Smart Watering Techniques for Florida Gardens

Workshop Overview

Description:
Water is a precious resource in Florida, and efficient irrigation practices are essential for maintaining healthy landscapes while conserving water. This workshop will teach participants how to implement smart watering techniques to reduce waste, promote plant health, and improve sustainability in their gardens. As a hands-on activity, each participant will assemble and take home a rain barrel to capture and reuse rainwater.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:
✅ Understand Florida’s water challenges and the importance of conservation
✅ Learn how to determine their landscape’s water needs using soil moisture and weather conditions
✅ Explore different irrigation methods, including micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting
✅ Gain practical knowledge on rain barrel setup, maintenance, and usage

🌱 Florida’s Water Resources & Conservation Needs – Understanding aquifers, rainfall patterns, and water restrictions
🌱 Efficient Irrigation Practices – Micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, and avoiding overwatering
🌱 Right Plant, Right Place – Choosing drought-tolerant plants for a resilient landscape
🌱 Rainwater Harvesting 101 – Benefits of collecting rainwater, installation tips, and maintenance
🌱 DIY Rain Barrel Assembly – Step-by-step construction and customization

Each participant will assemble a 55-gallon rain barrel to take home. They will learn:
🔹 How to properly set up the barrel for effective rain collection
🔹 How to install spigots and overflow systems
🔹 Best practices for placement, maintenance, and mosquito prevention

• 1 x 55-gallon food-grade barrel
• Spigot kit
• Overflow tubing
• Screen for debris/mosquito prevention
• Tools and sealants for assembly

🌎 Homeowners & Gardeners
💧 HOA Members & Property Managers
🌿 Anyone interested in sustainable landscaping

This workshop empowers participants to take control of their water usage, reduce utility costs, and contribute to Florida’s water conservation efforts. Join us and start harvesting rainwater for a greener, more sustainable garden! 🌧️♻️

Host or Publisher UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County