How to Sprig St. Augustine Grass

According to the University of Florida IFAS, St. Augustine grass is the most widely adapted turf to the warmer regions of the world. It is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. Seed, sprigs, and sod can establish St. Augustine grass. While sodding is the instantaneous way of establishing a lawn, sprigging is the least expensive and allows for a deeper, stronger root system. There are two methods of planting: broadcast spreading and planting in rows.

Sprigs (5 to 10 bushels per 1000 sq ft.)
Hoe
Landscaping rake
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare soil for sprigs. Remove any rocks, sticks or debris. Grade the soil with a landscaping rake. Make sure to slope the ground away from the house for proper drainage. Add nutrients to the soil if needed.
- 2
  Spread sprigs by broadcasting the sprigs onto the prepared soil. A stolon disk can be rented to push the sprigs into the ground. Cover the sprigs with a thin layer of top soil.
- 3
  Use a hoe and excavate one to two inch deep furrows if you choose to to plant sprigs in rows. Place each sprig into the row 6 to 12 inches apart. Cover the roots of the sprig with soil.
- 4
  Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as a mixture of 1-2-1. Make sure to get a fertilizer without a weed controller, which can stunt the growth of the new grass.
- 5
  Water the newly planted sprigs for three to four weeks. Make sure soil is kept moist by watering the new lawn at least two to three times a day. Do not let the water puddle as this will wash away the soil and the sprigs causing uneven growth.

When Should Centipede Grass Be Sowed?

How to Lay Sod Without Rototill

Lawn Planting