(Audio 11/02/09) Although most gardeners consider raking a chore, the leaves that fall during the autumn months can serve a purpose. They make wonderful organic matter when used as mulch or in compost. Learn how these materials can be used for improving gardening efforts. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/09) Irrigating landscapes may still be necessary during the fall, especially for newly established plants. Even though the weather is becoming cooler, it can still be fairly dry. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 11/27/09) A variety of spring-flowering bulbs can be grown in containers for indoor display. Two bulbs, paperwhites and amaryllis, do not need much special treatment and are very easy to grow in pots. Most of the other spring-flowering bulbs need a cold treatment first, but otherwise it’s pretty straightforward.

(For Release On Or After 11/20/09) Gardens are full of plant materials that can add unique beauty to your holiday decorations. Be on the lookout for attractive foliage, bright berries, decorative cones or pods, and consider other landscape materials that can be dried and brought in for the holidays.

(For Release On Or After 11/13/09) This is the time of year to plant cool-season bedding plants in your flowerbeds. These plants will thrive in the cool to cold weather of fall to spring and keep your flowerbeds looking attractive.

(For Release On Or After 11/06/09) Hedges can create privacy, block unwanted views, screen out noise and serve other important roles in our landscape. If you’re considering planting a new hedge or replacing a lost one, now is a great time to get it done.

(Audio 11/02/09) Louisiana can begin to experience freezing temperatures anywhere from late fall to early winter, so it is important to start preparing yards for the impending frosts. Now is the time to survey landscapes to determine what is in need of winter protection. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/09) Chrysanthemums are known as the queens of the fall garden. They provide landscapes with a wide range of beautiful colors. Here are some pointers for purchasing and planting chrysanthemums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/09) Scale insects are a nuisance on ornamentals, and they are especially difficult to control. Using oil sprays is an effective way to manage scale insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/02/09) Outdoor plants make your home more attractive, but indoor plants can look great, as well. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains proper care for the peace lily – a lovely green indoor plant. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Audio 10/26/09) Fall is a wonderful time for gardeners to purchase cool-season bedding plants that will provide gorgeous color in your landscape well into spring. Consider a few tips when purchasing these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) October is one of the best months for noticing Louisiana’s native wildflowers. Our state has many different types of wildflowers, and they come in a variety of beautiful colors. Hear about the many kinds of wildflowers you are likely to encounter this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) Gardeners will see many advertisements that try to persuade them to winterize their lawns. This process involves a special type of fertilizer thought to enhance lawns due to its high content of potassium. But it's generally not necessary this time of year in Louisiana lawns.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) Gardeners sometimes wonder if fall is the proper time to fertilize trees. The most appropriate time for tree fertilization is in February. The fall is an ideal time for another type of tree care, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) October is the perfect time to purchase spring-flowering bulbs. Tulips and hyacinths are two wonderful plants, but they require some special handling in Louisiana. Here are some tips for planting these spring-flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/26/09) During the fall, chrysanthemums are a familiar sight in Louisiana. But not all mums are the same. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the appropriate mums for your needs. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 10/19/09) When considering plants that offer fall color you probably visualize pumpkins, chrysanthemums or crotons. On this edition of Get It Growing, however, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores getting fall color from plants you might not have considered. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 10/19/09) Caladiums are known for providing shady landscapes with beautiful color in the summer. When fall comes around, however, these plants begin to look lackluster. Caladium tubers should be dug up during the fall so they can be reused in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) Louisiana gardeners have many choices for which cool-season bedding plants they can plant during the fall. Here are some examples of hardy plants that will flourish during the mild winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) Fall months are the perfect time to purchase and plant spring-flowering bulbs. Here are some tips on how to purchase bulbs wisely. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) The color of hydrangeas can depend on location as well as soil content. Apply certain substances to soil to control which color your hydrangeas will bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) Although wisteria is known for being reluctant to bloom, it also is considered very delightful. Learn how you can trick this flowering vine into blooming more quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/12/09) Most salvias or sage plants bloom in the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a popular salvia that, with a small amount of care, blooms in the summer as well as the fall. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 10/12/09) Many people move their houseplants outdoors for the summer. As the weather cools down, tropical plants should be prepared for a move back indoors, which includes getting them adjusted to lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Persimmons are an easy fruit to grow, and they're delicious, too. They produce seedless fruit and don't have to be pollinated for production to occur. Many varieties have to become soft before they should be eaten, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Gardeners can save seeds their plants produce. Although it's not a good idea to try to grow woody plants from their seeds, annual and perennials are wonderful plants to save seeds from. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Strawberry harvest season won't be here until the spring, but gardeners who want homegrown berries next year need to plant from now until November. Make sure your beds are well prepared and raised. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Sweet peas are one of the best flowering annual vines we can grow in Louisiana. The color and the fragrance of these flowers enliven any garden. These vines don't flower until spring, but now is the time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/05/09) Tropical plants do well in Louisiana during milder weather but decline during the winter. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a plant that looks tropical but holds up well in cold weather. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 09/28/09) If you’re looking for a plant with beautiful foliage, flowers and fragrance, you might consider ginger. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores care for these lush, tropical plants. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Audio 10/05/09) With holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are beginning to think about festive decorations for their homes. Using dried materials found in your yard can add nice touches to your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Many wonderful vegetables can be planted during the fall. Gardeners can choose from a wide variety of cool-season vegetables, and these vegetables can be planted using either transplants or root crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Rose bushes yield some of their most gorgeous flowers through October and November. By this time, gardeners already should have pruned their rose bushes. Deadheading and providing disease prevention treatment are still advised, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Fall is a good time for gardeners to plant either annual or perennial herbs in their gardens. Be sure to choose herbs that are specific to your cooking needs, and do not plant more than necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Brown patch is a fungus infection that can affect several types of grass, and St. Augustine grass is a typical victim. Keep watch for discoloration of your lawn, and seek treatment if the problem persists. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 10/30/09) As the weather cools down and nights get nippy over the next few weeks, gardeners need to decide what to do with their outdoor containerized tropical plants.

(For Release On Or After 10/23/09) The pansy is a popular, cool-season annual used to beautify gardens in Louisiana during the fall, winter and spring. Pansies thrive in the chilly nights and cool-to-mild days of our cool season from November to April.

(For Release On Or After 10/16/09) November through February is the prime planting season for hardy trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials in our area, so this is a great time for planning landscaping projects.

(For Release On Or After 10/09/09) In the South, the term “greens” refers to vegetables whose leaves are eaten after they’re cooked until tender. During cool fall temperatures, mustard, turnip, collards and other greens flourish in the vegetable garden.

(For Release On Or After 10/02/09) Many plants seem to save up all summer for the spectacular display of flowers, fruit and foliage showing up in our gardens now. If you want to punch up the color level in your garden from late September through early December, you might consider including some of these trees, shrubs and perennials in your landscape.

(Audio 09/28/09) Many gardeners consider Louisiana iris to be one of the most beautiful herbaceous perennials used in landscaping. These perennials are inactive during July, August and September. Learn how to divide and transplant iris this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/09) September is a good time to replace summer annuals with cool-season plants. Before replanting your flower beds for fall, survey your landscape to evaluate which plants were successful during the warm season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/09) Garlic is an important ingredient for many Louisiana recipes, and it also is a very successful winter vegetable for gardeners. Whether you buy the garlic bulbs from a nursery or a grocery store, it can be a fun and easy vegetable to grow. Learn how to plant garlic in the fall to produce garlic ready for harvesting in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/09) Azalea lace bugs are one of the most common pests on azaleas. Here are some symptoms that your azaleas may experience as well as insecticides you could use to decrease your lace bug population. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/09) After experiencing a hot Louisiana summer, gardeners may realize more shade around their landscapes would be very advantageous. Learn how homeowners can reduce the cost of energy bills by planting shade trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/21/09) Want a beautiful plant that grows very quickly to look like a tree? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visits the AgCenter's Hammond Research Station to show off the candelabra plant. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Audio 09/21/09) Many gardeners simply discard the organic waste they clean out of their yards. Composting items such as grass clippings and leaves could be beneficial for future bed preparations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/21/09) Caladiums may not need to be replanted each year even though they become dormant during winter months. The tubers could be reused to produce more caladiums the following year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/09) Louisiana gardeners rely on mulch to help control weeds during the summer. The organic matter we use as mulch eventually decays and breaks down. So check your mulch and add more, if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/09) Lawns haven't slowed down their growth yet, so you need to continue mowing and caring for yours. In early fall, the weather can be very hot and dry, and such weather can encourage chinch bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/09) The days get shorter in September, and fall is around the corner. We need to be aware of the changing of the seasons and to stop pruning to let plants begin to harden off. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/09) As the weather starts to turn cooler this time of year, many gardeners begin preparing beds for fall plantings. Gardeners can plant a variety of cool-season vegetables and flowers in their landscape during the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/09) September is still hot in Louisiana, but most plants are slowing down in preparation for fall and winter. Gardeners should be cautious about what they fertilize this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/14/09) It’s definitely not fall yet, but one plant that’s showing beautiful fall color right now is the coleus. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a basic consideration when selecting a coleus plant. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Audio 09/07/09) The load of nuts on a pecan tree may be fairly heavy this time of the year. As trees get older, healthy branches can snap off because of the weight of the nuts. That's why you should not plant pecan trees near homes or structures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/09) Mushrooms may pop in your yard this month. These can be a nuisance, and there is always the possibility that they can be toxic. To be on the safe side, remove mushrooms before allowing pets or children to play in the area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/09) Vegetables such as leeks, shallots and bunching onions are part of the allium family. They are easy to grow and productive in the home garden. They grow over a long period before they can be harvested, and September is a good month for planting them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/09) Mature shade trees are among the most valuable and irreplaceable plants in our landscape. But when you undertake a construction project on a lot with existing trees, the activity can affect the trees. Hire an arborist to make sure trees you want to spare are not harmed during construction. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/09) The home vegetable garden is very active in September. Many of the same vegetables that grew in the spring and early summer are planted for a fall crop. Gardeners also can plant cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/07/09) If you don’t have time to water your plants frequently during the summer, you might be interested in a less water-needy plant that flowers most of the year. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to that very type of plant – a tough and beautiful species of the perennial plant known as sedum. (Runtime: 1:42)

(For Release On Or After 09/25/09) The satisfaction of growing fresh vegetables is undeniable, yet many gardeners don’t have a suitable in-ground location to grow them. If you’re forced to do your gardening in containers, you should know that many cool-season vegetables can be grown successfully in containers.

(For Release On Or After 09/18/09) Caladiums are getting past their prime now, and it’s time to decide what you want to do with them. Your choices are: pull them up and throw them away; leave the tubers in the ground to resprout there next year; or dig them up, store the tubers and plant them again next year.

(For Release On Or After 09/11/09) Gardeners use the term “volunteer” for the seedling of a desirable plant that appears in a garden without having been planted. They can be the offspring of trees and shrubs, but most often they are the result of seeds dropped by annuals or perennials previously grown in the garden.

(For Release On Or After 09/04/09) For much of the nation, September marks the end of summer. For those of us living in the Deep South, however, it would be wishful thinking to think that fall weather is a certainty in September.

(Audio 08/31/09) July, August and September are the most stressful months for plants in our landscapes. This hot time defines what we can grow in our yards and is a great time to evaluate your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Late summer is a great time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. The cuttings can be rooted and used to propagate plants for other areas in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Gingers and cannas are wonderful plants that add a tropical look to our landscapes. These two plants grow similarly, and when they finish blooming, you can cut them back. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Mosquitoes are a concern for gardeners. During the summer, gardeners tend to work outside more in the early morning or late evening hours -- because it is cooler then. But those times also are when mosquitoes are most active. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Fertilizing lawn grasses encourages optimal growth, but August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We want our grasses to slow down during the fall and get ready for winter. Fertilizing too late will make the grass less hardy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 8/31/09) Keeping weeds out of your garden by hand during the summer is tough, but effective. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores when to use the option of herbicides to help you control or prevent weeds. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Audio 08/24/09) Louisiana has a long growing season, and gardeners can look forward to a great rose blooming season in October and November. In the meantime, these flowers may need care before they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) When temperatures soar in August, heat stress can be an issue for gardeners and for plants. This is not a good time to plant new trees or shrubs to your landscape. New plants are vulnerable, so wait until the weather cools to add trees or shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Although palms are considered tropical plants, we can grow them across the state -- even in north Louisiana. These plants are easy to care for and only need to be groomed occasionally. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Fish are a wonderful addition to aquatic ponds. They are part of the natural ecosystem of a pond. As an example of one benefit, fish will eat mosquito larvae in the garden. But LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns koi may be too destructive in a water garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Ajuga is a favorite plant for ground cover in Louisiana. These plants have attractive foliage -- often in shades of purple. It also is wonderful in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/24/09) Looking for an attractive ground cover for parts of your summer landscape? Then you might be interested in ajuga – a purple plant you can grow in shaded or semi-shaded areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to various types of ajuga, which is also known as bugleweed. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 08/17/09) As August temperatures soar gardeners should not be ashamed to retreat to the shade. In fact, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages you to work in the shade – planting shade-loving ferns. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Audio 08/17/09) This is a great time of the year to work with ferns. Ferns grow in shady areas, and that allows you the opportunity to garden in the shade. You can evaluate fern plants and do some grooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Pears begin ripening during August. To determine when to harvest pears, look for fruit that is turning from green to more yellow. Some pears may have a redish blush. Ripe pears also will soften slightly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) In the months of August and September, Louisiana iris are dormant. They'll begin active growth in October. This is a great time to divide and transplant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Butterfly gardeners know that butterfly weeds are wonderful ornamental plants. These plants are the preferred host of the monarch butterfly. Although aphids may cluster on butterfly weeds, don't use insecticides because they might harm the caterpillar eggs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Container plants, even houseplants, enjoy spending some time outside. Their growth will be more vigorous and attractive. But you'll need to check now and then to see if they've outgrown their containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Pecan season is right around the corner, so you need to pay attention to any needs the trees may have. Drought stress will cause trees to drop their pecans early, so make sure the trees are well watered. Also, watch out for breaking branches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Most vegetable gardeners planted eggplant and bell pepper transplants into their gardens during the spring. These plants may not be very productive this time of year, but they can produce again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Coleus is a great summer bedding plant. It is grown for its colorful foliage. Some varieties are more adapted to shady areas, but others can be planted in locations that receive full sun this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Spider mites are worse when the weather is hot and dry -- the conditions common in Louisiana this time of the year. White flies also can be a problem in August. Oil sprays can help keep these pests under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/10/09) It’s nice to have choices of perennials – plants that stay alive throughout the year while periodically producing beautiful colors. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some brilliant perennials you can plant during the summer. (Runtime: 1: 44)

(Audio 08/10/09) Many areas of Louisiana have been very dry this summer. It is important to water properly -- which means watering when necessary rather than watering "by the calendar" or how many days have passed since the previous watering or rain.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Chinch bugs are among the leading lawn insect pests. They attack primarily St. Augustine grass and they proliferate in hot, dry weather. Since these pests can kill the grass if they get out of hand, controlling them is important. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Louisiana gardeners can get a fall crop of tomatoes. Plant transplants into the vegetable garden during August or early September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/03/09) Tropical plants add a refreshing touch to any patio or landscape. But can all tropicals survive in Louisiana? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains which tropicals are hardy in Louisiana and which ones aren’t. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 08/03/09) Pest problems can get out of hand during the summer. Insects, diseases and weeds thrive in the heat. It is important to identify the problem and determine how best to solve it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Louisiana has a long growing season for summer bedding plants. Some of these plants may be overgrown or leggy. Cut those back to keep your garden looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) While August is still intensely hot, we can look forward to the cooler season in our vegetable gardens. We can plant seeds for cool-season vegetable transplants including broccoli and cauliflower now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/29/09) One of the most famous phrases ever written is, “Let there be light.” It is amazing that such a simple statement has such profound implications about creation and life.

(For Release On Or After 08/22/09) It would be hard to find a more dazzling, flowering tropical plant than the bougainvillea. The bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) is a tropical, shrubby vine whose bright magenta, pink, white, gold or purple flowers positively glow.

(For Release On Or After 08/15/09) Designing a garden is one of the more intimidating things gardeners expect of themselves. It’s challenging enough to learn all you need to know to select, plant and care for landscape plants successfully. But design is not just learning how to plant and water. It requires an expression of something from inside.

(For Release On Or After 08/08/09) I live in an area that is rural transitioning into suburban. In many areas of the state, developers are building more and more new subdivisions in areas that were once wooded or open fields. People moving to these new subdivisions from more urban areas are often startled to encounter wildlife they never saw in the cities, such as deer, raccoons, armadillos, opossums and moles.

(For Release On Or After 08/01/09) Although native to the Far East, crape myrtles are almost indispensable in the Southern landscape. Their vibrantly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white from May to September virtually define the summer season here. The relatively small size of crape myrtle trees and long, colorful blooming season make them useful in a variety of landscapes.

(Audio 07/27/09) Gardeners can plant a variety of heat-tolerant plants in their flower beds in July and August. Flowers like periwinkle and salvia can thrive in sunny spots, and caladiums can tolerate the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/09) If you planted an herb garden earlier this year, be sure to harvest those herbs. Take about a third of the plant at a time, and be sure to water the herbs during hot and dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/27/09) Tired of constantly watering your plants during the summer? Then you might be interested in planting drought-tolerant plants. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a number of plants that can hang tough during the heat of summer and therefore reduce your watering chores. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Audio 07/27/09) Roses do not bloom well during Louisiana's summer months. The intense heat can stress roses. The plants may continue to bloom, but the quality of the flowers diminishes. Just keep the plants in shape so they can bloom well in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/09) Crape myrtles are Louisiana's favorite summer flowering tree. They can have two and sometimes three flushes of flowers. If you can, take off the faded flowers. That will encourage more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/09) Flower beds are especially visible in the landscape -- their colors draw the eye to them. It's important to keep your beds tidy. Weed, mulch and remove faded flowers to keep your beds in shape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/09) July and August are a good time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. Just remember you'll have to be patient, however, since it will take a few years before the plants you root and grow from cuttings will be large enough to plant into your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/09) Mushrooms pop up during rainy summer weather. They typically are harmless, but they can be a nuisance in lawns or flower beds. You don't need to use chemicals on them. Just gather them and dispose of them, if you wish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/09) Palm trees should be planted in the heat of summer. Before you plant, think about the size and type of palm you want to plant. Pick a palm that is hardy in your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/09) If you don't spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, you generally don't get to enjoy the flowers in your landscape. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests cutting the flowers and bringing them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/09) Basil is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It is an easy herb to grow during the summer. You can find basil transplants at local nurseries or garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/20/09) Many people think of Florida or California when they hear the words palm tree. But palm trees can grow well here in Louisiana, too. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to select and care for palm trees. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video 07/13/09) If you have areas in your yard that retain a good deal of water, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how low-lying, wet areas can be turned into bog gardens. (Runtime: 1:46)

(Audio 07/13/09) It is not uncommon to see patches of webbing on the trunk of a tree this time of the year. The webbing may look scary, but the insects under the webbing are not harmful. Bark lice spin the web to protect themselves while they clean the bark of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/09) You can fertlize your lawn in July if it the grass needs it. But be sure you choose a fertilizer that does not have a weed killer in it, and follow label directions when applying. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/09) Hydrangeas have finished their blooming season, so July is a good time to prune them. If you wait too late, the plants will have set their flower buds for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/09) Figs are one of the most commonly planted fruit trees in the home landscape. Fig trees are productive and easy to grow. The fruit peaks this month, and gardeners should harvest them every day, if possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/09) Blackberries finished producing fruit in early June, but the plants may need to be pruned now. The canes grow for two years. Be sure to prune the canes that already produced berries and not the canes that will produce next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) The grasses we use for our yards do not like the shade. That means grass growing under a tree may suffer as the tree grows. The options include sodding again, mulching or using a ground cover. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) Leaf miners are so tiny that they can feed on the inside of a leaf. These pests consume the green tissue and make a trail in the leaf. Spinosad can control these insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) Gardeners may be tempted to put saucers under outdoor container plants. Saucers can be a breeding source for mosquitoes and keep the soil of the plant too wet. Instead, use pot feet to keep water from damaging the surface where the pot sits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) Fighting weeds is a never-ending battle. A pre-emergence herbicide can prevent weeds from growing in an area. Apply it to freshly-weeded flower beds or to cracks in sidewalks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) If you did a good job selecting heat-tolerant bedding plants, your garden should look great this month. If plants are starting to wilt, however, you may need to replace them with plants better suited for the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/09) Having the right type plants can help attract beautiful butterflies into your landscape. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the different types of plants that go into a butterfly garden. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video 06/29/09) For landscape color during the summer months most Louisiana gardeners plant hot weather bedding plants. But, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you how to sustain beautiful summer color -- with a vine. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Audio 06/29/09) This time of the year it is easy to evaluate where you may need shade in your lawn and landscape. You also may want to consider providing shade for your house. This can cut energy costs. Make a plan to plant shade trees during the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) Web worms are small, fuzzy caterpillars that feed on the foliage of a variety of trees. They create a web tent, and while they may not look nice, they do not harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) The highest quality tomatoes come out of Louisiana gardens in late May and early June. In July, the intense heat takes its toll on the plants and the fruit they produce. Tomato production will drop off this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) The intense heat we have in Louisiana during July doesn't mean we can't plant vegetables into our gardens. A number of vegetables actually grow well and even thrive in our summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Lawn care is in high gear this time of the year, and homeowners should be mowing regularly. Another lawn chore includes watering when drought stress occurs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/25/09) If you want to boost the color in your landscape, nurseries still have a good selection of colorful bedding plants that will thrive in whatever heat the summer throws at them. You can create cool, elegant color schemes with pastels, or an explosion of bright, vibrant colors full of excitement.

(For Release On Or After 07/18/09) Although Louisiana receives on average about 50 to 60 inches of rain annually, it doesn’t occur evenly through the year. As a result, dry spells are not uncommon, particularly during the heat of mid- to late summer. At those times, we may need to provide supplemental irrigation to flowerbeds, shrubs, lawns and newly planted trees.

(For Release On Or After 07/11/09) Summer is the time when people commonly take their longest vacations. When planning a vacation, people make arrangements to have someone take care of everything from the cat to the newspaper. But many neglect to have someone look after their plants and home grounds during their absence.

(For Release On Or After 07/04/09) For the summer season, no flowering tree or shrub outblooms the crape myrtle. This small tree packs a powerful punch of color over an amazingly long season. But other summer-blooming large shrubs and small trees can do a lot to contribute to the summer display. Here are a few –

(Audio 06/22/09) Snails and slugs thrive in our hot and humid summer weather. They chew holes in leaves and attack low-growing plants. Gardeners have several options to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) By now many gardeners have been harvesting tomatoes. A variety of problems can arise with tomato plants, and by late June production may be shutting down because of the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) Many herbs don't care for the intense heat of summer. One herb gardeners can grow this time of the year is Mexican tarragon. It is related to marigolds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/22/09) Plants in hanging baskets can add a nice touch to patios or other outdoor living areas. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you some shade-loving basket plants and how to care for them on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 06/22/09) The baldcypress is the state tree of Louisiana. Cypress trees tend to produce knees in swampy conditions. This usually is not an issue in well-drained landscapes, but sometimes knees can form. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. One problem with crape myrtles is suckers. Pruning the suckers and using a sprout inhibitor on them can keep them away for up to a year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) If you planted a tree within the past year, make sure that tree gets plenty of water this summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a good way to ensure new trees get adequate moisture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Gardeners are always looking for plants that are easy to grow and will thrive in Louisiana's summer heat. Pentas are a good plant for this time of the year. They come in a variety of shades and bloom all summer long. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/015/09) Do you neglect some of your gardening work during the summer because it’s just too hot? Well, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a plant suggestion that will get you out of the sun and into the shade. (Runtime: 1 minute, 35 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Container plants are great on porches, decks and patios, but water from these pots can damage wooden surfaces. Boosting container plants will keep the wood dry and safe. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Louisiana gardeners primarily grow everblooming roses, but some gardeners grow once-blooming roses. These plants that bloom once a year should be pruned in summer after they have finished blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Large, mature shade trees are the most valuable and irreplaceable part of out landscape. Lightening strikes are common in the summertime, and lightening can kill a tree. If a tree is struck and it is still green a month later, it likely survived the strike. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/08/09) Beautiful flowering plants in a landscape can catch your attention. But they don’t necessarily have to be planted in the ground to provide beauty and fragrance. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages gardeners to take plants higher than ground level, while bringing flowers closer to the senses. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Louisiana gardeners should be concerned about summer storms, especially hurricanes. Check trees now to determine if they need attention before a storm hits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Caterpillars are major pests on many of our ornamentals, vegetables and fruit and nut trees. Hand-picking the caterpillars is a safe way to control them but may not be practical. Gardeners can use organic sprays to control caterpillars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Fallen leaves and grass clippings are ideal materials for compost piles. In June, you probably have plenty of grass clippings. Use a bag attachment on a mower to collect the clippings for composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Gardenia plants add a wonderful fragrance to southern landscapes. Pruning these plants requires some thought. The buds set the year before they open. Pruning has to be done right after they finish blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 06/26/09) When I’m asked about what should be done in the garden this time of year, I generally reply, “As little as possible.” The period from late June to mid-September is the most stressful time of the year for gardeners and their plants.

(For Release On Or After 06/19/09) If you picked dewberries or blackberries from the wild as a child (or adult) and miss those wonderful shiny, black fruit bursting with sweet juice, you’ll be glad to know blackberries are easy-to-grow and productive in the home garden.

(For Release On Or After 06/12/09) Summer-flowering vines can be used to provide color, fragrance and interest to Louisiana landscapes. They also can provide screening and even shade if they are allowed to cover an overhead structure. Indeed, no other group of plants can provide the same effects as vines.

(For Release On Or After 06/05/09) June is the peak month for harvesting early summer vegetables. One reason people grow their own vegetables is the outstanding quality of freshly harvested produce. Harvesting at the right stage, however, is essential to getting the best quality vegetables from your garden.

(Video 06/01/09) Although many people like to avoid pesticides, sometimes that’s the only way to control pest problems on plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the safest pesticides that are right for the job. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Mowing is the biggest lawn chore during the summer months. To keep your lawn looking attractive, you should mow every five to seven days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Gardeners can become concerned about lichens growing on the bark of trees -- especially trees that are doing poorly. But these growths are self-sufficient and don't harm the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Containers allow us to have plants where they would not otherwise grow. During the summer, these plants have to be watered often, which can cause nutrients to leach out. A slow-release fertilizer will give container plants the boosts they need throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Louisiana gardeners can start picking ripe tomatoes as early as late May, but by June the crop is really starting to mature. Gardeners may want to harvest their tomatoes early to avoid pest problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) In June, gardeners are harvesting a bountiful amount of vegetables. They also can plant vegetables this month, but these vegetables must be tolerant of the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/25/09) If you’re having insect problems on your plants, you may want to consider an alternative to insecticides. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how predatory insects like ladybugs can kill pests just as effectively. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Audio 05/25/09) Louisiana gardeners are lucky to be able to grow crape myrtles, but aphids can be a nuisance on these small trees. To control the pests, treat the trees with insecticides in late May or early June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/25/09) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. But many of these greens will not grow during our summer months. Swiss chard will grow into June, however, and a few of the best summer greens are Malabar spinach and New Zealand spinach. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/25/09) Growing plants in containers makes plants portable and gives you the opportunity to enjoy them where they couldn't be grown otherwise. The containers can become dirty over time, and gardeners will need to clean them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/25/09) Gardeners use a variety of bulb plants in their landscapes. Many summer-flowering bulbs used in Louisiana are tropical plants that thrive in the heat. You can find a variety of plants available for many different situations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/25/09) If you grow roses in Louisiana, you are familiar with the disease black spot. It attacks the foliage of the plants. Since some of the roses we grow are susceptible to the disease, regular control measures are needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/18/09) The baldcypress tree is readily identified with swamps, but it’s also a species that has become popular as a landscape tree. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why a cypress is a good tree to plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 05/18/09) Spanish moss does not hurt trees. It's not a parasite and it won't take nutrients from the tree. It lives on the tree but gets water and minerals from rain water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/18/09) Louisiana gardeners can use a number of annual flowering vines. A great one to grow is the hyacinth bean. It produces wonderful lavender flowers in the summer and through the fall. It also has attractive foliage and seed pods. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/18/09) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of warm-season plants to provide color to our summer landscapes. Gardeners should prepare beds properly before putting in new plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/18/09) Blackberry plants are productive in May. After you harvest berries, you have to be careful when pruning -- and not just because of the thorns on the plant. Don't cut back the canes that didn't produce any fruit. Those will produce fruit next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 5/18/09) Newly planted trees will need watering to help them survive their first summer in the ground. A great way to water a tree is with a 5-gallon bucket with holes at the bottom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/11/09) Knock Out roses look beautiful in landscapes this time of year. But they can grow very large, and faded flowers can cause them to lose some of their attractiveness. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you one way to help your Knock Outs remain a knockout. (Runtime: 1 minute, 48 seconds)

(Audio 05/11/09) Hydrangeas and gardenias are popular flowering shrubs in Louisiana landscapes. Their flowers bloom this time of the year. You can prune these shrubs after they finish blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/11/09) For the most part, Louisiana gardeners should plant trees during our cooler winter season. But there is at least one exception. Palm trees do best when planted during the hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/11/09) Tomatoes are a popular home vegetable, but they do have their share of problems. A common disease on tomatoes is buckeye rot. It hits the mature fruit on the bottom of the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/11/09) When establishing a lawn from sod, it is important to properly take care of the sod. Watering is critical to help the grass develop strong roots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/11/09) The permanent lawn grasses we use in Louisiana are all warm-season grasses. They grow and thrive in the summer heat. If you are planting a lawn, consider solid sodding. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/04/09) Many houseplants are tropical plants that don't tolerate cold weather very well, but when May comes around, these plants will flourish outdoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/04/09) Many people believe that green bell peppers and red bell peppers come from different plants, but they are the same. If you leave your green bell peppers on the plant longer, they will turn red. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/04/09) Use caladiums if you want reliable plants that have unmatched growth in shaded areas of your landscape. Their colorful foliage can brighten up darker spots in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/04/09) As summer heat begins to arrive in May, some of your herbs may begin to languish. To get the most from your plants, harvest these herbs and dry them for later use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/04/09) Most vegetables perform better when planted during the milder parts of the year. But some heat-tolerant vegetables will do fine growing throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/04/09) Among spring’s trademarks are the vivid and varied shades of green you’ll see in many landscapes. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some plants that keep their dynamic, springtime greens well into the summer. (Runtime: 1 minute, 50 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/29/09) Winters have been relatively mild in Louisiana over the past few years, and I see lots of palms being planted around the state. They add a wonderful tropical look to the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 05/22/09) Grown and used in cuisines around the world, basil also is indispensable to Louisiana cooks. Besides having extraordinary taste, basil is really attractive and easy to grow.

(For Release On Or After 05/15/09) You may sometimes read or hear information about planting certain plants around other types of plants to prevent insect problems. This is commonly called companion planting. Generally, research does not substantiate the claims of companion planting.

(For Release On Or After 05/08/09) Most years I get a few questions asking why purple martins failed to take up residence in a birdhouse provided for them.

(For Release On Or After 05/01/09) Many gardeners suffer from pollen allergies and are prone to sneezing, runny noses, watering eyes and sinus pressure headaches while working outside when pollen counts are high.

(Audio 04/27/09) Among favorite spring wildflowers are the amazingly beautiful native Louisiana irises. In gardens and landscapes, hybrids of our native species bloom in a rainbow of colors with large, showy flowers on tall stems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/09) Ever wonder why crape myrtles seem to always mist on your head? Well, it’s not water. The moisture actually is coming from aphids. In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you how to control aphids on your crape myrtles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/09) Vines are wonderful plants for Louisiana landscapes. Vines can decorate walls, soften fences and create privacy. For vines to be effective in your landscape, however, they must be trained properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/09) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of spring-flowering bulbs in their landscapes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a few things gardeners shoud do after these bulbs bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/27/09) It’s a tall-growing vine with beautiful flowers and sweet scents. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the fragrant Confederate jasmine, which is not a true jasmine at all. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/09) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant after it blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/09) We often want to add container plants to our outdoor decks and porches. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers a few things you should keep in mind when fertilizing container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/09) Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery material on the leaves of plants. The disease favors warm, humid, dry weather. It attacks the new growth on crape myrtles, and it also affects dogwoods, Gerber daisies and roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/09) The month of April typically ushers in warmer weather. This month is a great time to plant warm-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/09) As we move through April, lawn growth increases. Here are some helpful tips for getting started with your spring lawn care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/20/09) Trying to figure out what type of shrub you want to plant? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill takes a look at a shrub that was popular, then later unpopular and now, thanks to a new variety, may become popular again. (Runtime: 1 minute, 42 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/09) Caladiums are easy to grow and reliable in shady areas. Some varieties can tolerate sun, but most caladiums prefer shady locations. You can plant caladium tubers this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/09) Louisiana has its share of pest problems. These problems will worsen as the weather warms. If you notice you are having a weed, insect or disease problem in your lawn or garden, it is important to correctly identify the culprit to effectively control it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/09) Our permanent lawn grasses all grow during the warm season. Now is the best time to plant these. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says the best way to plant a lawn is using sod. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/09) In Louisiana we generally apply the first fertilizer of the season to our lawns in early April. It is important to allow the lawn to green up and establish a good root system before applying fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/09) Many Louisiana gardeners primarily use annuals to provide color in their flower beds. We also can use perennials to provide color, and those will supply it while growing in your garden year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/13/09) Roses are beautiful in the landscape. But which ones are right for you? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill takes a look at the shade-tolerant and relatively disease-resistant, Knock Out rose and its different variations. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Audion 04/06/09) By the time we get into April, we can plant tomatoes. We could have some late freezes, so be prepared to cover them if this happens. Planting tomatoes early will lead to an early harvest and fewer insect and disease problems on your plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/09) Easter lilies are always available around Easter even though the date moves around. Growers can manipulate the growing conditions. You can keep your potted Easter lily and plant it into your garden after the holiday. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/09) In April, you can look around and see flower beds full of cool-season bedding plants. It is really too late to plant these flowers into your landscapes. Concentrate on getting warm-season plants into your beds later this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video (04/06/09) If you want to plant caladiums, you can either use pre-started plants or you can use tubers. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the different types of caladium tubers you can choose from. (Runtime: 1 minute, 49 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/09) Louisiana gardeners grow a wide vartiety of herbs in their herb gardens, and many of these grow well during the cooler season. These cool-season herbs should be ready for harvest soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/09) Tomato plants have a tendency to sprawl on the ground if they are not properly supprted. Supporting the plants will help keep the fruit healthy and disease-free. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/24/09) Vines are an amazing group of plants with enough diversity to boggle the mind of any gardener. What binds these wonderful plants together is their universal lack of strong stems.

(For Release On Or After 04/17/09) Mulching is an easy-to-do, labor-saving gardening technique that all gardeners should take advantage of. A mulch is a material, usually organic but sometimes inorganic, that we use to cover the soil surface around plants. Mulching beds is an important part of sustainable landscaping.

(For Release On Or After 04/10/09) Some the most popular vegetables planted in Louisiana home vegetable gardens belong to the cucumber family, or Cucurbitaceae.

(For Release On Or After 04/03/09) Among my favorite spring wildflowers are the amazingly beautiful native Louisiana irises. In gardens and landscapes, hybrids of our native species bloom in a rainbow of colors with large, showy flowers on tall stems.

(Audio 03/30/09) Sap suckers are a group of birds that peck holes in trees. These birds feed on the sap and insects that collect near these holes. The damage they cause tends to look worse than it really is. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye. Gardeners must look over their plants carefully if they suspect a problem. These insects damage the foliage of plants -- but they can be controlled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in April. Tomatoes, the most popular home vegetable, can be planted in April, and many others can be seeded or transplanted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) In spring, many gardening organizations, businesses and others have events such as garden shows, plant sales and educational oppportunities. Take advantage of these events to find the latest local gardening information. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/30/09) As the weather warms up we spend more time outside in our outdoor living areas like porches, decks and patios. We use plants in beautiful containers to embellish these spaces. (Runtime: 1 minute, 45 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) Spring-flowering shrubs beautify Louisiana landscapes in February and April. When these shrubs finish blooming, prune them if they need it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/23/09) Beautiful spring colors and fragrances are in the air. While you might think the flowery show this time of year comes only from plants planted during the spring, that’s not the case. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some pretty spring flowers that actually were planted in the fall. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(Audio 03/23/09) The redbud is an outstanding, small, spring-flowering tree. Its tiny red flowers can really brighten up a landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/23/09) Having issues with lawn mushrooms? Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to prevent them. But if you have pets or small children, it is best to gather and dispose of the bothersome mushrooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/23/09) Check your local nurseries for flowering perennial plants. You can find these plants in gallon-size containers, which are good for planting this time of year. These plants will live for many years, and that gives them an advantage over annuals. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/23/09) By March most of our roses should be growing vigorously, and this is a great time to fertilize them. You can use an all-purpose or a slow-release fertilizer. Also, now is a good time to spray for black spot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/23/09) The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/16/09) When planting shrubs into the landscape, Louisiana gardeners often are looking for shrubs that are tough, reliable, insect and disease resistant and relatively low maintenance. The Indian hawthorn certainly has all of those attributes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 48 seconds)

(Audio 03/16/09) Interest in growing herbs has been rising in recent years. Louisiana gardeners can plant herbs in herb gardens or containers or in beds among existing plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/16/09) In March, we begin to see green colors returning to our lawns. If you see weeds in your lawn during this time, it is best to just mow them back rather than apply a pesticide while your grasses are reawakening and starting to grow. (Runtime: 60 secondS)

(Audio 03/16/09) If you need to prune sumer-flowering shrubs, do it in March or early April. Have a plan before pruning, and do not prune if the tree or shrub doesn't need it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/16/09) Many landscapes include small decorative ponds or aquatic features. This is a great time to clean ponds, because the foliage and fish in them are not very active. Choose a mild day to get this done. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/16/09) As the weather warms up, weeds, insects and diseases become far more common in our landscapes. It is important to remember that pesticides are just one option for control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/09/09) Mild weather moves in during the month of March, and we can expect lavish displays of color from our cool-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/09/09) Orchids are wonderful flowering plants that are different from many other houseplants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/09/09) We love perennials because they come back year after year. When you fertilize your perennials, you can use a variety of different fertilizers such as granular or slow-release fertilizers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/09/09) Gardeners can plant a variety of vegetables in March. A few vegetables such as eggplant, okra and sweet potatoes are are sensitive to chilly temperatures, and gardeners should wait to until April to plant these crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/09/09) The hydrangea is a popular summer-flowering shrub for shady areas. It is important to remember that these flowers set their buds a year ahead. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/09/09) When you head out to the nurseries this spring, looking for azaleas for your landscape, you must keep in mind there are many different kinds of azaleas, and they mature at different sizes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 34 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/27/09) As we move into April, we can enjoy the peak blooming season of our cool-season annuals. But it’s not too early to begin to plan our summer gardens.

(For Release On Or After 03/20/09) Louisiana gardeners can begin to plant spring and early-summer vegetables this month. You can plant after the last freeze date in your area, but be prepared to cover or protect tender plants in case of an unusually late freeze.

(For Release On Or After 03/13/09) Visions of delicious home-grown vegetables can become a reality with a little planning and some work.

(For Release On Or After 03/06/09) Late January through early March is an appropriate time to prune most summer-flowering trees and shrubs. Especially in the case of trees, pruning generally should be done to enhance their natural shape while correcting any problems.

(Video 03/02/09) If you’re looking for a great plant for a shady area where you maybe need a small patch of ground cover, ajuga is a delightful choice. Ajuga is a lovely plant. It’s spreading, low-growing and well-behaved in the landscape. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(Audio 03/02/09) Spring-flowering bulbs begin putting on a vivid display in March. So this is a good time to keep records. Walk through your garden and take notes on the color and size of plants, when they bloom and how well they work in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/02/09) The buck moth caterpillar feeds on leaves of oak trees and delivers a painful sting. These caterpillars can be abundant in the spring. Spraying can help eliminate an infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/02/09) Now is an excellent time to purchase rose bushes from your local nursery and to plant them. By planting early in March, the rose plants will be in better shape in April, May and June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/02/09) Ground covers are wonderful plants that we use in very large areas of our landscape. They usually are low-growing evergreens. Even evergreen ground covers can have old, unattractive growth. March is a good time to prune your ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/02/09) As the weather gets milder, we can begin planting warm-season vegetables. Freezes are still possible in the month of March, but early planting has some advantages. You can get better quality production and fewer insect problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) The foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs should be growing nicely, and you may even see some flowers blooming soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) Gardeners often ask what the term "organic matter" means. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains it all. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) You may begin to see caladium tubers at your local nursery about now. It is a good idea to get them early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/23/09) It’s a good idea to plant vegetables now -- during cooler weather. One vegetable you might think about planting is the artichoke. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the ins and outs of planting artichokes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Video 02/16/09) When selecting the right landscape plants it’s vital to ask important questions like “How big will the plant grow?” or “How hardy is it in a particular season?” On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill poses a different question: How does the plant smell? (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Gardeners use a variety of ground covers in their landscapes. These plants usually are evergreen, have a tendency to spread and are shade-tolerant. Even if they are evergreen, they can have old, brown foliage. February and March are good months to clip ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Light is important to the health of plants. In gardening, a range of terms exists to describe light conditions in the landscape. These include full sun, part sun, part shade and shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Spring is a busy time in the home landscape. So while things are slower during February, it is a good time to prepare beds that you will plant in March or April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) February is the last optimal month for digging up and transplanting trees and shrubs in your landscape. It is important to move a plant with as much of the root system as you can get. This will determine the survival of the tree or shrub. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) The cool season is the best time to plant a tree in Louisiana. If you want a new tree in your landscape, plant it before late March. When choosing a tree, be sure to pick one that is the right size for you landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Hydrangeas are unique plants that come in lovely shades of blue or pink. These flowers are unusual because the availability of aluminum in the soil dictates their color -- and their color can be manipulated. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Bare-root roses should be planted by the end of February. This is your absolute last chance to get them into the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/09/09) When we think about colorful bedding plants, thoughts generally turn to planting them in the spring or summer. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the colorful, cold-hardy geranium can be planted now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Dividing perennials helps plants bloom better. You should divide these plants while they are dormant, which is now for most perennials in our landscapes. Plan on wrapping up this task before the end of March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Many of the hardy fruit trees we plant in our landscapes can be pruned in February, but be aware that all fruit trees are pruned differently. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants as early as October. Even though that time passed months ago, it still is not too late to add cool-season bedding plants to your landscape. But it is better to do it now than to wait until March or April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/27/09) Every year, Louisiana gardeners see amazingly beautiful beds of pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons and many others whose peak blooming season is late March through May.

(For Release On Or After 02/20/09) Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that can be grown easily in Louisiana vegetable gardens during fall, winter and spring. It is reliable and very productive and should be more commonly planted.

(For Release On Or After 02/13/09) This is the time of year for garden catalogs to arrive in the mail. Mine generally start to arrive in December and continue through February. Most gardeners would likely tell you that mail order is their least preferred way to purchase plants, and I generally agree.

(Video 02/02/09) Attractive small trees can create a nice touch to any landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses different varieties of a very popular small tree -- the Japanese magnolia. (Runtime: 1 minute, 37 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) Many gardeners are unfamiliar with swiss chard. It's a vegetable that easily can be planted in your home garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) We love to use many tropical plants in our Louisiana home landscapes. Although they do very well in Louisiana's hottest weather, they have very little cold tolerance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) Spider mites are a common indoor pest that many plant lovers have to deal with. Spider mites are very tiny insects that can cause your plants to look dusty . (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) February is a good time to prune roses. This prepares the plants for blooming in the spring and summer seasons. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) Spring may be right around the corner, but the weather is still cold enough to allow hard freezes to occur. That's why we continue to plant only cool-season vegetables this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/06/09) February is a great time to plant hardy fruit trees, bushes or vines in your landscape. Local nurseries should have an excellent selection of these plants newly arrived for planting in late winter and early spring.

(Audio 01/26/09) We prune our roses in Louisiana about twice a year -- once in late January and again sometime in late August. When you prune, do it according to what your roses need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Camellias are winter-blooming plants, and January is a good time to visit your local nursery and pick out the plant that best suits your needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/26/09) Camellias are in bloom right now. If you have not planted any but are interested in getting them at a nursery, you might be interested in a unique style of camellia. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains in this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 35 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Even through the cold of winter, we can experience a wide variety of pests in our home vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) People often ask how they should water their indoor plants. The answers on this simple process begin by determining whether your plants need watering or not. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Winter is a superb time to add hardy trees and shrubs to your landscape. You can plant shade trees, add a privacy screen or bring in some flowering shrubs to enhance your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/19/09) When is the last time you planted a new tree in your yard? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good time to plant trees now – and what to look for when selecting young trees from the nursery. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Mealy bugs are a common insect on indoor plants. They usually find their way inside your home on plants purchased at a nursery or when you bring in plants that spent the summer outside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) You can plant Irish potatoes into your vegetable garden now through February. To start planting, cut the seed potatoes into pieces about the size of an egg and make sure each piece contains an eye. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Winter is a good time to prune shade trees. They are leafless at this time, so it's easy to see their shape and where they may need pruning. Also, if you need a professional, tree companies tend to be less busy during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Here in Louisiana we don't do a lot of fertilization to our plants during the winter. Most of the plants we have in our landscapes are dormant this time of the year and don't need the nutrients fertilizers provide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Bed preparation is an important part of gardening. If you are putting in new shrubs, flower beds or vegetable beds, these will require bed preparation. You can do the prep work in advance of planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/16/09) Photographers have until the end of the month (January) to submit photos for the LSU AgCenter’s 2010 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The deadline for all submissions is Jan. 30. Those photos then will be reviewed for potential use in next year’s calendar.

(Audio 01/12/09) Some Louisiana gardeners prefer to overseed their lawns with ryegrass during the fall. Ryegrass grows very well in the cool winter weather and stays green through our coldest weather. But it also requires you to do some lawn care during that time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) You can start growing transplants for tomatoes, peppers or eggplants in trays or pots from now until the first part of February. It takes about six weeks to raise them to transplant size. Then the transplants should go into the ground in March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) Parsley is an important herb in Louisiana cooking. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says nothing beats fresh, homegrown parsley. Louisiana gardeners can grow flat-leaf or curly-leaf parsley, and our winter months are a good time to plant this herb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) In cooler climates, foxgloves and holly hocks are perennials, but in the South they are cool-season annuals. Transplants are available in nurseries this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) Louisiana gardeners might not consider January a prime month for planting, but the entire winter season is great for planting hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/12/09) Don’t let the season fool you. It can still be an optimal time to get some hardy plants in the ground. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the benefits of planting herbs now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants this time of year. You also should actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants you already have planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/08) Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have your rose plants, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/05/09) The holidays have passed, and your Christmas poinsettias may look like they’re coming to an end as well. Can you replant them -- or should you throw them away? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides answers about this poinsettia dilemma. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) Now that the holidays are over, you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some can be kept, and others should be discarded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) You can harvest or plant something in your Louisiana vegetable garden almost every day of the year, and the days of January are no exception. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/08) One of the biggest problems for indoor plants during winter is the dry air produced by our heating systems. Move house plants away from vents and be sure to water them as needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/08) At the beginning of a new year many people make resolutions -- and gardeners are among those people. If you make gardening resolutions, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has advice for you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/08) Many gardeners purchased amaryllis bulbs in October. If you haven't, but you still want to grow amaryllis, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your bulbs. If you were one of those gardeners who planted your bulbs in October, however, your plants are likely to have bloomed already . (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/08) Gardening catalogs normally arrive in mailboxes in December and January. Most of these are available for free if you go online and request one. Just be cautious when ordering from catalogs and make sure you choose plants appropriate for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/08) Now through January is the time to plant those tulip and hyacinth bulbs you've been chilling in your refrigerator to get them ready for planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/29/08) Bushes help accentuate a nice landscape. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the changing colors and beauty of evergreen bushes.(Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/30/09) Few shrubs or trees are best purchased and planted while they are in bloom. One notable shrub, however, is currently in glorious bloom. And right now is an excellent time to plant it into your landscape. I am, of course, referring to the camellia – Camellia japonica.

(For Release On Or After 01/23/09) The presence of birds is almost universally welcome among gardeners. Their contribution of movement, color, sounds and pest control are unique and desirable.

(For Release On Or After 01/16/09) The name “asparagus fern” is a strange jumble of terms. These plants are neither ferns nor edible vegetables. Asparagus ferns are versatile, reliable and easy to grow and are useful in a variety of gardening situations.

(For Release On Or After 01/09/09) Many gardeners consider snails and slugs to be the most disgusting pests in the garden. I could live with their looks if they just didn’t cause so much damage.

(For Release On Or After 01/02/09) All-America Selections is a nonprofit organization that tests newly developed cultivated varieties of seed-grown bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States.

(Audio 12/22/08) Unlike the poinsettia, a holiday cactus will bloom for us year after year. So hang onto those plants even after the holidays are over. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/08) Louisiana vegetable gardeners grow a wide variety of leafy vegetables in their winter gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/08) With recent freezes and even snow in some areas, you will probably see cold damage on your tender tropicals. Your best option is to simply prune it away. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/08) The everblooming roses in your landscape may still be blooming. With these plants, it is not unusual to have new roses well into December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/08) There are a variety of reasons why a plant's foliage changes color this time of year. This shouldn't necessarily concern gardeners -- even if the plant is an evergreen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/22/08) Cool-season flowers can be as attractive as ever if you select the right plants and care for them properly. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you some newly introduced plants that will help make your yard beautiful during the fall and winter. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) Cool-season weeds grow actively from January through February in Louisiana. If you feel the need to eradicate those weeds, you can use a herbicide on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/08) It is important to store garden chemicals safely during the winter. Keep them in an area where they won't freeze and where children can't get to them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/08) Camellias bloom with large, beautiful flowers during the winter. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind when caring for these wonderful winter plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/08) All permanent lawn grasses we use in Louisiana go dormant during winter and turn brown. Green lawns this time of the year have been overseeded with ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/08) Many gardeners enjoy starting their plants from seeds. You can do this by either planting seeds directly into your garden or starting the plants in pots or flats. You often will have leftover seeds, and it's a good idea store them properly for future use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/08) The leaves that fall from your trees can be useful in your landscape. You can collect these leaves and use them as mulch or compost over the winter season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/15/08) The poinsettia clearly is the most popular plant for the Christmas season. A native of Mexico, it was once thought to be poisonous. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about choosing and caring for your Christmas poinsettia.

(Audio 12/08/08) A pecan tree is wonderful for your landscape -- if you have room. Pecan trees grow very large, and because of their brittle wood, they should not be planted close to structures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/08/08) Louisiana's mild winter conditions allow many types of plants to grow over the winter season. Unfortunately, this includes weeds, so there are many different types of winter weeds to be on the lookout for this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/08/08) Gardeners shouldn't worry about the wind chill factor. Plants do not feel wind chill -- which is how cold it feels to warm-blooded animals like us. The plants only feel the actual temperature of the air. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/08/08) For most gardeners, the activities we conduct in our landscapes tend to slow down during the winter. Many of our gardening tools take a break this time of the year, so we need to make sure they are stored properly and safely. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/08/08) In December, freezes threaten plants in your lanscape. With the thermometer dipping into the 30s, you should begin thinking about protecting tender tropicals from the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/08/08) Bulb flowers in bloom probably conjure thoughts of springtime. But, in this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can purchase and maintain amaryllis bulbs now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

Video segments featuring gardening advice and tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill.

Audio segments featuring gardening advice and tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill.

(Audio 12/01/08) There is still time to plant cool-season flowers even though we are into early December. Plant violas, snapdragons and pansies now for great color in the winter and an outstanding spring display. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Gardening doesn't stop in the winter. The vegetable garden can be productive all year long in Louisiana. Gardeners have a number of vegetables they can plant in December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/01/08) It’s not actually a camellia, but the sasanqua looks like one, and it’s in the same family. Unlike the camellia, the plant featured on this edition of Get it Growing blooms in fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this camellia look-alike grows great as a shrub or a small tree. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Recent freezes may have killed tomato plants, but if your plants are still surviving, here are a few tips to protect them in cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Christmas trees play an important part in celebrating the holiday season, and selecting the right kind of tree is a big part of the process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Poinsettias are the most commonly used plant in decorating for the holiday season. With proper selection and care, you can keep these plants looking attractive for as long as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in your landscapes. If you plant them now, the heat of summer won't threaten the young tress. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) When considering how to fertilize plants this time of year, the best option really is not to fertilize at all. Just about everything in your landscape is going dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) Many of us like to use container plants outside during the summer. But when the weather turns cold, these plants need to be brought indoors. Just remember that you may need to let them adjust to lower light conditions before making the move. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) To many people, falling leaves are a nuisance. These leaves, however, can be useful if we recycle them into compost or mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) A wide variety of herbs are hardy and can be planted this time of year. There are even some herbs that really grow well in Louisiana during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/24/08) If you’re looking for a small tree that has beautiful color, you might be pleased with the Japanese maple. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horiculturist Dan Gill explains why Japanese maples grow well in Louisiana and how fall is the right time to plant them. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/12/08) Now is an excellent time to evaluate your landscape for any pruning that needs to be done, since many plants can be pruned now through February.

(For Release On Or After 12/26/08) I recently received a copy of a book called The Garden in Winter. Imagining what I would see inside, I opened the book and the pictures were just what I had expected. The pages were filled with snowy scenes.

(For Release On Or After 12/19/08) Among my favorite dishes for breakfast is a stack of hot, buttered pancakes drowning in maple syrup. Although we can’t grow the sugar maples that produce that delicious syrup here in Louisiana, a wonderful selection of maples can be used as shade trees and ornamentals in our landscapes

(For Release On Or After 12/5/08) Of the many kinds of plants we use to decorate our homes for the holidays, the holiday cactuses possess a special beauty. And yes, despite the fact that these plants don’t possess spines, they are true cactuses.

(Audio 11/17/08) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable for your garden. It's a little late to plant broccoli now, but if you planted it earlier, you may be wondering when you should harvest this vegetable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) The best time to plant fruit and nut trees is from November until February. Most of these trees need full sun and plenty of room to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) You will begin to notice amarylis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around this time of year. The process that growers use to ship amarylis makes them grow and bloom during winter, so you must plant them in a container the first year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom during the summer months. Often these plants go dormant during this time of year and become unattractive, so it's the time to trim their foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Cool weather has arrived, and now is the perfect time to add cool-season bedding plants to the flower beds in your landscape. These plants will continue to bloom for you into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) November is an outstanding month to plant spring-flowering bulbs in your landscape. These bulbs grow over the winter very slowly and then grow rapidly and bloom in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Just about everyone enjoys a fresh salad, but the best lettuce is freshly harvested from your own vegetable garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Most of the perennial plants that we use in our landscapes bloom in the summer. Many of these perennials are winding down right now. This is a good time to cut back any unattractive growth or flowers from them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/17/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recently visited Bracy’s Nursery in Amite, La. Bracy’s is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Dan talks with employees at Bracy’s about how they produce quality plants in large volume. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 11/10/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visited the massive Windmill Nursery in Franklinton, La. Windmill is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Windmill’s general manager recommends some quality plants for the fall growing season. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/080) During the winter our warm-season grasses go dormant making your lawn brown. If this bothers you, then one option is to overseed your permanent lawn with ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Camellias are amazingly beautiful shrubs. One of the greatest things about camellias is they produce flowers in late fall and winter when few other plants are blooming. Camellias are prone to infestations of tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 11/21/08) Fall is an outstanding time to plant many of the hardy culinary herbs, and one of the most popular is parsley.

(Distributed 10/08/08) People in Louisiana love their gardens, and it shows in the new 2009 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar from the LSU AgCenter. Inspiring photos of flowers, plants and lawns are just a few of the reasons Louisiana gardeners and calendar lovers alike have made the calendar a perennial favorite.

(Video 02/18/08) Now is the time to get some of your flowering plants into their flower beds. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some good choices of hardy annuals for your cool-season garden. (Runtime 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/28/2007) The basic techniques of gardening today are not that much different than those our great grandparents used. Still, technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work and garden. Gardeners will, with greater ease and frequency than ever before, exchange ideas and be exposed to new concepts about how and why we garden. How will the new trends affect the plants we use and how we design with them and care for them?

(For Release On Or After 11/23/07) Many plants seem to save up all summer for the spectacular display of flowers, fruit and foliage showing up in our gardens now. If you want to punch up the color level in your garden from October through December, here are some trees, shrubs and perennials you might consider including in your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/16/07) Botany lessons are often helpful for gardeners to understand some of the underlying reasons why plants behave the way they do and why we do things a certain way. When growing a plant that is expected to produce fruit, knowing something about the reproductive workings of the plant is in the gardener’s best interest to prevent disappointment.

(For Release On Or After 11/09/07) Fresh, ripe strawberries are a favorite with just about everybody, and now is a great time to plant them into your garden. Strawberries are best planted from late October through November for production next spring. They are easy enough that growing a crop is a fun project for kids at home or in school.

(For Release On Or After 11/2/07) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

(Audio 10/15/07) Gardeners can manipulate the color of their hydrangeas by making an addition to the soil this month. 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 be sure to 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 fruit tree produces seedless fruit and doesn't need pollination. The fruit of most varieties must 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 acclimate to low-light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/07) 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. 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)

(For Release On Or After 10/05/07) Fall is a prime planting season in Louisiana. Cool-season flowering bedding plants and cool-season vegetables are planted from now through February, and November through February is the best time to plant hardy shrubs, ground covers and perennials in the landscape. How well you prepare the soil before planting has an enormous effect on the health and growth of your plants.

(Video 10/01/07) Lycoris radiata goes by a variety of common names: Hurricane lily, spider lily and naked ladies. This plant requires patience because it may take three years to start blooming. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 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 decorate 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 bloom beautifully in October and November. If your roses were pruned 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)

(For Release On Or After 10/26/07) October is a transitional month in Louisiana flower gardens. Many warm-season annuals have finished or are finishing, and gardeners’ thoughts begin to turn to cool-season bedding plants for fall, winter and spring color.

(For Release On Or After 10/19/07) We’ve become accustomed to running out and buying flats or pots of blooming bedding plants to create “instant flower gardens.” This last-minute approach, however, will simply not work when using spring-flowering bulbs in the landscape. If you want beautiful beds of daffodils, tulips or Dutch irises next spring, you should think about planting them now.

(For Release On Or After 10/12/07) Cooler mornings in October make it a joy to get out and work in the home vegetable garden. A number of delicious and nutritious vegetables will thrive in the coming cool season. Indeed, some of our favorite vegetables can only be grown in Louisiana October through April.

(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, get that done soon. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) It is still too hot to plant trees, 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)

(Video 09/24/07) Mid-to-late September is a great time to plant cole crops into your vegetable garden. Cole crops are the group of vegetables closely related to cabbage. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/07) Azalea lace bugs are small flying insects that live on the underside of the leaves. Small white spots on the leaf indicate an infestation. (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) Many gardeners move container plants outside for the summer. After a summer of abundant growth outdoors, plants may have outgrown their containers. Look for roots growing out of drainage holes or showing up on the soil. These plants will benefit from being repotted into a larger container. (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) 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 09/17/07) September and October are transitional times in Louisiana landscapes. Days become milder, and summer rain showers began to slow down. This means watering will likely be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/17/07) Blue flowers are relatively rare in the plant world. That’s why plumbago's blue flowers are so precious. Plumbago is an outstanding workhorse in the summer landscape. It’s actually a shrubby-looking plant, but when you examine at the stems, you’ll see they’re very green and herbaceous. (Runtime: 1 minutre, 30 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)

(Audio 09/10/07) In September, it is still pretty hot. Combining that with dry weather can cause an increase in chinch bug activity. These insects attack lawn grasses and prefer St. Augustine grass. They create circular brown areas and will kill the grass where they feed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/07) As we move into September, we must be careful about what we prune in our landscapes. Winter and spring-flowering shrubs have set their flower buds, so pruning will remove these flowers. Also, pruning too late can keep shrubs or tree branches from hardening off before winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/07) Vegetable and flower beds are active parts of our landscape. Right now, gardeners may need to do some bed preparation before planting fall crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/07) The weather can remain quite warm throughout September, but we are reaching the end of the growing period. This means you have to be careful with late-season fertilizer applications. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/07) Pecan trees tend to "alternate bear," which means they will produce a large crop one year followed by a small crop or no crop the next year. A large crop can lead to breaking branches because of pecan's brittle wood. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/07) Green onions are an important part of Louisiana cuisine. This is a great time of the year to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/07) A variety of fungal organisms live and grow in our lawns. Some are relatively harmless. Others can be very damaging and cause problems in hot, dry weather. Fungicides can prevent some of this damage from occurring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/07) Mature trees are a valuable part of the home landscape. When building on a lot with existing trees, make plans to keep them from being damaged by construction. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/07) A variety of both warm-season and cool-season vegetables can be planted in September. Transplants of tomatoes and bell peppers can be planted early in the month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/10/07) You might have noticed tree leaves that look diseased or sickly recently. What’s the problem and what should you do? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to handle the situation in this segment of Get it Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds)

(Video 09/03/07) Many Louisiana gardeners like to grow culinary herbs. Mexican oregano is a good herb for our area. It generally grows in the drier climate of south Texas and northern mexico, but does remarkably well in Louisiana. Make sure this plant gets very good drainage. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/07) Pruning Gingers and cannas can be tricky. Once a shoot has flowered it will not flower again. Gardeners can prune these shoots back down to the ground and make room for new shoots that will sprout up later. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/27/07) Some plants are great for attracting beautiful insects – like butterflies. In this Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a plant that not only attracts Monarch butterflies but also serves as a type of nursery for their young. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/07) The young transplants gardeners buy at local nurseries have been raised under perfect conditions in greenhouses. As a result, transplants may need to be hardened off first before being planted in the garden.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/07) Caterpillars are one of the leading pests that attack plants in our landscapes. Their damage usually can be tolerated, but populations of these pests can be high at the end of summer. Monitor their damage and apply pesticides if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/07) The end of August or the first week of September is the last time this year to apply nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn. You do not want to encourage vigorous growth into the fall, because that makes the grass less hardy going into the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/07) Roses have their share of problems during the summer, but if we wait through it, we can expect a good blooming season in the fall. Evaluate your roses now. Prune them, if they need it, to prepare them for fall blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/20/07) It’s been extremely hot lately, making it uncomfortable to go outside and work in the garden. The good news is that it feels a little better in the shade. With that in mind, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a beautiful shade-loving plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/07) Heat stress is terrible this time of the year. The weather is just as hard on our plants as it is on us, so we should avoid planting trees and shrubs now. Wait until the weather cools down in October before trying to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/07) Part of the pruning is to remove unattractive faded fronds from the lower part of the palm's head. This becomes more difficult as the palm grows taller. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/07) This time of the year, gardeners tend to work in the early morning or early evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Gardeners should protect themselves with mosquito repellant or clothing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/07) Bagging grass clippings is not necessary if you mow frequently. If you don't, however, bagging the clippings can keep your yard healthy and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/07) Aquatic gardens are popular in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners can have problems keeping their ponds looking healthy. One striking issue is green water. A balanced ecosystem can stop green water from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) We start looking for pears to ripen on our trees in August. They will start to change color, with a red blush appearing on the fruit. You also might notice the fruit soften or drop out of the tree. If that happens before they're ripe, you can ripen them off the tree for fresh eating. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) Many gardeners grow plants in containers. Container plants growing outdoors may need to be repotted after vigorous growth during the summer. You can see wilting and stunted growth on a plant that has outgrown its container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) When it's hot outside, gardeners need to look for jobs that can be done in the shade. Ferns work great in shady areas, and this time of the year they may have unattractive fronds that need tending. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) The Louisiana Iris becomes dormant in the months of August and September. Then they begin active growth again in October. That means now is a great time to divide and transplant these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/12/07) Louisiana gardeners can plant milkweed or butterfly weed for migrating monarch butterflies. Monarchs lay eggs on the butterfly weed. Although these plants may have other insect problems, remember that using insecticides on them will harm the butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/13/07) Despite the intense heat this time of the year, you can still add warm-season bedding plants to your landscape to provide that great color we all crave. Stop by your local nursery or garden center, and you’ll find they have a wide selection of wonderful plants in just about every height and color you can imagine. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/07) In these hot days of late summer our plants dry out quickly. Watering correctly will keep plants healthy. Mulching plants also helps conserve water, but overwatering can cause root rot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/07) Coleus is a great bedding plant. It has beautiful foliage in a variety of colors. Coleus can be grown in the sun or the shade, but most prefer some shade. Just make sure you choose a variety suitable for the sunlight situation your coleus plants will be growing in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/07) Two of the most difficult insects to deal with in the home landscape are spider mites and white flies. Spider mites are tiny and difficult to see. White flies are small and white, and the young white flies are attached to the underside of the leaves they infest. Both of these insects feed on the sap of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/06/07) Want a flower the size of a dinner plate that will bloom beautifully all summer long? In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some popular hibiscus varieties you can find at your local nursery this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/07) Louisiana vegetable gardeners can plant a wonderful crop of fall tomatoes. We need to get the transplants planted this month in North Louisiana. South Louisiana gardeners can wait until September to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/07) Vegetables we plant in August reflect the fact that summer will end soon. Crops like broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi can be seeded now. There also are other cool-season vegetables you can plant into your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/07) During hot summer days, especially if the weather is dry, chinch bugs can proliferate in area lawns and cause plenty of damage. Symptoms include patches of grass that are brown and dead. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/07) Palms can be planted all over the state. They need to be planted during warm weather, and August is the last month to plant them. Be sure to plant palms that are hardy enough for the area you live in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/07) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. The bedding plants we planted in April and May have been growing for a long time and may be tall and leggy at this point. It is too early to pull them out and plant cool-season bedding plants, but you can cut back these plants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/30/07) Louisiana gardeners love two things in their landscapes – great fragrances and wonderful tropical plants. The Harlequin Glory Bower or “Clerodendrum tricotomum” offers both of those. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)

(Video 07/23/07) Ever wonder why crape myrtles seem to always mist on your head? Well, it’s not water. The moisture actually is coming from aphids. In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you how to control aphids on your crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/07) Basil is a heat-tolerant herb that grows well in Louisiana during the summer. You can find basil plants at your local nursery to plant into your garden. If you already have some growing, harvest regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/07) Cutting flowers from the garden is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Cut flowers in the late afternoon, cutting them on a slant. Put them in a bucket of water until you are ready to arrange them. Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/07) Gardenias and hydrangeas are great summer-blooming shrubs. Since they must be pruned before they set their flower buds, this is the best time to prune them. If you wait too late to do this task, you may take off some of the plant's future flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/07) Blackberries can be easy to grow and productive in the home garden. This is a good time to prune your blackberry plants. The canes that produced fruit this summer can be cut back. But leave the new canes alone. They will produce for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/07) July generally is fig month in Louisiana -- although the age of the tree or weather conditions can affect fig production. Once picked figs won't keep long, so enjoy them right away or use them in preserves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/07) Annual bedding plants can suffer during the heat of summer. Keep in mind that watering too often won't help the plant and could encourage root rot. Watering deeply and thoroughly two or three times a week should do the job. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/07) Louisiana gardeners grow many plants in containers. Flower pots on wooden decks or porches could damage the surface as a result of water collecting on the wood. The best solution is to boost the pots up with pot feet or bricks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/07) Weeding can be a constant chore for gardeners. Mulching and using herbicides can help home gardeners face such chores less often. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/16/07) You won’t find leopard plants growing in African savannahs. But you can find them growing in Louisiana landscapes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about the ligularia in this Get It Growing edition. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/07) Shade trees have many benefits in the home landscape, but there is one downside. As these trees grow larger, the grass beneath them can suffer. Ground covers can tolerate the shade, so shade-loving ground covers like monkey grass and liriope are good choices under large trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/07) The leaf miner is a common pest of ornamentals and vegetables. The larvae of leaf miners cause the damage to the plants. These pests feed on cells within the layers of the leaf, making it difficult to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/07) Energy bills can spike during the summer months. Planting shade trees in appropriate places in your yard can help keep cooling costs down. While this is not the right time to plant trees, it is a good time to evaluate your shade needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/07) May through June is the peak harvest time for most tomatoes in Louisiana gardens. You may still have tomato flowers now, but with the intense heat of mid-summer, those flowers are less likely to set fruit. On the other hand, Roma tomatoes and other heat-tolerant tomatoes do well in the summertime. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/07) Webworms are small caterpillars that feed on the foliage of a variety of trees. They get their name because they create web-like structures at the end of branches -- enclosing the foliage. They feed on the foliage, but the damage they do generally is minimal. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/07) This is our lawn-care season. Mowing frequently and regularly will help keep your lawn healthy. Other lawn chores include fertilizing, keeping mower blades sharpened and watering regularly, if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/07) Despite the heat, July can be an active time in the vegetable garden. We can remove some of the plants that we planted in the spring and replace them with heat-tolerant vegetables such as cucumbers and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/09/07) One of the most common insect pests that attack trees in Louisiana during the summer are caterpillars called webworms. These caterpillars occur all through the summer, and they form webs at the ends of the branches, but their actual damage to trees is relatively minor. (Runtime: 1 minute, 25 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/07) Louisiana gardeners grow many plants in containers. This time of the year these plants need plenty of watering, especially if they are in a sunny location. Repotting plants into larger containers can help you cut down on the amount of watering you need to do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/07) There are many beautiful ornamental grasses that can be used as decorative borders. They are drought tolerant and have good insect and disease resistance. Gardeners can find a wide variety of ornamental grasses at gardening centers -- with at least one that will fill their needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/07) Palm trees can be grown all over Louisiana. If you want to add a palm to your landscape, now is the time to plant them. Homeowners in North Louisiana should choose hardy palms for their climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/07) The bald cypress is Louisiana's state tree. It makes a great addition to the landscape, but gardeners can have a problem with cypress knees. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to remove knees that might pop up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/07) Hydrangeas and gardenias bloom in the early summer. Although most of the summer-flowering shrubs we grow in our landscapes bloom on new growth, hydrangeas and gardenias set their flower buds in late summer. When the plants finish flowering, prune them quickly so as not to cut off next year's flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/02/07) Container gardens full of beautiful plants are all the rage these days. When using an outdoor container, make sure it’s nice and large to fit into the scale of the outdoors. When choosing the plants, make sure they look good together. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Video 06/25/07) Many gardeners are painting their summer landscapes with the sweeping colors of beautiful flowers. Gardeners can use a perennial flowering plant that’s not only colorful but also easy to grow in sun or shade – and resistant to major diseases and insects. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Despite the intense heat of summer, you can continue to plant colorful bedding plants to brighten your summer beds. Be sure to keep them well watered when they are newly planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Gladiolas bulbs are planted in Louisiana landscapes to provide beautiful spikes of flowers in many colors. Once a gladiola finishes blooming, you should cut off the faded flower but leave all the foliage intact so it can provide food for the bulb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Fertilizers are products that add essential minerals and nutrients to the soil. Soluble fertilizers are dissolved in water and applied as a liquid to plants. They provide immediate nutrients to plants, but they do have drawbacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Tarragon is an herb that is popular in poultry dishes. French tarragon is the classic variety, but it won't grow in Louisiana during the summer. Cooks and gardeners can substitute Mexican tarragon to overcome that obstacle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Weeding work is never done, but there are ways to suppress weeds. Mulch is one way to keep weeds down. A pre-emergence herbicide also can prevent weeds from taking over beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Summer is an excellent time to add plants to an aquatic garden. Plants in good-sized pots can simply be placed into the pond. There are no holes to dig or beds to prepare. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Zinnias provide bright colors in the garden and make great cut flowers. Although many zinnias perform poorly during the summer months, Profusion zinnias can stand up to Louisiana's heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) During the intense heat of summer rose blooms are fewer, smaller and poorer in quality. Heat stress causes the drop in production. Even though it may seem like roses could use fertilizer, now is not the time to apply fertilizer to your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Petunias are a popular summer bedding plant up north, but these plants generally tend to fade in Louisiana's summer heat. Wave petunias, however, will tolerate more heat than most varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) High temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous heat index. It's important to take care of yourself when you garden this time of the year. Garden early in the morning or late in the evening and follow the shade around. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/18/07) The Elaeagnus plant, also known as the Gumi, provides delicious fruit for the making of jelly. But the plant also can be used to create an excellent sound barrier or privacy barrier along the edge of your property. In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out that the species to buy depends on which of those benefits you prefer. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) You may notice fine silvery webbing appearing on the bark of trees during the summer. These webs are made by tiny insects called bark lice or psocids. While it looks alarming, these insects won't harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) Most of the roses in our gardens today are everblooming roses. But some gardeners still grow once-blooming roses. When these roses finish flowering, it is time to prune them. Just study each plant carefully to decide how to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) In horticulture the term sucker is used to describe a strong sprout growing from the base of a tree or the tree's root system. Crape myrtles commonly produce suckers. But there is a way to get rid of these growths. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) June ushers in hurricane season in Louisiana, and strong thunderstorms also are common during the summer months. To prepare your yard for potential storms, check for weaknesses or dead branches in trees. Also, plan what objects need to be picked up in your yard if you know a storm is approaching. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) Home gardeners can grow a number of vegetables from the onion family. These crops are planted in fall and harvested this time of the year. Pull the onion, shallot or garlic bulb out of the ground and let it dry in the sun a few days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/11/07) Just like people, plants can lack the necessary minerals to lead a healthy life. Azaleas are one of the most popular shrubs in Louisiana landscapes. They like an acid-type soil. If they’re grown in alkaline soils, they have problems getting the iron they need out of the soil, and this leads to a disease called iron chlorosis. (Runtime: 1 minutes, 30 seconds)

(Video 06/04/07) Many tropical plants do quite well in Louisiana’s subtropical climate. In this week’s Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to a tropical plant that is gaining in popularity and offers a degree of cold-hardiness many tropical plants do not have. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) Creating a compost pile is a great way to recycle yard waste. Fallen leaves and grass clippings can be turned into valuable material that can be used in garden bed preparation or as top dressing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) Gardeners may notice poorly-performing plants with grayish-green growths on them. These growths, called lichens, often are blamed for harming trees or shrubs. Lichens are not parasites, but they often live on trees that are already unhealthy.

(Audio 06/04/07) A vine-ripened tomato freshly picked from the garden can be a real treat. But harvesting tomatoes at the perfect time is not always possible. If they still need it when you pick them, you can ripen tomatoes indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) The vegetables we plant in Louisiana this time of the year have to be able to take the intense heat throughout the summer. We can plant a variety of vegetables such as canteloupe, eggplant and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/08) If you will be building or doing any sort of construction on land with existing trees, plan carefully to preserve the trees, if possible. Consulting with an arborist can determine which trees are healthy and how they can be protected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/28/07) Irish potatoes are planted into the home garden around February in Louisiana. By the time we reach late May or early June, the potatoes usually are ready for harvest. And blooms may show up around harvest time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/28/07) A number of trees and shrubs we use in Louisiana landscapes tend to develop suckers at the base. Suckers are sprouts that come up on trees such as wax myrtles, crape myrtles and river birches. Pruning and treatment is important in controlling these suckers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/28/07) Most trees and shrubs in Louisiana should be planted during our cooler season, but palms should be planted during the heat of summer. The roots of palms only grow in warm soil. Just make sure the palms you plant are hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/28/07) It is not as well known as its Chinese and Japanese counterparts, but there is a native wisteria vine found in Louisiana. It's called Wisteria frutescens, and it blooms about now (in late May). While the Chinese wisteria’s blooming is over in about two weeks – one big flash – the native wisteria has been in bloom at least a week or two and is going to continue to bloom for more than a month. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 05/28/07) Vines are wonderful additions to our landscapes. They are beautiful climbing on a trellis or over an arbor. Annual vines are the ones that die at the end of their season, so if you are hesitant to use vines because you think they might get too wild, an annual vine will solve that problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/21/07) Decorative ponds and aquatic gardens are popular in many home and commercial landscapes. One of the more common problems for these ponds is green water. Algae blooms can cause green water this time of the year. But submerged plants can help clear this up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/21/07) The most popular small flowering tree in Louisiana landscapes is the crape myrtle. Its long blooming season and its ability to grow under most Louisiana soil conditions make it a prized tree. Crape myrtles come in a variety of colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/21/07) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana's cuisine, but it is difficult to get these vegetables to grow during the summer. There are some nontraditional greens cooks and gardeners can try this time of year, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/21/07) Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom between April and September. Many are native to tropical and subtropical areas, and they thrive in Louisiana's climate. These summer-flowering bulbs can vary in size, height and color – and in the amount of shade and moisture they can tolerate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/21/07) Shrub roses are a category of roses that are really great for use in the landscape. What revolutionized this category was a cultivar called Knock Out. In this Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter hoticulturist Dan Gill also shows us other shrub roses that work well in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 37 seconds)

(Audio 05/14/07) Black spot is the most destructive disease on roses in Louisiana. Cultivars of roses that are highly susceptible to black spot are difficult to grow here. You can control black spot by spraying your roses regularly – even before you see signs of the disease occurring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/14/07) Spanish moss does not hurt a tree it is growing in. You can see the moss turn green when it rains, because the rain is what provides nutrients for the moss. Since Spanish moss isn't drawing anything from the tree, if you like the way it looks in a tree, let it grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/14/07) Many of us have childhood memories of harvesting blackberries on roadsides. You also can grow blackberries in your home garden. Prune them after harvest, which comes this month, but prune only the canes that bore fruit this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/14/07) Now is a great time to evaluate flower beds. If you planted cool-season bedding plants, you probably are noticing those are starting to fade. Replace them with warm-season bedding plants to have color this summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)