Jim Davis, Sumter County Agent, UF/IFAS conducted a seminar on this subject last week. His guidance is:
1. Water ONLY when the lawn shows signs of distress (bluish-green color; footprints stay visible; 30-50% of grass blades curl lengthwise).
2. Water no more than .75" per zone per session.
3. Determine the amount of water that is delivered to your lawn by spreading regular sized tuna fish cans spread throughout that individual zone. Measure the amount of water collected on the can during one run cycle per zone. If the amount of water collected is greater than .75" then reduce the time that that zone runs; increase the run time if less
than .75" of water is collected.
4. Empire Zoysia grass should not be watered more than once every 10-14 in the winter months when the grass is dormant.
During the dry months, water when grass shows sign of distress but no more than 2x per week.
During the wet season, there is usually no need to run system at all. Watch for signs if distress
5. The best time to water is between 4am and 7am
6. Established shrubs need very little water.
Also:
Only fertilize a lawn between early April and early Fall; no more than 4x total during that period.
Use fertilizer whose nitrogen (first number) is at least 15% water insoluable...more is better. The ratio of nitrogen to potassium (the third number) should be 1:1 up to NO greater than 2:1. Florida lawns do not require fertilizers with phosphorus. 15-0-15; 16-0-8; 30-0-30 are all good
Water in fertilizer wi approx .25" of water. Avoid applying fertilizer before apparent heavy rains.
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