UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service

Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578

Phone: (863) 763-6469

E- mail: edayen@ufl.edu 

 January 25, 2006

Feature Article - for immediate release.

Here’s the Dirt On Your Dirt

 This is another in a series of articles written about the new area program called Florida Yards & Neighborhoods. 

 

The soils in Highlands, Okeechobee and Glades counties are mostly sand which allow rapid downward movement of water, nutrients and pesticides.  These sandy soils dry out quickly and are not compatible with plants having high water and nutritional requirements. 

The simplest way to avoid growing problems in your yard is to utilize native or other plants suited for these soils.  If you want to put in a vegetable or flower garden be prepared to amend the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to the bed. 

It is helpful to check the pH (acidity/alkalinity) of your soil. Check with your local Agricultural Extension Service office as they may be able to run this test for you.  These sandy inland soils are usually acidic (low pH) and may need to have lime added or you can choose plants that tolerate acidic soils.  Keep in mind that many yards contain fill soil brought in from elsewhere so it is best to do a test.  If you have a masonry house where excess waste concrete and mortar fell on the soil during construction the soil in these areas may be more alkaline. 

If you wish to apply fertilizer to your soil utilize a slow release type which is more environmentally safe and cost effective.  The label on the fertilizer container will have three numbers.  The first number refers to the percentage of nitrogen, the second is phosphorous and the third is potassium.  If possible the first and third number should be the same (15-0-15).  Phosphorous occurs naturally in most of our soils so it is not necessary to add it.  Keep applications of fertilizer to a minimum for healthy plants and turf as any excess winds up in our rivers and lakes causing increased algae growth. 

When applying fertilizer to a lawn, use a maximum of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (6.5 lbs. of a 15-0-15) no more than twice per year (March and October).  If your lawn still will not green up try applying cheated iron or iron sulfate instead of more fertilizer. 

The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program is being implemented through your local county extension service in Highlands, Okeechobee and Glades County and is partially funded from Clean Water Act Section 319 funding from the U. S. EPA through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

More information is available on  the Okeechobee web page,  http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu.  If you need additional information on  soils, please email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469.  Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County Master Gardeners from 1 to 5 PM on Tuesday afternoons.

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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Larry A.  Arrington, Dean Last update: 08/21/2006 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert