Summer in Bradenton means temperatures above 90 degrees, afternoon thunderstorms, and the constant question: am I watering my lawn too much or too little? The answer is almost always too much. Here's how to dial in the perfect watering schedule for your Gulf Coast property.

First, know your water restrictions. Manatee County follows the Southwest Florida Water Management District rules: odd-numbered addresses water on Thursday and Sunday, even-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday. Watering is only allowed before 8 AM or after 6 PM. Violations can result in fines up to $500.

For St. Augustine grass, apply 3/4 inch of water per irrigation event. Place a few tuna cans on your lawn and run your sprinklers — when they collect 3/4 inch, that's your run time. Most rotary heads need 45-60 minutes per zone, while spray heads need 15-20 minutes. This deep watering encourages roots to grow down, making your lawn more drought-resistant.

Landscape beds need different treatment. Shrubs and perennials in mulched beds typically need watering only once per week in summer, thanks to afternoon rain. Newly planted material needs more frequent watering for the first 6-8 weeks. Drip irrigation or micro-sprays are far more efficient than overhead sprinklers for beds.

Watch for signs of overwatering: fungal growth, yellowing grass, mushy soil, and a spongy feel underfoot. These are more common than drought stress in our area. If afternoon thunderstorms are providing regular rainfall, skip your scheduled irrigation day entirely. A rain sensor on your controller (required by Florida law) should handle this automatically.

Smart irrigation controllers are the best investment you can make. They pull local weather data and adjust run times automatically, often reducing water use by 30-50%. Many Manatee County water utilities offer rebates for smart controller installation — check with your provider for current incentive programs.