Bermuda Grass Seeding and Propagation
Planting New Lawn
Prepare the Seed bed, Grade, smooth and level the lawn, remove debris such as stones twigs etc. Lightly tilling the first several inches of soil will also help loosen and provide a good foundation for your grass seed. Work in a good starter fertilizer. Fertilizers such as a 28-24-6 would be ideal. You need a fertilizer that has a generous amount of nitrogen (28) and a higher rate of phosphorous then usual. (24) the phosphorous will encourage vigorous root growth in your new lawn helping it to establish itself into a dense turf. Spread the Centipede seed at the rate of 1-2 # (hulled) per 1000 square feet or 2-3# (coated) per 1000 square feet, rake the seed in to a depth of and if needed, use straw as a light mulch to prevent erosion. Water daily for 30 days to give all of the seed a good chance to germinate.
Over Seeding Existing Lawn
Cut the existing lawn as close as possible without scalping it. Rake or scratch the soil and apply the seed over it at the rate of ½-1# (hulled) or 1-1½# (coated) per 1000 Square. Mow lawn as close as possible without scalping, scratch the soil with a rake and follow mulching and watering instructions as listed above.
Sprigging and Plugging
Bermuda can also be planted by Sprigging and Plugging. This is generally more time consuming. rhizomes can be planted every 8 to 12 inches. Each of the rhizomes (or stolons) should have at least 2 nodes (joints) and should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep. Sprigs can also be broadcast over the area to be planted and covered with a thin layer of soil. When plugging, sod should be cut into sections of 2 to 4 inches and planted 6 to 12 inches of center from each other.
Whether sprigging or plugging it is worth noting that the closer the plugs or sprigs are set the quicker the new lawn will be to establish itself. Keep the area moist (but not soggy) and do not now until new growth is seen. Do not mow if the soil is wet as you run the risk of pulling the centipede out of the soil if the roots have not established themselves yet.
WARNING, Do not use any weed and feed fertilizers or weed preventative applications when seeding a lawn
