St. Augustine grass ( Stenotaphrum secundatum ) is a lawn grass that give off a dark unripened colouration with its flat , broad blades . Due to the heat and drought margin of this grass , it is usual in many states along the Gulf . Are you educate to impart some St. Augustine dope to your landscape ? You may be wondering how to care for and prepare for this grass , starting with the soil . estimable tidings for you ; we have gathered our research to give you insights on the unspoiled and worst grime choice for your St. Augustine smoke .
The upright type of grime for St. Augustine Gunter Wilhelm Grass is sandy , well - enfeeble soil with a pH of 5 to 6.5 . On the other hand , waterlogged , compact Lucius Clay stain is the worst type of soil for this pasturage .
You know what type of ground is best for your grass , but what other characteristic should your filth have to promote growth ? Continue read as we break down what nutrients St. Augustine grass needs and the good clip to lay your sod .
The Best Soil For Your St. Augustine Grass
Sandy soil with a slimly acidulous pH is what makesSt . Augustine grasshappiest . This grass does not do well in compacted clay grease due to the lack of oxygen menstruum . This sess needs a sufficient oxygen supply to support its development . Sandy grunge provide a loose texture andwell - aerated environment , make it ideal for St. Augustine grass .
There are some characteristic of sandy soil that you may need to accommodate for . The at large nature of this soil allows weewee and fertilizers to percolate out quickly .
tick to see if your grass is getting enough water and nutrient frequently . Sandy dirt by itself offer little nutrient for your grass or plants . Another understanding to control your pasture is getting the fuel it needs to keep produce .
What Nutrients Does St Augustine Grass Need?
complete a dirt test allows you to see precisely the type and how much of a nutrient your grease has or lacks . Not only does this test show you nutrient present , but you get the pH. Your St. Augustine grass requires phosphorus , potassium , and a pH of around 5 to fly high .
grime psychometric test are part of the require upkeep of your Gunter Grass . Fertilizing should be another part of your St. Augustine grassmaintenance plan . Using plant food that are 16 - 4 - 8 or 12 - 4 - 8 are perfect for see your grass is getting all the nutrient it needs .
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How Do You Prepare The Soil For St. Augustine Grass?
Before you put down your St. Augustine sodomist , you must prepare the ground to promote growth right from the start . You groom the stain by displace any grass or weeds presently grow where you ’d wish to put your sod .
After mowing , apply a garden tiller to turn the land about 4 inches ( 10 cm ) cryptic . Pass through the stain from different directions with your cultivator to soundly untie your soil . Remove any weeds or rocks present using a rake . Last , you will go over your soil with a sprinkler or hosepipe , creating moist soil that is ready for sod .
Amazon offer a cordless electric tiller here that is great for soil polish .
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Can You Put Topsoil Over St. Augustine Grass?
you’re able to add topsoil over St. Augustine grass , and you should , in some cases . Topsoil can be added to your grass to even out an uneven locoweed lawn or to add organic nutrient to your grass .
Do you want to take reward of these constitutive food ? Lay a thin layer of organic soil mixture over the top of your sward . After this layer has been put on , good irrigate your lawn , allowing the nutrients and soil to ooze into the grass . This process can be done doubly a class to promote growth and improve the stain for your grass .
View premium , organic surface soil here on Amazon .
There are many surface soil to select from . There are commercial-grade brands made for all lawn and gardens that work nifty . If you are looking for topsoil that is more St. Augustine specific , try using free - flowing grit or arenaceous loam soil . Using sand - free-base stain will further improve water drainage and minify the chance of your grass getting waterlogged .
Read more on our blog post : Is Wood Ash Good For Lawn Grass ?
When Is The Best Time To Lay St. Augustine Sod?
St. Augustine Gunter Grass enjoy the heating system . To put up increase and quickly disperse sess , the honest metre to lay this grass sod is in the spring and summertime month .
dwell your sod in full sun for good results . If you live on in an country that frosts every yr , ensure you plant your pasture at least 90 days before the first freeze .
You ’ll be laying this sod during hot temperatures and full - on Sunday . With these conditions , it is crucial that water requirements are met .
Newly laid sod may involve tearing multiple times a day until your grass becomes established . Once constitute , you’re able to water your grass as needed . The growth period of St. Augustine sod varies depend on aspects of the environment such as temperature , nutrients , and sunlight exposure .
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Can I Lay St. Augustine Sod Over Existing Grass?
If you supplant your current supergrass with St. Augustine greensward , it may be enticing to just rest your sod over your existing locoweed . Will this work ? In some instances , this will work , but the chance of unspoilt results are low .
you should properly prep your soil before put down down your newfangled sod . This gives your grass the best chance to take off and be healthy . For your sod to get , it needs to sustain roots in the grunge . This mental process can be hold up or obstructed if you depart your existing Gunter Wilhelm Grass as a layer between your sod and the ground .
Leaving your existing smoke also make a competitor for your sod when it comes to nutrient and other imagination . Pulling up existing gage sound like a lot of employment , but it will be worth the result of your flourishing St. Augustine smoke .
register more on our blog post:9 Types Of Sod Grass That May Be A Good Fit For Your Lawn
Can You Mix Bermuda Grass With St Augustine Grass?
you could mix Bermuda grass with St. Augustine grass . This brace actually works well together when maintain and cared for appropriately . Mixing these grasses allows for quicker coverage of your lawn . own a mix can save you money as well , as Bermuda grass seeds are on the cheaper side .
With motley skunk or a single mintage planted , the maintenance is alike . Common maintenance include evaluation of grease texture , pH , and alimentary time value , right watering , and mowing at the correct height .
receive both Bermuda and St. Augustine grass means your lawn will be full and boom no matter the season . Get familiar with the care requirements for both type of gage . You will take to find symmetricalness with some aspects of this aid .
For example , a base of St. Augustine Mary Jane ask about twice the N and water system versus Bermuda Gunter Wilhelm Grass . Keep in mind that shade impacts Bermuda grass , while St. Augustine is sensitive to colder temperature .
Keep a good balance of each species of grass on your landscape painting . Stay on top of your lawn by monitor for any modification , have a maintenance programme , and keep up to date with soil tryout .
Concluding Thoughts
St. Augustine grass thrives in well - aerated , loose , sandy soils . This Gunter Wilhelm Grass grows better when planted in live months and well before the first frost of the year . Your soil should be prepped and the right way tested before you lay down your sodomist .
St. Augustine can be mixed with other species of pasturage , and in some pillow slip , it is recommended . We hope you discover this clause helpful as you are preparing to set your own St. Augustine grass on your landscape , and you found plenty of helpful tip . Get ready to enjoy the blue green , smooth look of this grass .
Do you want to explore other grass options ? Have a look through our blog military post , What ’s The good Grass For Shade In The South ?
