How to Set Out St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is lush, thick grass that is popular in Florida, the Carolinas, the Gulf Coast, Texas and Southern California. While St. Augustine grass is generally hardy, it does not do well in extreme cold, droughts, or water-logged conditions. When planted correctly, St. Augustine grass can give your yard a beautiful green landscape great for gardening, backyard parties and having a catch. Setting out St. Augustine sod takes some preparation, but the rewards will make you the envy of the neighborhood.

Work gloves
Spray paint
Shovel
Rake
St. Augustine grass fertilizer
St. Augustine sod
Water source

Instructions

- 1
  Put on work gloves and spray paint an outline of the area where you wish to plant the St. Augustine grass.
- 2
  Use the shovel to dig up any grass or plants in the area you outlined with the spray paint, and dig out a couple of inches of earth below if you have in-ground sprinklers so you don't bury them, or if you want to make sure your lawn is level with--not taller than-- your driveway or walkway.
- 3
  Rake away any rocks or other debris from your work area.
- 4
  Spread an even layer of St. Augustine fertilizer over your surface.
- 5
  Spread the sod across the area you wish to cover so that the edges of the pieces of sod are flush.
- 6
  Water your lawn so that it is damp but not soaked, as too much water will drown your grass. The general rule is one inch of water a week, broken down into two or three watering sessions a week.

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