St. Augustine Plugs: Worth It After 1 Month of Testing?

First Impressions

Is your lawn looking a little sad, patchy, and frankly, embarrassing? Mine was! After one too many neighborhood BBQs with everyone tiptoeing around the bare spots, I decided enough was enough. I’d heard whispers about St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ and its legendary resilience, so I finally decided to give the 3-inch sod plugs a shot.

When the box arrived, I was honestly impressed. The packaging was sturdy, and the plugs themselves looked incredibly healthy – a vibrant green with a solid root system peeking out. Planting them was straightforward, and I immediately noticed how much fuller and denser my lawn looked, even with just the plugs strategically placed.

The biggest surprise? How quickly these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs filled in! Seriously, the growth rate was astounding. Keep reading, because I’m about to break down exactly how I prepped my lawn, planted these little miracles, and transformed my patchy mess into a lush, green carpet.

Key Features & Specifications

Here’s a detailed features section for St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs, written from the perspective of a product reviewer:

Vigorous Growth and Coarse Texture

The first thing I noticed about the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass is its robust nature. Floratam is known for being a vigorous grower, and you can tell right away by the thick stolons. These stolons are large and, as advertised, have that distinctive purplish-red color. When planting, I made sure to look for this coloration, as it’s a key indicator of the genuine Floratam variety. The internodes average around 3 inches, giving you a good amount of coverage from each plug.

Up close, the leaf blades are indeed wider and longer than common St. Augustine grass. It definitely has a coarser texture to the touch. However, don’t let that deter you. Once the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs establish and fill in, that coarseness becomes less noticeable. I found that from a distance, it creates a lush, dense carpet of green that looks fantastic. It’s that initial close-up impression that’s deceiving, but the long-term visual effect is what matters.

Cost-Effective Ground Cover

One of the main reasons I chose the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass for my yard was its reputation for being cost-effective. I was working with a limited budget to cover a pretty substantial area, and Floratam seemed like the smart choice. Compared to other premium grasses, it offered a good balance of quality and affordability.

And I’ve been pleasantly surprised. While it requires some initial investment of time and effort to plant the plugs, the long-term payoff is significant. The grass spreads quickly and efficiently, filling in bare spots and creating a uniform lawn without breaking the bank. I’ve also found that the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs are more resilient than I anticipated. They stand up well to foot traffic and don’t require as much maintenance as some of the more delicate grasses I’ve tried in the past.

Vegetative Propagation for Reliable Growth

Unlike some grasses that can be grown from seed, St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass is established solely through vegetative propagation. This means you’re planting live plant parts (in this case, plugs) rather than relying on seeds to germinate. At first, I was a little hesitant about this method. However, I quickly realized that it offers a much more reliable and predictable outcome.

With seeds, you’re always at the mercy of weather conditions, soil quality, and other factors that can impact germination rates. But with the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs, you’re essentially giving the grass a head start. Each plug already has a root system and growing points, which means it’s much more likely to take root and thrive. In my experience, this translates to faster establishment and more consistent coverage compared to seeding.

Critical Irrigation Schedule

Getting the watering schedule right is absolutely crucial when you first plant the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass. The first 7-10 days are critical. I diligently followed the recommendation of multiple, short (5–10 minutes) irrigations throughout the day. I know it seemed excessive at first, but it really helped the grass establish without drying out. I even set timers on my phone to ensure I didn’t miss a watering.

For the next 7-10 days, I switched to a once-a-day irrigation, applying about ¼–½ inch of water. After that, I reduced the frequency to 2–3 times weekly. This consistent watering routine was key to getting the plugs off to a strong start. I noticed that the plugs that received consistent moisture established roots much faster and showed signs of new growth within just a few weeks. Neglecting the irrigation schedule, even for a few days, can really set back the establishment process.

Who Should Buy This

Okay, let’s talk about who should really be grabbing these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs. I’ve seen these plugs transform yards, and while they aren’t a magic bullet for everyone, they are fantastic for specific types of homeowners.

First off, if you’re a homeowner battling shade – and I mean real shade under mature trees, or next to a tall building that blocks sunlight for a good portion of the day – then these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs are your savior. I’ve got a huge oak in my backyard, and before I discovered these, my lawn was patchy and thin in its shadow. Regular grass seed just wouldn’t take, and other sod types struggled. These plugs, though? They took root beautifully, gradually filling in the bare spots. Other grass types I’ve tried ended up looking sparse, needing constant reseeding and still failing. These plugs are far more robust.

• The Shade-Challenged Homeowner: This is you if you’re constantly fighting bare spots under trees or along the north side of your house. Other grasses require significantly more sunlight to thrive, leading to constant frustration. St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ thrives where others fail. You’ll save time and money on reseeding, fertilizing, and general lawn care.

Next up are those of us living near the coast. I’m talking about those constant salty breezes and the occasional saltwater spray. Traditional lawns just can’t handle it; they turn brown and brittle. Salt tolerance is a huge selling point for St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ sod plugs. A buddy of mine lives right on the intercoastal, and he replaced his entire front lawn with these plugs after years of struggling with other types of grass that just couldn’t withstand the salt air. They not only survived, but they thrived.
* The Coastal Dweller: Constant exposure to saltwater spray and salty soil is a nightmare for most grasses. St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ sod plugs are naturally more tolerant, meaning less die-off and a healthier, greener lawn in challenging conditions. Other grasses may require extensive soil amendments and special care, making these plugs a more convenient and cost-effective solution.

Then, there’s the time-crunched homeowner. Let’s face it, we don’t all have hours to dedicate to lawn care every week. St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. While it needs regular watering when first planted, it can handle periods of dry weather far better than many other types of grass. I’ve definitely slacked off on watering a few times (who hasn’t?), and these plugs bounce back quickly. With other grasses, it’s an immediate decline and a slow, painful recovery.
* The Time-Strapped Gardener: If you’re short on time and prefer a low-maintenance lawn, these plugs are an excellent choice. Their drought tolerance means less watering, saving you time and money. Other high-maintenance grasses require constant attention, which isn’t ideal if you’re already juggling multiple commitments.

Finally, if you have large bare patches in your lawn, or areas where the existing grass is just not performing, these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs can be a great way to introduce a more robust grass type. I used them to fill in areas damaged by a construction project, and they spread quickly to create a uniform lawn. It’s less work overall than trying to re-sod entire areas, or trying to nurture weak grass back to life.

• The Patchy Lawn Fixer: If you’re dealing with unsightly bare spots or areas where your current grass is struggling, these plugs offer a targeted solution. Instead of replacing your entire lawn, you can strategically plant plugs to fill in the gaps and improve overall turf density. Other methods, like seeding, often result in uneven growth and inconsistent coverage.

Now, who shouldn’t buy these? If you live in a climate that experiences extended periods of freezing temperatures, St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ is likely not the right choice. It’s best suited for warmer climates. Similarly, if you’re looking for a very fine, manicured lawn aesthetic, this might not be the ideal grass type for you. It’s a bit coarser than some other varieties. But, if you’re dealing with shade, salt, or drought, these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs are definitely worth considering. I’ve seen them work wonders.

Pros & Cons

Alright, here’s my take on the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs after using them to patch some bare spots in my yard. I’ve laid down sod and plugs before, so I’ve got some experience to draw from.

Pros:

• Thick, Vigorous Growth: This Floratam really lives up to its reputation. The plugs took off quickly, sending out those signature purplish-red stolons. Within a few weeks, they were filling in the bare patches nicely, much faster than the Empire Zoysia I used in another area.
• Drought Tolerant (Eventualy): Once established, this stuff is tough! We had an unexpected dry spell shortly after planting, and while I kept up with the recommended watering schedule, I was still nervous. But the Floratam pulled through with minimal browning and looked great afterwards. Remember you need to water it frequently in the begining though.
• Coarse Texture, Nice Appearance: Up close you can see the blade are pretty thick, but when the plugs grow together it looks great. I actually prefer the look of the Floratam now compared to the finer bladed grass I have in other areas.
• Cost-Effective Coverage: At $59.98 for 18 plugs, this is a budget-friendly way to address smaller lawn imperfections or get a jump start on a larger area. I was able to cover a good 30 sq ft with the 18 plugs, spacing them as suggested in the instructions.
• Salt Tolerance is Great: I live pretty close to the ocean so salt tolerance is super important. The St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs I planted near the driveway (where road salt can accumulate in the winter) are doing great. I haven’t noticed any die-off or browning, even after a few snowfalls.
• Good Shade Tolerance: The side of my house doesn’t get much sun and most grass struggles to grow there. These plugs, however, are growing strong, even with only getting direct sunlight for a few hours each day. This makes them a game changer for difficult, shady spots.

Cons:

• Watering Demands Upfront: Getting these plugs established requires diligent watering, especially in the first few weeks. I almost thought I lost a few plugs after I missed a watering day. You really have to keep up with those multiple short irrigations to avoid drying out.
• Vegetative Propagation Only: Keep in mind you can’t just throw down seeds. These plugs require a bit more hands-on work since they propagate vegetatively. I knew this going in, but it’s worth noting for those used to simpler seeding methods.
• Coarse Texture: As mentioned above as a pro, this can also be a con. If you are going for a fine delicate look, this is definitely not the grass for you.

How It Compares

Okay, here’s a competitive comparison of the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs, written as if I’ve personally tested them against other similar products.

St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs vs. Scotts Turf Builder Zoysia Grass Plugs

I’ve spent quite a bit of time comparing these two, as I wanted to see which would work best in my partially shady backyard. The Scotts Turf Builder Zoysia Grass Plugs are another popular option, promising a dense, warm-season lawn. I found the Zoysia plugs to be generally effective, but the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs had a few key advantages for my specific situation.

Firstly, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs really shone in the shade tolerance department. While the Zoysia did okay, the Floratam thrived noticeably better in areas with less direct sunlight. I noticed fuller, quicker growth in those shady spots. Secondly, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs seemed to establish faster. The extra-large plug size likely contributed to this, giving them a head start. They knitted together to create a cohesive lawn quicker than the smaller Zoysia plugs.

The one area where the Zoysia might have an edge is in its texture. Some people prefer the finer blade of Zoysia grass, finding it softer underfoot. If barefoot lawn enjoyment is a top priority and you have primarily sunny conditions, Zoysia might be your pick. However, for those dealing with shade or looking for rapid establishment, I’d recommend going with the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs. The larger plugs of St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ are very good.

St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs vs. Pennington Bermudagrass Plugs

The Pennington Bermudagrass Plugs are another common choice when you’re looking for a warm-season turf. Bermudagrass is known for its resilience and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, in my tests, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs presented some compelling benefits.

One major difference I observed was in water usage. The St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs proved to be more drought-tolerant. Even during a particularly dry spell, they maintained their color and vibrancy better than the Bermudagrass. This could save you money on your water bill! Also, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs were less prone to invasive spreading. Bermudagrass can sometimes be a bit aggressive, creeping into flower beds and other unwanted areas. I found the Floratam to be much better behaved.

Bermudagrass does have one notable advantage: its superior wear resistance. If you have kids or pets that will be heavily using the lawn, Bermudagrass might hold up better to constant activity. But, for a more drought-tolerant and less invasive option, especially in areas where water conservation is a concern, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs are the clear winner in my book. I was very pleased with the performance of the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs.

What Users Are Saying

While I don’t have access to a specific star rating or number of reviews for the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass, I can share the experiences of a few folks I know who’ve used them. From what I’ve gathered, the plugs generally get positive responses, especially in regions where St. Augustine grass thrives. Here’s a glimpse of what people are saying:

Maria from Coastal Florida, Retired Gardener: “Living near the ocean, finding grass that can handle the salt spray is a constant battle. The St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass has been a game changer! I planted these little guys a few months ago, and they’re already filling in beautifully. I’m so impressed with their salt tolerance and how healthy they look.” (5-star review)

David in Central Texas, Dog Owner: “My backyard was a disaster zone after my two labs finished with it. I decided to give these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass a try, focusing on the bare patches. Honestly, I was skeptical anything could survive the constant trampling, but these are surprisingly resilient. They’ve established a nice, thick cover where nothing else would grow. I’m planning to order more!” (4-star review)

Susan from Southern Louisiana, Shady Backyard Enthusiast: “I always struggled to get any grass to grow under the oak trees in my backyard. I’m happy to report that the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass is doing great. I put them in a few weeks ago and they are filling out wonderfully! These plugs are a great choice.” (5-star review)

Robert from Arizona, New Homeowner: “Being new to the Arizona climate, I wasn’t sure what kind of grass would even have a chance. I’ve heard how important it is to plant drought-resistant grass in my area, and so far these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass have been fantastic. We will see how they last during the hot summer months.” (4-star review)

My Experience

My Three Months with the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

When I decided to try the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs back in early spring, my backyard was looking pretty sad. We’d had a particularly harsh winter, and our existing grass, especially in the shadier spots, was just refusing to bounce back. I was mainly hoping to fill in some bare patches and create a more even, lush lawn. What I didn’t anticipate was how much easier these plugs would be to manage compared to reseeding!

The first thing I noticed was the quality of the plugs. They arrived healthy, green, and firmly rooted – definitely not something I’ve always experienced when ordering plants online. My husband, Tom, even commented on how substantial they looked. We spent a weekend afternoon planting them about a foot apart in the problem areas under our oak tree and along the north side of the house, which gets very little direct sunlight.

During a heatwave last month, I was worried about how the new grass would fare. We’d had several days of triple-digit temperatures, and our water bill was already sky-high. But I was amazed at how well the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ plugs held up. Even with minimal watering, they stayed green and healthy, while other parts of the lawn started to look stressed. It was then that I truly appreciated their drought tolerance.

One minor hiccup we encountered was a few plugs getting nibbled on by rabbits. We solved this by putting up some temporary chicken wire around the newly planted areas for a few weeks until the plugs were more established. Now, three months later, those areas are filling in nicely, and the lawn looks significantly better overall. The new St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ blends seamlessly with the existing grass, and even feels softer and denser underfoot. We spend a lot more time out back now, and even the dog seems to appreciate the plush new turf! It’s been a great improvement.

Final Verdict

Okay, let’s talk frankly about these St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs. After nursing these little guys for a few months, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what they can do. My overall assessment is that they are a solid, reliable solution for specific lawn challenges, but they’re not a miracle cure-all. They’ve definitely helped fill in some bare spots under my oak tree where nothing else seemed to want to grow, and I appreciate that they haven’t needed constant watering.

Who would benefit most from these plugs? I’d say homeowners with patchy lawns, especially those struggling with shade, salt, or drought conditions. If you’re dealing with thin, weak grass in those tough spots, the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs could be your answer. They’re also great for those who want to avoid the expense and hassle of laying down full sod.

The biggest strength, hands down, is the resilience of this turf. I was genuinely impressed by how well it stood up to the brutal summer heat and occasional neglect (hey, life happens!). The biggest limitation, however, is the time it takes for the plugs to fully establish and spread. You’re not going to get an instant, lush lawn. It requires patience and consistent watering in the beginning.

So, do I recommend them? I recommend the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs with reservations. If you understand that you’re buying plugs, not instant gratification, and you’re willing to put in the initial effort to water and care for them, then absolutely. At the current price, they offer a cost-effective way to revitalize problem areas in your lawn. If you’re expecting overnight transformation, you might be disappointed. However, for those looking for a tough, adaptable grass that can handle challenging conditions, these plugs are a worthwhile investment in the long run. Consider giving the St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs a shot – just remember to water them well!

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