How to Grow Strong St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a dark green grass that is recommended for United States Hardiness Zones 7 and up. It grows best in warm, tropical climates and therefore does well in Australia, New Zealand and many coastal areas of Africa. This thick-bladed grass is adaptable to varying degrees of sunlight, but requires high levels of moisture. St. Augustine is one of the most popular grasses, as it creates one of the most beautiful, lush lawns found anywhere.

Things You'll Need

• St. Augustine sod, plugs or seeds
• Starter fertilizer
• Shovel
• Gardening gloves

Instructions

1. Plant St. Augustine grass using sod, grass plugs or seeds on soil that drains thoroughly. Use a “starter fertilizer,” which is high in phosphorus, at planting time and for the next three months. Preferred pH is 6.7 to 7.5. Plant plugs every one to two feet apart.

2. Fertilize during the fourth month and each month thereafter with a lawn fertilizer high in nitrogen until the lawn is well established.

3. Water frequently, or if possible, install a watering system to help the grass propagate quickly. If you’ve planted seeds, water daily to keep the ground moist for several weeks. Once established, mow to a height of two to three inches to encourage growth.

4. Spread lime on the lawn in early spring if the pH if out of balance, but only after the lawn is fully established.

5. Fertilize in early summer and again in late summer with lawn fertilizer. Treat for insect control, as necessary.

6. Apply a winter conditioner or “winterizer” in late fall. For St. Augustine grass, choose an "8-18-22" fertilizer; that is, eight percent nitrogen, 18 percent phosphorous and 22 percent potassium.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your county extension service for information on how to control the most prevalent pests in your locale. The most common insects that attack St. Augustine grass are the Southern lawn chinch bug, SAD, brownpatch and white grub. Although not all lawns necessarily require winter conditioners, warm weather grasses, such as St. Augustine grass, does need the protection.