Q: In various magazines this time of year are ads for zoysia lawn plugs. Is ordering these plugs beneficial? Is it a hardy grass?

A: Zoysiagrass is perfectly hardy and makes a superb lawn, but buying it locally makes more sense than ordering it from afar. Buy sod from a local nursery or sod supplier and chop it into three-inch wide pieces. Plant them six inches apart. Zoysiagrass is a slow grower in full sun but it will eventually grow so thick that it will choke out weeds. Establishing the grass from plugs in semi-shade is not recommended; use sod instead.