Milorganite is a great fertilizer for St. Augustine lawns because the high nitrogen content and iron in Milorganite promotes grass growth and rich, green color. For best results, apply Milorganite on St. Augustine four times per year during the growing season. Do not apply Milorganite to dormant St. Augustine or less than 30 days before the average first winter frost.
When applied correctly, Milorganite has huge benefits for your St. Augustine grass and carries a very low risk of “burning” your lawn or killing grass with nitrogen overload. Fertilizing with Milorganite is a simple way to get the most out of your St. Augustine grass.
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Benefits of Using Milorganite on St. Augustine
Milorganite is made by processing recycled wastewater to create a sustainable fertilizer that does wonders for your yard. Some of the benefits of using are Milorganite on St. Augustine grass are:
- Will not burn yards.
- Provides nutrients for 8–10 weeks.
- Contains nitrogen for grass blade growth.
- Contains phosphorus, which promotes root growth, especially in sod.
- Contains iron, which promotes greener St. Augustine.
- Enriches soil microbes, leading to a healthier lawn.
Because Milorganite is safe, sustainable, and provides big benefits with very few drawbacks it’s one of the best fertilizers for St. Augustine grass. It’s a gentle fertilizer that is used by experts and lawncare beginners alike.
Milorganite on St. Augustine Schedule
For best results using Milorganite on St. Augustine, apply 4 times per year. These four applications are planned to deliver nutrients during St. Augustine’s summer growing season and reduce fertilization during colder months when St. Augustine’s growth slows or stops. You’ll give your grass nutrients when it needs them and won’t waste time and money fertilizing when unnecessary.
- First Application: Early-April (as soon as grass greens up after winter dormancy)
- Second Application: Late-May
- Third Application: Early-September
- Fourth Application: Early-October (at least 30 days before average first frost)
By applying Milorganite four times per year, you ensure a constant release of nutrients throughout the growing season, giving your St. Augustine the strength to survive heat and drought. Also, because Milorganite is gentle on lawns, there is little chance of damage or grass death, which can be caused by other fertilizers.
Is Milorganite Safe for St. Augustine Grass?
Yes, Milorganite is safe for St. Augustine grass. While other fertilizers can cause a nitrogen overload that actually pulls moisture out of the grass, killing it, Milorganite doesn’t pose this risk. This is because Milorganite feeds soil microbes, which slowly release nitrogen and other nutrients as your grass needs it. This makes Milorganite a very safe fertilizer for St. Augustine.
Can Too Much Milorganite be Applied to Yellow St. Augustine?
It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Do not apply Milorganite to St. Augustine more than 4 times per year. Similarly, do not exceed the volume of Milorganite beyond label specifications (32 lbs per 2,500 square feet). If you over-apply Milorganite, you may cause these adverse effects:
- Weakened/unhealthy grass
- Poor grass root growth
- Excess may wash out and pollute the local ecosystem
Even if your grass is yellow and struggling, apply the recommended amount of Milorganite. It is a slow-release fertilizer, so it makes take 7–14 days to see results. Remain patient and you will see great results from Milorganite.
Can You Use Milorganite on New St. Augustine Sod?
Milorganite makes a great top dressing before laying St. Augustine sod. The phosphorus in Milorganite promotes root growth, encouraging the sod to grow into the soil beneath. Although you can also use Milorganite on top of sod once the sod is established, don’t skip out on adding Milorganite before sodding.
How to Prep New St. Augustine Sod with Milorganite
Because St. Augustine does not grow from seed, sodding is the best way to establish a St. Augustine lawn or fill dead spots. Getting that sod off to a good start is essential. In order to prepare for sod with Milorganite, do the following:
- Till soil before sodding.
- Mix Milorganite into the top 2–4 inches of topsoil.
- Lay sod on top of Milorganite-dressed topsoil.
It’s a great idea to fertilize topsoil before laying St. Augustine sod, as this will give sod easy access to nutrients once it begins to root into the topsoil. Once the sod has been laid, it’s not easy to get fertilizer to the topsoil, so this step is essential for good sod root growth.
Milorganite on St. Augustine Grass
Milorganite is one of the best fertilizers for St. Augustine yards for the following reasons:
- Great for both established lawns and St. Augustine sod.
- Very low risk of damaging St. Augustine with nitrogen overload.
- Increases soil quality.
- Delivers nitrogen and phosphorus for blade and root growth.
- Provides iron for greener St. Augustine.
For best results, apply Milorganite 4 times per year from spring through fall. Your St. Augustine will pull nutrients from the soil as needed, growing vibrantly through the year and establishing deep roots that allow it to resist disease and extreme weather.
