Well, I’ll tell ya, gettin’ that St. Augustine grass to spread ain’t always a walk in the park. It’s like tryin’ to coax a stubborn mule, ya know? But I’ve seen a thing or two in my time, and I’ve learned a few tricks that seem to do the job.
First off, that grass, it likes it warm, real warm. Like them summer days when the sun’s beatin’ down and you’re sweatin’ just standin’ still. So, if you’re livin’ up north where it’s cold as a well digger’s backside in winter, well, you might just be outta luck. This grass, it’s a southern belle, needs that warmth to really strut its stuff.
Now, before you even think about plantin’, you gotta get that dirt ready. Can’t just throw them plugs down on any ol’ hard ground and expect ’em to grow. You gotta loosen it up, make it nice and comfy for them roots to spread out. Like makin’ a bed, ya know? Gotta fluff them pillows and smooth them sheets, or you ain’t gonna get no good sleep. Same with the grass, gotta give it a good place to lay down its roots.
So, how do ya make it spread faster? Well, there’s a few things. Waterin’, that’s a big one. But don’t go drownin’ it, just keep it kinda moist, like a damp rag. Let it dry out a bit in between waterin’s, though, or you’ll get them funguses, and nobody wants that. Water deep, too, so them roots go down deep, makes for a strong lawn, ya see.
Then there’s that feedin’ it. Grass gets hungry, just like us. If it ain’t growin’ good, even when it’s sunny and warm, it might need some food. Get yourself some good lawn feed, the kind that’s got that slow-release stuff in it, that’s the ticket. Keeps it fed for a good long while.
- Waterin’ right: Keep it moist but not soggy, let it dry between waterin’s.
- Feedin’ it good: Use that slow-release feed, keeps it happy.
- Mowin’ it right: When it starts growin’ good, mow it twice a week, not too short, not too tall.
Now, I heard tell that coffee grounds, they do somethin’ good for the dirt. Makes it like that compost stuff, all rich and dark. Seen a fella puttin’ coffee grounds on his lawn, and that grass, it grew like crazy! Thick and green, prettiest lawn you ever did see. Don’t know if it was the coffee or what, but it sure seemed to work.
And speakin’ of mowin’, you gotta do that right too. Once it starts growin’ good, you gotta mow it regular. Not too short, now, you don’t wanna scalp it. But not too tall neither, or it won’t spread out. Gotta find that happy medium, ya know? I’d say, mow it twice a week, and keep it about this high.
Keepin’ up with it, that’s the real key, though. Can’t just plant it and forget it. Gotta keep an eye on it, make sure it’s gettin’ what it needs. Waterin’, feedin’, mowin’, all that stuff. And if you see any bugs or diseases, gotta take care of that quick, too. It’s like raisin’ a kid, ya know? Gotta give it lots of attention if you want it to grow up strong and healthy.
So, there ya have it. That’s how you get that St. Augustine grass to spread. It ain’t rocket science, just a little bit of know-how and a whole lotta elbow grease. But when you see that thick, green lawn, well, it’s all worth it in the end.
Tags: [St. Augustine Grass, Lawn Care, Grass Spreading, Warm Season Grass, Lawn Fertilizer, Watering, Mowing, Soil Preparation, Coffee Grounds]
