass to the area. Sprigs are small Bermuda plants that contain the root rhizome and a green blade top. The sprigs are placed into the soil in rows with approximately 20 inches to 40 inches between rows. The rhizome roots must be placed at a depth of 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches deep.

Water the new seeds or sprigs with at least 0.1 inch to 0.3 inches of water per day. Water rates depend fully on local rainfall requirements.

Mow the Bermuda grass stand 3 weeks to 4 weeks after plants have established. The mowing will stimulate the Bermuda grass rhizome growth and keep down any unwanted weed plants that may attempt to grow in the new Bermuda grass area.

Words to the Wise:
Bermuda grass can spread quickly. It can soon become evasive inside established flower and vegetable gardens. You may wish to form some type of permanent border to contain the Bermuda grass to specific areas.