Water for your Southwest Florida Lawn & Garden

Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly. Most lawns need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water once per week, or once every two weeks when the weather cools. Water can come from rain, or from irrigation. Infrequent but deep watering will encourage deep rooting, healthier and hardier plants with a greater tolerance for drought. Also, you should water at the right time of day. Watering early in the day (especially in warmer weather) when evaporation rates are at their lowest.

Your lawn needs watering when:

• Grass blades are folded in half
• Grass blades are blue-gray
• Your footprint remains on the lawn
• If water restrictions are in effect in your community, you must adapt your watering to fit the restrictions.

On the other hand, too much water can hurt plants also. Over-watering creates shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to disease and pests, as well as drought. The use of drip or micro-irrigation systems can help to save water. These systems are able to deliver water to the root of plants, and much less water is lost to the atmosphere. Consider installing a rain sensor. This recognizes when nature brings the water your lawn needs, and shuts off automatic sprinklers.

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