February 2020

Nights seem to be staying below 50 to 60 degrees and grass water needs are mostly being met by rainfall. But, once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above that 50 to 60 degree threshold, it is time to schedule weekly irrigation. Until then, below are some options for irrigation scheduling. Keep in mind that if you have a Water Sense labeled controller that automatically adjusts irrigation seasonally, there is no need to adjust your controller.
February: Continue to irrigate about once every 14 days while nightly temperatures remain below 50-60 degrees. A couple nights of higher temperatures typically will not trigger spring growth. Only after extended periods of warm nights will the soil temperature rise, prompting grass to come out of dormancy.
March: One scheduled irrigation of 1/2” to 3/4” per week. That is about 30 to 45 minutes per rotor head zone and 15 to 20 minutes per spray head zones.
As always, if grass shows signs it wants water, like blades folded in half lengthwise or footprints lingering in the lawn, schedule irrigation on your next allowable watering day.

Call to report new plantings that require additional irrigation (352) 527-7669.
Water Restrictions
Irrigation may occur before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., as follows:
ODD addresses on Wed. & Sat. / EVEN addresses on Thurs. & Sun.

Celebrate Fix a Leak Week with us!Pro conducting a irrigation checkup
We are gearing of for Fix a Leak Week. Take advantage of the utility’s free irrigation system checkup and training to learn if you have indoor or outdoor leaks. This is what we cover:
Use meter to check for leaks
Provide toilet leak detection dye tablets
Offer free Water Sense labeled showerheads and faucet aerators
Assist scheduling irrigation controller
Zone-by-zone irrigation efficiency review
Test rain sensor
And… we can answer most landscape or irrigation questions
Limited to one per customer. Call (352) 527-7669 to schedule an appointment.

Customer feedback: “This is our first irrigation system, so the info provided was enormously helpful. We were able to cut watering time in half! Plus, we now know how to monitor and adjust the system as needed! Great program!!” Shelly, Sugarmill Woods

Does your toilet have a silent leak? Drop a dye tablet (or 10 drops of food coloring) into your toilet’s tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak that can probably be fixed by replacing a worn toilet flapper. Don’t forget to flush afterwards to remove any leftover dye.
Dye tablets available at the utility conservation office, the water conservation expo, or the Cypress & Oak Village association offices.
Learn how to get a handle on leaks at http://www.epa.gov/watersense.
Winter Reminders

No Nitrogen Fertilizers
No fertilizer should be applied until April when roots are re-established. This is best for your turf and adheres to Citrus County’s fertilizer ordinance.

Mowing
Grass still isn’t actively growing. For greatest freeze and drought tolerance, most Bahia and St. Augustine grass varieties should stay at least 3.5” to 4” high. This is the recommended height ALL year to help grass survive both high and low temperatures.
grass

Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Class: 9 Florida-Friendly Principles
Tuesday, 2/18/2020, 2:00 PM
Click HERE to register.

March (and a few February reminders)

Bedding Plants: Consider planting warm-season annuals such as angelonia, wax begonia, and zinnia at the end of the month. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants

Azaleas: With many azaleas in full bloom in February, it is a great time to select varieties to add to the landscape. Prune azaleas when they have finished blooming to reduce their size and improve their form.
See Azalea: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_azalea

Bulbs: Plant dahlia, canna, and gloriosa bulbs for spring and summer flowering. Provide stakes as needed to support growth. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers

Crapemyrtle: In February, remove seed pods, crossing branches, and small twiggy growth to improve the appearance and form of the plant, if desired. Hard pruning is not required. See Crapemyrtle: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_crapemyrtle

Lawn Disease: Continue to watch for brown patch and large patch, fungal diseases that cause areas of grass to turn brown. Since treatment is difficult, prevention with proper cultural practices is key. These diseases become active when the soil temperature, measured 2–4 in. deep, is between 65°F and 75°F and go dormant when the weather warms in May. See Turf Diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_turf_diseases

Shrubs and trees: Prune when the dormant season ends and new growth begins. See Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning

Vegetables: Begin planting warm-season crops, such as beans, tomatoes, squash, and corn, early in the month for late spring harvest. Protect from frost. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening

For more details or to see another month’s calendar, visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/
Citrus Link Newsletter
The Citrus County Public Information Officer also sends a monthly email newsletter highlighting the latest construction projects, meeting highlights, staff and more. If you would like to receive this once a month newsletter, register at http://www.citrusbocc.com/pio/pio.

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Citrus County Department of Water Resources
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Lecanto, FL 34461-7726

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