A Detailed Guide to Grass Planting Methods and Technical Points

Grass includes many varieties, such as Kentucky bluegrass, evergreen grass, cool-season types, and more, and each grass contains a great many varieties. Most grasses are used for landscaping, so what are the planting techniques for grass?

1. Types of grass

There are a great many grass varieties, and according to their geographical distribution and adaptability to temperature conditions, they can be divided into two major categories: cool-season and warm-season. Different types of grass are planted in different ways.

1. Warm-season: The optimum growth temperature for warm-season grasses is 25°C —35°C. Most originate in tropical and subtropical regions and are widely distributed in warm humid, warm sub-humid and warm semi-arid climate zones. Their growth is mainly limited by extreme low temperatures and their duration. Their main characteristics are strong heat tolerance, good disease resistance, tolerance of extensive management, and in most species a relatively short green period and light green color.

2. The optimum growth temperature for cool-season turfgrasses is 15°C—25°C. Most of these grass species originate from forest edge areas of northern Europe and Asia and are widely distributed in cool temperate, cool semi-temperate, cool semi-arid and transition zones. Their growth is mainly constrained by high-temperature stress, the duration of extreme temperatures and arid environments. Their main characteristics are a long green period, deep green color, and the need for meticulous management.

2. Planting

Turf establishment should suit local conditions and timing, with specific analysis of specific situations. Choose a suitable establishment method according to the relevant conditions of the planting site, the planting time, the required time to form turf, and the growth habits of the turfgrass variety. There are mainly two major categories: seed sowing and vegetative propagation.

1. Seed propagation: The sowing rate is determined by seed size and germination rate. Generally, sow large seeds at 10-15 kg/mu, medium seeds at 8-10 kg/mu, and small seeds at 6-8 kg/mu. Seed propagation is mostly by broadcasting. To ensure even seed distribution, the nursery can be divided into sections, and the seed mixed with 1-2 times its volume of fine sand, then broadcast section by section. Seed propagation has low turf establishment cost and low labor consumption, but also has disadvantages such as a relatively long time required to form turf.

2. Vegetative propagation: Common methods include stem sowing, division planting and laying. For example, division planting is digging up the turf plants of an existing lawn, separating the plants one by one, and then planting them at suitable row and plant spacings. Laying is digging up turf plants that have already formed ground cover, dividing them into blocks or strips of a certain size, and then planting them at a certain spacing. Although vegetative propagation establishes turf quickly, its cost is relatively high. In actual application, choose according to grass species characteristics and site, labor and other conditions.

3. Maintenance

1. Fertilization: When applying chemical fertilizer, note the following: it is appropriate to control the ratio of nitrogen : phosphorus : potassium at 5:4:3. Apply lightly and thinly during the vigorous growth period, and strengthen application during the slow growth period compared with the vigorous growth period, and foliar fertilization can be added. Fertilization and watering should be closely coordinated to prevent improper use from damaging the lawn. Using organic fertilizer not only improves soil nutrition but also improves soil looseness and permeability, and even helps the lawn overwinter safely.

2. Ensure the supply of water to the turfgrass: When the lawn wilts to varying degrees and the color changes from blue-green to gray-green, it indicates that irrigation is needed. The timing of irrigation should be determined according to the lawn's growth condition and the weather. Generally, watering in the morning or evening results in small evaporation losses and is beneficial to turfgrass growth. However, alternate wet and dry conditions, and strictly prohibit waterlogging, otherwise root rot easily occurs.

3. Weeding: Newly planted lawns must be strictly cleared of weed seeds, roots and stems, and weeds must be continuously removed.

4. Mowing: Mowing is one of the most important management measures. In addition to making the lawn look more attractive, more importantly it can promote grass tillering, increase the lawn's density, flatness and elasticity, enhance the lawn's wear resistance, and extend the lawn's service life. Timely mowing can also inhibit lawn weeds from flowering and setting seed. When the grass height is 8-10 cm, a lawn mower can be used to cut the grass. The amount cut each time varies with different grass species; in principle, the amount cut each time must not exceed 1/3 of the grass length. In summer weather with high temperature and drought, the damage from mowing will be greater than its growth-promoting effect, so the number of summer mowings should be appropriately reduced.

Grass planting is relatively simple, and its vitality is also very tenacious, so it can be planted on a relatively large scale.