Q: I seem to remember you used to not recommend St. Augustine grass be grown north of Macon. Now when people call in with questions about planting it, you seem to even endorse it in sunny or semi shade areas of Cherokee County. Is a new variety out? Have you changed you recommendations?

What’s Up wid dat?

A: I have some SA myself and am impressed with how it has survived several winters, still gray-green as we speak.

I think we based initial Extension recommendations years ago on data from sandy soils, and on older varieties.

Now, on clay soil and with newer varieties, like ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Palmetto’, I don’t hesitate to recommend St Augustine in the Atlanta area.