In 2013, the Brevard County Commission and most city boards voted to adopt a summer fertilizer ban. The rainy season ban is in effect from June 1 to September 30.
For more information about your community fertilizer ordinance, visit: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and search for ordinances.
Only “No Phosphate Fertilizer” as defined in Rule 5E-1.003(2) may be applied to turf or landscape plants in the County without a soil or plant tissue deficiency as verified by a University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences,
approved testing methodology.
The nitrogen content of fertilizer applied to turf or landscape plants within the County shall contain slow release, controlled release, timed release, slowly available, or water insoluble nitrogen per guaranteed analysis label of not less than 50%. Caution
shall be used to prevent direct deposition of nutrients in the water.
The three numbers on the front of the bag should be selected for the type of plant you are fertilizing. The numbers represent the fertilizer's nitrogen (first number), phosphorus (second number) and potassium (third number) contents. High nitrogen
fertilizers on a plant that does not need it is a waste of money and will eventually be washed into waterways by stormwater where it will fertilize algal blooms.
Use environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides, including insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils which both can be made easily at your home. To make insecticidal soap, simply mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish washing soap and a gallon of water.
These soaps can be used to combat whiteflies, aphids and spider mites. Horticultural oils can be made by combining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil with 2 tablespoons of liquid dish washing soap and a gallon of water. This alternative helps to eliminate
problems with mealybugs and thrips.
Watering your lawn correctly can also help prevent insect infestation. When grass is over watered, it becomes a breeding ground for insects that like to feed on roots. To find out when to water your lawn in compliance with the irrigation rule, please
visit the St. Johns River Water Management District at Water restrictions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) promotes use of the least toxic method of controlling pests in the garden. IPM emphasizes the following:
- Tolerate some insect and leaf damage. This allows beneficial predatory insects and birds to locate and naturally solve a pest problem.
- Treat for specific pests, treat only in affected areas, and use the least toxic method of control. This will protect your community and allow beneficial birds and insects to restore and maintain the natural balance in your garden.
- To help prevent leaching and run-off of fertilizers, only use mixes that contain at least 50% slow release nitrogen.
- To maintain healthy grass free of diseases and pests, mow grass to a height of 3 inches in sun, or 4 inches in shade.
- More is NEVER better. ALWAYS read and follow label instructions. For more information, get the guide "Fertilizing for Healthy Plants and Clean Water".