2002-2023 The Scotts Company LLC. Deciding a grid pattern for your st. Augustine grass lawn is also a vital part. We deliver the best quality grass in Houston, and we do it at a competitive price too. Six to 8 weeks after planting, feed withScotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food. This time is suggested because the grass will have plenty of time to establish itself before the winter months approach and dormancy takes over. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. After about a month I fertilized with a pink fertilizer. You can use a mower at its highest setting (3-4) inches to cut this grass. Enjoy! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Planting too deep also encourages diseases or insects. In areas where the grass will go dormant, plant your plugs after the last frost of the winter. Let nature take care of it for you. It grows best in tropical climates. When your new lawn reaches over three and a half inches tall, mow off a third of the height and collect the clippings. It will also make the plugs grow together faster. Water them deeply 6. Please call us at 281-431-7441 or use our contact form for more information or a quote for your project. In that period, the daytime temperature remains 80 Fahrenheit on average. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. After the holes have been dug, thoroughly water the area. If your holes end up being too deep, you can add a little nutrient-rich soil to fill in the extra space. I had a contractor lay down the sod. Examples include: St. Augustine grass has traditionally been propagated via sod (plugs), and it is in this form that turf farms or their retailers sell it to homeowners and landscapers. Take a sample of the soil, to a nearby extension agent to advise whether the soil needs fertilizer or pH amendments. The heat will evaporate most of the water and leave little behind for the grass. Imidacloprid 2F Select T/I is a highly effective insect control product and termiticide that offers prevention and control over a wide array of common lawn and garden insects. It thrives in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. St. Augustine responds well to potassium fertilizers, especially in late summer and early Fall, but phosphorus should only be applied if there is a deficiency. A tray of 18 plugs will cover approximately 32 square feet. Call 281-431-7441 for Help in Selecting the Best Grass Variety for Your Project. Step 2. To grow St. Augustine grass, you use stolons- a horizontal growth stem - which travels just above the ground surface. However, sods may not be suitable for everyone because they are costly. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Pay special attention to keeping the ground evenly moist until you see that the grass has not only sprouted, but also begun to spread. How To Care For St. Augustine Grass St. Augustine grass is a low maintenance sod that can perform well with little extra care. Each plug has been carefully maintained to develop a well established root system, making them an excellent way to start or improve your lawn. The stolons, often referred to as "runners," sprout and root at the nodes. Planting in Rows Dig a row to the depth of your plugs using your hoe. Plugs, on the other hand, are a much cheaper alternative. St. Augustine will take root and spread faster in the right soil conditions. Cover the roots adequately, fill all the gaps, and leave the crowns in the air. You might be in too dry a climate for grass and/or sod. If you see any brown spots or mildew beginning to form, contact your local extension agency for treatment options. Once they start spreading, you will notice your lawn is getting greener day by day. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, and a facemask. And if your lawn has bare or bald spots, its still a great option to fix them. One of the most common questions people ask is when to plant these plugs. Lawn Watering Tips - When Is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn? Otherwise, they will pop back up while your plugs are establishing themselves. These uninvited occurrences interrupt your plants steady growth and threaten to damage it in the early stages. St. Augustine grass does better in a soil pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Can be used on landscape ornamentals . St. Augustine grass is a popular turf in Florida and other warmer states. Give it a year to take hold. St. Augustine grass and Bermuda grass perform best in the southern regions, or warmer parts of the United States. One big drawback is that it does not do well with regular foot traffic, so if you're looking . St. Augustine grass is susceptible toinfestations of chinch bugs. Here's the catch, you don't want to plant St. Augustine plugs in a square grid. When it comes to st. Augustine grass, the most effective grid pattern for these plugs is a diamond one. A tray of St. Augustine grass plugs can have 18 grass plugs that can cover roughly a 32 square ft area. Newly planted St. Augustine grass lawns need protection while they are becoming established. St. Augustine turf is naturally dormant in the winter, so it is essential to lay the sod no later than mid-summer for proper soil adhesion and root growth. The time for planting St. Augustine is April and May. Simply water the plugs sufficiently but not so much that it pools on the surface. Grass/sod can appear dead but come back. St. Augustine grass should be mowed at a height of 2 to 3 inches at all times. Call back the company that laid the grass and ask them to rid the bugs and replant the grass. St. Augustinegrass is the most widely planted type of lawn grass in Florida, with green to blue-green color. St. Augustine grass thrives in sandy soils as long as you are in warmer climates. St. Augustine grass is common from tropical areas up to the southern coastline of the U.S.A. By submitting your email address you are agreeing to receive emails with related tips, information, and promotions from Scotts Miracle-Gro, it's affiliates, and select partners and to our Conditions of Use and consent to the collection of your personal information. Get a soil test and adjust the pH if necessary. The first step is to clear the area where you want to plant the plugs. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When mowing St. Augustine for dethatching, cut the grass at a low blade height of 2-inches. In the fourth week, water 1-2 times every other day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you till the soil later, it serves as a natural fertilizer. Water your lawn adequately. You can use a tape measure but take driveways, sidewalks, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements of your entire lawn into consideration. This part is crucial because when plugs are planted too deep in the soil, they become vulnerable to fungi and insects. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Next Read: Pick the Ideal Fertilizers for St. Augustine Grass. Youll need to spread a phosphorus-rich fertilizer on the soil. Keep the newly planted St Augustine grass plugs moist for two weeks; . % of people told us that this article helped them. If you want to avoid this from happening, then make sure to keep a close eye on your st. Augustine grass plugs. Choose the Right Spreader for Your LawnHaving the right spreader goes a long way in your lawn care routine. Many home improvement stores have models available you can take home for a day. [8] The water should not pool on top of the sod or run off of it. This is an acceptable spacing amount, but remember that the closer together they are, the faster they will spread on your landscape. YARD PLUGGER cuts a 3" X 3" square plug of sod or soil - the size of most commercially available grass plugs. For an extra boost, add 1 teaspoon of organic fertilizer before planting. Harvest grass from an inconspicuous or area where grass is very thick. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg\/aid9724649-v4-728px-Plant-a-St-Augustine-Sod-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Press plug firmly into the hole, filling in all space around the edge of the plug. Do this by laying the squares so the ends dont line up with one another. Suppose you have followed the above-listed method for how to plant st. augustine grass plugs. There is still hope, your lawn can still look green and full of life. 4 Ways to Bring it Back ,Planting Bermuda Grass Plugs ,How to Fix a Patchy Lawn - Floralawn,Bethel Farms Natural St. Augustine Sod Plug,St. Proper watering will encourage the plugs to form a deeper root system and grow up more established. This grass loves the full sun and grows best under sunlight and heat. Be sure to thoroughly wet without causing water to pool. Clear the site of weeds, stones, and debris. The landscaping supplier should look at the sketch map and measurements to advise you on the number of plugs you need for that specific area. This period will last for well around 2 weeks, and once they start spreading, you can give them an inch of water per week. Whether starting a new lawn or replacing an old one, a soil test is necessary for both. At this time, you will have some difficulty pulling up a plug from the soil. You can grow St. Augustine grass during the summer and make sure you lay the plugs on well-aerated soil, then apply phosphorous fertilizer and come up with a good watering schedule that will encourage quicker root and foliage development. If you want to plant some, wait until the spring or early summer, then spray a glyphosate weedkiller over the planting area to protect the plants from competing grasses. St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is sometimes called "buffalo grass," although a different plant (Bouteloua dactyloides) is what people usually mean when they refer to the latter. Give it enough water to dampen the first 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil. SodPods can also be used as a cost-effective way to plant a beautiful new lawn. It killed the sod; now I have dead brown grass. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. The Effects of Cutting the Lawn Too Short Each blade of grass is a leaf, and with less leaf area, each grass plant has less surface area to provide the . Choose the best time to plant The best time to plant St. Augustine plugs is in the late spring or early summer. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How long does a St. Augustine grass lawn last? The grass grows fast enough to bridge the gaps during the first year. Its like laying bricks. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. St. Augustine is one of the fastest-growing grasses, which means that ignorance of maintenance requirements can lead the grass growth to get out of hand. Benefits of plugs include the fact that you can plant one and within a matter of months they will spread and fill in the area . . Now, place each plug in the pre-dug hole and press it firmly for the task at hand. It's not hard to plant a beautiful St. Augustine lawn on your own when you follow these tips from Scotts. In contrast, Bermuda grass is less than 1/10 inch wide and more soft and delicate in texture. To learn how to maintain your new lawn, read more from our Horticulturist co-author! You can use a diagonal pattern method so that a diamond pattern forms with each group when you create a group of 4 holes. Augustine grass is highly tolerant of soil salinity, producing satisfactory growth at salt levels as high as 16 mmhos. When should I plant St Augustine grass? Established roots mean less water and maximum success. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Proper soil pH and nutrients will not only give your new sod the best change to grow. It can be pretty pricey. Planting in the late summer should be mindful of the estimated first winter frost. Learn from his research and experience. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you put flags in the desired places, it will be easier to identify the spots and dig holes. . You Can Barefoot Test Our Grass Varieties at Our Office. The roots and turf are both susceptible to pests and diseases. Fill the holes created with soil or sand. Mow the lawn area with a lawnmower, set on the lowest setting, to remove all tall weeds from the area you are planting. The only requirement is to plant the plugs correctly, water them adequately, and provide proper lawn maintenance practices that involve mowing, fertilizing, and watering. How to Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs Tips for Success, 1) Decide How Far Apart to Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs, 3) Prep the Soil for Planting the St. Augustine Plugs, 4) Drill or Dig the Holes for Your St. Augustine Grass Plugs. Place the plugs 5. Creating plugs from pieces of sod will help stretch the coverage area. Space the pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water faithfully. World rights reserved. St. Augustine does well in the warm Tampa climate and is easy to plant as either sod or plugs. Helps repair St. Augustinegrass 60% faster* *Results 15 days after application vs. untreated control. St. Augustine grass plugs should be planted at least 12 inches apart. In the fifth week onward, your lawn should go 2 to 3 days between watering unless there is extreme drought. The best way to bring it back is to start watering it about 3 times a week. on center, SodPods covers 72 sq. Plant these plugs at least 90 days before the first frost is predicted. Use a hose or sprinklers to water the sod. Firstly, no weeds. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Finish by watering the grass plugs again. Its blue-green blades form a dense turf that establishes quickly and easily, and can tolerate salt, making it an excellent choice for coastal yards. Avoid stepping on sod you have already laid. This toxin renders your grass unable to take up water properly, and the grass dies. Taking care of st. Augustine grass plugs after planting them are just as important. Be sure your area is appropriate for sod as well. Yard Butler Sod Plugger turf cutter and grass plug tool for zoysia, St. Augustine, fescue, or centipede grass transplanting & repair - ISP-33 1,515 $4999 FREE delivery Feb 8 - 10 Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs - 2 Trays 1 $4095 $27.77 delivery Feb 9 - 13 Dethatch your lawn whenever you detect substantial thatch build-up. Augustine ,How to Make St. Augustine Grass Spread Quickly and Grow Thicker ,St. Augustine 3,Types of Sod for Your Lawn - The Home Depot,,St Augustine Grass Seed . By this time in the southeast, temperatures are well above 80. But, if you are lucky enough to find the seed and want to try your hand at it, sow it in late spring to early summer. St. Augustine plugs can be planted year-round in tropical and sub-tropical climates where the grass does not go dormant. They thrive in wet, humid environments. After you have measured the area that you want to be covered by st. Augustine grass, the next step would be to prepare it and ensure its ready for the plugs. This makes plugs a great choice for thin or bare spots in your lawn. Continue to feed every 6-8 weeks until the lawn has completely filled in. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
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