You can plug pretty much anytime in South Florida; the plug comes with a nice root bundle. I just planted some plugs two weeks ago. I personally doubt sod would fare as well as plugs, but losses may be tolerable due to the relatively low cost per unit of coverage.

I would first put my focus on weed control though. Post-emergents are effective and affordable. If you want to take it to the next level, look into your options for a pre-emergent that provides control for the kind of broadleaf weeds you've got.

The following turf manuals have different products listed: https://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/Agricultural_IPM/turf.shtml

The one from UF is http://turf.ufl.edu/pdf/2012_UF_Pest_Control_Guide.pdf, see page 40 for example.

 

Where do you get plug for st Aug (S Flo)? The big stores never seem to have them and the 2 landscaping places by me never have them. Only SOD

 

Where do you get plug for st Aug (S Flo)? The big stores never seem to have them and the 2 landscaping places by me never have them. Only SOD

Luckily I live in a relatively rural area in South Florida, at least ten nurseries within a five mile radius. While weeds have taken over in many parts, it doesn't seem justifiable re-sodding the whole area just to fill in some patches. Thought plugs would be better for those smaller areas.

 

I saw St. Aug plugs in Home Depot last weekend. I don't remember which variety they were... maybe "Harmony Shade" - I don't know if that is really any different than Palmetto.

My neighbor just ordered some sod, so it appears I'll get a chance to observe how it fairs over the fall/winter.

 

@lcst116 I think both would be fine, but make sure you read the herbicide label to make sure there are no restrictions on when you can plant the replacement grass.

 

What area of SE Florida are you in? I haven't seen plugs anywhere, but as mentioned above, Home Depot shows sod and plugs for St. Augustine (Harmony brand) on their website.

As far as putting down sod, I laid 2/3 of a pallet this past weekend, just as the rain was starting. It would be nice to have a break from the rain for a day or so now and give it a chance to dry a bit, but doesn't look like that'll happen until after the weekend.

 

@LHP_Grass I'm in Broward County, Southwest Ranches to be exact. Did a mow today and the lawn just looks absolutely terrible (weeds, yellow spots on grass blades, and just noticed a bunch of mushrooms growing...). It has been quite frustrating haha

Edit: if there are no St. Aug plugs to be found in the area, how would zoysia plugs do in that case? I have had really bad luck with sod in the past so I would like to give plugs a shot.

 

I've seen zoysia plugs at NuTurf in Pompano Beach. A tray was $9.99 last time I checked. Others will have a better idea of how well they will grow this time of year.

https://www.nuturfpompano.com/products.html

I see you are way southwest of me...so that's not too close for you. They have another location that might be closer though.

 

I believe home depot has St Augustine plugs but you have to preorder them and it takes about a week before they arrive. At least you would know they are fresh and haven't been just sitting at the store. Lowes I believe is the same.

 

I saw St. Aug plugs in Home Depot last weekend. I don't remember which variety they were... maybe "Harmony Shade" - I don't know if that is really any different than Palmetto.

My neighbor just ordered some sod, so it appears I'll get a chance to observe how it fairs over the fall/winter.

It would be nice to see how the your neighbors' sod grows during this time. Would appreciate an update on that if you could! :thumbup: