DIY Network

Delta Bluegrass: Sod Farming By the Pros for the Pros Growing green, 2000 acres of it, in northern California From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-113

Delta Bluegrass of Stockton, California

Delta Bluegrass is a 2000-acre farm in Stockton, California that grows the flawless turf seen in upscale residential landscaping, golf courses and even sports stadiums in the US. Its founder is Ed Zuckerman who began turf-grass farming as a senior project in college.

Zuckerman started in the late '70s with just a couple of acres of turf grown in the rich, dark soil of California's farming country. Now his business has grown into a sizable enterprise.

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For the sod grown at Delta Bluegrass, the watering is carefully controlled and monitored. Months of growth are required before the roots are fully developed and the grass is ready for harvesting shipping out. In the meantime, the grass is cut on a regular schedule, and the clippings are vacuumed off.

Ed Zuckerman, founder of Delta Bluegrass

Delta Bluegrass has a specialized sports-turf division that supplies turf to high schools, colleges and even pro sports facilities--like that seen at SBC park in San Francisco. These high-grade sports turfs are typically a bluegrass blend or Bermuda grass with highly specialized soil with a mix of imported sand. Sand-based turf is typically required for sports parks to allow for good drainage. This type of turf requires much more care than a typical lawn.

SBC park in San Francisco

Delta Bluegrass supplies the specialized soil and sod used at SBC and other sports fields.

When buying turf-grass by the roll, Zuckerman recommends inspecting it to make sure that the grass has a good, mature root system, ensuring that the turf holds together well when rolled out. The edges should be crisply and cleanly cut. When the grass itself is inspected, it should be free of weeds or any sign of disease.

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