By Doris Heitzmann, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Manager

After an unusual dry 2023 summer, that brought us about nine inches less rainfall than expected in the Tampa Bay area, water conservation is even more on the forefront than in previous years.

April is typically the driest month in Florida. With rising temperatures and plants growing, water use in the landscape is increasing. Residents and businesses can take a number of steps to save water outdoors:

• Learn about your allowed watering day and time.
• Check irrigation time clock settings for compliance and accuracy.
• Check your sprinkler system for leaks, misdirected heads, clogged nozzles and fix immediately.
• Water your landscape only as needed and water deeply ( ¾ inch) to encourage deep roots.
• Water in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation.
• Watch for signs of drought, such as grass turning bluish/grey, remaining footsteps, grass blades folding in half or a plant that is still wilted in the morning.
• Use 2-3 inches organic mulch in plant beds. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppresses competitive weeds.
• Wait to install new plants and grass until the summer rainy season.
• Learn about and use Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles.

To learn more about water conservation practices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in Pinellas County, contact (727) 582-2100 or hort@pinellas.gov
or visit our website https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/florida-friendly-landscaping/

0