New St. Augustine Sod in North Texas: Organic Start for Stickers, Fire Ants, and Clay

Immediate Organic Program

• Sugar: 5–6 lbs/1,000 sq ft, broadcast, water in. Feeds microbes; weeds die in rich soil.
• Corn gluten meal (CGM): 15–20 lbs/1,000 sq ft now (fall) to suppress spring weeds (stickers). Also adds nitrogen.
• Alfalfa meal + lava sand: Light dusting, water in. Nutrient boost.
• Cedar bark mulch: Perimeter band for termites; scatter for fleas/ticks.
• Orange peels: Chopped, scattered for fire ants.
• Deep watering: 6+ inches to establish deep roots.

Soil Prep for Future Areas

Stop deep tilling—it brings up weed seeds. Instead: core aerate, topdress with compost, slice-seed or plug. For slopes, use erosion netting or a retaining wall.

Beneficial Wildlife

Organic practices attract lizards, toads, snakes, and beneficial nematodes that control fire ants, grubs, and spiders naturally. No chemicals needed.