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28 • APRIL 2020 - Senior Voice of Citrus County
Bahia Grass Repair. Seed or Sod?
By Steven Davis, Bahia grass also tolerates shallow, ¼” to ½” and no germination, allow collection
Florida-Friendly drought. Too much winter deeper. Seed germination of sunlight for photosynthesis
Landscaping watering often results in rates are variable. Expect 50- and will encourage deeper
Coordinator, Citrus decline of this warm season 60% of the seeds to germinate rooting into the cooler and
in the first 30 days when cared moist soil horizon.
grass.
County Department of for properly. Some seeds may
Water Resources Renovation of weak turf germinate the following year. Excessive outdoor water use
areas is often a priority damages bahia lawns every
Like all lawn grasses in for homeowners as spring Bahia grass seed has an winter. Limit outdoor water
Florida, bahia grass is an approaches. It is always envelope or window, which use during the winter. Timing
introduced plant species, beneficial to wait until the opens and closes determined is vital when renovating bahia
which originated in South threat of frost has passed by soil temperature. The lawns from seed. Proper
America. Common bahia before planting. Immediate open seed window allows seed application anticipates
grass was introduced to satisfaction is achieved with moisture to enter the seed, regular seasonal rainfall (mid
Florida in 1913 through the successful installation of necessary for germination. to late May through August),
discarded ballast from trading sod, but at a cost. Even for Appropriate soil temperatures warmer temperatures allow
ships, which escaped and a small lawn renovation the typically arrive in May the seed window to open and
established in Pensacola. In cost of removal, preparation nearing the arrival of regular seed germination to occur,
1930, Argentine bahia was and installation of sod can be summer rains ideal for seed creating a happy and low-
introduced as forage for high. germination of this grass. cost drought tolerant lawn.
southeastern cattle operations. Remember, once the seed has
Lawn renovations of most Check the expiration date
Bahia grass prefers full warm season grasses often on the seed you purchase. germinated and established
sun and well-drained soils. is accomplished using Apply 5-10 pounds per 1,000 a root system supplemental
Soil pH is also a variable sod or plugs. Bahia can square feet, making sure it water use should be reduced.
to consider with bahia be established from seed, is in contact with the soil When using your automated
preferring a slightly acidic reducing renovation costs. But and buried no more than irrigation system make sure
pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Bahia just because the cold winter ¼”. Once germinated, allow you comply with current
is a clumping rather than temperatures have passed, bahia to grow and establish restrictions on water use when
running grass, leaving open bahia seed is not ready to prior to mowing. Bahia establishing or repairing a
areas for potential weed seed germinate in early spring. may take several months lawn from seed.
germination in exposed areas. When seeding with bahia, to fully establish. Keep Citrus County Water
Mowing grass at the highest wait until daily temperatures the mowing height as high Restrictions
height is beneficial as casting average between 75-80oF as possible. The tall leaf
shade on the voids reduces degrees. Bahia grass seed is canopy will reduce potential https://www.citrusbocc.com/
the possibility of weed seed small and should be planted for competitive weed seed waterres/watering-restrictions.
germination. htm
H E L P W A N T E D !
WE NEED PEOPLE NOW TO ACT AS ROAD PAVERS!
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be able to lean on a shovel and look busy. Must ignore horn
honking and screamed obscenities from passing traffic. Must be able to
duck objects thrown by incensed drivers.
• Drinking alcohol on the job is encouraged.
• Must never actually dig with your assigned shovel! That’s grounds
for firing!
Never leaned on a shovel? No problem! We train!
CALL 888-888-8888 now! Our operators in India are waiting to hear
from you!
