Maintenance Checklist

Water conservation is a year round job.
Select a month to view water conservation information.

January

• Temperatures are cool and plant growth is limited. Irrigation controllers should be set for a watering frequency of once every 7 to 14 days, depending on actual temperatures and water restriction schedules.
• Clean and repair irrigation components.
• Add mulch to landscapes if not done in December.

February

• Set irrigation frequency to once a week.
• Add compost when renovating garden beds.
• Convert to micro-irrigation for tree/shrub beds. Try starter kits from retailers.
• Renovate irrigation systems to establish separate zones for turf and annual flowers from trees and shrubs.
• Add/replenish mulch if not done in December or January.
• Use slow release fertilizers to reduce flushes of growth that stimulate plant water demands.

March

• Keep irrigation frequency to once per week.
• Check rain shut-off device to make sure it is functioning.
• Calibrate irrigation zones using flat-bottomed, even-sided cans so that ½ to 3/4 inch of water is delivered per application.
• Flush micro-irrigation systems and clean the filter.
• Check spray emitters to make sure the water pattern overlaps.

April

• Watering frequency should be based on plant needs.
• Consider enlarging mulched areas and reducing turf areas. Plant more trees.
• Install/expand "hardscape" - walkways, patios, decks.
• Plant drought-tolerant plants.
• See if you can capture air conditioning condensation water and divert it to your landscape.
• Check and repair irrigation problems.

May

• Use slow release fertilizers to reduce flushes of growth that stimulate plant water demand.
• If plants wilt in the evening, water early the next morning.
• When planting plants, group them together according to their water requirements.
• Check and repair any irrigation system deficiencies.

June

• Make sure the rain shut-off device is functioning.
• With the onset of the rainy season, adjust irrigation frequency based on rainfall received.
• Consider rain barrels to capture water off roofs.
• Check and clean irrigation filter.
• Correct irrigation problems.

July

• Turn off irrigation emitters to planted areas that do not need water due to the rainy season.
• Permanently disconnect irrigation to drought tolerant and native plants that are established and do not require supplemental irrigation.
• Make sure downspouts are directed into landscaped areas and not driveways.
• Check the rain shut-off device.

August

• Make sure your irrigation system is adjusted to account for rainfall.
• Check the rain shut-off device.
• Check irrigation system for leaks and malfunctions.

September

• Irrigate only according to plant needs.
• Plan landscape modifications for coming cooler dryer months to save more water.
• Check and clean irrigation filter.
• Use slow release fertilizers to reduce flushes of growth that stimulate plant water demands.

October

• Adjust irrigation time clocks to make sure frequency is not more than once per week.
• Consider replacing some turf areas with drought-tolerant ground cover.
• Replenish mulch. Expand mulch areas.
• Plant drought tolerant plants.
• Correct irrigation problems.

November

• Make sure irrigation system is functioning properly.
• Convert tree-shrub beds to micro-irrigation and put them on separate zones from turfgrass.
• Plant more trees for canopy coverage.
• Check the rain shut-off device.

December

• Check and clean irrigation filter.
• Set irrigation frequency to once every 7 to 14 days.
• Replenish mulch.
• Troubleshoot entire irrigation system and clean, adjust or replace malfunctioning components.
• Buy spouse a micro-irrigation starter kit, drought tolerant plants, and a new rain shut-off device as gifts and make sure they are installed.

For additional landscape water conservation information:

Call the Sarasota County Extension Service at 941-861-5000, ask for Extension..
Visit their Web site at
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu