The best time to water your grass in Florida is between 5 and 9 a.m. so the water gets to the roots before the sun can evaporate it. Your lawn should get water two to three days a week during the summer, whether from rainfall or irrigation, but less frequently during the mild Florida winters.
Temperature, soil condition, your grass type, rainfall, and other factors all play roles in determining the best time to water your grass. We’ll cover all that and more in this article.
Key Takeaways
Water in the mornings: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. is optimal. Avoid watering midday; the sun will evaporate much of the moisture before your grass gets what it needs.
Watering frequency depends on these variables: Rainfall, the season, type of grass, and soil composition all affect how much water your lawn needs.
Signs of drought: Blades will turn bluish-gray and the grass will lose its elasticity when your lawn is thirsty.
The best time of day to water in Florida
Early morning is the best time of day to water your lawn in Florida, typically between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. The air is cooler at this time, humidity is lower, and the sun is not yet beating down on your lawn with all its might.
The closer you get to midday, the more water will be evaporated by the sun’s powerful heat.
If you’re not an early riser, you can also water in the evening, when the sun has started to retreat for the day. Don’t water after dark, however, because water that sits on grass all night can cause fungus to develop in your grass and invite pests.
How to tell if your grass needs water in Florida
Having a watering schedule is good, but be flexible. Your grass will tell you if it needs water. Here are some signs:
- The grass turns yellow, brown, or in some cases blue. This could also be a sign of lawn disease or lawn pests, but it’s an indication that something is wrong.
- Footprints remain on the grass long after someone has walked on it. This is because dry grass doesn’t spring back as quickly as properly hydrated grass.
- The grass is dry to the touch.
- Grass grows slowly or not at all.
Watering restrictions in Florida
Florida does not have permanent watering restrictions. However, because the state is prone to drought, local or state authorities may occasionally impose watering restrictions on homeowners, commercial users, and even agricultural operations.
These restrictions may limit the number of days you can water, the times of days you can water, and even the precise days you can water.
When restrictions are in place, advisories will be posted on your local city or county government website or your regional Water Management District.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you run your sprinkler system in Florida?
You should generally water each zone of your lawn 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
What is a good lawn watering schedule for Florida?
Generally, once a week in the winter and two to three times a week in the high heat of summer, whether from rainfall or irrigation. But watch your grass for signs that it needs more or less water. Signs of drought include wilting blades, bluish-gray color, and slower recovery from foot traffic.
Do fertilized lawns require more water?
Yes. Applying fertilizer makes the grass grow faster, which also makes it thirstier. Applying fertilizer at the wrong time of year can make your grass use too much water. See our article about When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Florida to make sure you’re fertilizing at the best time of year.
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Sources:
- University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science
- Suwannee River Water Management District
Main Image Credit: Sharon Hahn Darlin | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
