Tag: StarterKit

Understanding Your Utilities – How to Read and Reduce Your Utility Bills


February 11, 2026

Introduction Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, chances are you've used electricity or water in your home. If this is the case, you may have also received a bill in the mail (or your email). It can be tricky to read ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Climate, Energy, Pgm_Sustain, StarterKit, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Water
Picture of Florida-Friendly yard.

Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida


February 11, 2026

Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Florida Friendly, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plant, Pgm_HortRes, StarterKit
Image of homes along pond with shoreline vegetation and trees.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for New Residents


February 11, 2026

Welcome to Florida! As a new resident, youโ€™ll soon discover that the Sunshine State has a unique climate and ecosystem that requires special considerations when it comes to landscaping. Whether you're looking to create a lush garden or a simple, ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Tags: FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, IPM, Landscape, Landscaping, Lawn, Pgm_HortRes, StarterKit

Wondering About Wildlife?: Alligator Encounters


February 11, 2026

Are there Alligators in Florida? Yes indeed! The American alligator is one of Florida's most iconic examples of native wildlife with an estimated population of 1.5 million alligators in Florida, that's almost 1 alligator for every 20 humans! Alligators ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, Wildlife
Tags: Alligators, Animals, Pgm_EcoNR, StarterKit, Urban Wildlife, Wildlife, Wonderingaboutwildlife
Gator cartoon and lubber grasshopper

Backyard Bugs: Identifying Insects in the Landscape


February 11, 2026

There are more than 12,500 species of insects...in Florida, alone! For the average person, it can be difficult to distinguish between common, garden-variety ladybugs. And, it can be just as difficult to understand the difference between a "good" ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Bug, Garden, Insects, Landscape, Pests, Pgm_Chemicals, Plants, StarterKit

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