How to Plant Beach Grass
- 1). Prepare the soil for late fall or early spring planting.Test the soil in your desired planting location. Use a soil testing kit purchased from a garden center.
- 2). Loosen up the soil in the planting area using a pitchfork and amend the soil if necessary. For a pH below 5.5, amend with lime. Soil with a pH above 6.5 will require the addition of peat moss. Add either amendment according to manufacturer's instructions.
- 3). Dig holes for the beach grass, 8 inches deep. Beach grass grows in culms, which are spaced at least 18 inches from one another. Dig holes in a zigzag pattern, which looks more natural then holes dug in a straight line.
- 4). Push one to three beach grass culms into each hole. Pat the soil around the culms to remove air pockets. Air pockets can cause the roots to dry out, despite watering.
- 5). Maintain moist soil throughout the growing season to prevent the roots from drying out. Use a soaker hose for deep, weekly waterings. Keep the soil moist to a 1-inch depth at all times.
- 6). Fertilize the beach grass approximately 30 days after planting. Apply a nitrogen, 12-12-12 fertilizer per label instructions. Most beach grasses appreciate a dose of fertilizer in the spring, early and late summer.