How to Grow St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a lawn grass that is suited to grow in humid coastal regions. The grass is a popular choice in Florida and Texas because it adapts well to a range of temperatures and soil types. Not to mention, some varieties are highly tolerant of salt and shade. Although it is difficult to grow St. Augustine grass from seed, it is possible to enjoy a rich, lush lawn with sod and proper maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Sod
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Dethatcher
• Mower

Instructions

1. Lay sod in a staggered pattern on bare, moist soil. Piece seams together to avoid gaps.

2. Apply a time-release fertilizer 1 to 5 times throughout the year to help St. Augustine grass grow. Read the label for a formula that contains 3 parts Nitrogen to 1 part Phosphorus to 2 parts Potassium.

3. Water the St. Augustine sod in multiple spurts for 7 to 10 days. Limit watering to once a day for the next 7 days, but make sure the sod receives ¼ inch of water. Cut back to 2 or 3 times a week as the root system develops then water an established lawn only as needed.

4. Begin to cut sod two weeks after placement then once a week throughout the growing season. The height should be about 4 inches so set the mower to the highest wheel height setting.

5. Manage weeds with a herbicide designed for St. Augustine grass. Use a pre-emergence formula, such as pendimethaline, benefin or bensulide, on areas where noxious weeds have previously appeared. Use a post-emergence formula, such as atrazine, on new and active weeds.

6. Remove thatch from St. Augustine grass when it is in excess of an inch. Get rid of dead leaf matter by “verticutting,” a process where vertical blades cut thatch and soil to bring decomposing matter to the surface. Adjust the blades of the dethatcher to a space of 3 inches and cut consistently east to west or north to south, not both.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply phosphorus fertilizer to help new St. Augustine grass grow and spread.

• For sandy soils, use 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month during the summer months.

• Do not lay St. Augustine sod in winter or summer months when the temperature is extreme; it may not grow as well.

• Do not use too much fertilizer as it will create a lawn that is vulnerable to insects, weeds and disease.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• U. of Florida: Grow St. Augustine Grass
• St. Augustine Grass Tips at Lowe's
• Grow Real Green Lawns