Establishing a Winter Ryegrass Lawn Over Dormant St. Augustine in Arizona

Overseeding Steps

1. Scalp St. Augustine low (1–1.5 in) in early October.
2. Verticut or slit-seed for soil contact.
3. Apply perennial ryegrass seed at 10–15 lb/1000 sq ft.
4. Top-dress lightly with compost or fine mulch.
5. Water 3–4 times daily until germination (7–10 days).
6. Fertilize with starter fertilizer after first mow.
7. Mow ryegrass at 1.5–2 in through winter.

Key Resource

Arizona Master Gardener Manual – Lawns (bookmark for detailed calendars and variety recommendations).

Transition Back

In late spring, stop fertilizing ryegrass, lower mowing, and allow St. Augustine to reclaim dominance as temperatures rise.