How to Make St Augustine Grass Thicker

by Jamie Tedder September 6, 2023

Having a thick and healthy St. Augustine grass lawn is a dream for many homeowners. It not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also provides a comfortable and inviting area for relaxation and recreation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of St. Augustine grass and explore the different varieties that can help you achieve that thick, vibrant lawn you desire.

Understanding St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for lawns due to its numerous advantages.

Let's take a closer look at the key varieties we'll be discussing:

Getting Started with St. Augustine Grass Plugs

To achieve a thicker St. Augustine lawn, consider the use of grass plugs. These small, well-rooted portions of sod can work wonders for your lawn.

Here's how to get started:

What Are St. Augustine Grass Plugs? St. Augustine grass plugs are small sections of sod that are strategically spaced and planted across your lawn. They offer quicker establishment, higher chances of survival, and a cost-effective approach to achieving a lush lawn.

Where to Find St. Augustine Grass Plugs: You may wonder, "Where can I find St. Augustine grass plugs near me?"

The great news is that you can get SodPods grass plugs shipped directly from our family-owned and operated farm to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the United States. We're dedicated to providing you with the finest St. Augustine grass varieties, including Citra Blue, Floratam, Palmetto, and Seville. Grass plugs are an efficient way to achieve a thicker lawn. They provide a head start for St. Augustine grass, helping it establish quickly and outcompete weeds.

Preparation and Planting

Prepare Holes: Begin by mowing your existing lawn close to the ground and watering it thoroughly. Dig holes with 12-18 inches of space between them to ensure even spacing for the pods. Consider using a Power Planter for efficient planting.

Fertilize: In each hole, apply 1 teaspoon of high-quality slow-release fertilizer. Alternatively, you can simplify this step by using NutriPod Grass Plug Nutrition, specially designed for grass plugs.

Plant Pods: Place the SodPods into the holes, pressing them firmly to eliminate any air gaps around the edges. Ensure that the turf runners are flush with the ground.

Water Pods: After the area has been repaired and fertilized, water thoroughly to remove any air pockets and optimize performance. Keep the soil consistently moist, reaching a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches.

Post Pod Care: The key to successful plugging is thorough daily watering. Maintain moist soil, at least 6 to 8 inches deep, until the pods root (typically 10-20 days). Once new runners appear, reduce watering frequency to twice per week.

Caring for Your St. Augustine Grass Plugs

Each variety of St. Augustine grass plugs has its unique care needs. To ensure a vibrant and lush lawn, here's what you need to know:

Watering Requirements:

For all St. Augustine grass varieties, make sure they receive a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. Proper watering is crucial. Keep the soil consistently moist, reaching at least 6 to 8 inches deep.

Mowing Practices:

Mowing your St. Augustine grass plugs differs based on the variety:

CitraBlue®: This variety has less vertical growth, requiring minimal mowing and maintenance.
Floratam: With its coarse texture, Floratam™ benefits from regular mowing.
Palmetto: This heat and shade-tolerant variety also appreciates a well-maintained lawn through regular mowing.
Seville: Seville™ requires less mowing than other types due to its compact growth.

Understanding these specific care requirements will help you enjoy a thick and healthy St. Augustine grass lawn, no matter the variety you choose.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Issues or challenges that may arise when growing St. Augustine grass:

Pests and Diseases: Learn to identify and combat common pests and diseases that can affect your lawn. Different St. Augustine grass varieties may have varying susceptibility.

Thinning Areas: If you notice thinning areas, consider overseeding or re-planting plugs in those sections.

Ongoing Maintenance: Emphasize the significance of ongoing maintenance for a thick and healthy lawn. Discuss maintenance variations for each variety to ensure readers have tailored guidance.

Success Stories and Feedback with St. Augustine Grass Plugs

In conclusion, achieving a thicker St. Augustine grass lawn is within your reach, thanks to the remarkable varieties offered by SodPods. Whether you opt for Citra Blue, Floratam, Palmetto, or Seville, the key steps and tips are relatively similar.

Ready to start your journey to a thicker lawn?

We take pride in Bethel Farms a family-owned and operated farm. From our roots to yours, we ship SodPods grass plugs nationwide, ensuring that you have access to quality products no matter where you are.

Share your success stories or ask questions, contact us! Your experiences and inquiries can help.

Jamie Tedder

Jamie surrently serve as Vice President on the board for Turfgrass Producers of Florida. He currently oversees the production of all grasses throughout all farms in Florida at Bethel Farms. He is actively working with top grass breeders, researchers, producers and end users from public and private institutions around the country to stay up to date on current industry developments. Being a University of Florida graduate, he has applied that knowledge to over 22 years of experience growing spectacular grass!