The Power of Fundamentals: How Basic Bilingual Landscaping Education Drives Results
Teaching & Educational Technologies
Hannah Eason
Commercial Horticulture
UF/IFAS
Orlando
Abstract
Situation: Florida’s massive environmental horticulture industry generates over $10 billion annually and employs over 100,000 individuals, with 33% identifying as Hispanic/Latino. The landscaping sector plays a crucial role in this industry, yet many positions lack formal certification, leaving training dependent on in-house instruction that varies in quality. Compounding this challenge, most educational materials are exclusively in English, creating a barrier for multilingual teams thus limiting the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies with an emphasis on basic, preventative strategies as opposed to reactive chemical corrections focused on aesthetics.
Methods: Recognizing this gap, a multi-county team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents secured a USDA-NIFA IPM Extension grant in 2021 to develop bilingual training materials that enhance sustainable landscaping practices. The result was the publication of Basics of Landscaping in Florida / Conceptos Básicos de Paisajismo en Florida booklet—a waterproof, pocket-sized resource featuring science-based BMPs and IPM principles presented in both English and Spanish, with photos and illustrations to enrich comprehension.
Results: Since its April 2024 publication, the booklet has reached a wide audience, with 366 copies distributed through Extension outreach of which 216 were distributed after a 1 – 2-hour class in English or Spanish on the topic. Its impact became evident as 164 individuals completed Qualtrics post-class surveys, with 99% (162) planning to use the information in their home landscapes and 63% (103) intending to apply practices on the job—44% (72) of whom believed the booklet would directly support BMP adoption among multilingual teams. Post-class surveys reported 80% (131) increased BMP knowledge. A 3–6-month follow-up survey confirmed sustained impact, as 85% of respondents (41 of 48) reported applying the information, and at least 83% (40) implemented one or more BMPs.
Conclusion: Beyond its educational success, the booklet has gained traction within the industry. The UF/IFAS Bookstore sold 100 copies, generating $1,600 in revenue, while Extension Agents and industry trainers have formally adopted it as a standardized training tool. By starting with the basics and addressing language barriers, this initiative is empowering Florida’s landscaping workforce, fostering sustainability, and synergizing resilience.
Authors: Hannah Eason, Morgan Pinkerton, Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Tina McIntyre
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Hannah Eason Commercial Horticulture, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32812
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Morgan Pinkerton Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32773
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Tatiana Sanchez-Jones Commercial Horticulture, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32669
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Tina McIntyre Florida Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32773