Maintaining the optimal soil pH for St Augustine grass is crucial for healthy growth and vibrant turf. St Augustine grass thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral pH ranges, generally between 5.0 and 8.5 depending on the cultivar. This article reviews the top St Augustine grass sod and plugs available on Amazon, highlighting varieties suited for different soil pH and environmental conditions such as shade, drought, and salt tolerance. Below is a comparison table summarizing the key features of selected products to help you choose the best option for your lawn.
| Product Name | Brand | Key Features | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine ‘Seville’ Sod – 72 Live Plugs | Florida Foliage | Drought, salt & shade tolerant, fine textured, wide pH adaptability | 72 plugs |
| SodPods® St. Augustine Palmetto Grass Plugs (32-Count) | SOD PODS | Soft broad blades, dense carpetlike growth, lawn repair sized plugs | 72 sq ft coverage |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed | LESCO | Slow-release fertilizer, safe for Floratam, 8 weeks feeding | Covers 13,000 sq ft |
| SodPods® St. Augustine Scotts® ProVista™ Grass Plugs (32-Count) | BETHEL | Lush broad blades, uniform dense growth, vibrant green color | 72 sq ft coverage |
| Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Plugs | Generic | Good in many soils, excellent salt & shade tolerance | Varies |
St. Augustine ‘Seville’ Sod – 72 Live Plugs
The St. Augustine ‘Seville’ Sod features a dwarf cultivar known for its finer texture and rich blue-green color retention. It is exceptionally tolerant of shade, salt, and drought, making it ideal for diverse environments including coastal and inland regions. This cultivar stands out for its wide pH adaptability, growing well in soils ranging from acidic inland to high pH coastal soils. Seville requires 6 to 7 hours of sunlight, tolerating moderate shade better than many other St Augustine varieties. Its quick establishment rate helps lawn recovery and growth in both residential and commercial settings.
SodPods® St. Augustine Palmetto Grass Plugs for Lawn Repair (32-Count)
The Palmetto St. Augustine SodPods come in 32-count trays of 3″x3″ plugs designed for easy lawn repair. These plugs provide a soft, broad blade texture that offers dense, carpetlike growth, which is highly desirable for a lush lawn appearance. Coverage extends up to 72 square feet when planted at recommended spacing. The Palmetto cultivar has excellent salt and shade tolerance, with good performance across many soil types, making it adaptable to different pH levels typical of St Augustine grass environments.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Grass Weed and Feed with Penoxsulam
This LESCO St. Augustine weed and feed fertilizer is formulated specifically for St. Augustine grass varieties, including the Floratam cultivar. Its 17-0-17 NPK ratio combined with poly coated and sulfur coated urea ensures slow nutrient release, supporting up to 8 weeks of feeding. The product should be applied when the turf is wet and allowed to dry for best results. The fertilizer promotes vigorous growth and weed control while being safe for common St Augustine cultivars. It is suitable for a range of soil pH levels commonly associated with this turfgrass type.
SodPods® St. Augustine Scotts® ProVista™ Grass Plugs (32-Count)
The ProVista™ variety in SodPods form presents broad, lush blades with uniform dense growth and a vibrant green coloration. With 32 plugs per pack covering up to 72 square feet when planted properly, this option supports effective lawn repair and overall turf improvement. This cultivar is appreciated for its robust visual appeal and strong adaptation to various soil conditions, including the slightly acidic to alkaline pH ranges where St Augustine grass commonly thrives.
Palmetto St. Augustine Grass Plugs
The generic Palmetto St. Augustine plugs deliver excellent salt and shade tolerance with strong performance in various soil types. This cultivar suits locations with moderate to significant shade and variable pH soils. The plugs facilitate quick establishment through a robust root system and adaptability, making them a practical choice for homeowners seeking resilient St Augustine turf that handles challenging environmental factors.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right St Augustine Grass For Your Soil pH
When selecting St Augustine grass, understanding soil pH compatibility is essential for maximum turf health and durability. St Augustine grass generally thrives in a pH range of about 5.0 to 8.5, but specific cultivars can handle wider ranges. Here are key considerations:
- Soil pH Testing: Conduct tests to identify soil acidity or alkalinity. Adjust soil pH if necessary using lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) for optimal turf performance.
- Grass Cultivar Selection: Choose cultivars like ‘Seville’ known for tolerance to both acidic and alkaline soils, or Palmetto for salt and shade adaptability.
- Shade Tolerance: Lawn areas with limited sunlight (less than 6-7 hours) demand shade-tolerant varieties such as Seville or Palmetto to reduce patchiness.
- Water and Drought Needs: Drought tolerance varies. Cultivars like Seville perform well under limited water.
- Salt Tolerance: Coastal or saline soil conditions require salt-tolerant cultivars like Palmetto to prevent turf decline.
- Fertilization: Use fertilizers formulated for St Augustine grass (e.g., LESCO weed and feed) to supply balanced nutrients and encourage sustained growth.
- Spacing and Coverage: Sod plugs should be planted adequately spaced (e.g., 18 inches for SodPods) to achieve full coverage efficiently.
Analyzing environmental factors alongside soil pH ensures you select the best St Augustine cultivar for a beautiful, enduring lawn tailored to your location and care capabilities.