Florida Yards & Neighborhoods 
Here's The Dirt on Your Dirt
By Ed Ayen, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
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 chelated 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.
Ed Ayen is available to address interested groups such as homeowners associations, voluntary organizations and clubs. For further information he can be reached by calling the Highlands County Extension Service office. Phone: (863)402-6540 or email. Location is 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875-5837