Does anyone know anything about grass in Florida?

Question

I just recently moved to Florida around the tampa bay area and I have a terrible yard the grass hasn't been mowed for 2 months and doesn't need it either lots of bare spots. I was wondering what I can do for it. I was reading an ad for Canadian Green grass seeds and it says its good for any climate. Please give me some ideas

Answer 1

I live in Winter Haven, about 90 minutes North of you, and please believe your case isn't unique.

Without knowing where you moved "from" I wonder if you've noticed "St. Augustine" grass here, and it's simlarity to "grass" most people in the North consider "Crab Grass" and pull it out.

That may be the type you have? A shallow rooted, trailing grass variety, prevelent in Florida.

I suggest a trip to the Home Depot, Lowes, or a Garden Center close to you, that can show you the "Zone" we are in and offer advice on the best grasses for "re-seeding" or even "Sodding" Which is how St. Augustine is commonly sold.

Even being Florida, some grasses go into a form of dormancy, and certainly many spend hours and dollars on watering, adding chemical nutrients, etc. St. Augustine will eventually come back, but in the interem does look bad.

Again, I suggest a local shopping trip to find local grasses to seed and fill in until spring. Without knowing much about "Canadian" grass varieties, I'd be suspect in their freshness, when they were packaged, how long they may sit on warehouse shelves in those packages on pallettes, etc. Which by the way is something to investigate even with local seeds.

Without question we have a longer growing season here in Florida, and many lawns or varieties of grasses do endure our "Winters." Another issue in bare spots is that here in Florida, WEEDS do endure colder temps, surviving almost as well as Palmetto Bugs, and they need attention in the bare spots before they invade healthy lawn material.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev)

Answer 2

Well like already posted we in S Florida, have only 2 choices They are Bahia which can be seeded but I only recommend for large lots as it isn't pretty, or St. Augustine Which is put in with plugs or sod pieces. You first need to remove the old grass to keep the dollar weed and sedge weed's etc. Either by manual tool or spray herbicide. Next go over your irrigation system to see if you have good coverage. Rotor heads work but the need to be adjusted as the spray arc may not cover area's needed. Pop up heads work for about a 10' radius. Try putting old pie pans down to see amount of water you get after running zones you should have about 1 inch or so per plate. If you have a good irrigation system then you can now lay sod. And lightly feed with a good lawn food about 3 weeks after installing then every 3 months after to build roots up. Do not over water as this can make for shallow root zones in St. Augustine sod which needs water only about 2 to 3 times per week at this time of year.

Answer 3

You have 2 choices, actually you have alotta choices, but I will give you 2.
1. Go to a golf course near you. The City one is good. Walk around, find the grass that YOU like. Look for the Groundskeeper. Ask them what kind of grass is that? an d what company will sell me a 1/2 acre of Sod?
2. Walk out your front door, gotowards the street, listen for mowers, then look at your neighbors lawn. Like it? go there, introduce yourself,ask them What kind of grass is that and where can I buy a lawn full of Sod.
Welcome to Florida.
The highest point in our state is in Crestview Florida, it is 87' Above Sea Level.
The rest of it is mostly 6'-10' ASL, that means that grass doesnt really do good here. Yes you can changethe soil, and you can add chemicals and whatever, but we are basically on a really big Sandbar with alot of saltwater all around.
Now a good Bermuda Green makes a nice lawn. Its what we use on the Fairways of Gold Courses. There is also a nice Rye Grass that does welll in our State.
I owned a Lawn and Garden Service for about 10 years here.
I was in Construction/Pljmbing for about 17 years
I was born and raised here.
Ask your neighbors, that way you get the grass that you know will work in that soil and conditions.
Ask the Community Golf People, they are pretty smart.

Answer 4

Since you live in Florida, go with what is native. St. Augustine. Although right now up until around March or April it is dormant. In which case you could over seed with annual ryegrass, which I have done at my old house, and with perfect results. Then in the spring, till up the bare areas, and plant with St. Augustine sod, or with sprigs. Also, right now, you could also fertilize with any organic fertilizer. I would get a cheap drop seeder for 20$, and get a couple bags of Steer or Chicken fertilizer. Just try to stay away from chemical based fertilizers.

Answer 5

I know enough to know that if you aren't having to mow it every week in the summer months, your grass is dead.

There is a program on every Sunday morning called Florida Gardening. They start at either 7:00 or 8:00 AM. The program is two guys talking and answering questions from listeners about anything that grows. You can call in if you like and ask your own questions. The radio station is 970 AM WFLA.

bob...

Answer 6

Your best bet is to wait until spring and resod with St. Augustine. St. Augustine is very drought tolerant. It is not the most beautiful turf but is what will last. I live in Houston where we have St. A too. I used to live in south Florida where we had St. A. There is not a seed for St. Augustine. You have to purchase squares of it to cover the bare spots. Water it in very well for about a week after laying it down.

Answer 7

Rye seed is good to plant in the winter, but it burns off in the summer. St. Augustine, with a little fertilizer and water, will look beautiful the rest of the warm months

Answer 8

At about 2 flakes twice per day... approximately three bales per week. If she begins to gain or lose weight add or subtract 1 flake per day as needed, with breakfast being the smaller meal. She sounds like a pretty big girl, but the work load isn't especially strenuous so 2 flakes per meal plus grain should suit her fine. It'll still be about 3 to 3 1/2 bales though based on the size of bales I'm used to.