An efficient irrigation system conserves water and helps to ensure that fertilizer and other pollution doesn’t flow into water bodies. However, even an efficient irrigation system can waste water if not appropriately programmed and regularly maintained.

If an irrigation system is present, a rain sensor irrigation shutoff device should be installed and maintained to prevent irrigation after a rain event. Don’t let the calendar tell you when to water – look to your plants for telltale signs of water stress and turn on your irrigation system manually instead of allowing the automatic controller to run on a set schedule. Handwatering, microirrigation, mulching, and mowing at the highest setting are ways to reduce water use in your landscape.

See the Florida Friendly Landscaping™ program website (listed below) for training, contact information and more information about the FFL™ program.

The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards are now accepting applications to honor those who exemplify Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

Apply today at https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/

The deadline is July 31, 2025.

Resources:

UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County 12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774 Phone (727) 582-2109 gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/

https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Water Efficiently Guidance

https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-2-water-efficiently/

Fertilizer Reduction App for Reclaimed Water

https://pinellas.gov/reduce-fertilizer-use-when-irrigating-with-reclaimed-water/

https://pinellas-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=326153a964e3458993ec417dc3c12227

Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance

https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

Soil Solarization

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html

Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

Monthly Gardening Calendars

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4 —-

Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

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This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.