How to Make Sod Sprigs

Prepare the area for planting the sprigs. Rake up any dead grass and other debris, removing it from the planting site.

Remove any weeds growing in the planting site. Pull the weeds out by hand, or use an herbicide to kill them, approximately one week before planting the grass sprigs. Rake out the dead weeds before planting the sprigs.

Apply a controlled-release grass starter fertilizer to the planting site. Apply the product according to label instructions and water it into the soil.

Cut out a 1-foot-square section of a healthy area of existing sod. Use a spade shovel or large knife to cut it out, digging down deep enough to retrieve the roots. Start with a small section of grass and cut out more if needed.

Pull the grass stems apart. Start with the edge of the grass section and gently pull the sprigs apart from one another. Keep the root system attached.

Place the grass sprigs into a large tray or wheelbarrow. Situate the grass sprigs in a shady area and mist them with water. Keep the sprigs out of direct sunlight and keep them moist until planted.

Dig 3-inch deep furrows, spaced 6 inches to 1 foot apart, or dig 3-inch-deep holes into the soil for planting the grass sprigs. Dig holes deep enough to hold the sprig's roots and the lower one-third of the grass blades.

Place the grass sprigs into the planting site. Cover the sprigs with top soil and pack the soil firmly around them. Plant deep enough to expose the upper two-thirds of grass blades.

Water the sprigs immediately after planting, thoroughly saturating the soil. Keep the sprigs moist by watering daily for approximately one month. The sprigs will die if the soil dries out.