How to Grow Sod in Flats

One of the most frustrating things a homeowner can see in the yard is a dead spot in an otherwise lush and healthy lawn. If the brown spot doesn't respond to water, fertilizer and TLC, replacing it is the only option. You can do this by tearing out the dead grass and transplanting sod in its place. Growing sod in flats is ideal for replacing small patches in your yard.

Flat
Gravel
Topsoil
1-1-1 or 1-2-1 starter fertilizer
Grass seed
UV lamp (optional)
Coffee filters (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the bottom of the flat with a layer of gravel 1/2 inch thick. The flat is a large plastic tray used for planting. Use an open flat, not a divided one with individual pockets for seedlings.
- 2
  Fill the flat with topsoil to about 1/2 inch below the rim; smooth the surface.
- 3
  Apply a starter fertilizer with a ratio of 1-1-1 or 1-2-1 and mix it into the soil. These numbers indicate the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the fertilizer. Read the instructions to determine how much to use for the size of flat you are using.
- 4
  Spread a heavy layer of seed on top of the soil.
- 5
  Cover the seeds with a 1/2-inch layer of topsoil.
- 6
  Water the soil until it is damp. Do this every other day until the seeds begin to germinate, and continue for two weeks afterward. Then add a day between waterings until you are only watering the sod once a week.
- 7
  Place the flat in the sun or underneath a UV lamp. If you place the flat outside, cover the soil with coffee filters to protect the seeds from birds.

How to Plant Bob Sod

Which Grass Seed to Use?

Lawn Planting