Sally Scalera

Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent
3695 Lake Drive -- Cocoa FL 32926 -- 321-633-1702

Conserving water

April 16, 2011

The idea of conserving water has been around for a long time. The population continues to increase, but there is only so much water to go around.

Not only is it smart to conserve our water, but also to protect the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon. Considering all the rain Brevard County received at the end of March, this is a very timely topic. Those heavy rains carry nutrients in the form of fertilizer granules, grass clippings, leaves and dog waste into the lagoon.

The presence of pesticides and high nutrient levels in the lagoon are attributed to the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers by homeowners. When it comes to pest control, the majority of our pests -- aphids, whiteflies, scale and mealybugs -- can be controlled by biorationals such as insecticidal soap or ultra-fine pesticidal oil.

To control caterpillars on oleander or snowbush, use a Bt product such as Thuricide.

When it comes to fertilizer use, keep in mind synthetic fertilizers have a quick-release portion that, if overapplied or applied right before a rain storm, can leach through the soil and into the lagoon.

Another way to protect water quality is for anyone living next to a water body to create a 10-foot border along the water and leave it alone. That means no mowing, fertilizing or spraying any pesticides such as insecticides, fungicides or herbicides. This will create a buffer zone for the river, lake or pond.

When it comes to conserving water, one of the easiest ways is to add more native plants to your landscape. Natives are adapted to our sandy soils. Native ground covers (beach morning glory, gopher apple ); perennials; shrubs (oakleaf hydrangea, rusty lyonia, necklace pod); trees and vines add beauty. And once established, they rarely require supplemental water.

In addition to native plants, drought-tolerant plants from other areas of the world can do well here. Try aloe, cosmos, thyme, rosemary, natal plum and bougainvillea, which blooms better with neglect.

Mulch helps keep the soil moist and also suppresses weeds.

Even citrus trees benefit from mulch. Just make sure you keep the mulch 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk of the tree.

Chipped mulch like pine bark nuggets, melaleuca or eucalyptus work well. Other good mulches are brown leaves, grass clippings (as long as they haven't been sprayed with pesticides) or pine needles. Those last three also increase earthworm activity.

Mulch needs to be maintained at a depth of 3 to 4 inches deep.

Another way to conserve water and protect the IRL is to collect rain water. Rain barrels can be connected to the downspout of your gutter. If your house doesn't have a gutter system, the rain barrel can have the lid cut off and screening placed over the top to collect water from the roof or out in the yard.

Rain barrels have spigots at the base so that watering cans can be filled, or a hose can be attached for watering other plants.

If your roof really is large and you get too much water for one rain barrel, connect a number of them together so that you don't waste any of the rain.

The use of rain barrels also will reduce or eliminate the stormwater runoff from your property, which will keep freshwater, fertilizers, grass clippings, pet waste and all other pollutants out of the water bodies.

Merchants of Downtown Melbourne will be displaying rain barrels painted by local artists during April. Participants include Giftique, Olivia Carol Salon, Yapa, Jessup's of Melbourne, Meehan's Office Products, Julie's British Shoppe, Island Pasta, Blossom House Florist and Melbourne Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the locations to see the barrels and place a bid for your favorite. Proceeds benefit Keep Brevard Beautiful. All of the rain barrels will be displayed in the Indian River Lagoon tent at Kid's World during the Melbourne Art Festival on April 23 and 24. Final bids will be accepted until 2:30 p.m. April 24. Contact Scalera, Brevard County's horticulture extension agent, at 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL 32926, or 321-633-1702 or email us at Brevard-mg1@ifas.ufl.edu