How to Grow Sod

Dilute the residual effects of herbicides used in the field prior to your planting of turfgrass. Plow, disk or harrow the field to break down any herbicide that remains. Consult the herbicide label for other methods of diluting the effects of the herbicide. If you didn't use herbicide during the growing season prior to planting turfgrass, skip this step.

Locate loamy soils on your property to grow the turfgrass. The loam provides the best drainage for sod production.

Use a land leveler to level the ground's surface as much as possible. While you can grow sod on a slope, it's easier to harvest in a flat field. Remove as many large rocks as possible once you use the land leveler. The rocks can damage harvesting equipment.

Take soil samples from several spots in the field. Use a shovel to dig at least 6 inches deep. Place the soil in a paper bag. Take the paper bag to your county extension office for soil testing. Follow their recommendations for the amount of lime and fertilizer to apply to the field.

Plow and/or disk the soil to prepare the seedbed. Apply lime and fertilizer, as needed, at least 4 to 6 inches deep.

Plan on sowing the seed in the late summer or early fall. This gives the young seedlings a chance to start. Sow seed with a drill or broadcast seeder at the rate recommended for the type of turfgrass you are sowing. One option is to mix two or three varieties of Kentucky bluegrass together and sow at 50 to 80 pounds per acre for best results. Another option is to sow tall fescue at a rate of 250 to 300 pounds per acre.

Apply nitrogen once the grass begins to grow. This helps it develop a strong root system.

Use a turf roller on the seedlings in the spring. This presses the plants further into the soil and helps the grass develop a more vigorous root system.

Watch closely for weed growth. Spray with appropriate herbicides as necessary.

Mow the sod as necessary during the growing season and until it is ready for harvest.