Question
I've read about using sugar on lawns.  I'm very interested in this process.  I live in the Daytona Beach area of FL.  My lawn is St. Augustine grass.  I would like to know the proper procedures for the use of sugar on my lawn.  When, how, and the amount of sugar to the area of grass.  Also, I have Azalea plants around the house, will the sugar have any negative effects on the Azaleas?  Thank you.

Alex

Answer
Sweet idea, using Sugar.  But as a scientist, I can absolutely tell you it is not possible to kill Weeds or Fungi or Bacteria or Azaleas with table Sugar.  No Can Do.

It won't hurt anything, so try it.  Experiment your heart out.  Go crazy.  Won't happen.

Let's look at a molecule of Sugar.  12 atoms of Carbon plus 22 atoms of Hydrogen plus 11 atoms of Oxygen.

Heat it up in a pan and the H2O evaporates -- see that?  22 atoms of Hydrogen, 11 atoms of Oxygen:  2H and 1O.  H2O.  Water!

What's left?  Carbon.

See that on the list of micronutrients or macronutrients?  Maybe certain microbes will like it.  In fact, certain microbes LOVE it.  Plants do not.

Best thing you can do for your Soil and your Grass:  Water and mow properly and do not fertilize.   Top dress instead with a delicious Black Humus bag; you'll boost your microbes population and increase the density of your St Augustine Grass.  Case closed.

Best regards,

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER