Centipede Lawn Bare Spots: Fungus, Not Reseeding, Is the Problem

Diagnosis

Recurring bare spots despite sodding = brown patch fungus (common in warm, humid climates on centipede/St. Augustine). Reseeding/sodding over fungus fails.

Treatment

• Agricultural Corn Meal: 10–15 lbs/1,000 sq ft, water in deep. Primary fungal cure.
• Baking Soda Spray: 4 tsp/gal for small areas.
• Then Organic Program: Sugar spring/fall, deep watering, alfalfa/lava sand.

Corn Meal Clarification

• Horticultural/Agricultural Corn Meal: Bran/germ fraction. Fungicide. 10 lbs/1,000 sq ft.
• Corn Gluten Meal: Protein fraction. Pre-emergent weed killer + fertilizer. 20 lbs/1,000 sq ft (reduce to 10 lbs after years).
• Not the same. Both available at organic nurseries.

Sugar Details

Plain table sugar (cheapest brand). 4–5 lbs/1,000 sq ft. Microbes don't care about brand.

Baking Soda Frequency

Spray at spring growth flush, after cool/damp spells, during rainy seasons. Stop when heat/sun return. Chemical fungicides needed monthly; organic only as needed.

Long-Term

Organic soil building eliminates fungus habitat. Author: 10 years, zero fungus, zero weeds, 90% less work.