Thin turf, spreading weeds, and lawns that scorch in the summer sun are constant frustrations for homeowners across the South.
That's why many people want to know how to plant St Augustine grass, a variety prized for its dense growth, bold color, and ability to handle heat and humidity.
With the right preparation and care, this warm-season grass can transform weak yards into resilient, uniform lawns. This guide covers the best time to plant, step-by-step installation, and essential maintenance to ensure your St. Augustine establishes quickly and thrives long term.
What this article covers:
- What Makes St. Augustine Grass Unique
- The Best Time to Plant St. Augustine
- The Complete Guide to Planting St. Augustine Grass
- Caring for New St. Augustine Grass
What Makes St. Augustine Grass Unique
Unlike most other lawns, St. Augustine does not establish well from grass seed. While specialty blends of St Augustine grass seed are available, the turf is almost always installed by sod, plugs, or sprigs.
That means planting requires more upfront preparation and planning, but the payoff is a thicker, faster-growing lawn.
St. Augustine excels in warm climates such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Carolinas. Its wide blades form dense coverage that chokes out weeds and creates a plush surface underfoot. It tolerates high humidity, salty conditions near the coast, and direct sunlight.
However, it does require consistent watering during establishment and benefits from regular feeding with a high-quality St Augustine grass fertilizer to maintain vigor and color.
The Best Time to Plant St. Augustine
Timing is critical for successful establishment. St. Augustine grows best when soil temperatures remain consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In most regions, this means planting in late spring through early summer.
Planting outside this window often results in weak rooting and poor establishment, particularly if cold weather arrives before the grass has matured.
For Florida and the Deep South, the growing season is long, allowing more flexibility. For areas like North Carolina, the ideal window is narrower, making precise timing essential.
Regardless of location, St. Augustine should only be planted when you can commit to steady watering during its first few weeks.
The Complete Guide to Planting St. Augustine Grass
Planting St. Augustine successfully requires more than dropping sod or plugs into the ground. Here's how to plant it the right way.
1. Prepare the Soil
Good soil prep sets the stage for lasting success. Begin by removing weeds, debris, or remnants of old turf. If you're replacing an existing lawn, scalp mow to remove top growth, then till lightly or use a sod cutter to clear out old vegetation.
Next, test your soil. St. Augustine performs best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If adjustments are needed, work in lime or sulfur accordingly.
Loosen compacted areas with aeration and spread a two- to three-inch layer of quality topsoil or compost. Smooth and level the surface to promote even rooting and prevent drainage issues.
2. Choose Between Sod, Plugs, or Sprigs
St. Augustine can be installed in three ways:
- Sod: The fastest and most reliable option. Laying sod creates an instant lawn, with roots establishing in two to three weeks under proper care.
- Plugs: Small squares or circles of turf planted at intervals. Plugs spread over time to fill in the lawn. While more affordable than sod, they require patience and diligent weed control.
- Sprigs: Loose stolons or cuttings planted directly into the soil. This method is rarely used by homeowners since it requires extensive watering and longer establishment time.
Most DIYers prefer sod or plugs for quicker, more dependable coverage.
3. Install and Space Properly
If laying sod, stagger seams in a brick-like pattern for strength and uniformity.
Press each piece firmly into the soil, eliminating air pockets. For plugs, plant them in a grid pattern, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on how quickly you want the lawn to fill in.
Tighter spacing accelerates coverage but requires more plugs upfront. Always water the soil before installation so roots and stolons can connect with moisture immediately.
4. Water Immediately After Planting
Water thoroughly right after installation, saturating the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This first watering helps settle sod into place or encourages plugs to root.
Avoid puddling, which can wash soil away or cause fungal problems.
5. Maintain Moisture During Establishment
For the first two weeks, water daily to keep the soil consistently moist. Sod should not dry out during this stage. After plugs or sod begin showing signs of rooting, reduce frequency but increase depth – watering two to three times per week to encourage deeper root systems.
Consistency matters most; skipping waterings during early establishment can set the lawn back significantly.
Caring for New St. Augustine Grass
Proper aftercare ensures St. Augustine thrives long after planting.
- Mowing: Wait until sod or plugs are firmly rooted before mowing, usually after two to three weeks. Set your mower to a height of 3 to 4 inches to avoid scalping.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced starter fertilizer such as Starter Fertilizer 15-20-10 within the first few weeks to support root growth. After establishment, switch to a nutrient-rich st augustine grass fertilizer tailored to maintain density and color.
- Weed control: Avoid pre-emergent herbicides during early establishment, as they can interfere with rooting. Once the lawn is mature, consider products like Guardian 13-0-10 Pre-Emergent Lawn Fertilizer to prevent seasonal weeds.
- Traffic management: Keep people and pets off new sod or plugs until rooting is firm. Excessive traffic during establishment can dislodge plugs or create air gaps under sod.
- Long-term care: Once established, St. Augustine requires consistent mowing, watering, and seasonal fertilization to maintain vigor. Feeding every six to eight weeks during the growing season keeps the lawn dense enough to naturally resist weeds and pests.
Whether you're learning how to plant grass seed in bare spots or figuring out how to plant grass seed without tilling, the same principles apply: consistent care and proper maintenance are what keep new St. Augustine strong and resilient.
Conclusion
By preparing the soil properly, choosing the right installation method, watering consistently, and supporting new growth with balanced fertilization, you set your St. Augustine lawn up for long-term success.
St. Augustine may not grow easily from seed, but with sod or plugs, it establishes quickly and delivers dense, weed-resistant coverage that thrives in heat and humidity.
With the right care and quality St Augustine grass seed or sod source, you can enjoy a lawn that stays healthy season after season.
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