HELPPP

[treasurehunter101]

How do you keep plugs alive when you dig for a target I always make a mess when digging and also Everytime I dig the grass does on me Thanks in advance!!!!! )

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[foilfinder]

Dig a C shaped plug and fold it over, you also need to get below the roots with the shovel, some root systems are deeper then others but if you get below them there is nothing but dirt so you end up with a clean plug and the C shape will allow the grass to recover. Use a towel or piece of cardboard to put the dirt into so when your done you can get it all back in the hole.

 

[dokc]

Get back a little of the dirt and put it on top of the plug, keeps some moisture for the roots. Of course you could pour a little of your bottled water over the plug too!

 

[RustyGold]

Depending on the grass type. there is not much one can do unless you are there to give it plenty of water! What foilfinder and dock suggested are right on!

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Don't hunt turf in the dry summer months. Choose other types hunting terrain during this time. Do turf after the moist fall rains have moistened things up, or in Spring months, etc....

Another tip: stomp on the plug hard with your foot, after you've reinstalled it. So that the soil is all condensed back to the original level, packing, etc....

 

[finderskeepers]

I think all 3 posts have good points. IMHO... c-shaped/u-shaped plug is critical 1st step. Next, finding balance between large plug (meaning deep) to preserve as much root system as possible, but not so big that you start drawing stares from 100 yards. Then careful re-packing. Watering is a great idea, if it is practical...but personally, I stay out of parks and good turf during July/August as the chances of plug death increases pretty significantly. I'd rather let the suspense build for another month or 2 than try to convince someone I'm doing no harm while standing over a couple of 6" dead circles of grass where I dug 2 weeks ago.

 

[Frankn]

OK, My mom was an expert gardner. She was on call for a radio station. They called her THE GREEN THUMB.
-First make your plug about 6" in dia.
-No matter how shallow the target dig at least 3"+ deep so you don't cut the roots. Some dry area grass roots go 6" but that is rare.
_DON'T stomp on the plug when you reinsert it, that kills the blades ability to convert sunlight. Just press down with your thumbs around the perimeter.

That's the best you can do unless you want to water it.
Frank...-

 

[BigWaveDave]

There are tons of youtube videos, you will see its pretty easy.

 

[TNGUNS]

Dig a C shaped plug and fold it over, you also need to get below the roots with the shovel, some root systems are deeper then others but if you get below them there is nothing but dirt so you end up with a clean plug and the C shape will allow the grass to recover. Use a towel or piece of cardboard to put the dirt into so when your done you can get it all back in the hole.

What he said

 

[masterjedi]

You cant in the dead of summer.... in winter its no problem...

 

[Garrett424]

You're getting lots of good advice.


I just wanted to make a point. I don't know what kind of digging tools you have but using a good tool makes a world of difference.

If you can't afford anything expensive you you can go to Home Depot (or elsewhere) and buy a tool. I paid ten bucks for an Ames digging tool which is basically identical to the Fiskar's digging tool that you can look at Here:

Fiskars Big Grip Multi-Purpose Planting Tool: Gardening & Lawn Care : Walmart.com

They have a smooth blade side and a VERY sharp saw blade side that slices through roots like butter. They cut a nice clean plug. My holes are SO much better now. I started off using a folding US army trench shovel (which is still awesome for rocks, some roots and deeper digging) and a regular gardening trowel.


The Fiskar's tools can get a bit pricy but they're great.

The Hori Tori tools are good too and inexpensive as well. Just get whatever feels right for you and fits your budget. Everyone has their own personal preferences, likes and dislikes.

Also, a big plug is a good thing sometimes. if you dig too small a plug you end up having to make the hole bigger and your original plug no longer fills the hole and you end up with a messy looking hole when you're done. Make sure you dig your plug at least a little bigger than your target so you can pop it right back where it goes nice and snug.

Also, don't dig down on an angle. Go STRAIGHT down, all they way around your "C". That way when you replace the plug. it's far less likely to come back out of the hole.

Remember, like any skill in life, practice makes perfect. The more you dig the better you'll get at it.

I hope this helps and HH.

 

[cudamark]

You might also look into using a slit method, if conditions allow.