Posts

The Life Cycle of Sod: From Farm Fresh to Rooted in Your Yard

Image
 Have you ever pulled into The Sod Lot, looked at a pallet of fresh sod, and wondered how it got there—or what it’s been through before landing in your yard? While sod may look simple on the surface, there’s actually a whole journey behind those perfectly cut rolls of grass. Let’s walk through the life cycle of sod, from its very first days on the farm to the moment it becomes a thriving part of your lawn. 🌱 Step 1: It All Starts at the Farm Every great lawn begins long before installation day—at a sod farm. Farmers start by planting grass varieties specifically selected for durability, climate compatibility, and appearance. In Florida, that might mean St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Bermuda. Once planted, the grass isn’t rushed. It takes 12 to 18 months of careful nurturing before sod is ready to harvest. During that time, it’s watered, fertilized, mowed, and closely monitored. Think of it like raising a kid—it takes patience, consistency, and a lot of care to get it right. ☀️ ...

How to Keep Athletic Fields Game-Ready Year-Round

Image
  How to Keep Athletic Fields Game-Ready Year-Round A friendly guide for maintenance crews & field managers If there’s one thing every coach, player, and parent appreciates, it’s a field that looks good and plays even better. And for maintenance crews and field managers, keeping an athletic field in top shape isn’t just a job—it’s an ongoing balancing act between weather, foot traffic, scheduling, and turf health. Whether you’re managing a local rec field, a school stadium, or a multi-use sports complex, here’s a clear, easy-to-follow guide to keeping your fields safe, healthy, and game-ready all year long. 1. Start With a Strong Foundation: Quality Turf & Proper Installation A great field starts long before the first kick, pitch, or sprint—it starts with strong, healthy turf. Choosing the right sod variety for your climate, sport, and soil type sets the tone for easier maintenance down the road. Make sure turf is installed on well-graded soil with good drainage and n...

Florida’s Favorite Grasses: A Local Guide to What Grows Best in Your Area

Image
  Florida’s Favorite Grasses: A Local Guide to What Grows Best in Your Area If you’ve lived in Florida for even a minute, you know our weather has personality . We go from sunshine and sea breezes to afternoon downpours and back again before dinner. And our lawns? Well, they feel it all. That’s why choosing the right grass isn’t just a matter of looks—it’s about finding something that can actually thrive in your specific corner of the state. At The Sod Lot , we hear the same question almost daily: “What’s the best grass for my yard?” So, here’s a simple, friendly guide to Florida’s favorite grasses and where they grow best. 🌿 St. Augustine – Florida’s Go-To Classic If Florida had an “official grass,” St. Augustine would probably win the title. It’s lush, soft, and gives that iconic tropical-lawn look. Best for: Jacksonville, Yulee, St. Augustine, Holly Hill, Casselberry, and coastal areas Why Floridians love it: Handles heat and humidity like a champ Thick, carpet-...

How to Plan for a Healthy Lawn Going Into Spring

Image
  How to Plan for a Healthy Lawn Going Into Spring Prep now, enjoy a greener tomorrow! Winter might feel like the time your lawn takes a long nap (and honestly… it kind of is), but it’s also the perfect season for you to plan ahead. A little bit of prep now means you can step into spring with confidence— and with a lawn that’s ready to thrive instead of playing catch-up. At The Sod Lot, we spend all year thinking about grass so you don’t have to. Here’s our simple, no-stress guide to getting ahead of the game before spring arrives. 1. Know Your Grass Type (It Matters!) Different varieties wake up at different times and need specific care. Bahia, Bermuda, St. Augustine… they all have their own little personalities. If you aren’t sure which one you have—or which one you want —don’t stress. We can help you figure it out, and our website has full guides for each type. 2. Don’t Panic About Winter Color If your lawn isn’t looking picture-perfect right now, you’re not...

Dreaming of a New Lawn? Design Ideas for 2026

Image
Thinking about giving your yard a fresh start next year? You’re not alone! As we head into 2026, more homeowners are dreaming big about their outdoor spaces—and the lawn is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Whether yours is patchy, tired, or just not giving “dream yard” vibes, a new lawn can completely transform your home’s curb appeal (and your daily mood). Here are some inspiring, lawn-focused design ideas to help you start visualizing the upgrade you’ve been imagining. 1. Go Big With a Lush, Full-Coverage Lawn Minimalism is out —full, healthy, carpet-like grass is in . Homeowners are shifting back to wanting those classic, thick, green stretches of lawn that look amazing from the street and feel even better under bare feet. If your lawn has struggled in the past, 2026 is the year to choose the right variety for your lifestyle and sun exposure. For Florida homeowners, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, or Bahia bring different textures and colors ...

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for a Soil Test

Image
(And How Our Soil Test Kits + UF Analysis Make It Easy!) When winter rolls around in Florida, most people assume lawn care goes into hibernation. The grass slows down, the mowing schedule eases up, and it feels like there’s not much to do. But here’s the secret the pros know: winter is actually one of the best times of year to learn what your lawn really needs. And it all starts with a simple soil test . Why Test Your Soil in Winter? 1. Your Lawn Isn’t Growing—So You Can Plan Instead During the cooler months, your grass takes a break. That makes winter the ideal time to focus on the foundation of your lawn instead of what’s happening on the surface because it's likely dormant. A soil test gives you a snapshot of what’s going on beneath your feet—nutrients, pH levels, organic matter, and more. With that info in hand, you can plan your spring lawn care with confidence. 2. Get Ahead of Spring (No Guessing Required!) Too many Floridians wait until their lawn starts greening u...

Why Sports Fields in Florida Choose Bimini Bermuda

Image
If you’ve spent any time around athletic fields in Florida—whether you’re cheering from the stands, coaching on the sidelines, or walking the turf before a big game—you’ve probably noticed one variety of grass appearing again and again: Bimini® Bermuda . And there’s a good reason for that! Actually, several. Today, we’re diving into why sports field managers, schools, parks, and athletic directors across the Sunshine State keep choosing Bimini Bermuda… and why it’s become such a standout favorite. Don’t get us wrong—just because it’s a favorite for commercial sites and golf courses doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it at home too! Built for Florida’s Climate (Because Florida is… Florida) Florida weather can be gorgeous, but let’s be honest—it can also be brutal. Blazing heat, heavy rain, sudden storms, high humidity… you name it. Bimini Bermuda handles all of that like a pro! This variety thrives in warm climates and has a natural toughness that makes it perfect for Florida’s long grow...