Florida style gardening - An educational series for new residents

A large percentage (81%) of the residents in Pinellas County have moved into Florida from other states. They bring with them preconceived ideas about gardening that may not be applicable to the growing conditions in their new location. This can lead to frustration about gardening in Florida. "Florida Style Gardening" is an 18-hour educational program targeting these new residents with information about the soils, growing conditions, growing seasons, and environmental landscape considerations specific to the Tampa Bay area. This series has been offered twice, 2004 and 2005. A survey of participants reveals changes in attitudes about gardening and changes in behavior regarding water usage, fertilization, pesticide usage and the use of mulch.