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Public Service Announcements

These public service announcements (PSAs) are available as mp3 files in two formats:

PSAs — Thirty Seconds


Conserving Water in the Landscape (:30)

Water conservation is especially on people's minds during dry periods, but it's important all the time. One place to save water is in the home landscape. Irrigate in the early morning hours and apply no more than three-quarters of an inch of water.

Make sure your irrigation system is working properly and isn't leaking. Remove weeds when you see them, keep fertilizing to a minimum, and water grass only when it starts to wilt.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Drought-friendly Landscaping (:30)

Most of Florida is experiencing drought conditions this year, although some areas are hit harder than others. The state's five water management districts can restrict landscape water use in times of shortage, and yours may already have.

Water restrictions apply to everyone, even people who get their water from wells. Pay attention to local news and visit your water management district's Web site to fi nd out what water restrictions impact your area.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Firewise Landscaping (:30)

Wildfire is always a threat in Florida, especially during dry periods.

You can reduce your wildfi re risk by making some changes to your landscape. Remove vines from trees and trim lower branches from tall trees. To help prevent the spread of fi re to your home, maintain space between groups of plants. Keep combustible items like wood piles and gas grills at least thirty feet from your house, and clean up dead leaves and branches.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about drought, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Handwatering (:30)

When Florida's water management districts limit landscape watering, you can typically only water one or two days per week.

Handwatering is usually allowed more frequently than automatic irrigation. Handwatering means using a watering can, pail, or hose to irrigate plants, and it's a good technique for container gardens, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and flower beds.

Check for restrictions on handwatering in your area.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Rain Barrels (:30)

A rain barrel captures rainwater, which can then be used to water plants.

Rain barrels can help you save water and money—whether you're under water restrictions or not!

Rain barrels are large containers covered with a screen to keep out leaves, insects, and other contaminants, and fitted with a spigot.

By channeling the water that falls off the your roof, you can water your plants for free on any day you choose!

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Rain Gardens (:30)

No matter the weather, it's important that rain returns to the aquifer system, our source for water. Rain gardens are a great way to help ensure that aquifer gets its share of rainwater.

Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape planted with plants and grasses that filter water before letting it flow naturally into the ground.

They work best when placed at the bottom of downspouts or in areas where water tends to puddle.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Water Restrictions (:30)

Most of Florida is experiencing drought conditions this year, although some areas are hit harder than others.

The state's five water management districts can restrict landscape water use in times of shortage, and yours may already have.

Water restrictions apply to everyone, even people who get their water from wells. Pay attention to local news and visit your water management district's Web site to find out what water restrictions impact your area.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Watering Your Lawn (:30)

Help your grass make it through dry periods by encouraging it to grow deeper roots. Water your lawn only when it shows at least one of the three signs of wilt. Look for leaf blades that fold in half lengthwise, a bluegreen color, or footprints that stay visible.

Irrigate your lawn only when at least a third of it shows one or more of these signs. Apply one-half to three-fourths of an inch of water at a time.

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about water conservation, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.

Provide Water to Wildlife (:30)

Drought isn't just tough on people. It can be stressful for animals, too. Do your part to help wildlife survive by providing a water feature.

Birdbaths should be shallow, with textured bottoms and gently sloped sides. Keep them clean with a plain textured sponge.

Shallow plant saucers make perfect butterfly watering stations.

Small ponds attract a variety of wildlife. Add plants and see who comes to the watering hole!

This public service announcement is brought to you by Gardening in a Minute. For more information about drought, visit Gardening in a Minute dot com or contact your University of Florida/IFAS county Extension office.


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