How to Plant Bermuda Grass in the Summer

Rototill the lawn area, removing all large debris that turns up on or near the surface of the soil to keep it from blocking root development.

Ask your local cooperative extension office how to send in a soil sample for testing. Follow the staff's instructions for collection and submit your sample of dirt to find out its pH and fertility levels. Bermudagrass tolerates mild acidity, for example. A soil test report will give you guidelines for adding lime to the ground if the pH is lower than 6.5. It will also tell you how much nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous to apply if a deficiency exists.

Consult a nursery, landscaper or your cooperative extension office to find out the varieties of bermudagrass that thrive where you live. In addition, find out whether it's best to start the different cultivars from seeds, sod, sprigs or plugs. Common bermudagrasses grow from seeds, but hybrids only propagate vegetatively.

Amend the soil according to the recommendations of your soil test report. In addition, till a 2-inch layer of compost or manure into the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Rake the area to a smooth bed and run a lawn roller over the surface to firm it and remove air pockets.

Plant bermudagrass on the prepared seedbed following the instructions for the method you chose. Broadcast seeds with a spreader, for example. Make holes in rows 1 foot apart for plugs. No matter what method you choose, run a lawn roller over the cultivated area to create good contact between the bermudagrass and the soil so the roots become established.

Irrigate your lawn area immediately after sowing bermudagrass seeds or setting down rooted pieces. Water regularly to prevent the seeds or roots from drying out until the grass is established. Established grass plants don't yield when you tug them. At that point, start giving 1 inch of water to your bermudagrass lawn when the blades wilt.