St Augustine is a high maintenance turf, with the mowing range height set at either 1 or 3 inches. The above however, depends on the amount of shade present and the frequency of mowing. The grass is interestingly tolerant to varied soil types, but don’t make the mistake of planting it in drought prone or the waterlogged areas.
Going by the scientific name Stenotaphrum secundatam, St Augustine is a characteristic coarse-textured grass with stems and overlapping leaf sheaths that are compressed. If you take a closer look at the leaf blades, you will realize that they fold and the base is contracted with rounded and smooth tips. St Augustine does well when planted in the coastal areas because of the high moisture content with mild winter temperatures.
The grass is kind of hardy and will still thrive in the high summer temperatures. It is well capable of retaining the green attractive lawn color but with the temperatures at 10˚. Lawn owners should also check on the shed provisions for the St Augustine grass as it can only tolerate moderate shade. Exposure to densely shaded conditions will make the grass develop a thin and spindly turf.
When it comes to the soil type, the grass needs adequate drainage and fertile soil with a PH range of 5.0 to 8.5. This leads to successful germination of the grass. The grasses growth rate is primarily dependent on the availability of moisture, temperature and the nutrient content.
Lawn owners looking to derive or enhance the grasses green color should use nitrogen fertilizer which will also boost its growth. The grass is not tolerant to iron deficiency and will quickly develop chlorotic symptoms which can be corrected with the application of foliar or iron sulfate.
Comparison Table best organic fertilizer St Augustine Grass
| Best Organic Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass | Item weight | Coverage | Price |
| SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn fertilizer | 50 pounds | 12,000 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster | 2.49lb | 3.200 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair For St. Augustine Lawns | 3.75lb | 85 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Dr. Earth 100 Life All-Purpose Fertilizer | 12 pounds | 120 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Milorganite 62036-MW Organic Milorganite Fertilizer | 32 Lb | 2,500sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Scotts Natural Lawn Food | 13.2 kg | 4,000 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
| Espoma EOSR30 Organic Summer Fertilizer | 30lbs | 5,000 sq. ft. | Check Price Here |
Seedranch St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer
The Seedranch St Augustine lawn fertilizer comes in a 50-pound packaging with a formulation that is sure to achieve a lush green lawn. The professional turf fertilizer will cover lawns and gardens that are up to 12,000sq. ft and in the process provide the St Augustine grass with the relevant nutrients. The nutrients include up to 6% of iron known to offer excellent greening.
When applied, the seed ranch lawn fertilizer will quickly get rid of the brown spots and build a good turf for your lawn without necessarily burning the grass. This is an all-round good fertilizer and can even be used on other types of grass such as the Zoysia. Also, the best time to apply the fertilizer is during the onset of spring but lawn owners will still be able to experience growth during the rainy season.
Pros
- The fertilizer works fast and can produce results within two weeks of use.
- Good fertilizer to restore your lawns green color.
- Multipurpose and can, therefore, be used with other types of grass.
- Good lawn fertilizer for the long term.
Cons
- Some lawn owners complained of their grass dying.
Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster
Watching your lawn progressively develop thick turf and rich green color is one thing but helping it achieve the cosmetic finish is another. Fertilizer application is not exactly a fun activity and that is why this herbicide comes in a ready to spray bottle. The fertilizer’s formulation is known to help enhance the thickness of the lawn while speeding up growth for the new sod and seeding.
The growth booster’s formulation will intensify reactions with the existing minerals in the soil and in the process combat mineral deficiencies. The fertilizer contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which makes it the best option for commercial lawn use. The formulation remains effective when used on other types of grass such as the Florida Palmetto, the Ryegrass, Buffalo and Kentucky grass.
Pros
- Results can be seen in a short period of two weeks.
- Enables tall, lush, and green lawns noticeable from a distance.
- The best fertilizer for a new growing yard.
- The fertilizer is easy to apply and even combats grass diseases.
Cons
- The nozzle is defective.
- Encourages the growth of both grass and weeds.
Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair for St. Augustine Lawns
Scotts EZ patch is more of a lawn repair fertilizer than a growth fertilizer and will provide the best results in less than 16 days. To make the best use of the fertilizer and for quicker results, lawn owners will mix the fertilizer with mulch. This helps absorb 6x the weight of the fertilizer in water and will then expand and surround the seeds in a moist but protective layer.
As the fertilizer focuses on repair, it also encourages growth and the permanent establishment of the St Augustine grass. The product is versatile when it comes to usage and can be used on any grass that has runners. Before use, the lawn owner must first prepare the lawn and the area that needs the revamp and be sure to first pull out the dead grass. During use, enough moisture must be provided to the grass for quicker results.
Pros
- The fertilizer repairs the problem area 60% faster.
- Will offer the best results when used with plugs.
- Works great with great but with good grass maintenance.
- Good for bald spots on the lawn.
Cons
- Needs a lot of moisture for the best results.
- Could take longer before any positive results are seen.
Dr. Earth 100 Life All-Purpose Fertilizer
Dr. Earth all-purpose fertilizer is available in four different sizes including the 12lb pack. Lawn owners usually settle with one that effectively covers the sizes of their lawns. The fertilizer is pretty easy to use because all you have to do is throw it and go. Even better is that the pellets can be broadcasted throughout the entire garden.
Dr. Earth is amongst the best fertilizer for the St Augustine grass that will boost the soil structure by adding the beneficial soil microbes and the mycorrhizae. Upon use, it will ensure that the organic nutrients have been thoroughly broken down and then released to the soil for absorption by the roots. The all-purpose fertilizer will further ensure that your St Augustine grass achieves a healthy and strong root system that will easily absorb nutrients.
The formulation of the fertilizer contains organic nutrients that naturally occur in plants, fish and in fish bones among others. According to the manufacturer, the fertilizer is totally safe for use by humans, as it has obliterated the use of GMOs among other synthetic ingredients.
Pros
- The fertilizer is 100% organic and natural thus safe for use.
- It is rich in humic acid.
- Encourages growth without burning the grass.
- Safe for both pets and humans.
Cons
- Has little impact on grass growth.
- Most users have ended up with expired fertilizer.
Milorganite 62036-MW Organic Milorganite Fertilizer
Milorganite 62036 is rich in nitrogen and therefore, the best type of organic fertilizer for the St Augustine grass that is sure to encourage faster growth. The fertilizer works gently and slowly on the lawn grass thanks to its natural formulation.
Boasting over 80 years of enhancing the growth of the various types of plants, Milorganite is a trustworthy formulation that will keep your lawn lush and green through the seasons. The fertilizer can be used on various types of grass and plants and has obliterated the use of chemical salts, known to cause burning. The nutrients incorporated in the fertilizer also interact well with the different types of soils.
Some of the incorporated nutrients are iron, which is especially needed by plants to help in the formation of chlorophyll. Iron is known to enrich plants, including the St Augustine grass, regardless of the PH of the soil used to grow the plants. In addition, the formulation enables what we call slow release and therefore provides the plants with small doses of nitrogen within an 8-12 week period. The above minimizes the need to constantly mow the lawn because of excessive growth.
Pros
- Mild and effectively fertilizer that does not burn the grass.
- The best green lawn care product.
- Doesn’t need watering immediately.
- Keeps the wild away while staying gentle on the plants.
Cons
- The fertilizer is not available locally.
- Has some kind of light odor.
Scotts Natural Lawn Food
Scott’s natural lawn food features a formulation derived from natural ingredients and will give your lawn a repetitive non-chemical influenced green lush turf. The fertilizer can be used on any type of grass and at any season. So in order to make the best of the formulation, the application should be done at least four times a year, with a six week allowance between the periods of application.
Given the removal of chemicals from its formulation, the lawn remains usable even after application and can therefore be used by both pets and humans. If the budget allows, lawn owners can get the Scotts rotary or drop spreader designed to help achieve an even application. Positive results should be expected 1-3 weeks after application.
Pros
- Good for new lawns (before or after seeding).
- Safe fertilizer for kids and pets.
- Works well on the bare patches.
- The most natural fertilizer that dissipates fast.
Cons
- Needs care and attention, particularly lots of moisture.
- Works well on grass and suffocates the weeds.
Espoma EOSR30 Organic Fertilizer
If you have a yellow lawn, and have been wondering how you are going to turn it green without using a chemically infused fertilize then the Espoma EOSR30 will do. The summer revitalizer has incorporated a non-staining iron that will ensure your yellow lawn regains its natural green color.
The natural formulation of feather meal poultry manure iron oxide and elemental sulfur enhances the strength and color of the lawn without burning or leaching out of the soil. The fertilizer therefore works with the soil to create a healthy lawn. The fertilizer is environmentally friendly and does not pose any health risks to kids or pets after application, especially on the large tracts of land.
Pros
- Great fertilize for deteriorating lawns.
- The fertilizer is safe for kids and pets.
- Restores the lawn with thick turf.
- Works as indicated on the package.
Cons
- Has a terrible smell.
- Attention and constant care is necessary for the formulation to work.
Conclusion
St Augustine best grows during the summertime and will spread faster at that time. It is important to note that it must be grown on the right type of soil. You should therefore get a well-aerated soil type. Apart from the organic fertilizer, lawn owners can also use the phosphorus fertilizer complete with a prompt watering schedule which will translate to quicker root and foliage development.
The organic fertilizers discussed above have been proven to work on St Augustine among other types of grass thanks to their natural formulation. They work to enhance the soil and enable a lush green lawn with consistent use. The relevant care processes should accompany fertilizer use for the best results.
FAQ’s
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How can I make my St Augustine lawn thick?
Irrigate your lawn, ensure that you mow to the correct heights with regard to season, fertilize and then weed.
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Is it possible to water St Augustine?
Yes, it is possible to over water St Augustine because the grass does have shallow roots thus predisposed to fungal attacks. In case of overwatering, wait for the leaves to straighten out before, you water again.
William Moore
William Moore is an expert in lawn mowing, with 13 solid years of experience under his sleeves, William is, therefore, the best person to offer lawn mowing advice to individuals who are looking to create the perfect cosmetic lawn. William developed a passion for lawn mowing after realizing that people never took the necessary precaution to ensure that their lawns grow back in full. There are, therefore, different types of lawnmowers, and without understanding the exact use of each then, the lawns will suffer and so will the lawnmowers. And that is the reason why he came up with the extensive review on lawn mowers, to help get the right information to the relevant audience.
