Imagine your St. Augustine grass looking lush and green, but with a little something extra – a touch of a different texture or shade that makes it truly stand out. It’s a beautiful thought, but choosing the right grass to join your St. Augustine can feel like a puzzle. You want a companion that looks good, grows well alongside it, and doesn’t create more work for you. It’s easy to get lost in all the different grass types and wonder which ones will actually play nicely with your existing lawn.
Many homeowners face this exact challenge. They love their St. Augustine but want to improve its appearance or resilience. The worry is that adding the wrong grass could lead to bare patches, weed invasions, or a lawn that just doesn’t look right. You might be asking yourself, “Which grasses are tough enough to handle the same conditions as St. Augustine?” or “Will the new grass make my lawn look messy?”
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best grass partners for St. Augustine. We’ll explore a few excellent options that can enhance your lawn’s beauty and health. Get ready to discover how to create a more vibrant and resilient St. Augustine lawn by picking the perfect grass to mix in.
Our Top 5 Grass To Mix With St Augustine Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Grass To Mix With St Augustine Detailed Reviews
1. Southern Ag 006130 Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer 32oz Specialty Herbicide
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of pesky weeds taking over your beautiful St. Augustine or Centipede lawn? The Southern Ag 006130 Atrazine St. Augustine Weed Killer is here to help. This 32oz bottle of specialty herbicide is designed to tackle those unwanted invaders, leaving your grass looking its best. Its light tan color blends in well, and it’s easy to apply.
What We Like:
- This one quart bottle covers a huge area – up to 3,720 square feet. That means you won’t need to buy much to treat your whole yard.
- It specifically targets weeds in St. Augustine and Centipede grasses. This means it’s made for your lawn type and won’t harm your desirable grass.
- It’s effective at controlling a variety of common lawn weeds.
- The product is straightforward to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Atrazine is a powerful chemical. Always follow the label instructions carefully for safety.
- It’s important to wear protective gear when handling and applying the herbicide.
- While it’s great for specific grass types, it’s not for all lawns.
For homeowners with St. Augustine or Centipede grass, this Southern Ag weed killer offers a powerful solution. It’s an effective way to maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn.
2. Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of bare spots in your lawn? Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix is your all-in-one solution. This handy product combines grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch to make fixing those ugly patches super easy. It’s designed to get your lawn growing again quickly, no matter if the spot gets a lot of sun or is mostly shady.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one mix with grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch, so you don’t need separate products.
- Your lawn can start growing in as little as 7 days.
- It feeds your new grass for up to 6 weeks.
- The mulch holds in moisture, which helps the seeds grow better.
- It works in both sunny and shady areas thanks to a mix of different grass types.
- One bag covers a good amount of space, up to 140 square feet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The best time to apply it is during specific seasons (fall or spring) when the weather is just right.
- You need to make sure the daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F for it to work best.
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix makes fixing your lawn simple and effective. You’ll see thicker, greener grass in no time.
3. Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair for St. Augustine Lawns
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of bare spots in your St. Augustine lawn? Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair is here to help! This handy 6-pack of lawn repair mix makes fixing those patchy areas simple. It’s a special blend of mulch and fertilizer designed specifically for St. Augustinegrass.
What We Like:
- It fixes St. Augustine lawns much faster, with results in about 15 days.
- The mulch soaks up a lot of water. It expands to keep the grass seed moist and protected.
- The fertilizer has special technology. It slowly releases food to help the grass grow and get established.
- This mix is ready to use right out of the bag.
- One bag covers up to 85 square feet, which is a good amount of space.
- You get six bags in this pack, so you can tackle multiple spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- This product does not contain grass seed. You will need to add your own.
- Results can vary depending on your lawn’s conditions.
Scotts EZ Patch Lawn Repair offers a quick and effective way to revive your St. Augustine lawn. Just remember to add your own grass seed for the best results.
4. Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food: 2
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for a greener lawn fast with Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food. This 2-in-1 product is a fertilizer and iron supplement that works wonders on any grass type. It’s perfect for those spontaneous outdoor parties or just enjoying your yard more.
What We Like:
- It makes your lawn greener in just 3 days.
- The dual-action formula feeds your grass and adds iron for a deeper green color.
- It works on all types of grass, like Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermudagrass.
- Applying it is super easy – just connect your hose, spray, and go.
- It covers up to 2,000 square feet, so it’s great for most yards.
- No messy granules or spreaders needed.
- A healthy lawn helps clean the air and stops soil from washing away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 32 oz. bottle might not be enough for very large lawns, requiring multiple purchases.
- While easy to use, it’s a liquid application, so you’ll need to be mindful of watering times and potential rain.
Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food is a simple solution for a vibrant lawn. It’s a great way to quickly boost your grass’s appearance and health.
5. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix with Fertilizer and Soil Improver
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of patchy, sad-looking grass? Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix is your secret weapon for a lawn that looks amazing, no matter where the sun shines or where the shadows fall. This all-in-one bag doesn’t just give you grass seed; it also packs fertilizer and soil improver to give your lawn the best start and ongoing support. It’s designed to grow thick, green turf that people will admire.
What We Like:
- It grows thick, green grass that looks great.
- This seed works in both sunny spots and shady areas.
- It helps roots grow deep, making the lawn stronger.
- You can use it to start a brand new lawn or make an old one look better.
- It’s tough enough to handle some dry spells and lots of foot traffic.
- One bag covers a good amount of your yard.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs specific temperatures to be planted for the best results.
This Scotts Turf Builder mix makes lawn care simpler. Get ready to enjoy a lusher, greener lawn with less guesswork.
Choosing the Best Companions for Your St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for many lawns. It’s known for its lush green color and ability to thrive in warm climates. But sometimes, you might want to mix in other grasses or ground covers to enhance your lawn’s look or improve its resilience. This guide will help you choose the best options to grow alongside your St. Augustine.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting plants to mix with St. Augustine, think about what you want to achieve.
- Similar Growing Conditions: The best mixes will have plants that like the same amount of sun, water, and soil type as St. Augustine. This means they’ll grow well together without one outshining or struggling against the other.
- Growth Habit: St. Augustine spreads by stolons (above-ground runners). Look for plants that spread similarly or have a low-growing habit. This helps create a dense, even lawn.
- Color and Texture: A mix can add visual interest. Consider different shades of green or even subtle variations in leaf shape.
- Durability: If your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic, choose companions that can handle a bit of wear and tear.
Important Materials and Their Role
The “materials” here refer to the types of grasses or ground covers you’ll be adding.
- Other Warm-Season Grasses: Some grasses are best friends with St. Augustine. These include:
- Bermuda Grass: This grass is tough and spreads quickly. It can handle heat and drought. However, it can sometimes be too aggressive and try to take over.
- Zoysia Grass: Zoysia is another warm-season grass that forms a dense, beautiful lawn. It’s more shade-tolerant than Bermuda and can be a good partner.
- Centipede Grass: This grass is low-maintenance and prefers acidic soil, which St. Augustine can also tolerate. It has a finer texture.
- Ground Covers: For a more decorative touch, consider low-growing ground covers.
- Dichondra: This plant has small, rounded leaves and creates a soft, carpet-like appearance. It likes shade and moisture.
- Clover: Certain types of clover, like micro-clover, are becoming popular. Clover adds nitrogen to the soil, which helps your lawn stay green and healthy. It also stays pretty low to the ground.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a mix great or not so great?
- Improve Quality:
- Proper Soil Preparation: Healthy soil is key for any grass to thrive.
- Consistent Watering: Both St. Augustine and its companions need the right amount of water.
- Sunlight: St. Augustine prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Ensure your chosen mix also likes these conditions.
- Mowing Height: Mowing at the correct height for St. Augustine (usually 3-4 inches) helps protect it and its companions.
- Reduce Quality:
- Shade Tolerance Issues: Planting a shade-loving grass in full sun, or vice-versa, will cause problems.
- Aggressive Spreaders: If a companion grass spreads too quickly, it can choke out the St. Augustine.
- Disease Susceptibility: If the companion plant is prone to diseases that also affect St. Augustine, your whole lawn could be at risk.
- Incorrect pH Levels: St. Augustine prefers slightly acidic soil. If the companion plant needs very different soil pH, it won’t do well.
User Experience and Use Cases
People mix grasses for various reasons.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Some people want a lawn that looks a bit different. Mixing in a grass with a finer texture or a slightly different green can achieve this.
- Increased Resilience: Combining grasses can make your lawn tougher. If one type of grass struggles with drought or disease, the other might survive.
- Low-Maintenance Lawns: Some mixes are chosen for their ability to require less mowing or watering once established.
- Problem Areas: If you have a patch of lawn that gets more shade or less water, you might choose a companion plant that tolerates those specific conditions better than pure St. Augustine. For example, you might overseed a shady spot with a shade-tolerant grass.
When you’re ready to mix, it’s often best to start small in a test area to see how the plants grow together before committing to your entire lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Grass to Mix with St. Augustine
Q: What is the best grass to mix with St. Augustine grass?
A: The best grasses to mix with St. Augustine are other warm-season grasses that have similar growing needs, like Zoysia grass or sometimes Bermuda grass. Centipede grass can also be a good option.
Q: Can I mix cool-season grasses with St. Augustine?
A: No, it’s generally not recommended to mix cool-season grasses (like fescue or ryegrass) with St. Augustine. St. Augustine is a warm-season grass, and they have very different growing seasons and needs. They will likely not survive the same conditions.
Q: What kind of ground cover can I plant with St. Augustine?
A: Low-growing ground covers like Dichondra or certain types of clover (like micro-clover) can be good choices. They add visual interest and can tolerate similar conditions.
Q: Will mixing grasses make my lawn look uneven?
A: It can, if the grasses have very different growth habits or mowing needs. Choosing companions with similar textures and growth patterns helps create a more uniform look.
Q: How do I prepare my lawn for mixing in new grass?
A: You should prepare the soil by loosening it and making sure it’s healthy. You can then overseed or plant plugs of the new grass into the existing St. Augustine lawn.
Q: Can St. Augustine grass grow in shady areas?
A: St. Augustine grass prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. If you have very shady areas, you might want to choose a companion grass that is more shade-tolerant.
Q: What is the ideal mowing height for St. Augustine grass?
A: St. Augustine grass is best mowed at a higher setting, usually between 3 and 4 inches. This helps keep the grass healthy and can protect any companion plants.
Q: Will mixing grasses help my lawn survive drought?
A: Some companion grasses are more drought-tolerant than St. Augustine. Mixing them can help your lawn stay greener if there’s a dry spell, but all grasses need water.
Q: Is it difficult to maintain a mixed lawn?
A: It can be more challenging if the companion grasses have very different needs for water, fertilizer, or mowing. Choosing plants with similar requirements makes maintenance easier.
Q: When is the best time to plant new grass with St. Augustine?
A: The best time to plant or overseed is during the warmer months when St. Augustine grass is actively growing. Late spring or early summer is often ideal.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.