Lay St. Augustine Sod in Texas
St. Augustine grass is a popular grass in Texas due to its preference for growing in tropical regions that are similar to the climate of the state. St. Augustine grass has been native to the Gulf of Mexico since the exploration of the region, but this particular warm-season grass is able to thrive in a variety of soil types. Many gardeners enjoy its coarse texture and ability to survive cold temperatures. Lay St. Augustine sod in your Texas lawn for a durable green expanse all summer long. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Conduct a soil pH test on your lawn to find out what soil amendments you need to make prior to laying down the sod. Purchase a soil pH testing kit from your local county extension office. Dig ten 6-inch holes throughout your yard. Collect soil samples and place in a bucket. Mix the soil together and collect roughly half a quart. Mail the samples off to the address provided on the kit and wait for the results.
2. Make any suggested soil amendments according to the results. St. Augustine grass prefers to grow in a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5. When the pH range is too alkaline, the grass will take on a yellow appearance. Apply lime to acidic soil and sulfur to soil that is too alkaline.
3. Remove any rocks, debris, vegetation and weeds from the lawn. Till the lawn to break up any clumps that are larger than half a dollar. Water the lawn for three days prior to the delivery of your sod.
4. Lay down your sod in the morning of your delivery, because sod tends to dry out quickly--especially in the warm Texas sun. Stagger the pre-cut strips of sod like you are laying down bricks. Use a utility knife for cutting the strips of sod to fit next to driveways, garden beds or sidewalks.
5. Roll a grass roller over the strips of sod to help the sod establish in the soil. Water the lawn thoroughly. Keep a watering routine of twice a day until the grass grows an inch.
6. Fertilize your St. Augustine grass each month during its first three months of establishing with a balanced fertilizer with an NPK amount of 20-20-20. In the late fall, apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen to keep it healthy for when it comes out of dormancy in the spring.
Tags: Augustine grass, Augustine Texas, laying down, soil amendments, Water lawn
