Reviving St. Augustine Grass from Brown Patch with Organic Methods

Introduction

Brown patch fungus kills St. Augustine in circles with smoky edges. Chemicals often fail long-term; organics fix the root cause.

Organic Protocol

• Baking Soda Spray: 1/4 cup per gallon water; saturate affected areas. Repeat as needed.
• Corn Gluten: Natural fungicide + nutrient source (Howard Garrett's top pick).
• Deep Watering: 6-inch depth once weekly. Morning watering on shaded lawns can promote fungus; adjust timing.
• Zero Chemicals: Fertilizers/fungicides kill beneficial microbes and predators (toads, lizards).
• Sugar: 1 lb/250 sq ft spring and fall feeds microbes that enrich soil and suppress disease.

Resources

Howard Garrett's Dirt Doctor site (ground crew $25/year) offers videos, forums, and test-lab results.

Conclusion

Organic practices—baking soda, corn gluten, sugar, deep watering—cure brown patch and build a disease-resistant lawn.