nancini – posted 08 March 2004 17:10
I am new at home ownership. My lawn, I have been informed, is many varieties, including bermuda, bahia, st. augustine, PLUS! I have many small bare patches and small brown areas (not rounded). What would be best way to care for this lawn and get beautiful green grass on a very slim-pickins’ budget? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dchall_San_Antonio – posted 15 March 2004 08:18
I would work with what you have, obviously, for the lowest starting cost. Here is my 123 plan for great turf.
1. Water deeply and infrequently. Deeply means at least an hour in every zone, all at once. Infrequently means monthly during the cool months and no more than weekly during the hottest part of summer. If your grass looks dry before the month/week is up, water longer next time. Deep watering grows deep, drought resistant roots. Infrequent watering allows the top layer of soil to dry completely which kills off many shallow rooted weeds.
2. Mow at the highest setting on your mower. Most grasses are the most dense when mowed tall. Bermuda, centipede, and bent grasses are the most dense when mowed at the lowest setting on your mower. Dense grass shades out weeds and uses less water when tall. Dense grass feeds the deep roots you’re developing in 1 above.
3. Fertilize regularly. I fertilize 4 times per year using organic fertilizer. Which fertilizer you use is much less imporant than numbers 1 and 2 above.
The organic fertilizer I use is ordinary corn meal. It costs $5 per 50-pound bag and I use 10-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Get corn meal at a feed store. It really works!
Florida Greyhound Mama – posted 17 March 2004 07:10
Also, depending on where you are in Central Florida, you may have water restrictions. Don’t get caught watering when you shouldn’t be!! I live in Apopka, which is NW of Orlando and we can only water 2 days a week. Odd house numbers are Wed & Sat, but I can’t remember what even house numbers are. My husband and I ride through our neighborhood and see people scalping their St. Augustine grass thinking they won’t have to mow as often. Don’t do that!! Hopefully your St. Augustine will take over–maybe add some plugs to help it out. My neighbor did that across the street with her Bahia and she has a gorgeous St. Augustine lawn now. Good luck!