Sugar Program for St. Augustine: Rates, Weeds, and Clay Soil

Application Details

• Rate: 1 lb sugar/250-300 sq ft (≈3.3-4 lbs/1000 sq ft)
• Timeline: 3 weeks for visible weed reduction; Year 3-4 for near-zero emergence
• Method: Broadcast dry, water deeply

Mystery Weed: Johnsongrass

10-12" stems, wheat-like seedheads, easy pull = johnsongrass. Sugar program effective but slower in clay.

Clay Soil Acceleration

1. Till bare spots 8-10" with mix: 4 bags cedar mulch + 2 humus + 1 peat per area
2. Or gypsum (granulated white) 1-2" annually
3. Earthworms after chemical leaching (3-4 deep waterings)
4. Plug St. Augustine 4-6" apart, mud-in, keep wet until rooted

Complete Fort Worth Program

• Prune for 5-6 hrs sun minimum
• Sugar spring/fall
• Baking soda spray for brown patch
• Orange peels for fire ants
• Lemon peels for cats
• Rosemary for indoor roaches
• Cedar mulch foundation barrier
• Mow 2" spring, 3"+ summer
• Deep water 6", rewater at 2" dry

Scalping Warning

Never scalp—causes thatch, root exposure, lawn death. Dethatch once (39 years ago), never again with deep watering.