January Water-wise News for Citrus County, FL
Citrus County Utilities, Water Conservation
While Florida sometimes receives short periods of warm weather in winter, grass still doesn't require as much water this time of year. Consider turning the irrigation controller to the ‘OFF’ position, and then turn ‘ON’ after two weeks of no rainfall. Keep the controller plugged in to maintain settings. If you have a Water Sense labeled irrigation controller, there is no need to adjust the schedule because the controller will automatically reduce irrigation each week while it is cool. During January and February, lawns only need water about once every 14 days. If it rains, wait another two weeks to irrigate.
Phase I Water Shortage Order
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Phase I Water Shortage Order that is in effect until July 1, 2024. Aquifer levels are lower than normal, and grass doesn't need as much irrigation during the winter months. Help our region recover from the water shortage by reducing irrigation until March. Simply turn the irrigation controller to the 'OFF' position, and then turn 'ON' after two weeks of no rainfall or spring arrives.
Lawn Irrigation Schedule
Per restrictions, watering is limited to one day per week, either before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. (not both), as follows:
Addresses Ending in:
0 or 1 -- Monday
2 or 3 -- Tuesday
4 or 5 -- Wednesday
6 or 7 -- Thursday
8 or 9 and locations with a mix of addresses or no address -- Friday
Does your irrigation controller know when it's cold? Be a smart irrigator! Visit epa.gov/watersense for information. Upgrade to a WaterSense irrigation controller that automatically adjusts irrigation amounts in response to cold weather. A $100 rebate is available to customers with irrigation attached to Citrus County's water system.
Winter Lawn Reminders
• Hold off on applying nitrogen-containing fertilizer until April.
• Keep most Bahia and St. Augustine grasses about four inches high, year-round, for drought and freeze protection.
• Avoid irrigating while soil is still moist to reduce chances of disease such as Large Patch or Brown Patch. Learn more at edis.ifas.UFL.edu/LH044
• Use fallen leaves in landscape beds as mulch and insulation from cold.
• Rye seed does not qualify for additional irrigation.
• Only irrigate about once every 14 days from December through February. If it rains, wait another 14 days.
Rebates Available:
*Rain Sensor Replacement - $50
*Water Sense labeled Toilet - $100 for first toilet and $75 for second toilet - to replace a pre-1995 toilet; pre-approval is required.
•Automatic adjusting Water Sense labeled Irrigation Controller - $100
For details and to apply, visit https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/water_resources/water_conservation/programs/water_savers_rebate_program.php. If you have questions, please call (352) 527-7669.
Citrus County Utilities is Here to Help
Schedule a free one-time irrigation checkup, rain sensor test and controller adjustment training. Call (352) 527-7669 to make an appointment.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
Join a FREE workshop, available in-person or online. Upcoming topics include:
• Managing Pest Wisely
• Healthy Winter Landscapes
• Right Plant, Right Place
• 9 Florida-Friendly Principles
For a complete list of workshops and to register, visit ccufflprogram.eventbrite.com. If you need Florida-Friendly Landscaping advice, please call Florida-Friendly Landscaping Coordinator Steven Davis at (352) 527-5708.
January Gardening
Annuals/Bedding Plants: Cool-season annuals include pansy, viola, petunia, and snapdragon. See Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals.
Bulbs: Crinum, agapanthus, and gloriosa lily can be planted now. Mulch to protect from cold temperatures. See Bulbs for Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers.
Camellias: Select and plant camellia this month. Visit local nurseries now for the best selection of colors and forms. See Camellias: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_camellia.
Vegetables: Irish potatoes can be planted now. Start with healthy seed pieces purchased from a local nursery or online seed catalog. Continue planting cool-season crops, including broccoli, kale, carrots, and lettuce. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening.
Crapemyrtle: 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: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_crapemyrtle.
Deciduous fruit: Plant deciduous fruit trees (trees that lose their leaves in winter) now to give their roots time to develop before the warm, dry spring months. Prune and fertilize existing trees. See Temperate Fruit for the Home Landscape: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/temperate_fruits.
For more details on these topics and more, visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/.
Planning or adding to the landscape? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design offers color images, zones hardiness, drought tolerance, light requirement and more:
https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/homeowners/publications.htm or https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/.