(Audio 05/05/08) Summer is a great time to plant a lawn in Louisiana. The weather is warm, and that stimulates the grass to establish quickly. The best method when planting a lawn is to use sod. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Houseplants embellish our homes and purify the indoor air. But plants were not meant to be kept indoors. So let them enjoy some time outside this summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/05/08) Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. They also are prominent in Louisiana cooking. We usually eat them green, but yellow and red bell peppers simply are green peppers that have ripened. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Herb gardening is popular in Louisiana. Garden-fresh herbs make dishes tastier. Cool-season herbs reach their most productive period in May but will produce less as the weather gets warmer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Gardening in the shade during the summer makes it more enjoyable. A wonderful plant for shady areas is the caladium. They grow from tubers, and you can purchase them this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) Sometimes you will notice that leaves on your evergreen plants turn yellow and drop off. This usually occurs around spring and early summer, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) The May planting season calls for more heat-tolerant vegetables. Even though the weather may be mild in May, temperatures continue to climb. By harvest time for the things you plant now the weather likely will be very hot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) The Louisiana Iris is a wonderful native plant you can use in your landscape. In this edition of Get It Growing, you will find helpful advice on maintaining these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) You still have a chance to plant roses in your landscape, even though warmer weather is right around the corner. Container roses are available at local nurseries. Plant roses in well- prepared beds where they will get plenty of sunlight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They require relatively little care and bloom for a long period of time in the summer, but aphids can be a problem for this flowering tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) Flowering bulbs beautify Louisiana's spring gardens. You should continue to care for them after they flower. Removing the seed pods will allow the plants to put their energy into their bulbs and foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. You should not plant them around this time, but you can admire those that are in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) Warmer weather allows container plants to grow more rapidly. During this time these plants need more attention. Be sure to give them what they need in terms of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) As plants begin rapid growth in summer, you may notice a white powdery mildew on their leaves. Before you use a fungicide, be sure your plants really need it. It is common for plants to get over powdery mildew without our help. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Gardeners can begin planting summer bedding plants around mid- to late April. LSU AgCenter horticlturist Dan Gill says there are many options when choosing warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Caladiums are grown for their colorful foliage. They grow best in areas where they receive sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, but they also do well in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Our permanent lawn grasses grow best during the warm summer weather. Now is a great time to plant a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends solid sodding for such a project. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) As temperatures increase, Louisiana gardeners contend with a variety of pests such as weeds, insects and disease problems. A proper diagnosis of the problem will allow proper treatment.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Well-adapted perennials will live for many years in your landscape. Now is the time to check local nurseries for flowering perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) We delay fertilizing our lawns a little while in the spring to allow them to wake up and establish a strong root system. Now is a good time to fertilize. Fertilizing your lawn is optional, but you should consider doing it if you want your grass to be greener and grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Many of the herbs in our gardens are sensitive to heat. You should harvest and preserve these herbs now before the summer heat starts. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Tomato vines have a tendency to sprawl out on the ground if they are not properly supported. This can cause fruit rot. Here are two ways to help support your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Louisiana gardeners should have their tomato transplants in their gardens by mid-April. This allows the tomato plants to settle in and set fruit before summer's intense heat arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) When it is time to choose what plants you would like to add to your garden in April, select warm-season bedding plants. Many nurseries will still have cool-season bedding plants available, but you should avoid those. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) Around early to mid-spring you may notice strange holes appearing in your trees. These holes are created by small birds called sap suckers. As their name indicates, these birds feed on the sap from trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) Spider mites attack a wide variety of ornamentals and vegetables in our gardens. These insects are related to spiders, but they are hard to see. They are particularly bad in the spring during warm, dry weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) Educational programs for gardeners are plentiful in the spring. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages novices and experienced gardeners to take advantage of garden shows and educational opportunities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) April is one of the busiest months for planting in the home vegetable garden in Louisiana. Many of the outstanding spring and summer vegetables should be planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) The best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you can remove next year's flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) You still have time to plant roses from containers into your landscape, but it's too late to plant bare-root roses this season. You should avoid getting those roses, which are packed in plastic tubes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) Easter lilies are sold by the thousands to decorate for the holidays. After the holidays, they can be planted in your landscape. These great plants will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) When considering purchasing a new home, it is best to hire a licensed arborist to inspect the trees on a property. If there is an issue with the trees, the price can be negotiated to take these expenses into account. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) We spray fruit trees to prevent insect problems and ensure that the trees produce good quality fruit. Different fruit trees have different insect and disease problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) The rose-blooming season begins in April and extends through the early part of June. This is when we find our highest quality roses. In early spring, we have to watch for tiny insects called thrips that can attack our roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) In gardening, a bed is a specially prepared area for planting. Before planting, prepare the soil in your bed to give your plants a good start. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Louisiana lawns usually begin to wake up in the month of March. But you should wait until the very last week in March to begin fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Brown patch is a common fungus disease that attacks lawns in Louisiana. It usually affects St. Augustine. You should watch for these common signs to protect your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Louisiana's weather conditions in March are still cool enough for you to divide your perennials. In this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you should complete such tasks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Adding mulch to your beds is a good way to suppress weeds. In this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives some helpful advice for adding mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) March is a great time to fertilize your shrubs, but shrubs normally don't need to be fertilized. Those won't appear different in any ways before or after you fertilize them. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) You should remove faded or unattractive flowers from your cool-season bedding plants to encourage them to bloom as long as possible and to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) When gardeners use the word perennial, what they are really talking about is a hardy and herbaceous plant. A perennial is a plant that lives for many years, and they are wonderful for our flower gardens. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) In Louisiana, we grow a wide variety of vegetables in our spring and summer vegetable gardens. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most popular vegetables we eat actually are the "fruit" of the plants. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) March is transitional month for gardeners. It's too late to plant cool-season bedding plants and too early to plant warm-season plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says there are alternatives for your beds. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) The buckmoth catepillar is a stinging catepillar found primarily around oak trees. If you have had problems with this pest in the past, then you can anticipate and prepare for it for future years. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) Louisiana's mild winters are pleasant, but do come with some drawbacks. Cool-season weeds can begin growing in the mild weather right on into spring. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) Many spring-flowering bulbs bloom in March. Here are a few tips that can help you enjoy this wonderful display of color. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) You can begin to fertlize your roses now than we are moving into spring. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer or you can use one that is specifically formulated for roses. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) In Louisiana we can start our spring planting in early March. Some of the most popular vegetables that people grow can be planted from now untill the end of April. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) Plants must receive the proper amount of light so they can thrive. Plants can adapt ,within reason. But make sure you plant in the right place. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) By late February the spring flowering bulbs that were planted last fall are well into their growth. The foliage of these plants is very cold hardy and should be of no concern. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) Perennials are very popular in Louisiana. Dividing perennials helps them propagate. You should divide perennials before the end of March. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) Adding organic matter to your bed can be done in a variety of ways. Organic matter is generally derived from plant parts that have been allowed to decay, but you could also use other sources of organic matter, such as compost, manure or grass clippings. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) If you plant your caladium tubers indoors in late February or early March, by the time April is here they will have sprouted and will create more color in your landscape. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) You can clip back ground covers now before new growth appears. This is done to remove unattractive foliage from the plants and also rejuvenate them. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) There may be times when you want to move a young tree in your landscape. If you do make sure that you finish while it is inactive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) The United States is divided up into hardiness zones that are based on the average lowest winter temperatures that occur in an area. You can't be sure which hardiness zone you garden in just by looking at a map. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) It is a good idea to finish your tree planting before March. Planting now allows trees a chance to become established in this cool weather before the hot summer days arrive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) Decorative ponds and water gardens are not uncommon in today's landscapes. Late winter or early sping are good times to clean these because the plants and fish are not very active. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) February is your last opportunity to plant bare-root roses. These are the roses you will see that have their roots encased in a plastic cylinder. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) This is a great time of year to plant gladiolas. This is because gladiolas do not bloom very well when the summer gets very hot. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) Colorful bedding plants are great during the summer, but during the cool season these plants will not grow. It is too cold and they are prone to freeze damage. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit trees in their home orchards. It is very important to prune these trees properly. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) To grow Irish potatoes you need a well prepared bed and a location with full sun. They are a productive crop and not very difficult to maintain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) One of the most common types of pest that threaten indoor plants is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny bugs that you can only see with a magnifying glass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) It is a good idea to prune back roses around this time of the year. You can prune your roses back as early as the last week of January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) By this time in the winter season, most of our tropical plants have sustained some damage due to the cold weather. There are some rules to follow when pruning back these damaged plants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) Many cool-season root crops and some leafy vegetables can be planted in February. Some of them include beets, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/08) Ground covers are excellent for areas where grass does not grow well. Choose good hardy ground covers that will do well in our warm climate. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/08) An advantage of preparing beds ahead of time is that it allows the bed to mellow out. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/07) Louisiana gardeners do two major prunings to their everblooming roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/08) Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in early December at the latest. They should add wonderful color to your winter landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) Any plants that bloom from the months of February through April have already set their flower buds. Any pruning during this time of year would remove those flower buds. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) An added bonus of planting camellias is that they bloom during the winter. Planting them now would produce an immediate burst of color in your landscape. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) When you water an indoor plant depends on how fast the soil dries out. You want to water the plant thoroughly. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/07) Indoor plants are prone to a variety of pests, and mealy bugs are one of the most common types. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/13/08) Fertilizers can be stored for later use if they are in a place where they will not absorb moisture. It's very important to seal your fertilizers in air-tight containers. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) You can plant Irish potatoes in your vegetable garden from about mid-January through February. They will be ready to harvest in April or May and will be delicious. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) January is a great time to prune a variety of plants in your landscape. Its easy to prune dormant shrubs and leafless trees. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) Beets and Swiss chard are essentially the same vegetable. We eat the roots of beets and the foliage of Swiss chard. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) We can continue to plant trees and shrubs all through Louisiana's mild winter season. Planting early allows these plants to get some root growth and become established before the intense heat of summer arrives. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Dan talks about planting mail-order roses. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Gardeners that overseed their lawns with ryegrass are rewarded with a beautiful green yard over the winter; however, they also must maintain their growing lawn. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Parsley is available and used in two varieties as both a garnish and an ingredient in cooking. You can begin growing your own parsely transplants around this time. (Runtime 60 Seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) You can start your own transplants indoors this time of year. You can use either a large window or fluorescent light. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Now that the holidays are over you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some should be kept, and others should be discarded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants. You should also actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants that you have already planted. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Cool-season weeds grow actively from January through February. If you feel the need to eradicate those weeds, then you can use a herbicide on a mild day. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) You can plant a number of vegetables in January. They vary from a number of root crops to a few leafy greens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have those roses, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Roses can blooming well into December in Louisiana. Enjoy the flowers, but keep in mind that they will be damaged by a freeze, so cut the blooms to enjoy indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) When ordering seeds from a gardening catalog, it is tempting to order too many seeds or seeds that may not grow well in Louisiana. When planting new vegetables you should try new cultivars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Most fall color begins in early November and will last into December. Fall color is more vivid in the northern part of the state where you will notice shades of purple, orange and bright red. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) One of the most popular plants for decorating our homes during this season is the holiday cactus. Even after the holidays, they are beautiful plants for your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Most plants in Louisiana landscapes are not bothered by the cold. This is not the case for tender tropical plants. A hard freeze will damage them and pruning will be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/18/2008) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana, a day we set aside to appreciate trees and plant them. If you are thinking about adding some trees to your existing landscape, planting should ideally be done now through early March while it is cool and plants will have a chance to make root growth before it gets hot.

(Audio 12/17/07) In Louisiana, you can grow camellias in your winter landscape. Watch out for dry spells and be sure to water your camellias if there is one. Camellia buds are hardy and will bloom even if they have suffered through freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) In early December, we see a lot of leaves dropping from our trees. You can use these leaves as mulch for flower beds or as compost, but do not allow them to accumulate on your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) It is important to store your garden chemicals properly for the winter. Be aware that liquid garden chemicals can freeze if they are kept in a cold place. Keep them locked up if you have children in the house. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) Growing plants from seed is very rewarding. Leftover seeds can be stored so that they are fresh and ready for future planting seasons. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) In Louisiana, we have the option of overseeding our dormant brown grasses with cool-season grasses. These grasses will keep our lawns a beautiful emerald green color throughout the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Many gardeners do not realize that apples can be grown in Louisiana. The apple trees must be able to survive Louisiana's mild winter. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Louisiana's mild winter allows cool-season weeds to grow. It is a good idea to pull these weeds or use a weed killer to eliminate them. A think layer of mulch can help prevent winter weeds.

(Audio 12/10/07) Gardeners often worry about wind chill during winter, but it has no effect on plants. Plants are affected by the actual temperature. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) In the case of an unusually cold winter, tropical plants will need additional protection. There are a variety of ways to protect these warm-weather plants. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Winter weather drastically cuts down on landscape maintnance. It is a good idea to store and maintain your tools. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio: 12/03/07) Louisiana gardens stay attractive through winter if kept tidy and neat. It is a good idea to remove older dying plants and their remnants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) Christmas trees are a great tradition. For the freshest tree, you should consider going to a local tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 12/03/07) As winter progresses, it becomes harder for cool-season plants to establish themselves. It is a good idea to finish cool-season plantings by early December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) A variety of plants are used in holiday decorations. To keep these plants healthy and attractive, you must attend to their needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) As we move into December, winter arrives in earnest with colder weather and an occasional freeze. Vegetables growing during this time must be hardy enough to thrive in these conditions. (Runtime: 60 Seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) November and early December are the ideal times to plant hardy trees and shrubs into your landscape. Fall planting is beneficial because it allows the trees and shrubs to get well-established before the heat of summer arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) If you planted tomatoes in August, you probably have green tomatoes on your plants. As the weather cools, the fruit will ripen slowly. You may need to bring them indoors to ripen properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) Our mild, fall weather allows insect problems to continue this time of the year. Monitor plants and keep an eye out for problems such as aphids, which can occur in great numbers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) So many homeowners throw away the leaves that fall from their trees this time of the year. Fallen leaves are a valuable source of organic matter. They can be used as mulch or turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) A wide variety of herbs we use in cooking are hardy, and November is a wonderful time to plant them in your garden. You will be able to harvest some of these plants, but the abundant harvest will be in late winter and spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/07) Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that is easy to grow in the garden. If you planted broccoli in September or early October, your plants may be ready for harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/07) The winter season is the best time to plant hardy fruit trees and shrubs into the landscape. Louisiana gardeners can plant many types of fruit, including apples, pears, persimmons and blueberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/07) Amaryllis bulbs produce large, beautiful flowers around April. The bulbs are available now but should not be planted into the garden yet. You can pot them and grow them indoors on a window sill throughout winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/07) Many vegetables that can grow in Louisiana during the winter are very attractive. Neat rows of cabbage and parsley look tidy in the garden, and some winter vegetables would be right at home in the flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/07) Louisiana gardeners use a lot of summer-flowering bulbs in the landscape. Most of these plants are native to warmer climates, and they do go dormant this time of the year. You can cut them back if they get damaged by a freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/07) In the fall, nurseries are well-stocked with chrysanthemums. These plants create a bright splash of color in our landscape. The can be used in containers too. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/07) Camellias are susceptible to tea-scale, which appears as a white fuzzy material on the underside of leaves. These insects suck the sap out of the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/07) Cool-season bedding plants can keep gardens attractive in the fall and winter months. Gardeners have many options to choose from. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/07) All of the warm-season lawn grasses in Louisiana go dormant in the winter. Many people are content with a brown lawn, but there is another option: Ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/07) To get beautiful flowers in the spring from spring bulbs, it is important to plant the bulbs in the fall. Try to get this done by the beginning of December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/07) Many of our deciduous trees are starting to drop their leaves. If you allow these leaves to stay on your lawn, they can damage the lawn. You can rake them or use a mower with a bag attachment to remove them from your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/07) Lettuce is an outstanding cool-season vegetable that gardeners can grow this time of the year. You can find transplants available at local nurseries. Lettuce comes in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/07) Perennials are plants in our landscape that bloom year after year. Early November is a great time to clean up perennial beds. You can cut back old growth and faded flower stalks and remove stakes if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/07) Louisiana gardeners use a lot of broadleaf evergreens in the landscape. They keep their leaves all winter long while keeping the landscape green. You may see some leaves on these plants turning yellow and dying. Don't be alarmed; this is typical. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/07) There are a number of vegetables that like cold weather and can tolerate the freezes we have in Louisiana. These vegetables are nutritious and easy to grow in the home vegetable garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/07) Chrysanthemums are the queen of the fall garden. They provide wonderful colors and add a lot to the fall landscape. You can buy them in full bloom to add instant color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/07) The weather is relatively mild, but frosts are not far off across the state. Now is a good time to look around and see what might need to be protected in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/07) Many of our shade trees drop their leaves this time of the year. Leaves provide organic matter that we can use in our garden. They can be used as mulch or as compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/07) As the weather cools down, we may not have to water as much. But the weather can be dry in the fall so occasional watering is still necessary. New plantings should be watered regularly while they are getting established. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/07) Scale insects are some of the worst insects that get on our ornamental plants. They don't look like bugs, and they cover themselves with a protective cover that makes it difficult to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/07) October is a great time to plant cool-season bedding plants. Have a color scheme in mind before heading out to the nursery. Also think about the number of plants you need and the height you want them to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/07) You can find beautiful wildflowers blooming in October. Look in fields and along roadsides for wonderful displays. You can plant wildflower seeds this month and create your own display. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/07) Winterizers are special fertilizers that are high in potassium. Our plants and lawns need potassium to prepare for winter. If you fertilized in the summer, your plants probably have enough fertilizer and winterizing is not necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/07) Fall is not a good time to fertilize shade trees. Trees are beginning to go dormant this time of the year and do not require fertilization. October is a good time to prune trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/07) Tulip and hyacinth bulbs require special handling to grow in our area. You can purchase the bulbs now and then store them in your refrigerator until winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/07) October and November are the months to plant spring-flowering bulbs into your landscapes. Because these bulbs can be expensive, use them to embellish your garden. Purchase large, good quality bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/07) Caladiums are a reliable summer plant for shady areas. This time of the year the foliage begins to fade, and it's best to dig up the tubers. Wet winter conditions can cause them to rot in the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/07) Gardeners can manipulate the color of their hydrangeas by making an addition to the soil this month. The soil type will determine the color of the plant. Acid soils produce blue plants and alkaline soils produce pink flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/07) Wisteria is an outstanding flowering vine for Louisiana landscapes. It spreads easily, so you have to watch it and keep it under control. A common problem with wisteria is that it can take several years to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/07) Persimmon trees are easy to grow in Louisiana landscapes. This home fruit tree produces seedless fruit and doesn't need pollination for production to occur. The fruit of most varieties has to be soft before it can be eaten. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/07) Many gardeners move their houseplants outside during the summer. As the weather cools, tropical plants will have to come back indoors. Before making the move, they need to be placed in a shady area to get them ready for low light conditions inside a home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/07) If you have ever considered saving seeds from the plants in your garden, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has some tips for you. Save the seeds from plants such as annuals and perennials and don't harvest the seeds too early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/07) Harvest season for strawberries is in the spring, but now is the time to plant them in your garden. Strawberry plants will become established throughout the winter. Make sure the beds are well-prepared and raised. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/07/08) Sweet peas are outstanding flowering vines. Their color and fragrance make a great addition to our landscape. Sweet peas will bloom in the spring, but now is the time to plant the vines. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/07) We start thinking of the holidays this time of the year. There are a lot items in nature that can help you dress up your home for fall. Look for things such as seed pods, dried flower heads and pine cones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/07) Roses in Louisiana typically bloom beautifully in October and November. If you pruned your roses back in August or September, there is not much pruning needed now. You will need to deadhead your roses after they fade. This keeps the rose bush looking fresh and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/07) Many great vegetables can be planted this time of the year. Transplants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are available at local nurseries. Root crops can be direct-seeded into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/07) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of herbs in their gardens this time of the year. A few plants provide a big harvest, so there is no need to plant more than you can use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/07) Brown patch is a fungal infection that affects lawn grasses, especially St. Augustine. It likes cool, mild and damp weather conditions. Watch for discolored areas in the lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) Garlic is critical to Louisiana cuisine. It is easy to grow, and now is the time to plant it. Choose a well-prepared bed in a sunny area with good drainage. Garlic can be planted through the month of October and into early November. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) Louisiana irises are dormant during the months of August, September and early October. If you have irises that need to be divided, you should get that done soon. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) Many of our summer bedding plants can last until October before we need to replace them with cool-season plants. This is a good time to evaluate your bedding plants and see how they performed during the summer. Taking notes will help you when deciding what to plant next spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) It is still too hot to plant trees into the landscape, but planting season is right around the corner. Now is a good time to look around for needed shade in your lawn and make plans for fall plantings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) Azalea lace bugs are small flying insects. They live on the underside of the azalea leaf and can damage the plant. Small white spots on the leaf indicate an infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/07) Many gardeners move container plants outside for the summer. After a summer of abundant growth outdoors, plants may have outgrown their containers. Look for signs of roots growing out of drainage holes or showing up on the soil. These plants and plants low in vigor will benefit from being repotted into a larger container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/07) Louisiana gardeners can compost every bit of organic debris their landscapes create. This includes leaves in the fall and grass clippings in the summer. Gardeners can create their own compost pile using simple materials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/07) Caladiums are a wonderful shade-tolerant summer bedding plant. They are reaching the end of their growing season, and gardeners should dig up the tubers before all the foliage falls off. The tubers need to be dried and stored in paper bags or cardboard boxes inside during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/07) September and October are transitional times in Louisiana landscapes. Days become milder, and summer rain showers began to slow down. This means watering likely will be necessary this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/07) Many types of azaleas will bloom in late summer and fall. Encore azaleas were bred in Louisiana, are well-adapted to our growing conditions and bloom without fail in the fall. This is a good time to plant them into your landscape, and you can pick out your plants while they are in bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/07) Mulches are a valuable gardening tool for reducing weeds in beds. It is important to remember that mulch must be thick to work properly. If your mulch is looking thin, add another layer on top of the existing mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)