Yard Watering Restrictions, Drought Tolerant & Native Plants

Lawn and garden watering restrictions apply whether you get water from public utilities or private wells. What are the regulated days to water and how much? Nassau County, Florida Extension watering tips.

When and how much to water lawn and shrubs in Nassau County, Florida?
When and how much to water lawn and shrubs in Nassau County, Florida?

Garden Talk Q & A

University of Florida/IFAS Extension Director for Nassau County and Environmental Horticulture Agent IV, Rebecca Jordi answers questions about landscaping and gardening in northeast Florida.
__________________

July 2016 Free “Landscape Matters,” Nassau County Extension

Learn more about “Florida-Friendly” landscaping by attending two free presentations during July 2016 being held in Yulee, FL. Rebecca Jordi will present these “Landscape Matters” classes (both being held from 10 am to 11 am at Nassau County Extension office located in Yulee at 86026 Pages Dairy Road):

— Drought Tolerant Plants For Your Landscape (July 6, 2016)
— Native Plants (July 20, 2016)
__________________

QUESTION: What are the proper times to water and how much to water? Are we really supposed to water shrubs differently than grass? I am so frustrated at all the different pieces of information, I just want someone to make it simple for me. BW

JORDI: Thank you so much for your timely question. We will start with the law from the St. Johns River Water Management if we do NOT receive sufficient rain:

— Daylight saving time (DST): Second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November (summer)
— Eastern Standard Time (EST): First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March (winter)
— An odd numbered addresses end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. DST – Water Wednesday/Saturdays; EST Saturdays
— An even numbered addresses end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. DST – Water Thursday/Sundays; EST Sundays

Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. *We recommend watering from 4 a.m. – 10 a.m. so any extra water has time to dry off the blades to reduce disease. We do not suggest watering in the evenings.

Water for no more than one hour per zone. *We recommend you measure your output with the ideal amount at each watering measuring between ½ inch and ¾ inch. Our grasses grow very well in sandy, well-drained soil and like to be watered deeply but less often to produce strong root structures.

Watering restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities. People often believe since they have their own well that is doesn’t matter how much they use but the same restrictions apply to private wells.
*We recommend allowing the grass to tell you when to water. Once the blade begins to slightly fold, or has a blue-green color then water the grass.

*We recommend separating the irrigation zones so the flower beds and hedges are watered differently. Most mature hedges and woody ornamentals do not require irrigation once established and watering twice a week would be excessive and unnecessary. In addition, so many disease issues for lawn grasses and shrubs are caused by over watering.

*University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommendations.
________________
See more info and “exceptions” to watering restrictions at the St. Johns River Water Management District website.

Also see University of Florida’s “Florida-Friendly Landscaping” Facebook page to follow posts offering helpful tips and guidance.