Do-it-Yourself Propagation of a Saint Augustine Lawn

St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is not only a warm-season grass, it is also a warm-climate plant. This lawn is widely grown in the southern United States, where the temperature consistently ranges from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the growing season. A mature St. Augustinegrass lawn forms a bluish mat of coarse blades that grow even in the shade somewhat successfully. Propagate the plant vegetatively, using springs, sod or plugs, after you prepare the soil.

Hoe
Shovel
Plastic bag
Fertilizers, per soil test
Lime, per soil test
Rake
Lawn roller
Sprigs, plugs or sod

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all vegetation, rocks and debris from the planting area. Dig to a depth of 6 inches in 12 different spots of the lawn site. Collect a handful of soil from the bottom of each hole. Combine all samples in a plastic bag. Submit the soil blend to the county cooperative extension office for testing.
- 2
  Loosen the planting surface 4 inches deep with a shovel. Blend in the fertilizers and lime that the soil test report recommended for enriching the ground and raising the pH. Incorporate lime 4 inches deep and nutrients 1 inch into the surface.
- 3
  Rake the ground and run a lawn roller on the surface to get rid of air pockets. Level the planting area, eliminating mounds and adding topsoil to dips.
- 4
  Propagate St. Augustinegrass based on the starter you decided to use: sprigs, plugs or sod. Press the sprigs into the soil; set grass plugs inside holes and install pieces of sod on moist soil.
- 5
  Water the newly planted St. Augustinegrass. Maintain moist ground until the roots become established and growth is continuous. Give the established lawn ½ inch to ¾ inch water whenever the blades wilt.

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