Water-wise News, Citrus County Utilities, December 2024
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Sun - December 8, 2024
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Florida’s cool-weather season has arrived. University of Florida research suggests grass requires less water this time of year, about once every 14 days. Many residents turn the irrigation controller to the ‘OFF’ position from December through February 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.
Irrigation Scheduling
If irrigation controller help is needed, call 352-527-7669 to schedule a free one-time training.
December, January & February: All warm-season grasses go into some sort of dormancy in winter. Apply irrigation about once every 14 days. If the lawn receives 1/2” of rainfall, wait another 14 days.
Per ordinance, watering is limited to one day per week, either before 10 a.m. or after 4 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
Replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSense labeled model can save water and money. Standard controllers are a significant source of wasted water because they do not reduce irrigation in response to cold weather. This time of year, grass is entering dormancy and there is less evaporation. In response, turf and landscape water needs decrease. Homeowners could turn the controller ‘Off’ and then turn back ‘On’ after two weeks of no rain. Or, install a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller to automatically make irrigation adjustments in response to weather. This is a great tool for part-time residents that are not able to adjust the timer while away. For a complete list of WaterSense approved irrigation controllers, visit: www.epa.gov/watersense/. Receive a $100 rebate for installing a WaterSense controller. For rebate details, visit https://tinyurl.com/citrusrebates.
It’s Time for a Sprinkler Spruce Up!
Winter is a great time to spruce up the irrigation system. Get tips from the utility during a free one-time checkup and training. Topics include:
Scheduling the irrigation controller
Zone-by-zone efficiency review
Testing rain sensor
Seasonal water needs
Using the meter to check for leaks
Call (352) 527-7669 to schedule an appointment.
Join a FREE workshop available at the Extension Services office in Lecanto. Upcoming topics include:
Fixing Flaws in your Landscape, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2-4 PM
Right plant, Right place, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2-4 PM
9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2-4 PM
Call FFL Coordinator Steven Davis at 352-527-5708.
As a reminder... Rye Grass is a nice option to brighten up a winter landscape. This grass is an annual, meaning it will die in spring. Rye grass germinates using Florida’s abundant nighttime dew. In Florida, the seed does not need additional irrigation to establish. Furthermore, because the grass is purely aesthetic and temporary, additional irrigation to establish is not permitted. Guidelines indicate the best time to spread Rye seed in North Florida is from October to November, and Central Florida from October to early December. The optimal time to spread in your landscape is when daytime temperatures are consistently in the low to mid 70°F range. For best results, prep lawn by raking the grass to remove all debris and to allow seed better contact with soil.
Want to add new plants to the landscape? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design offers color images, zone hardiness, drought tolerance, light requirements and more: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/
Vegetable: Reliable cool-season vegetables include cabbages, collards, beets, and broccoli. Make sure that seeds and transplants are properly spaced for good development of tubers and vegetables. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
Herbs: Examples of cool-weather herbs include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey, and cilantro. See Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Water Sense Labeled Irrigation Controller — $100 (auto-adjusting controller)
Water Sense Labeled Toilet* -- $100, 1st toilet / $75, 2nd toilet if replacing a toilet that flushes more than1.6 gallon per flush with 1.28 gpf or less (old toilet typically installed before1995. Pre-approval & photos required.)
Water Sense Labeled Toilet* -- $25 per toilet if replacing a 1.6 gallon per flush with 1.28 gpf or less Water Sense labeled toilet. (old toilet typically installed after 1995. Pre-approval & photos required.)
