Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass was brought from Africa in the 1500s by the Spanish. Many people use this “South Grass” because it is eye-catching, thick and very adaptable. It can grow in golf courses, lawns, parks, athletic fields, pastures and many other places.

With its tolerance for cold and the fact that it is a warm season grass will allow Bermuda grass to grow as far north as Virginia. It can stay green all year long in warmer areas. It will become dormant in areas that have temperatures below sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

USDA zones 7 -10 offer the best conditions for growing Bermuda grass. It is easy as long as the right conditions are available.

If, however, Bermuda grass has not been planted for practical uses such as turf, it can be very weed-like and difficult to remove.

Bermuda grass should grow in spring or when warm temperatures are consistent. It falls in March or April in warmer areas.

Coastal regions can even grow Bermuda grass as it isn’t very picky. It has even been shown to tolerate salt spray.

Full sun is ideal, but the shade can also be tolerated by Bermuda grass.

This grass was once only available in sod or sprig form, but can now be purchased in seed form. Using a ratio of one pound of hulled seed to one thousand square feet will yield the best results. Once it begins growing, it will do so very quickly and can be hard to eliminate once it has started.

Rake until it is as smooth as possible before planting seeds. An equal mixture of sand and seeds can then be spread manually or with a spreader. To make sure it is spread equally, half of the mixture should be spread crosswise and the other half, lengthwise.

Mowing can begin once the grass reaches 2 inches tall. It will help to spread and toughen the grass.

After six weeks, a slow release nitrogen fertilizer should be used, and a pre-emergence weed control needs to be applied in the fall.