Establishing a St. Augustine lawn using individual plantlets, rather than sod or seed, involves inserting small sections of the grass into prepared soil. This method allows for gradual coverage and can be a cost-effective approach to lawn development. For example, these individual plantlets, known as plugs, are spaced apart to allow for lateral growth, eventually forming a continuous turf.
Choosing this method presents several advantages, including lower initial cost compared to sodding and the potential for improved adaptation to the local environment. Historically, using plugs has been favored in regions where sod is expensive or difficult to transport, and where a slower, more natural establishment process is desired. The long-term benefits can include a more resilient and drought-tolerant lawn.