- Questions and Answers -

When should my ground be deep plowed and disked for grass planting?

Depending on the time of year when you make a decision to plant your grass the following comments apply.

We really recommend the ground breaking start in Mid October through Late December for planting the following year or spring. This method works well because it allows the ground to be broken and deep plowed before the excessive raining season for most years. The ground can be deep plowed at this time of the year and let it sit through the winter, allowing all near surface vegetation to die off and water to penetrate the ground deeper. This will allow possible earlier entry to plant the grass. We can then come in, disc the ground surface really well thus killing off more of the surface vegetation and start the planting. If we wait until spring, such as late March or April or even early may (which this is ok - but may be to wet) the ground may be to wet from winter and spring rains therefore requiring the ground to dry out more before we can get in with the larger equipment seen on this site for deep plowing. Most late winter and early springs are very wet in our area and most times does require waiting a bit later to start the ground breaking and planting. If we get it broke up in the fall and the ground will hold up the lighter tractors for disking and planting then we can dig roots and plant earlier in the spring allowing you to get a quicker stand of Bermuda grass and possibly four cuttings of hay the first year.
In most cases very little plowing can be done from January until late April. However, if your soil is dry enough we do recommend getting the deep plowing done before the planting season. Then let it get some rainfall, thus allowing moisture to get into the ground deeper. Usually at least 1" inch of rain after the ground has been deep plowed then it will crust over after a few days, then its ready for planting any time afterwards or until the moisture leaves or dissipates.
Anytime during the planting season which is usually from Mid May until Mid August we can plow the ground and get it ready for planting but must wait afterwards for at least 1" or rainfall and let the ground crust over to support the tractors. Then we can come back and plant the grass sprigs.

What type of grass should I plant?

Our first recommendation is "Jiggs Bermuda Grass", you can see some technical information on this type grass along with others located on this web site and the link named "TECHNICAL DATA". This grass is very tough, Disease and drought resistant, high in Nutrition and fast growing. Usually gets 90% plus stands from the first planting. You may also see some pictures of this grass at our link named "Types of Grass". You can see different folders within this link showing grasses from just planted until mature hay fields. Please look in each folder to see the progression. This grass commonly gets 18% to 20% protein if fertilized & Limed properly per soil samples and cut at the appropriate.
We can also plant Tifton, Costal & Alicia grass. Tifton 85 would be our next recommendation; however it sometimes is hard to get as good of a stand and its finicky (Takes lots of maintenance). It is our opinion that Tifton may be a slightly better grazing grass and Jiggs a slightly better hay grass as well as a great grazing grass.
We can plant roots in the spring and tops in the summer.

What should I expect after the grass has been planted?

Our recommendation is to fertilize at the time of planting and the area should be fertilized per a soils report or if no soil report is available then use either a 17/17/17 or a 21/8/17 at 200# per acres. Our recommendation after the grass has been planted is to wait approx. 30 days providing the area has had adequate rainfall then once the grass is up approx. 8 to 10 inches or so then fertilize with either 21/8/17 or 24/6/12 at 250-300# per acre. Then in 60 days after the plant date you should be able to cut the area for the first time. Cut it about 4-5” high this first cutting after the grass has been planted.
Next fertilize back when the Bermuda grass starts to green up and wait another 28 days to cut the second time and once again providing the area has had adequate rainfall then the grass should be thick enough and tall enough to cut for hay the second cutting.
We don’t recommend to spray or apply any weed killers such as Grazon, Cimarron etc... On this first years tender grass unless you really have to or unless you are really having a problem with competition. Just cut it each time as recommended herein and each cutting will take out more and more of these weeds etc... Then next year it can be sprayed with both Grazon and Cimarron to take out unwanted weeds and other grasses. Other chemicals are available if needed for more specific weed or grass problems. Just try not to burn the grass if you can help it, Especially the first year.
Afterwards keep repeating these steps over and over until approx. October 10th. We don't recommend that you cut your hay or grasses after this time unless warm weather is forecasted further into the late fall. Be sure on this last cutting if its in October or getting close to a frost time in your area don't cut the grass to short. Try to leave it approx. 4" tall when cutting and try to cut it at least 3 weeks before the first frost for your last cutting. Adjust the cutters to leave it approx. 4" tall and let it get some rebound before the frost. Going into winter or first frost at approx. 8-10" tall is acceptable.
When going into winter you don't want a tall thick stand because this can catch on fire or be a fire hazard. We also don't recommend that you cut your grass right at a frost or after a frost. This will leave the grass roots fragile going into winter.

What should I do about fertilizers when planting new grass?

The first step is to get soil samples to your local testing lab and they will make recommendations for fertilize and lime requirements of your soils.
Please contact us and we can either take the soil samples for you or give you the information on how to take the soil samples. You can also contact your local county extension agent for this information.
See 3a above.
Please contact us for any other fertilize help or requirements.

111318

- Questions and Answers -