In Florida, annual dry periods and drought conditions in the fall and spring are completely normal. But during periods of extreme drought and below-average rainfall, like the conditions we are experiencing this year, there are some cultural practices that can help your plants retain moisture. Let’s talk about a few!
Planning Ahead
Plan ahead with the nine science-based principles of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program. With these basic principles, you can create an aesthetic, resilient, and environmentally friendly landscape.
Principle #1: “Right Plant, Right Place” is selecting a plant you know will survive in the conditions you plant it in. Florida naturally goes through annual periods of drought. Plan ahead and choose drought-tolerant plants for your landscape.
Cultural Practices to Help Retain Water
Mulch
One way to retain moisture in the soil is to refresh mulch in beds, containers, and landscaping areas. If you have potted plants, consider moving them to shaded areas to preserve moisture.
Irrigation
Collect rainfall by setting out some rain barrels or any large containers you have; it’s free water!
Calibrate your irrigation system. Check for damaged or leaking spray heads, make sure the water is spraying the plant material, and that you’re getting head-to-head coverage that waters the root zone efficiently. If possible, water your plants in the early morning hours.
- Read this publication to find out how to calibrate your system yourself. It is a simple and extremely important step for efficient irrigation.
- Learn more about managing your landscapes in an environmentally conscious way.
When watering, wet only the root zone. Avoid getting water on the foliage, stems, and trunk of a plant. The best time to water is in the early morning hours before the sun comes up, if possible. For best results, calibrate your irrigation system to water only until the plants’ needs are met. Deep, infrequent waterings build strong roots and healthy, resilient plants.
Remember: If a plant needs more water, increase the frequency of waterings, not the amount of water per application. Were still under watering restrictions. Visit the New Watering Guidelines Issued for Pasco County and the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or call (813) 856-5679 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.
- Read more about watering restrictions: Watering Restrictions – Pasco County – UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
- Visit the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center for more helpful information.
* Pasco Citizens: Get a FREE Irrigation System Evaluation.
Rain Sensor
Check to make sure your rain sensor is operational. It is the law in Florida. If natural rainfall consistently meets the water requirements of your plants, you may shut your irrigation system off during the rainy season. Otherwise, your operational rain sensor will automatically adjust your irrigation schedule if water requirements are met and detected.
Florida Statute 373.62 states: “Any person who operates an automatic landscape irrigation system shall properly install, maintain, and operate technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture”. Read more about Residential Irrigation System Rainfall Shutoff Devices, or Rain Sensors. (ABE325/AE221)
Fertilizers
As a general rule, hold off on fertilizers during times of drought or plant dormancy; fertilization will only stress the plant further. You may think applying fertilizer will support the plant’s growth during this time, but plants have a seasonal internal clock. Encouraging a plant to grow outside of that natural cycle only causes stress, which could lead to disease, pest infestation, or death.
Timing
Avoid pruning healthy stems and branches during drought. Only prune diseased or damaged branches.
It is best to wait until the rainy season begins to plant any new garden and landscape plants, or turf. New plants need more water and are more susceptible to drought conditions.
For more information:
- Read more about water resources in Florida: Water Resources – Solutions for Your Life – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS
- Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order: District Declares Modified Phase III Water Shortage | WaterMatters.org
- Learn more about Dealing with Water Restrictions.
Help Conserve Water
- Reduce outdoor and indoor water consumption, where possible.
- Check your irrigation system to ensure it’s working properly.
- Test and repair broken pipes, leaks, faucets, and fix damaged or tilted sprinkler heads
- Check your irrigation timer and the rain sensor to ensure they are working properly and in accordance with state law and city/county water restrictions.
- If possible, hold off on pressure washing, car washing, or establishing new plants; an HOA cannot enforce any standards that require an increase in water usage.
(Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2026).
Follow us!
We have several ways to connect. Visit our Facebook, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, & Website.
Resources
Supervising agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore
1
