Best Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass in Florida – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide [March 2022]

The best dressing differs from one veld to another. This is why choosing those that suit St Augustine grass significantly boosts the health of the greenswards. This is key for greenward owners with this turf since it is prone to harsh weather and heavy traffic. The most appropriate dressing eliminates these hindrances.

If the owner strictly follows the set guidelines by the manufacturer, the desired outcome is guaranteed. This feature discusses:

1. The top five fertilizers for St Augustine turf in Florida
2. How to maintain my St Augustine turf greensward
3. Considerations when choosing a dressing for Florida greenswards
4. Soil pH considerations when dressing
5. How to treat St Augustine greensward
6. Timelines for fertilizing St Augustine greensward

The Top Five Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass in Florida

Parameter	Miracle-Gro Lawn Food	The Andersons Humic DG	Simple Lawn Solutions	Scotts Lawn Food	GreenView Starter Fertilizer
N-P2O5-K2O	36-0-6	16-4-8	16-4-8	32-0-4	10-18-10
Available sizes in-lbs	5	18	3	28.4	48
Naturality	Organic	Inorganic	Inorganic	Inorganic	Inorganic
Coverage (per lbs) in sq ft	7,200	5,000	3,200	10,000	15,000
Frequency of use	4-6 weeks	Anytime as the veld grows	Anytime as the veld grows	6-8 weeks	Once every 2 months

Miracle-Gro Lawn Food – Best Organic Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass in Florida

Miracle-Gro Lawn Food can be administered anywhere in Florida since its supplement ratios cater widely for the deficiency in nitrogen supplements instead of phosphate, which is abundant. It prides the greensward with a thick veld, availing sufficient nutrients and ensuring proper root penetration of the veld.

It is a soluble fertilizer and is mixed with water regarding the guidelines. Being sprayed over the veld in a gradual sweeping motion, it assures even the dressing distribution. It requires intensive care if used on the turf.

Pros

• Propels root penetration
• Thickens the veld
• Easily administered

Cons

• The veld needs urgent care if this dressing is administered

The Andersons Humic DG– Best Fertilizer for St Augustine Turf in Central Florida

For greensward owners residing in south Florida, the Andersons Humic DG dressing should be their first consideration. This is because the clod tests there show a deficiency in the nitrogenous supplements it avails. With its small fine particles, it has a larger coverage area with even distribution. It gradually supplies minerals to the turf sustaining it for long durations.

It can be easily administered using a rotary spreader, and results will be visible in a matter of 5 days. Greensward owners require protective gear when applying this dressing. It may cause breathing difficulties and irritation to the eyes and skin if exposed.

Pros

• Large coverage area
• Results manifest in a short duration
• Prolonged sustenance

Cons

• Detrimental to the skin and eyes

Simple Lawn Solutions– Best Fertilizer for St Augustine Turf in South Florida

South Florida clod is lime-based; this makes supplements find difficulty moving freely in the lug. Simple Lawn Solutions is appropriate as it avails these supplements directly through herbage and not the earth. It actively strengthens and thickens your veld. It is purchased ready for spraying hence requires no procedures when administering it. 

It is vital to ensure your turf is not suffering from many ailments. Also, ensure there is no weed infestation. Otherwise, the dressing will encourage their growth. Regular sousing is essential to allow the intake of the supplements efficiently.

Pros

• Thickens your veld
• Elevates root penetration
• Suffices for a variety of velds

Cons

• It could escalate weed growth

Scotts Lawn Food – Best Fall Fertilizer for St Augustine Turf in Florida

It is an excellent dressing in Florida in times of fall. This is because St Augustine turf is susceptible to solar radiation. During fall, the fertilizer repairs the damage dealt in summer preparing it for the next. Its nitrogenous supplement greatly refines the clod making velds greener. It is guaranteed to elevate the water absorption of the veld.

It can be administered using a rotary spreader, and the veld ought to be watered immediately to reduce stress on your turf. Enter the greensward once the fertilizer is applied.

Pros

• Refines the clod
• Maximizes water absorption
• Elevates root strength and penetration

Cons

• Cannot suffice for a greensward lacking phosphorus supplements

GreenView Starter Fertilizer – Best Spring Fertilizer for St Augustine Grass in Florida

Spring is the flourishing period for St Augustine turf. GreenView Starter Fertilizer kickstarts its growth in the time, immediately availing supplements to the turf upon application. It only works for new or reseeded greenswards. It enables enrichment of the earth with minerals, thus strengthening roots and making the turf greener.

It must be administered before spreading your sod using a drop spreader. Afterward, rake lightly to blend into the 2 inches of topsoil before sowing the veld. During fall, the veld ought to be planted and have developed before freezing temperatures for the dressing to be applied.

Pros

• The best starter for new greenswards
• Makes the veld greener
• Builds root strength and penetration

Cons

• Procedures and requirements when applying are tiresome and confusing if not keen

Buyer’s Guide

What Protocols do I Need to Observe when Maintaining St Augustine Turf?

Greensward welfare entails proper mowing, adequate irrigation in times of drought, and dressing your turf appropriately. Greensward food cannot work on a poorly kept lawn. With these cultural practices, weed and pest infestations will be kept at bay hence ensue a healthy greensward. 

What are the Characteristics to Consider when Choosing a Fertilizer for Greenswards in Florida?

The NPK ratio of minerals it avails should govern your choice of feed. Studies show that the clod in Florida has sufficient phosphorus levels. One can use additional phosphorus supplements in case of deficiency. Nitrogen levels determine the turf’s greenness, and therefore its ratio should be relatively high. Potassium levels can be equal to or less than nitrogen levels. In this area 15:8:12 is sufficient.

Does the Soil pH Affect the Choice of Fertilizer for St. Augustine Grass?

Greensward owners are encouraged to regularly do soil tests to determine the pH of their clod before dressing their turf. Ground with a high pH may have deficiencies in iron which could cause yellow patches on your turf. Here, the iron that the Andersons Humic DG avails will suffice.

Greenswards with low pH levels have an evident deficiency in manganese. It is better to treat your greensward after using clod amendments to neutralize its pH value.

How do I treat my St Augustine Greensward?

Administering the correct quota of dressing for your greensward is crucial. Faithful adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions is critical. Be keen to administer an appropriate quota of dressing as too much can become runoff on topsoil, and too little may not manifest results. The use of a spreader or spray gun evenly distributes the dressing.

What are the Timelines for Fertilizing my St Augustine Greensward?

The most suitable dressing period for your newly established St Augustine turf is three weeks after the herbage sports its green pigmentation. This needs to be carried out prior to clod testing and choosing the most appropriate dressing. The typical timeline for dressing the already established turf is early May and early July. 

FAQ

Conclusion

Greenswards owners in Florida are assured of outstanding outcomes if they stay keen and faithful to the instructions specified by the manufacturer when applying their dressing. Diligent maintenance of their turf ensures a beautiful and healthy greensward.