18 St. Augustine 'Palmetto' 3 Inch Sod Plugs - Drought, Salt & Shade Tolerant Grass

What It Is

This is a set of 18 live St. Augustine ‘Palmetto’ sod plugs (3 inches each) used for patching bare spots, filling in thin lawns, or establishing a new St. Augustine lawn. It’s not a mower part—it’s a grass repair product for warm-season lawns in USDA zones 8-10.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Not a mower part – no deck size, brand, or OEM fitment to check.
• Climate: Works best in full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours direct sun). Not for heavy shade or cool-season grass types.
• Soil prep: Plugs need moist, loose soil. Test soil pH (ideal 6.0-7.5) and ensure drainage isn’t poor.
• Spacing: For bare spots, plant plugs 12-18 inches apart. For full lawn, you’ll need ~200-300 plugs per 1,000 sq ft.
• Installation tool: A 3-inch plugger tool (sold separately) is recommended for clean holes.

Key Things to Know

• Drought & salt tolerance: Palmetto handles moderate drought and salt spray better than Floratam or common St. Augustine. Still needs weekly water until rooted.
• Shade tolerance: Better than most St. Augustine, but not for deep shade under dense trees.
• Installation difficulty: Easy—dig holes, drop plugs, water daily for 2 weeks. No special skill required.
• Common gotcha: Plugs arrive dormant or slightly yellow. Plant within 48 hours, keep moist, and don’t expect instant green. Full fill-in takes 4-6 weeks.

Should You Buy It

Buy if you have a St. Augustine lawn with small bare patches or need a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant warm-season grass in zones 8-10. Skip if you need instant coverage, have heavy shade, or live in cooler climates—this won’t survive frost.