If you want a lush, green lawn in Texas, timing is everything. Knowing when is the best time to plant st augustine grass in texas is the first step to success.
This warm-season grass thrives in the Texas heat but needs a good start. Planting at the right time gives the roots a chance to establish before extreme weather hits. Let’s look at the optimal schedule for your region.
When Is The Best Time To Plant St Augustine Grass In Texas
The absolute best time to plant St. Augustine grass in Texas is during late spring through early summer. This means from mid-April to June for most of the state.
During this window, soil temperatures have reliably warmed to over 70°F. The air is warm but not yet scorching. This creates the perfect environment for the grass to take root and grow vigorously.
Planting too early risks a late frost damaging the tender new grass. Planting too late means the young grass faces extreme summer stress before it’s strong enough.
Why This Planting Season Works Best
St. Augustine grass grows actively in warm soil. The late spring and early summer period offers key advantages:
- Warm Soil: Roots establish quickly in warm ground, allowing the grass to anchor itself.
- Adequate Rain: This season often has more predictable rainfall than mid-summer, reducing your watering load.
- Long Growing Season: The grass has several months of prime growing conditions to spread and thicken before cooler fall weather.
- Weed Competition: A well-timed planting allows the St. Augustine to outcompete many summer weeds as it fills in.
Regional Timing Adjustments for Texas
Texas is huge, with different climate zones. Here’s how to adjust your timing:
North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth)
Aim for May to early June. Wait until the threat of a late frost has completely passed. The soil needs to be thoroughly warm.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio)
Mid-April to May is ideal. This region warms up a bit earlier, giving you a slightly longer planting window.
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi)
You can start as early as March and plant through June. The warmer coastal climate allows for the longest planting season in the state.
West Texas (El Paso, Lubbock)
Target May through June. The arid climate means reliable irrigation is crucial, so planting before the peak summer heat is vital.
How to Plant St. Augustine Grass Correctly
Once you’ve hit the right time, proper planting technique is key. You can use sod, plugs, or sprigs. Sod gives you an instant lawn, while plugs are more economical.
- Prepare the Soil: Remove all weeds, rocks, and old grass. Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to loosen it.
- Amend the Soil: Add 1-2 inches of compost and rake it in. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. A soil test can tell you if you need specific amendments.
- Level the Area: Rake the soil smooth, creating a slight slope away from your house for drainage. Avoid low spots where water can pool.
- Lay the Sod or Plugs: For sod, lay strips tightly together in a staggered brick pattern. For plugs, space them 6-12 inches apart. Press them firmly into the soil.
- Water Immediately: Soak the area thoroughly right after planting. The soil should be moist several inches deep.
- Initial Care: Water daily for the first 7-10 days to keep the soil constantly moist, then gradually reduce frequency.
What to Avoid: Bad Planting Times
Just as important as knowing when to plant is knowing when not to.
- Fall: The grass won’t have enough time to establish roots before winter dormancy, leading to winter kill.
- Mid-Summer (July-August): Extreme heat and drought stress can wither new grass, requiring excessive water and care.
- Winter: The grass is dormant and will not root. Frost will damage or kill it outright.
Aftercare for Your New Lawn
Your work isn’t done after planting. The first few weeks are critical for your St. Augustine’s survival.
Watering: Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist for the first two weeks. Never let it dry out. After roots establish, water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
First Mowing: Wait until the grass reaches about 3.5 inches tall before the first mow. Never cut more than one-third of the blade height at once. Keep your mower blade sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
Fertilizing: Don’t fertilize immediately. Wait 4-6 weeks after planting. Then, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for St. Augustine grass. Follow the label instructions carefully to avoid burning you’re new lawn.
Weed Control: Avoid using weed killers (herbicides) on a new lawn for at least 60 days. Hand-pull any weeds that appear until the grass is fully established and dense.
FAQs About Planting St. Augustine Grass
Can I plant St. Augustine grass in the fall in Texas?
It is not recommended. The grass needs warm soil to establish roots, and fall planting often leads to failure over the winter.
How long does it take for St. Augustine plugs to spread?
With proper care during the growing season, plugs can take about one full growing season to fill in completely. They spread faster with consistent water and fertilizer.
What is the best month to lay St. Augustine sod?
May is often considered the perfect month for laying sod across much of Texas. The soil is warm, and rain is still somewhat reliable.
Can you overwater new St. Augustine grass?
Yes, absolutely. While keeping soil moist is key, soggy, waterlogged soil can cause root rot and disease. Ensure your planting area has good drainage.
Should I water new grass seed every day?
St. Augustine is rarely grown from seed; it’s typically sod, plugs, or sprigs. But for those planting methods, yes, daily watering is crucial initially.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with perfect timing, issues can arise. Here’s quick fixes:
- Yellowing Blades: Could be overwatering, poor drainage, or a need for iron (apply iron supplement).
- Slow Growth: Soil may be too compact or lack nutrients. A soil test can provide answers.
- Brown Patches: Could be from fungal disease (often from too much water) or chinch bug damage. Identify the cause before treating.
By choosing the right planting window—late spring to early summer—and following these steps, you give your St. Augustine lawn the strongest possible start. Paying attention to your specific Texas region and providing consistant aftercare will ensure your lawn becomes a thick, beautiful carpet that can handle the Texas heat for years to come.