Garden Friend? NO!
Iguanas may look cool with their prehistoric vibes and sun-basking swagger, but in South Florida gardens, they’re big trouble. These hungry lizards are invasive species—and they don’t just nibble. They devour. From tender leafy greens to juicy fruits, iguanas can turn a thriving garden into an all-you-can-eat buffet in no time.
Why Iguanas Are Garden Foes
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Leaf Lovers: Iguanas especially enjoy munching on lettuce, kale, and other leafy crops.
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Fruit Fanatics: Tomatoes, melons, and squash? On their menu, too.
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Invasive Impact: They’re not part of Florida’s natural balance and can damage both home gardens and native ecosystems.
Unlike ladybugs, true garden heroes, iguanas aren’t here to help. They’re here to eat—and eat—and eat.
How Urban Abundance Protects Gardens
At Urban Abundance, we’ve seen our fair share of iguana drive-thrus. That’s why we design our raised beds and abundance-focused gardens with protection in mind:
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Raised Garden Beds: Harder for iguanas to access and easier for our Green Thumbs to maintain.
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Strategic Planting: Mixing in less-tempting crops and companion flowers to distract or deter.
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Community Wisdom: Sharing tips and solutions so our gardeners feel empowered—not overrun.
Our promise? To help you grow food successfully, even when nature throws us curveballs.
Color, Learn, Grow!
We know iguanas can cause frustration—but we also see them as a chance to teach kids (and grown-ups) about the balance of nature. That’s why we made a fun Iguana Coloring Sheet, perfect for turning garden foes into a learning opportunity.
Download your free Iguana Coloring Sheet here.
Final Word
While iguanas might be fun to spot on a canal walk or while sunning themselves on a seawall, your garden is better off without them. Consider them a spectacle—not a sidekick.
Stay tuned to our Friend or Foe series as we continue decoding the wild world of garden critters in South Florida. Knowledge is power—and power means more abundance in every garden.