When the afternoon storms fade: resetting irrigation for St. Pete's dry season

When afternoon rain becomes less dependable, an irrigation problem can become easier to see. One corner dries while another remains wet. A planter receives overspray, but a new shrub's root ball does not.

Before increasing every zone's run time, find out what the system is actually doing.

Watch the coverage

Arrange a system inspection under the applicable testing rules. Look for broken or blocked heads, water hitting paving and plants that interrupt the spray pattern.

Record uneven areas and check whether the system's layout still matches the garden. Planting grows and beds change; an old irrigation arrangement may need reconsideration.

Check the controller and shutoff device

Review the schedule and confirm that the rain or soil-moisture shutoff device works. A device present on the property should not be assumed to be functioning.

UF/IFAS identifies the controller and moisture-responsive shutoff as key parts of an automatic system. Both need attention when reviewing how much water reaches the landscape.

Separate different needs

Established beds, turf and recently planted material may need different care. Grouping plants with similar water requirements helps irrigation respond more accurately.

Check soil moisture and plant condition before changing settings. Increasing the whole property schedule to solve one dry patch can overwater areas that were already receiving enough.

Check the rules for your water source

Potable, well and reclaimed-water requirements can differ. Confirm current rules with the relevant utility and water authority before setting watering days or hours. An old controller label or blog schedule may be out of date.

Then monitor the result. Seasonal adjustment works best as a sequence of observation, correction and follow-up, rather than one permanent increase.

Start with the garden and the system together: Ask about a Landscape Assessment to discuss irrigation concerns and appropriate next steps.

Sources: UF/IFAS irrigation system guidance, irrigation pitfalls.