St Augustine plugs/Wal-Mart variety

palmcoast – posted 30 January 2005 11:32

I live in between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach on Florida’s east coast. When is the best time to plant St Augustine plugs to give my lackluster/sparse/weedy lawn a boost. I have areas that don’t seem to get thick growth even after last summer’s heavy rains. My main problem is I have other grasses interspersed that I’d hoped the existing St Augustine would overpower. It did’nt. Any recommendations please??

mikemaas00 – posted 01 February 2005 08:32

When your grass comes out of dormancy here in March, probably, depending on the weather, will be the best time. The best way to control grassy weeds is the use of a preemergent herbicide, but not recommended when plugging due to root pruning. You’ll have to spot treat with something like Image or Atrazine. Just make sure you don’t use Image until after the grass is fully out of dormancy and don’t use any control products when the warm weather comes in June as your St.Aug will be sensitive to herbicides. Be sure to use a fert with potash to ensure root establishment.

palmcoast – posted 01 February 2005 12:27

Thanks for the info. Regarding Atrazine, can I soak the weedy areas fairly well with the mixture? I used it about 6 weeks ago with minimal results however it did rain 4 days after applying. It did nothing to the dollar weed.

nomasyo – posted 24 February 2005 11:32

I am interesed in purchasing real St Augustine grass for new yard in the Rio Grande Valley (South Texas). I found many sellers calling it St. Augustine.. many dont know & the nurseries dont carry St Augustine here in South Texas. Not even WalMart. It a hot climate area w/sun all day. Can anyone help. I understand its a short grass relatively work free. requires small water.