PRESIDENTS CORNER

The Good, the Bad, and Ugly About Irrigation and Overwatering in Viera

Eva Rey,

President of Central Viera Community Association

Recently, we received a press release from the St. Johns River Water Management District reminding our community of the watering restrictions in place through November 2, 2025. They also included a useful handout that you can download here.

Many of us have Brevard County reclaimed water as our irrigation source. While my article this month largely speaks to reclaimed as a source, there are other water sources, such as irrigation wells and surface water, in Viera as well. For all other sources other then reclaimed, here are the general watering restriction guidelines published by the St. Johns River Water Management District:

• Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses: Wednesday and Saturday.
• Homes with even-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday.
• Nonresidential properties: Tuesday and Friday.
• Watering hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is prohibited to reduce evaporation and enhance soil absorption.
• Watering time: Limited to one hour per zone.
• Coverage: These restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities. It does not apply to residents or businesses that use reclaimed water to irrigate.
• These restrictions will remain in effect until Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

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Spring into a Beautiful Yard

Chelsea Payne,

Community Management Coordinator

As spring approaches, many of us feel the urge to freshen up our homes with a deep clean. But while tackling closets and kitchen cabinets, let’s not forget about our yards! Spring is the perfect time to give your outdoor space some much-needed care before the hot summer months arrive.

Start with a Clean Slate:

I know it can be a bit daunting to start a project in your yard. A good tip is to begin by clearing away any debris that accumulated over the winter months. Remove dead branches, pull any weeds that have sprung up, and clean up any fallen leaves. This simple step can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your yard. Don’t forget to clean out your flower beds and trim back any overgrown shrubs or hedges.

Test Your Soil for a Healthy Lawn and Fertilize Wisely:

Now is the perfect time to test your soil. Residents can send soil samples for testing at the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory (https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/extension-soil-testing-laboratory/). Soil testing reveals the makeup of your soil and helps determine the appropriate amounts of lime and fertilizer to apply. Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels is crucial for healthy plant growth and a vibrant lawn.

Fertilizing your lawn properly can make a significant difference in its health and minimize pollution from runoff. Keep these key factors in mind when applying fertilizer:

✔ Type of fertilizer – Choose one suited for Florida lawns.

✔ Application amount – Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm plants and waterways.

✔ Application method – Follow best practices to ensure even distribution.

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