My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 5 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 2-4 hours direct sunlight (Partial Shade) | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: Top watering Frequency: Water deeply, but infrequently. Water when the soil is dry, usually when the grass shows signs of drought stress such as wilting or a bluish-gray color. Notes: Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal diseases. Water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry before nightfall. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: Moderate Maintenance: St. Augustine grass thrives in moderate humidity. This is typically achieved through regular watering practices. Misting is generally not required. | |
| Care Instructions | Mow regularly to maintain the desired height, typically 2.5-3 inches. Fertilize in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Control weeds with herbicides or manual removal. Aerate the lawn annually to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -7°C Max: 43°C | |
| Alternative Names | St. Augustine grass, Stenotaphrum americanum, Carpetgrass, Buffalo grass, Coastal Buffalo Grass, Coarse Grass, Mission Grass, Coarse Quick Grass, Grove Kweek, Coarse Couch, Coarse Quick, St Augustine Grass, Cape Quick Grass, Cape Kweek, Seaside Quick, Buffalo turf, Buffalo Quick Grass, Coarse Couch Grass, Caost Kweek, Seaside Quick Grass |
Bermudagrass is a highly aggressive warm-season grass that can quickly outcompete St. Augustine grass for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Bermuda grass has finer blades and spreads much more aggressively than St. Augustine.
Bahia grass is another aggressive grass species that can outcompete St. Augustine, especially in sandy or poorly drained soils where it thrives. They compete for the same resources, and Bahia is typically less desirable in lawns.
Chinch bugs are small, black-and-white insects that suck the sap from St. Augustine grass blades, causing yellowing, browning, and eventually, dead patches in the lawn. Infestations often occur during hot, dry weather. Look for patches of dying grass that expand rapidly.
Grubs are the larval stage of various beetle species (e.g., Japanese beetles, May beetles). They feed on the roots of St. Augustine grass, causing the turf to become loose and easily pulled up. Symptoms include irregular brown patches and increased susceptibility to drought stress. Signs of grub infestation include high populations of birds and animals (such as skunks) digging in the lawn.
Sod webworms are the larval stage of certain moth species. They feed on grass blades at night, creating irregular brown patches. They often leave behind a characteristic web-like silk. Look for chewed grass blades and small, green caterpillars.
Steps:
- Purchase or obtain healthy St. Augustine grass sod or plugs.
- Prepare the soil by removing any existing vegetation and debris.
- Loosen the soil and level the area.
- Lay the sod pieces closely together, or plant the plugs.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment phase.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic until the grass is well-rooted.
Neem Oil
Used as a natural insecticide to control pests like chinch bugs, sod webworms, and other insects. It disrupts their life cycle and acts as a repellent.
Beneficial Nematodes
These microscopic worms are effective against grubs by parasitizing them in the soil, helping to control the grub population naturally.
Seaweed Extract
A natural fertilizer that promotes strong root development, improving the grass's ability to withstand stress and resist pests and diseases.
Compost Tea
A liquid fertilizer that can provide beneficial bacteria and nutrients to the soil, promoting healthy growth and disease resistance. Can be used on the lawn as a foliar spray.