[Step 1 Get to Know Your Yard][Step 2 Get the Water Right][Step 3 Right Plant,Right Place][Step 4 Designing for Wildlife][Step 5 Pest Management][Step 6 Reducing Stormwater Runoff]

Step 2 Get the Water Right

Healthy landscapes and waterways in Broward County depend on how you use water in your NatureScape. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of household water use is for outdoor irrigation, but you can make a big difference if you get the water right.

Over-watering favors the growth of water-loving weeds, such as dollar weed, and increases the potential for fungus. It also creates runoff, which may carry fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from yards into nearby waterways.

Try these easy water saving ideas to help keep water in the ground, not on the ground.

Watering Efficiently

Most of the water wasted during irrigation is maintenance-related. With nothing more than a tune-up, most irrigation systems can generate large water savings. If you are watching your money go down the drain, try these tips for watering more efficiently:

Pay attention to where you irrigate

• Avoid watering impervious surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks to prevent pollutants from running into storm drains.
• Check sprinklers twice a month to ensure sprinkler heads are in good repair.
• Calibrate your sprinkler system to measure how much water is falling on different areas. The goal is to water areas according to plant needs and to have an even spray. A simple method is to spread cans across your yard, turn on the irrigation for a normal cycle, and then measure the water in the cans. Adjust your system accordingly.
• Use a rain shut-off device or sensor with your automatic sprinkler system.
• Turn off automatic systems in the summer or if rainfall is consistent. Get a rain gauge and use it to tell you when you need to water. You can get a free gauge at Broward County Environmental Protection Department or Broward County Extension Offices.

For more information on watering efficiently, click here (page 59). NatureScape Broward also operates an irrigation service (the NatureScape Irrigation Service) that assists large property owners in improving irrigation system efficiency and operation to achieve water savings and reduce surface water pollution. Broward County residents seeking a similar evaluation for a single family home or business can call the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District at 954-584-1306.

Watering - How often? How much?

Time and frequency are key.
The amount of water your NatureScape yard needs will vary depending on the type of plants and amount of grass in your yard, as well as the season. In winter months, you should not need to water your lawn more than once a week. In the spring, summer and fall, you generally do not need to water more than twice a week. Watering too frequently and too little per irrigation cycle weakens plants by encouraging shallow root growth. Watering less often, and more deeply, actually strengthens your lawn and landscape. Deeper roots make plants more able to withstand drought damage during times when irrigation is restricted. NatureScapes are designed to be less dependent on anything more than rainfall.

Never water immediately before applying fertilizer unless required by package instructions. Moisture on the leaves will cause fertilizer to stick to the leaves and can cause burning. Also, rainfall on a water-saturated root zone can cause the fertilizer to run off the property or leach below the root zone. Do not water if soil is already moist or if rain is expected. Makes sense, right?

When you water will also make a difference. For best results, water in the early morning from 4-7:00. This is the most efficient time because temperature and wind speed are at their lowest and evaporation is reduced. Also, grasses will be less susceptible to fungus if water is applied when dew normally forms.

How much is enough?

Overwatering increases fungal diseases, pest problems, and maintenance requirements of turf areas. A simple watering schedule will protect your plants, your pocketbook and our water resources.

While it is a good idea to have a scheduled day for watering, it is not always necessary to water each scheduled time. Lawns should be watered when the lawn shows signs of distress such as bluish-gray color or folded leaf blades. When needed, apply 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch of water in sandy soils and 3/4-inch to 1 inch in heavier soils.

To find out more about recommended irrigation practices for the Broward area, click here.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation is a highly recommended type of irrigation system for raised beds and planters. It delivers water slowly, regularly and accurately to plants' roots. It also uses much less water than traditional sprinkler systems and may prevent stains and mildew on sidewalks and walls -- that's why drip irrigation is a good choice for areas close to your home.

Some advantages of drip irrigation include:

• Fewer problems with disease - when plants are saturated with water, they are at a much higher risk for disease.
• Less evaporation and run-off because water soaks directly into the soil.
• Fewer problems with disease - when plants are saturated with water, they are at a much higher risk for disease.
• Less evaporation and run-off because water soaks directly into the soil.
• Less stress on plants because soil moisture remains constant. ·
• Reduce weed growth.
• Water is applied directly at plants' roots where it is needed, which saves water.

Rain Shut Off Devices

Have you ever seen sprinklers on during a rain shower? What a waste of water! You don't have to worry about turning your system on and off when it rains if you use a rain shut off device. These simple gadgets respond to rainfall and prevent the sprinklers from coming on if the yard has received enough rainwater.

Automatic irrigation systems installed after 1991 are required to have a rain shut-off device. If you already have one, make sure it extends beyond the edge of the roof so that it will be exposed to rain.

Rain Gauges

Free rain gauges may be picked up at Broward County Environmental Protection Department or County Extension offices. They help track how much rain an area has received and when you need to add additional water.

Rain Barrels

Large plastic rain barrels allow you to collect rainfall. The barrels have a roof downspout on top and a valve near the bottom from which you can draw the water. This simple system can be connected to your pool or can be used for hand watering needs. Rain barrels capture water that would normally be "lost" to runoff. To find out more about making a rain barrel, click here (page 18). If you'd like more ideas about conserving and reusing water, click here.

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