How To Plant St Augustine

Dreaming of a lush, green carpet of a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood? St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for homeowners in warm, coastal climates, prized for its dense growth and ability to thrive in sunny conditions. However, simply scattering some plugs and hoping for the best rarely delivers the desired results. Knowing the proper techniques for planting and establishing St. Augustine is crucial for ensuring a healthy, vibrant lawn that will stand the test of time (and the summer heat!). A well-established St. Augustine lawn not only enhances your property's curb appeal but also helps to prevent erosion, reduce weed growth, and even lower your home's energy costs.

Mastering the art of planting St. Augustine grass is easier than you might think. It's all about preparation, proper technique, and consistent care during the establishment phase. By following a few key steps, you can create the foundation for a beautiful and resilient lawn that you can enjoy for years to come. From choosing the right planting method to providing the optimal amount of water and nutrients, every detail plays a vital role in the success of your St. Augustine lawn.

Ready to Get Growing? Here are some common questions about planting St. Augustine grass:

How far apart should I space St. Augustine plugs or sod?

For St. Augustine plugs, space them 12 to 24 inches apart. For sod, lay the pieces tightly together, edge to edge, ensuring there are no gaps.

Spacing for St. Augustine plugs depends on how quickly you want the lawn to fill in. Closer spacing (12 inches) results in faster coverage but requires more plugs. Wider spacing (24 inches) is more economical but takes longer for the lawn to become fully established. Consider your budget and patience when determining the ideal spacing. Regardless of spacing, make sure the soil is well-prepared with good drainage and adequate nutrients before planting. Regular watering and fertilization after planting will also promote healthy growth and quicker fill-in. When installing St. Augustine sod, the key is tight seams. Ensure each piece of sod is butted directly against the adjacent piece, leaving no gaps. Gaps allow weeds to grow and can lead to uneven turf development. After laying the sod, roll it with a lawn roller to ensure good contact between the sod and the soil. This helps the roots establish quickly. Water thoroughly immediately after installation and keep the sod consistently moist for the first few weeks until the roots have taken hold.

What kind of soil preparation is needed before planting St. Augustine?

Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful St. Augustine grass establishment and long-term health. This involves ensuring good drainage, adequate nutrient levels, and a level surface free of debris. Typically, this means amending the soil with organic matter, tilling to a depth of at least 6 inches, and performing a soil test to determine fertilizer needs.

Before planting St. Augustine, evaluate your existing soil. St. Augustine prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). A soil test will reveal the pH level and any nutrient deficiencies. You can purchase a soil test kit at most garden centers or have a professional soil analysis done. Based on the results, amend the soil accordingly. Incorporating organic matter like compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss will improve drainage, aeration, and water retention, which are all vital for healthy root development. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic matter evenly over the planting area. Next, till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches to loosen it and incorporate the organic matter. Remove any rocks, roots, weeds, or other debris. This creates a loose, uniform soil structure that allows St. Augustine roots to easily penetrate and establish. Level the soil surface with a rake, ensuring a smooth, even grade. Avoid creating dips or low spots where water can accumulate, as this can lead to disease and poor growth. If the soil test indicates nutrient deficiencies, incorporate fertilizer according to the test recommendations. A starter fertilizer high in phosphorus is often beneficial for promoting root growth.

What's the best time of year to plant St. Augustine grass?

The optimal time to plant St. Augustine grass is late spring to early summer, typically between April and August. This period provides the warm temperatures and consistent moisture St. Augustine needs to establish a strong root system before facing the stresses of winter or intense summer heat.

Planting during this window allows St. Augustine to take advantage of the longer days and increasing soil temperatures, which promote rapid growth. New sod or plugs will quickly root into the soil, allowing the grass to establish itself and spread. Avoiding planting too late in the fall is crucial, as insufficient time to root before cooler weather can lead to winter kill or poor spring green-up. Similarly, extreme summer heat can stress newly planted St. Augustine, making spring or early summer the ideal choice. Consider your local climate when determining the precise timing. Areas with milder winters may allow for a slightly extended planting window, while regions with harsher winters should stick to the recommended spring to early summer timeframe. Providing adequate irrigation and fertilization during the establishment period will further enhance the success of your St. Augustine planting.

How much should I water St. Augustine after planting?

Water St. Augustine grass thoroughly immediately after planting, soaking the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. For the next 2-3 weeks, water daily or every other day, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. After this initial establishment period, gradually reduce watering frequency to promote deeper root growth, watering deeply but less often, typically 2-3 times per week, depending on weather conditions.

Newly planted St. Augustine grass needs frequent watering to help its shallow roots establish in the new soil. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, not waterlogged. Soggy soil can lead to fungal diseases and root rot, hindering the grass's ability to thrive. Monitoring soil moisture is critical. Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it feels moist, wait a day and check again.

As the grass establishes, you'll gradually decrease the frequency of watering. This encourages the roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, making the grass more resilient to drought. Aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, frequent watering. Deep watering means applying enough water to saturate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. This will encourage the grass to develop a strong root system.

Here are some things to consider:

By carefully monitoring soil moisture and adjusting your watering schedule accordingly, you can help your newly planted St. Augustine grass thrive.

What type of fertilizer should I use when planting St. Augustine?

When planting St. Augustine grass, use a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorus (the middle number in the N-P-K ratio). Phosphorus promotes strong root development, which is crucial for the successful establishment of new sod or plugs. A fertilizer with a ratio like 10-20-10 or 6-12-6 is generally a good choice.

Starter fertilizers are formulated specifically to give new grass the nutrients it needs to develop a robust root system quickly. Avoid using fertilizers that are excessively high in nitrogen (the first number), as this can encourage rapid top growth before the roots are adequately established, making the grass more susceptible to stress and disease. Before applying any fertilizer, it's highly recommended to conduct a soil test. This will provide valuable information about your soil's existing nutrient levels and pH, allowing you to choose a fertilizer that addresses any specific deficiencies. A soil test will also reveal if your soil needs amendments like lime to adjust the pH to the optimal range for St. Augustine grass (around 6.0 to 7.0). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the new grass. Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help it penetrate the soil and reach the roots.

How deep should I plant St. Augustine grass?

When planting St. Augustine grass, whether as sod, plugs, or sprigs, avoid planting too deeply. The top of the grass should be level with the surrounding soil. Burying the grass too deep can suffocate it, leading to rot and preventing proper root development. The goal is to ensure the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the blades) is at the surface for optimal growth.

Planting at the correct depth is crucial for the successful establishment of St. Augustine grass. With sod, ensure the soil surface is prepared and level before laying the pieces down. Press lightly to ensure good contact between the sod and the soil below, but don't push it down excessively. For plugs and sprigs, dig small holes just deep enough to accommodate the roots, leaving the crown exposed. Remember that St. Augustine spreads via stolons (above-ground runners). If these stolons are buried too deep, they won't be able to root effectively and establish new growth. Proper depth allows for these runners to easily make contact with the soil surface, promoting faster and denser coverage. Avoid adding extra soil on top of planted St. Augustine grass.

How long before I can mow newly planted St. Augustine?

Wait approximately 2-4 weeks, or until the St. Augustine grass has rooted well and grown at least an inch or two above the recommended mowing height for your specific variety. Avoid mowing too soon, as this can damage the immature root system and hinder establishment.

After planting St. Augustine, whether from sod or plugs, the primary focus is encouraging root development. Mowing too early can disrupt this crucial process. The new grass needs time to establish a strong root system to support healthy growth. Attempting to mow before the roots are adequately anchored can pull up the newly planted grass or stress it significantly, leading to slow growth, yellowing, or even death of the plants. To determine if your St. Augustine is ready for its first mow, gently tug on a few blades. If they resist being pulled up easily and feel firmly anchored in the soil, the roots have likely taken hold. Also, observe the growth; has the grass started to actively grow upwards? If so, it's a good sign that it's ready for a light trim. Always use a sharp mower blade to ensure a clean cut, which minimizes stress on the young grass. Avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing.

Alright, you've got the knowledge and hopefully the inspiration to get that St. Augustine lawn of your dreams started! Thanks so much for reading, and don't hesitate to come back if you have any more lawn care questions – we're always here to help your yard thrive!