August is typically one of the hottest and wettest months in South Florida. To safely enjoy gardening during this period, it’s wise to avoid working during the peak heat of the day. Seek out shaded areas, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and wear protective clothing. Regularly dedicating a bit of time each week to your garden can help you stay on top of potential issues. While tending to your garden, bring a refreshing drink, engage in light pruning to keep your yard tidy, and apply fertilizer as needed.
It’s also crucial to monitor your lawn for pests early on. Addressing infestations promptly with appropriate sprays can prevent them from becoming unmanageable. Because issues tend to escalate quickly in the summer heat, more frequent checks are necessary. If you’re unsure about identifying problems, don’t hesitate to bring affected plant samples in a plastic bag to our store for assistance.
Regarding water usage, current conservation rules permit watering two days per week. This mindful approach has contributed significantly to our conservation efforts over the past months. Most pop-up sprinklers can discharge about 4 gallons per minute (GPM) with a full head, covering a radius of approximately 15 feet. Sprinklers with half head coverage output about 2 GPM. These sprinklers are typically designed to deliver one inch of water per hour within that radius. Additionally, a damaged ½ inch sprinkler line can waste between 6 and 12 GPM depending on the water pressure.
Please inspect your sprinkler system for any signs of poor coverage or leaks, as these can lead to increased water costs and waste. Such diligence not only saves money but also conserves vital resources.
