Identifying Your St. Augustine Variety and Watering Needs

It’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact St. Augustine cultivar from photos alone. For a definitive ID, dig a large plug from each area and take it to a reputable nursery or your County Extension Office.

Watering Guidelines

St. Augustine typically needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered in one or two deep sessions rather than daily light sprinklings. Adjust for rainfall, soil type, and season. A soil probe or screwdriver test (push it into the soil; it should slide easily to 6 inches) helps gauge moisture depth.

Filling Bare Spots

• Plugging: Cut 3- to 4-inch plugs from healthy areas and plant them 12 inches apart in a checkerboard pattern.
• Sodding: For faster results, lay sod pieces cut to fit the bare patches.
• Topdressing: Spread a thin layer of compost or topsoil along the edges of bare spots to encourage runner growth.

Keep newly planted areas consistently moist (not soggy) for the first 2–3 weeks until roots establish.