Save time and money with Florida-Friendly fertilizing

Turfgrasses, most commonly found in lawns, require nutrients to stay green and healthy. Fertilizers are designed to supplement the nutrients found naturally in your soil. When applied correctly, fertilizer can increase leaf and root growth, aid in the recovery from pest damage and environmental stresses, reduce and control weeds, and replace nutrients lost to plant growth.

Recent studies have shown that the nitrates found in many inorganic fertilizers are being found in local water bodies. Nitrogen is needed in lawns to stay healthy. When applied at the right time and amount, turfgrass will use all of the nitrogen. However, when applied incorrectly, nitrogen can leach into groundwater or run off into lakes, rivers and the Gulf.

By applying Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM principles to your landscape, you can conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff and protect local waters.

By knowing your plants’ soil and water needs, you can reduce the amount of water used for irrigation, chemicals used for pest control and fertilizers used for growth – saving you time and money!

For more information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, contact the Pasco County Extension office at 352-518-0156 or visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco.