(Audio 05/27/13) Construction on a property can damage the trees on it. Before building or doing renovations on a lot with existing trees, safeguard the trees. Consult an arborist to devise a strategy for saving the trees.

(Audio 05/27/13) Warm summer months are the best time to plant palms in Louisiana. This gives them time to settle in before the cold of winter. Look at hardiness and growth habit when deciding what palm to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/13) Hyacinth bean is a great summer-flowering vine. It produces spikes of lavender flowers and attractive seed pods. Plant seeds in May, and be sure to have a large trellis or arbor for it to grow on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/13) The sound of water can have a cooling effect during summer. If you have an aquatic garden in your landscape, do try to keep it clean and healthy. Submerged plants help keep algae from growing in the water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/13) Crape myrtles are the most popular summer-flowering tree in Louisiana. They have few pest problems, but one issue is the crape myrtle aphid. It sucks the sap from the tree and excretes a substance that causes sooty mold to grow on the trees.

(Audio 05/20/13) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. Most of the leafy greens we use are grown in winter. If you are looking for greens in summer, you can try Malabar and New Zealand spinach or amaranth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) If you grow plants in containers, you will need to clean these pots from time to time. Plastic pots are easy to clean, but terra cotta pots may need a little more help. Listen to learn how to properly clean your pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Late May is a good time to plant summer bulbs. Some to consider include calla lilies, canna, caladiums and gingers. Look for them in local nurseries and garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Black spot is the leading fungal disease on roses in Louisiana. Some of the roses we use are more tolerant to black spot. Hybrid teas and grandifloras can be put on a regular spray schedule to control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Spanish moss is associated with Louisiana - often seen hanging from the branches of live oaks or cypress trees. It does not hurt the trees it grows on. It makes its own food through photosynthesis. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) It is too late to plant Irish potatoes, but gardeners can get ready to harvest them. When the plants turn yellow and start to die off, that is the time you will get mature potatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) The Bandana series lantana and the Little Ruby alternanthera are great summer bedding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Both also are Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2013. Consider planting them in May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Gardeners planted cool-season bedding plants back in the fall. These are flowers that like cold nights and cool days, so they will start fading soon. Pull them out when this happens and put in some warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Newly planted trees will need special care their first summer in the ground. Pay close attention to watering young trees during drier periods. Hear more to learn good techniques for watering trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Hydrangeas and gardenias put on their best show in May. You may see a few yellow leaves on them, but this isn't of concern. You can shape them up after they bloom, and be sure to give hydrangeas water during summer dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/13/13) Flowers aren’t the only source of color in your landscape during the summer months. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill presents some great choices for colorful and attractive foliage that will stand up to the heat. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 05/06/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. The Aphrodite althea is a Super Plant that provides incredibly large and beautiful flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains proper care for this beautiful shrub. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 05/06/13) The warmer the weather gets, the less effective lawn herbicides become. If you need to treat your lawn for weeds, do it soon to get the best control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Several diseases can infect tomato plants, and buckeye rot is one of the worst. This disease causes lesions on the tomato itself. Discard any fruit that has evidence of buckeye rot and spray your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) The Aphrodite althea is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for spring 2013. This plant can be used as a large shrub or small tree. It is related to hibiscus and has wonderful large flowers that bloom throughout summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Houseplants that have spent the winter indoors could use some time outside. Make the move gradual by first putting them in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Cooking with home-grown herbs is a great way to add flavor to your food. If you have cool-season herbs growing in your yard, harvest them before they give way to the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/31/13) You’ve got to think that a vegetable with a name like yardlong bean would be incredibly productive – and you would be right. This vegetable originated in southern Asia and is now grown extensively in Asia and Europe.

(For Release On Or After 05/24/13) Nearly any plant may be grown outdoors in a container as long as you provide the requirements that the plant needs. Even commonplace plants take on a distinctive quality in containers.

(For Release On Or After 05/17/13) As the weather warms up, insect problems increase. Many gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens or landscapes. But just because you see an insect is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 05/10/13) Louisiana gardeners crave color in the landscape. When thinking about landscape color, we often tend to focus mostly on annual bedding plants. These plants are bred and selected to produce outstanding displays of color.

(For Release On Or After 05/03/13) Lots of new planting gets done every spring. Proper watering can make the difference between life and death to newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs and ground covers as well as bedding and vegetable transplants.

(Audio 04/29/13) Caladiums allow gardeners to work in the shade during summer. These plants grow from tubers and can be planted in May and June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) It is not too late to add roses to your landscape. Plant roses into well-prepared beds enriched with organic matter. Remember, roses enjoy full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Gardeners can begin planting more heat-tolerant vegetables in May. The temperatures will be hot as the vegetables develop. Listen to learn what vegetables can be planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. You may see bell peppers in red, yellow and orange. These are simply green bell peppers that have stayed on the plant long enough to fully ripen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of evergreen shrubs and trees in their landscapes. Even though evergreen plants never drop all their leaves at once, it is important to know that leaves do get old, will turn yellow and drop off the plant. Generally this is nothing to worry about. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/29/13) A strikingly beautiful summer plant is the verbena. It’s been around for a while, and as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, breeders have developed many colorful variations of this outstanding plant. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 04/22/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. The Bandana lantana, also called Bandana Rose, is a beautiful, low-maintenance lantana with an improvement over its relatives. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Bandana’s compact size – only 20 inches tall and 2 feet wide – make it even more manageable than other lantanas. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 04/22/13) When planting herbs in April, gardeners should focus on heat-tolerant herbs. Basil is one to consider planting. Harvest herbs you planted in fall because they will start to languish as the weather warms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Mulching offers many benefits to flower beds and vegetable gardens. A good layer of mulch suppresses weeds, helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Plants growing in containers have special needs. They have to be in potting soil. They also need frequent watering and fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Many of the plants we grow in containers are tropicals. If you brought plants inside for the winter, now is the time to move them back outdoors. Make the transition slowly to help the plants adjust to greater light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They bloom beautifully throughout the summer. The leading insect pest of crape myrtles is the crape myrtle aphid. They are sucking insects that create honeydew on the trees, creating a sooty mold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) Summer bedding plants are ready to go into the garden. Nurseries are full of great selections. Consider planting spring Super Plants to brighten your landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) Lawn care kicks into high gear as the weather warms. If you didn't have your blades sharpened before putting the mower away for the winter, consider having them sharpened now. This will keep the turf healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) April is a good time to plant caladiums. These plants are wonderful in shady locations. There are some varieties that will work in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) There are four main lawn grasses used in Louisiana. These grasses love the heat and grow well during summer. If you are thinking of planting a new lawn, do it is as the weather warms up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) Lantanas provide reliable color in Louisiana landscapes. They typically grow rather large, but a new series called Bandana lantana produce mounding plants covered in flowers. They are drought-tolerant and attractive to butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) Little Ruby alternanthera is a low-growing plant grown for its beautiful foliage. Its deep burgundy, purplish foliage stays lovely all summer long. It also is a spring 2013 Super Plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) In Louisiana, we can begin fertilizing lawns in the last week of March, and this can continue into May. It is a great idea to fertilize lawns that are low in vigor and need a deeper color. Gardeners can use a weed-and-feed to also control weeds in the yard while fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of spring-flowering bulbs. Some of the bulbs will come back and re-bloom year after year, while others don't re-bloom well. Learn how to care for ones that do bloom again and again. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) The warm weather of spring brings out more pests in our landscapes. Insecticides may be necessary to control insects on vegetable plants. Make sure you know what kind of insects you have so can best control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) With warmer weather in April, gardeners can plant tomatoes in any area of the state. When selecting tomato transplants, decide what type of tomatoes you want. You can choose from many different varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/15/13) Hanging baskets offer a unique aesthetic perspective to patios and porches. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on maintaining the health and beauty of plants you choose for your hanging containers. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video 04/08/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. Little Ruby alternanthera is a colorful, tough new Super Plant selection. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the low-maintenance Little Ruby is an excellent choice to grow in containers or in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:32)

(For Release On Or After 04/26/13) As May approaches, we transition from the warm days and cool nights of spring and early summer to the hot days and warm nights that will be with us until September. With the increasing heat, you should be noticing the inevitable decline of your cool-season bedding plants.

(For Release On Or After 04/19/13) Lantana (Lantana camara) is one of the first flowers I became aware of as a young child in Chalmette. After all, who could resist a plant so perfectly named with the common name “ham and eggs”?

(For Release On Or After 04/12/13) The foliage of ornamental plants generally plays a supporting role to their colorful flowers. Leaves, in all their many different shades of green, typically provide a backdrop for the flowers that delight the eye and dominate our attention.

(For Release On Or After 04/05/13) Blue, particularly true blue, is a color relatively rare among garden flowers. Blame the pollinators. Remember, flowers are not produced by plants for our enjoyment.

(Audio 04/01/13) Sapsuckers are birds related to woodpeckers. They have strong beaks they use to peck holes into the trunks of trees. They are after sap in the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) Easter was early this year, but you may still have Easter lilies. You can plant these in a flower bed where they will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) Many spring-flowering shrubs have been blooming during the past month and will continue to bloom into April and early May. The best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you could disrupt next year's blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) We can count on warmer weather during the month of April. Gardeners can start planting transplants of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Hear more to learn about other vegetables ready for planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/01/13) Did you know cantaloupes and watermelons belong to the cucumber family? Right now is a great time to plant all of these. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what you need to know about selecting vegetables from the cucumber family.

(Video 03/25/13) At this time you can plant many different types of vegetables. Tomatoes are among the favorites. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to look for when selecting tomato transplants from the nursery. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners often wait until roses are in bloom to head out to nurseries to purchase plants. Planting is stressful for a plant, so it's best done before it starts blooming. Late March is a good time to plant roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Louisiana gardeners use many types of tropical plants in their landscapes. They may have been damaged by freezes this winter, so you can trim them back. Wait until April or May to plant new ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Thrips are tiny insects that invade the flower buds of roses. As the bud opens, the flower may appear burned on the edges. Some buds may never fully open. Systemic insecticides can help control thrips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners use the term deadhead when talking about removing faded flowers from their plants. This keeps the plants looking attractive, and also prevents the plant from setting seed - which encourages more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/24/13) The buck moth caterpillar, found primarily on live oaks, has black stinging spines. Usually by late March, you can see caterpillar masses up in trees. A tree service can spray the trees before the caterpillars descend. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/14) Prospective homebuyers often have their home inspected before purchasing it. It's a good idea to have the trees on the property inspected as well. Consider having a licensed arborist check the trees for potential problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/14) Fruit trees must be sprayed preventively for insects and diseases. If you wait until they are already infested, it's too late to spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Gardeners may get overwhelmed by the many options of fertilizers available. Remember you don't need a different fertilizer for each plant. Consider getting a general-purpose fertilizer to feed most plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is the most susceptible, but the fungus also attacks centipede grass. It gets started when the weather is cool and moist. Hear more to learn about the symptoms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Louisiana lawns start to wake up in March. Often home gardeners want to fertilize their lawns early. The grass is best left alone and not stimulated while it is greening up. Wait until April to fertilize with any general-purpose lawn fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/18/13) Animals often eat plants, but rarely does the opposite happen. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores some interesting carnivorous plants that flip the food web around by actually eating insects and bugs. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 03/11/13) If you’re looking for transitional plants that can survive remaining freezes but also stand tough during hot weather, calibrachoa would be a good choice. They’re not petunias, but these hardy perennials look a lot like petunias. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why calibrachoa is a good choice to plant in your garden now. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Audio 03/11/13) Perennials live from year to year in our landscapes. Their clumps will grow larger and larger and may eventually need to be divided. Get this done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. You don't have to fertilize them if they don't appear to need it. Newly planted shrubs or ones with low vigor can benefit from an application of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) Vegetable transplants purchased from nurseries have been pampered in greenhouses. Outdoor conditions can be stressful for them. They need to be hardened off before planting them into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) Louisiana home gardeners plant lots of vegetables in March and April. Pollination is an issue for some vegetables. Some are self-pollinating. Others have to be pollinated by bees or insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) You may notice flower beds filled with beautiful cool-season bedding plants. These plants peak around late March and April. The best beds were planted in the fall. So if you want these flowers, plant them as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/04/13) Now is a great time to plant vegetables like broccoli and cabbage in your garden. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a crucial, but sometimes overlooked part of vegetable production — harvesting at the right time. (Runtime: 1:49)

(For Release On Or After 03/29/13) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain about gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations.

(For Release On Or After 03/22/13) Louisiana gardeners begin to plant spring and early summer vegetables this month. Watch the last freeze date in your area and be prepared to cover or protect tender plants in case of an unusually late freeze.

(For Release On Or After 03/15/13) Visions of delicious homegrown vegetables can become a reality with some planning and a willingness to put in the time and work that planting and caring for a garden require.

(For Release On Or After 03/08/13) If you have a thick layer of gunk on the bottom of a small decorative pond or aquatic garden, it’s a good idea to clean it out early this month. Generally, you should clean out smaller aquatic gardens about once a year and larger ones every few years.

(For Release On Or After 03/01/13) When it comes to gardening, knowing the sunlight conditions in different areas of your landscape is critical to success. If you should plant a shrub you just bought in partial shade, do you know where partial shade exists in your landscape?

(Audio 03/05/13) Perennials are colorful plants grown for their colorful flowers or foliage. They can brighten our landscapes and live for many years. Gardeners can find established perennials grown in large containers at nursery centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Cool-season weeds are actively growing in lawns and flower beds this time of the year. As the weather warms, these weeds can explode in growth. Make sure they don't flower and set seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Spring-flowering bulbs can add a lot to gardens. Many of these bulbs do not bloom again well or at all. These bulbs should be pulled out of the garden and composted. For the ones that do, such as daffodils and narcissus, leave them in place. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Gardeners can use pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before they show up. Early March is the ideal time to use these herbicides to prevent weeds from popping up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. We can begin planting warm-season vegetables in many areas of the state. Gardeners do need to watch out for late freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/25/13) Now’s a great time to plant peach trees in Louisiana. Established ones need proper care, like pruning, to produce lots of mouth-watering fruit. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out some crucial tips for maintaining both young and mature peach trees. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners use a variety of terms to describe the different amounts of light plants need to grow and be healthy. Hear more to learn the differences of full sun, part sun, part shade and full shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Perennials are wonderful plants that live for many years in our gardens. Many of these plants are dormant this time of the year, making it a great time to divide them. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners may not think about planting warm-season vegetables in the month of February. They can, however, plant sweet corn as early as the last week of February. Planting early helps minimize problems with pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Fertilizers provide nutrients to plants to help them grow. Gardeners may have fertilizers left over from previous seasons. That is still good to use. Fertilizers will stay potent indefinitely. Just be sure to store it properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Ground covers are a popular part of Louisiana landscapes. We want evergreen ground covers, but sometimes they can have old foliage that needs to be trimmed back. This encourages the plant to grow new foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/11/13) It’s not too early to plant Louisiana iris in your landscape. They grow well across the state and add an elegant touch to any yard. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides tips for care of your Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Audio 02/18/13) Spring bulbs are up and growing. Some, like paperwhites, are already blooming. The foliage of spring bulbs is hardy, but if we get a freeze, the flowers can be damaged. Consider cutting them to bring indoors if a freeze is likely (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) Transplanting a tree or shrub may be desirable or necessary sometimes. Gardeners thinking about moving the plant should do it now while the plants are dormant. Doing it correctly will help the plant succeed in its new location. (Runtime: 60 seconds

(Audio 02/18/13) Gladioluses are beautiful in the flower garden. The flowers don't last long, so you can get a longer blooming season if you do several plantings in two-week intervals. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) A lot of gardeners like to prepare their beds before it is time to plant flowers or vegetables. Our weather can be rainy in late winter, and this makes it hard to work the soil. Make sure your soil isn't too wet when you prepare beds, or you could damage the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) Late winter is a great time to plant trees and shrubs into your landscape. It is easy to plant a tree, but you have to do it properly. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can alter the color of their hydrangeas by applying additives to the soil this month. Lime can turn blue hydrangeas pink, and aluminum sulfate can change pink hydrangeas into blue ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can fertilize shade trees in February. Large mature trees don't require fertilization, but trees in the first five to 10 years can use that boost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners interested in planting bare-root roses need to do so soon. Bare-root roses are more vulnerable than container roses, which can be planted throughout the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Shady areas can get a boost with cool-season color. Plants such as cyclamen, forget-me-nots and foxgloves can thrive in the shade. For areas with part shade, consider pansies and violas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) February is a good month to prune fruit trees. How you prune the trees can affect the harvest. Do some research before you prune to make sure you get the best production from your tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 1/28/13) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to Dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 02/04/13) If you’re searching for a tough, shade-loving plant with nice shiny leaves, ligularia might be the plant for you. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good selection for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 02/04/13) The winter has been mild in Louisiana, but we have had a few frosts that could have damaged tropical plants. You can prune damage off herbaceous tropical plants such as gingers and elephant ears. Wait to prune woody damage until the plants start to sprout in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Spider mites can be a problem on houseplants in the winter. These tiny insects are hard to spot, but listen to learn symptoms of spider mite damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Swiss chard is a wonderful vegetable that hasn't reached the popularity in the home garden as many other vegetables. It's nutritious, delicious and even beautiful in the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Take care of roses that need pruning early this month. Roses that bloom throughout the year may need to be cut back to encourage new blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) February isn't always frost-free, so gardeners can't yet plant spring vegetables. Anyone looking to put new vegetables into their gardens should plant cold-tolerant vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/22/13) 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 planted more often. A cool-season vegetable grown primarily from October to June, it has better heat resistance than other greens, such as spinach.

(For Release On Or After 02/08/13) February is a great time to plant hardy fruit trees, bushes or vines in your landscape. Local nurseries should have an excellent selection newly arrived for planting in late winter and early spring.

(For Release On Or After 02/01/13) Early February is an excellent time to cut back roses growing in your landscape. Hybrid tea and grandiflora roses, in particular, should be pruned around this time every year. Otherwise, these roses tend to become leggy, less vigorous and unattractive and do not bloom as well.

(For Release On Or After 02/15/13) Homeowners whose new houses were constructed on lots with existing trees are often dismayed to find the trees declining in health or dying a few years after construction. This tragedy can be avoided if existing trees are properly protected during construction around them.

(Audio 01/28/13) Light is a plant's food, so it is critical for the plant to grow and thrive. If you have indoor plants this winter, make sure they are near a window where they can get plenty of light. Clean windows or prune plants to let more light in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) There will be plenty to do in the garden in late March and April, so take time now to prepare beds. If adding beds or planting into existing beds, turn soil and add organic matter. (Runtime: 60 econds)

(Audio 01/28/13) If you can't find things to do in the landscape, consider planting ground covers. These plants establish well during cooler months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) Late January is a good time to prune everblooming roses. How far back you cut the roses depends on much their size needs to be controlled. Remember, pruning helps them bloom better. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) Gardeners typically buy roses growing in containers, but garden centers do have bare-root roses. These plants are perishable and must be planted this month or next. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Gardeners should avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees this time of the year. These plants have already set their flower buds, so pruning now would remove flowers. This includes plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas and gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Camellias are in bloom right now. It is great to see their flowers in the dead of winter. January is a good time to plant them. Because the plants are blooming, you can see which color you prefer to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow vegetables year round. While gardeners will see fewer problems in the garden in winter, pest problems can still pop up. Keep the garden mulched and weeded. Also look out for caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Despite the name Irish potatoes, potatoes are actually native to South America. They are a cool-season crop. Gardeners can plant seed potatoes now into a well-drained, sunny location. Be patient. It may take a while to see growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/14/13) Now’s a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs. Small trees can add a nice accent to home landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the blue point juniper – a lovely evergreen tree. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 01/21/13) Even though it’s wintertime, you can still incorporate color into your home setting. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the use of combination planters as a way to establish color on a patio or deck and as a way to grow vegetables or herbs that can please the palate. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Audio 01/14/13) When it comes to fertilizing, common sense can dictate when to do it. The best time to fertilize a plant is early in its season. When plants are dormant, don't fertilize them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Winter is a good time to prune a wide variety of plants in your landscape. Deciduous shade trees are leafless, allowing you to see the structure of the tree more clearly. You do not want to prune spring-flowering shrubs now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Gardeners may have a lot of plants inside their homes during winter. This can lead to pest problems. Look out for mealy bugs - cottony white bugs that suck sap out of plants. Control them with a horticulture oil or houseplant insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Swiss chard and beets are two of the vegetables that gardeners can plant in January. Beets are grown for their roots, while Swiss chard is grown for its leaves. Remember, beets need to be spaced properly to make a nice root. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) The winter months are the ideal time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. In our state, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January. If you are considering planting shade trees or decorative trees, do it for Arbor Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Rye grass is a cool-season temporary grass. It allows homeowners to have a green lawn during the winter. It must be maintained, which includes mowing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Fall-planted parsley performs better than the herb planted in winter. That doesn't mean you can't plant parsley transplants now. Wait for a mild spell to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) It takes about six to eight weeks to raise tomato transplants. If you plan to grow your own transplants, you may want to start soon. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) To get the best blooms, plant foxgloves, holly hocks and delphinium by early February. Also, consider planting the Super Plant Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Gardeners planted most of their spring-flowering bulbs in fall. Two notable exceptions are tulips and hyacinth. These bulbs need to be chilled before they can be planted into the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) Weed control is still necessary during winter. Cool-season weeds can withstand Louisiana's relatively mild winters. Lawn weeds are more obvious this time of the year, so consider controlling them with broadleaf weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) January is usually the coldest month of the year in Louisiana. Vegetables planted this month must be able to withstand the cold. Some root crops and leafy vegetables can be direct seeded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) Nurseries and garden centers are stocking roses that Louisiana gardeners can plant this time of the year. If mail-ordering roses, you need to get them in as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/25/13) Now is an excellent time to consider adding roses to your landscape. For many gardeners, particularly those just getting into roses, a rose is a rose. But several different categories or types of roses are available, and within each type are numerous varieties.

(For Release On Or After 01/18/13) The presence of birds is almost universally welcome among gardeners. Their contribution of movement, color, sounds and pest control to the landscape are unique and desirable.

(For Release On Or After 01/04/13) January and February are excellent months to plant trees in Louisiana. If you’re thinking about adding shade trees, small spring- or summer-flowering trees or trees for screening, head out to local nurseries and purchase and plant trees in the next few weeks.

(For Release On Or After 01/11/13) 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.

(Video 01/01/13) Eventually, most gardeners have to apply some type of treatments to control insects, weeds and disease. Some of the chemicals are pre-made and measured; others have to be mixed. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of using the proper sprayers for various lawn and garden applications. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 12/31/12) Holly plants have always been synonymous with the Christmas season — because of their deep green foliage and bright red fruits. But even though Christmas and New Year’s Day are almost past, you can still plant these festive trees and shrubs in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the best holly plants available at your local nurseries right now. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) After the holidays, people wonder what to do with the plants they used to decorate their homes. Poinsettias are not easy to grow in the landscape, so they should be discarded. Keep your holiday cactus because it will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) There is nothing like fresh food from the garden. This time of year can be busy, but don't forget to harvest vegetables that are growing in your garden. Listen more to hear how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Tropical plants can be damaged during winter freezes. You will need to prune freeze damage. Prune the herbaceous tropical plants, such as gingers, soon after the damage occurs. Wait to prune woody tropicals until spring when new growth would start to appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/24/12) Now’s a great time for cool-season vegetables. You can have even more of a good thing by carefully maximizing the vegetables you grow in your rows. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this efficient process called intercropping. (Runtime: 1:16)

(Video 12/24/12) Now’s a great time for cool-season vegetables. You can have even more of a good thing by carefully maximizing the vegetables you grow in your rows. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this efficient process called intercropping. (Runtime: 1:16)

(Video 12/17/12) Most plants are fertilized during spring. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why some plants need to be fertilized during winter. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana gardeners must protect their tropical plants during freezing weather. Container plants can be brought inside. Plants in the ground can be mulched or covered. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Amaryllis is a wonderful spring-flowering bulb. The bulbs are dried by growers for shipping, making them ready to bloom around Christmas. Pot them indoors now, and save the bulbs for planting in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Pecans are popular in holiday baking. The holiday season also is a good time to plant pecan trees. Pecan trees grow large, and the wood is brittle. Be sure not to plant them close to homes or structures. Also, choose the right variety for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/10/12) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 12/3/12) If you’re searching for a unique gift, you might consider a Get It Growing calendar or a living Christmas tree this season. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, they’re both gifts that certainly keep giving throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow camellias. They are wonderful winter-blooming shrubs. Winter also is a great time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/28/12) Our winter landscapes look decidedly different from our landscapes in summer. The major reasons for this are that many of our shade trees drop their leaves in winter, and in their leafless state their appearance is stark and bare. In addition, our lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown.

(For Release On Or After 12/21/12) This time of year when we have brought many of our container tropicals inside for the winter, we need to be on the lookout for pest problems. When they do happen, indoor pest infestations can be devastating if not dealt with promptly, effectively and safely.

(For Release On Or After 12/14/12) The majority of plants in our landscapes are completely winter hardy. The primary concern during freezes is our tender plants in the ground or in outdoor containers. These plants – native to tropical regions of the world where it never freezes – do not have the ability to protect themselves from sub-freezing temperatures. If we want them to survive freezing temperatures during winter, we must provide protection for them.

(For Release On Or After 12/07/12) We use a variety of decorative plants to dress up our homes during the holidays. Poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, in particular, play an important part in decking the halls. How well you care for them once you get them home has a lot to do with how long they will stay attractive.

(Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Freezing temperatures can damage some of the tender plants used in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners must remember they need to look at the real temperature, not the wind chill, while determining when to protect plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Winter gardening activites don't really stop, but they do slow down. You can put away lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Make sure you store these tools properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses brighten our homes during the holidays. Make sure you take care of these plants to get the most out of them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) When buying a real Christmas tree, make sure you are buying the freshest available. Check the tree's needles and fragrance. Also, consider getting a tree from a choose-and-cut tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) While gardeners don't see as many insects on plants during winter, they are still out there. Vegetables and cool-season plants can attract pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs.

(Audio 11/26/12) The soil in Louisiana typically stays warm during winter, so you can plant a number of plants this time of year. Tropical plants are the exception; they should be planted during warm weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) Make sure your landscape stays attractive during winter. Clean off dead growth from summer plants, mulch beds and add cool-season color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is not the best time to fertilize plants in the landscape. Most plants are going dormant for the winter. Fertilizing them now could hurt them. A few exceptions are cool-season bedding plants, vegetables and Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in the landscape. Planted now, trees have time to settle in before the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/26/12) On occasion, special plants have been developed for their fast growth and low-spreading coverage of the ground. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the newest “wave” plants – it’s called the Cool Wave pansy. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video 11/19/12) Herbs are great for seasoning that special dish. But some of them are also known for beautifully colored flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to two of them – Mexican tarragon and pineapple sage. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Audio 11/19/12) Bulbs of paperwhite narcissus are available at garden centers. They are easy to grow this time of the year. You can force the bulbs in containers. The containers should be placed outside in a cool, sunny location until they began to bloom, then you can bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/12) Many people move houseplants outside for the summer. Now that it is getting cooler you may want to prepare your plants for a move back indoors. They are used to light outside, so you need to get them ready for lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/12) Leaves are valuable in the garden as a mulch or compost. To compost them, you can make a bin out of fencing material and wire and dump your leaves in it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/12) November through February is the best time to plant hardy fruit trees. Choosing the right tree is critical. You need to plant a variety suited for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable. If you space your plants too close together, you won't get nice-sized florets. Also harvest the broccoli when the flower buds on the head are the size of a kitchen match. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Amaryllis bulbs are available this time of the year. It is popular to grow them in containers for the holidays. They grown in landscapes in Louisiana, but you must wait until spring to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Gardeners can plant ornamental vegetables that can be grown simply for how beautiful they are. Curley parsley, kale and Swiss chard are a few to consider. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Summer-flowering bulbs are going dormant this time of the year. This is a good time to trim them back. Mulch over their rhizomes to protect them from the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Camellias are relatively easy to grow, providing wonderful flowers through the winter. One problem with camellias is the tea scale insect. It gets on the underside of leaves and can be controlled with a horticulture oils or a systemic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/11/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the stately sweetbay magnolia, a Super Plant that thrives in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:24)

(Audio 11/05/12) Wherever you live in Louisiana, you can plant cool-season bedding plants that will bloom through fall, winter and spring. Some cool-season bedding plants to consider include pansies, violas and dianthus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Most cool-season bedding plants enjoy growing in full sun to part shade. If you have a shady area, consider planting Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. Both are Louisiana Super Plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) November is a great month to plant spring bulbs in your landscape. By this month the soil temperature has had a chance to cool. Check your nursery for bulbs. But remember, tulips and hyacinths need to chill before planting later in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Lettuce is best fresh from the garden. You can grow it in your garden by direct-seeding or by planting transplants. Listen to learn more about growing lettuce. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Chrysanthemums are beautiful part of the fall landscape. They are great planted into the landscape or used in containers. Choose plants with plenty of unopened blooms so you will have longer-lasting flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/5/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill highlights the tough and beautiful Sorbet viola. (Runtime: 1:50)

(For Release On Or After 11/30/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Few flowering bulbs can surpass the stately beauty of the amaryllis. Typically blooming in April, this popular bulb is a star performer in the spring garden. Dormant bulbs are readily available now, and with proper care, they can become a long-lasting part of your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/23/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and I am always impressed when I meet gardeners in their 70s, 80s and even 90s who are still actively gardening.

(For Release On Or After 11/16/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fall is an outstanding time to plant many of the hardy culinary herbs. And one of the most popular is parsley.

(For Release On Or After 11/09/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fall – November through early December – is the best time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. Are you are thinking about adding shade trees, small spring or summer flowering trees or trees for screening? If you are, this is time of the year to head out to local nurseries and purchase trees to plant in your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/02/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana gardeners often use containers of tender tropical plants on decks, patios and porches and in courtyards to provide color and beauty through the summer. These plants thrive in outdoor conditions. But because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures, they must be protected during winter. Generally, this means bringing them indoors.

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners looking to plant an evergreen tree should consider the evergreen sweetbay magnolia. The tree is native to the state and is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2012. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/25/12) In November leaves start falling from deciduous trees. Don't leave thick layers of leaves on your lawn or ground covers. You can pick up fallen leaves with a bag attachment on a mower and use the leaves for mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a crop of fall tomatoes. It's too late to plant them this season if you didn't do that already, but those who did grow a crop should harvest their tomatoes before a frost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners may notice yellow leaves on their evergreens. Sometimes this can indicate a problem, but this time of the year it is likely old leaves dying and then falling off the plant. This is natural part of the plant's lifecycle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/29/12) Fall means some nice colors on trees and plants in Louisiana. If you’re one who complains there’s not enough color, you can do something about it. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you some plants that can make your landscape burst with those warm fall shades of orange, red and gold. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 10/22/12) Scales are common insects are a wide variety of ornamental plants. They don't move much on plants and protect themselves under a waxy coating, so you may not notice them. Scales can be controlled with horticulture oils. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) If you look around this time of the year you may notice native wildflowers coming into bloom. You can find a variety of flowers. If you find some you like, plant your own wildflower meadow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) Gardeners transitioning their bedding plants may want to plant the hardy Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola. It is considered the best viola out there. Look for Louisiana Super Plant displays at garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) Winterizers are advertised this time of the year, but they are optional here in Louisiana. If you do winterize, chose one with low nitrogen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) Shade trees may need some care after a long summer. Trees that were affected by Hurricane Isaac may need pruning. Call a licensed arborist to help tackle this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/22/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill highlights the Conversation Piece azalea, a beautiful blooming machine. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video 10/15/12) Crape myrtles grow well in Louisiana. Now is a great time to plant them and other hardy trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a strikingly attractive new crape myrtle called Black Diamond. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio10/15/12) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries this time of the year. October until early December is a good time to plant most bulbs. Tulips and hyacinth need to be refrigerated and planted early next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio10/15/12) In October, gardeners can start transitioning their flower beds to cool-season plants. Look at nurseries or garden centers for the Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola.

(Audio 10/15/12) Caladiums are a great bedding plant for shady areas. Gardeners can dig caladium tubers this time of the year and store them for next year. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/12) Hydrangeas are popular shrubs for shady areas. They are deciduous, dropping their leaves in winter. You can change the color of your hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to your soil in October and again in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/12) Gardeners can have beautiful blooming azaleas in fall. The Encore azaleas will bloom over multiple seasons. The Robin Hill azalea, Conversation Piece, has been designated a Louisiana Super Plant and will bloom in spring and fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/8/12) You can find cool-season vegetables at your local nurseries. Now is the time to get them planted. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides some tips for planting cole crops like cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 1:44)

(For Release On Or After 10/26/12) The Sorbet series violas are the best-flowering violas in LSU AgCenter trials. As a result, they are a fall 2012 Louisiana Super Plants selection. These vigorous plants produce inch-wide, bright flowers that cover the plant from late fall through spring.

(For Release On Or After 10/19/12) There are many reasons why we shouldn’t let weeds grow in our landscapes. Weeds, particularly in flowerbeds, shrub plantings and ground covers, cause landscapes to look unattractive and neglected.

(For Release On Or After 10/12/12) Conversation Piece azalea (Rhododendron ‘Conversation Piece’) is the first Louisiana Super Plants selection to be promoted for the fall 2012 season.

(For Release On Or After 10/05/12) It seems that everywhere you look in October you see chrysanthemums blooming. Widely available and relatively inexpensive, they are almost indispensable for providing quick color in the fall landscape.

(Audio 10/08/12) Persimmons start changing color in September, but they become ripe in October. Some will be ripe while the fruit is crisp, others must be soft before they can be eaten. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Tropical plants that spent the summer outdoors need to get ready for winter. Light conditions are lower indoors so prepare them by moving them to a shady location for a month or so before taking them inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Many of the annual flowers that are grown during the summer set viable seeds. Gardeners can collect these seeds, store them during the winter, and then plant them out next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Many herbs can be planted in Louisiana in the fall. A few herb plants will generally provide all that you need. Consider planting dill, fennel, thyme and oregano. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Spring is strawberry season in Louisiana. But if you want those berries next year, you need to plant them soon in a well-drained, sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/01/12) You may be wondering what to do with those round green balls you see on your crape myrtles. Those are seed pods that form after blooms fade away. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill answers some common questions about crape myrtle seed pods. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Audio 10/01/12) Sweet peas are a cool-season annual vine that can be planted in the fall. They bloom in March and April and have a wonderful fragrance and beautiful colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) Find decoration inspiration in nature. Seed pods, acorns and pine cones can all be used to decorate your home. Look around outside to find what could make your inside more beautiful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) Brown patch is a fungal disease that is common on Louisiana lawns, particularly St. Augustine. Brown patch likes mild and moist conditions. A lawn fungicide can control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) In October, the vegetable garden transitions to cool-season vegetables. This month gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) Fall is a big blooming period for Louisiana roses. Keep your rose bushes in good shape to get a grand floral display this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

The LSU AgCenter's 2013 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar offers beautiful photos of Louisiana plants, flowers and garden scenes accompanied by monthly gardening tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. It also includes a special feature on Louisiana Super Plants, a how-to section on controlling slugs and snails, a variety of gardening terms and definitions and a Louisiana Zone Map.

(Video 09/24/12) You may have noticed Japanese magnolia trees uncharacteristically blooming now. That’s very likely a result of Hurricane Isaac. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what to expect from these trees and what you should or should not do. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 09/24/12) Louisiana iris are wonderful perennials. They produce beautiful flowers in spring, but can be divided and planted in early fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/12) The majority of a tree's root system is located in the upper 12 inches of the soil. The roots extend beyond the tree's branches, making them vulnerable to damage. An arborist should examine trees before construction takes place around them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/12) During summer, shade trees are like outdoor air conditioning - providing a little relief from the heat. Well-placed shade trees in your landscape also can keep your home cooler. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/12) Garlic is popular in Louisiana cuisine and is easy to grow, but it does take a long time. Garlic that is planted in fall will be ready for harvest in late May or early June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/24/12) Only reliable bedding plants can survive a Louisiana summer. This is good time to evaluate your beds, and if you see plants still doing well consider planting them again next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/12) Caladiums begin to slow down in late September or early October. Caladiums make tubers, and they can be dug up and saved for planting next year. Don't wait until the foliage falls off to remove them from your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/12) A common insect on azaleas is the azalea lace bug. These live on the underside of the leaf and will cause white speck on the top of the leaf. You can control them with horticulture oil spray or certain insecticides. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 09/28/12) Roadsides and meadows come alive with colors of native wildflowers in September, October and November. Gardeners – who sometimes struggle to create beautiful displays of flowers in their landscapes – often marvel at the way nature seems to achieve such beauty without effort.

(For Release On Or After 09/21/12) Birds can contribute wonderful things to the enjoyment of a landscape, such as movement, color, sounds and even pest control. Gardeners almost universally welcome the presence of birds. They can even go so far as to design and plant landscapes that are particularly attractive to birds.

(For Release On Or After 09/14/12) For gardeners tired of the heat and longing for cooler weather, September can provide welcome relief. Cool fronts often begin to make their way this far south in September. But days in the 90s are not uncommon this month, and after a long, hot summer, these last scorching days are especially hard to bear for gardeners and their landscapes.

(Video 9/17/12) Hurricane Isaac left tree branches and leaves strewn across yards. It also damaged summer bedding plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some advice on how to evaluate and straighten up those parts of your landscape. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video 9/10/12) When hiring arborists to clean up tree damage from Hurricane Isaac, be sure to ask for proof of licensing and insurance. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry website has a list of licensed arborists in every parish. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can straighten small trees and shrubs yourself. (Runtime: 1:34)

(For Release On Or After 09/07/12) Much of the work dealing with trees after a hurricane should be done by professionals who have the equipment and training to do the job safely. Most people do not have the equipment or expertise to safely remove large trees or fallen trunks. That means hiring an arborist.

(Audio 09/10/12) If you are considering hiring a professional to deal with wind-damaged trees in your landscape, be sure to get a licensed arborist. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to find one. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/12) Trees in your landscape may have sustained damage from high winds during Hurricane Isaac. Consider hiring an arborist to help you care for these trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/12) Hurricane Isaac may have damaged food crops in our landscapes. Any fruits, vegetables or herbs that were flooded should be discarded. Fruits and nuts may have been blown to the ground, and many will not ripen once off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/12) Azaleas are common in Louisiana during spring, but fall-blooming azaleas are gaining popularity. Most notable among fall azaleas are Encore and Robin Hill. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/12) Wet and hot weather can cause mushrooms and slime mold to pop up in our yards. These are a nuisance, but they won't hurt the lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/17/12) Mulches have many benefits. They keep weeds under control, moderate soil temperatures and conserve soil moisture. A thick layer is necessary for it to do its job. If your mulch has decayed during summer, add new mulch to your beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/10/12) A flower or vegetable garden bed needs proper preparation before putting in new plants. Add organic matter and fertilizer to make sure the next crop is successful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/03/12) Tropical plants offer the opportunity for growing low-maintenance plants with a nice look. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why cannas are a great tropical selection that produce beautiful flowers and a nice diversity of interesting leaves – that can last through fall. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Video 8/27/12) It’s still hot, but some plants like it that way. Tropicals, like palm plants, love the muggy, humid conditions. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises doing research for the type of palms that suit your needs and then getting those plants in the ground very soon. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Audio 09/03/12) September is late in the growing season for many plants, so any fertilizing must be done judiciously. Plants need to slow down and get ready for winter. Fertilizing now will stimulate the plant and could cause damage later in winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/12) If we have a good pecan crop, we could have problems with breaking limbs. Pecan trees have brittle wood and the weight of the pecans on the branches could cause them to snap. For this reason, never locate pecan trees close to buildings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/12) We need to be cautious when pruning this time of the year. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs have already set their flower buds, and pruning could reduce their floral display. Also, don't wait too late to prune. The plants need time to harden off before winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/12) September is a big month in the vegetable garden. Gardeners can begin planting cool-season vegetables and still plant warm-season ones, such as tomato and eggplant transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/03/12) It's not too late to establish a lawn in September. You also can repair lawn damage. To get the best results, use sod. Make sure the area is graded, and water it regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Fungal diseases are common problems that can attack and damage our grass. Slime mold and mushrooms are fungi, but are not detrimental to our lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Louisiana gardeners tend to call both shallots and green onions, green onions. They are different plants. Shallots produce large bulbs and green onions never make large bulbs, but rather multiply. They can be planted using sets this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) We have several options when it comes to grass clippings, and throwing them away should never be one of them. They can be recycled back into the lawns if you mow regularly or bagged and used as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Gingers and cannas are popular tropical plants in Louisiana landscapes. They perform well through summer and may need pruning late in the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Plants inside homes are not protected from insects. There are no naturally occurring predators indoors, and temperatures are mild, so pest problems can spread rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) August is a good time to get roses ready for fall blooming. Gardener should prune their roses back. Roses also should be fertilized and watered regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) We are lucky in Louisiana to grow palms in our landscape. Palms are easy to care for. They need fertilizer in spring, some grooming from time to time and not much else. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) We fertilize lawns to make them a deep green and encourage growth. August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We need lawns to slow down in fall to make them hardy as they head into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) Ajuga can make a nice ground cover. It has beautiful leaves, and certain types make lovely flowers, but ajuga can be prone to fungal issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) Aquatic features can add a cooling effect to our landscapes. You can add plants to your garden this time of the year. Also consider adding fish if you don't already have some. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 8/20/12) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Video 8/13/12) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime 1:26)

(Audio 08/13/12) If you have shady areas in your landscape, consider planting ferns. You can add them during summer. Also, you can evaluate existing ferns and do some grooming this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) Pears are one of the easier homegrown fruit trees that we plant in our landscapes. If you have pears, learn the proper way to harvest and ripen them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) Louisiana iris are native to our state and popular in local landscapes. These plants are dormant now, making it a good time to dig them up and divide them if their clump is overgrown. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) Butterfly weed or milkweed is very attractive to many butterflies. The monarch butterfly only lay its eggs on species of milkweed. If you have aphids on your plants, don't spray them because you might kill monarch butterfly eggs or caterpillars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) By the end of summer potted plants may have outgrown their containers. When this happens plants become "potbound" and may not thrive. Replant these plants into bigger containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/6/12) Crape myrtles are blooming colorfully across Louisiana right now. If you want to add them to your yard, it’s a good time to view the different colors available at your local nursery. But it’s also important to do your own research on crape myrtles for your landscape – as LSU horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime - 1:36)

(Audio 08/06/12) Young trees need proper care. A good way to water a tree is to put holes on the bottom of a plastic bucket, fill it with water a few times a week and set it by the tree. Also keep grass away from young trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners can plant transplants of eggplants and bell peppers for a fall crop. If you still have plants from the spring, maintain them and they can produce again when the weather cools down. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners grow coleus for their beautiful foliage. These plants can produce flowers, but they should be pinched off. It's not too late to plant coleus, and you find varieties that grow well in sunny or shady locations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/17/12) August is a month when gardeners should think about two important aspects of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This month is the latest we fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 08/24/12) Growing plants in outdoor containers is popular for a variety of reasons. In-ground beds are not always available where you would like to grow plants – as in the case of paved courtyards, decks, apartment balconies and patios.

(For Release On Or After 08/31/12) If you maintain a landscape, you deal with weeds. At this point in our long, hot summer, I’m sure you have devoted considerable effort to keeping your landscape from being taken over by various weeds in beds and lawns and by vines growing up trees and on fences.

(For Release On Or After 08/10/12) Forlorn flower beds past their prime and overrun with weeds are an all-too-familiar sight in late summer landscapes. Our long growing season and abundance of insect and disease problems generally make it unreasonable to expect all bedding plants to hold up from the beginning of summer in early May until its end.

(Audio 08/06/12) Watering plants is important during dry summer periods. Check container plants often and walk your landscape looking for signs of drought stress. Irrigate deeply and thoroughly a few times a week rather than a little daily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/03/12) There is something particularly satisfying about putting quality, nutritious food on the table as a direct result of your gardening efforts. This month is a transitional time in the vegetable garden.

(Audio 08/06/12) Spider mites and white flies often appear in larger numbers during late summer. These pests can damage a variety of plants but can be controlled with oil sprays. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) Chinch bugs are leading insect pests that attack our lawns. A sign of injury is a brown section of the lawn where the grass is straw-like and grass blades are rolled up. Chinch bugs tend to be worse later in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) It is popular to plant tomatoes in spring, but gardeners can get a fall crop as well. Buy different types of tomatoes such as heat-tolerant and standard varieties for the best chance of success. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in August. Even though it is still really hot, we can plant cool-season vegetables alongside ones that prefer warmer conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) A mild winter and early spring have led to pest problems. Many insects showed up early and in larger numbers. Look for signs of insect damage in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) By late summer many plants have gone through a long growing season. Pruning these plants can help revive them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/29/12) Figs are a popular fruit in Louisiana, and now is the time to purchase fig trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the best time to plant fig trees and what you can expect from them during the early years.(Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 07/23/12) Lawn mushrooms can be a nuisance, and there isn't much you can do to get rid of them. You can gather them up and throw them away if they bother you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Even though it is hot outside, gardeners can stay busy this month tending to chrysanthemums, gladiolas, caladiums and coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/23/12) If you’re looking for plants that will grow well in your landscape, native plants can be a good choice. The gaura is a tough, native wildflower. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this graceful, low-maintenance perennial might work well in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 07/23/12) This is a good time of the year to take cuttings from woody shrubs. Try taking cuttings from azaleas, camellias and hollies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Most people plant flowers to enjoy the plants out in their landscapes. But cutting flowers and bringing them indoors is another way to enjoy them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/16/12) Encore azaleas are the only azaleas that flower in the spring, fall and summer. But don’t expect the Encore to display the full-scale blooms now that you see during the spring. It is normal to see some brown flowers mixed with sporadic color during the summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the importance of properly pruning azaleas at the right time to ensure the best blooms later. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 07/23/12) Basil is a great herb to grow during summer. It is used widely in many cuisines. You can find different varieties of basil. Choose the type you like and plant it into a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit in their home garden. One easy fruit to grow is blackberries. They do require pruning. Be sure to prune only canes that produced blackberries this year and leave the other canes alone. They will produce next year's crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) It's not unusual to see patches of webbing in trees during summer. This webbing is created by psocids or bark lice. They are harmless to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Pumpkins are very heat-tolerant, and pumpkin seeds can be planted this time of the year. It they're planted now, you'll have pumpkins ready for Halloween. You'll need a lot of space to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) A number of spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned by mid-July. These plants set their flower buds in late summer, so pruning too late can remove their flowers. Prune only if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Having a shady yard can be a big plus in Louisiana's climate, but it can cause problems with lawns. You can mulch over areas of your lawn killed off by lack of sunlight or plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/27/12) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms. It is most often done to annuals and perennials, but it is also useful with some summer-flowering trees and shrubs.

(For Release On Or After 07/20/12) If you regularly read national gardening magazines and get a variety of gardening catalogs, you may have noticed that tropical-look landscaping is a trend that is gaining attention across the country these days.

(Audio 07/09/12) Leaf miners are tiny insects that feed on the inside of a plant's leaf. They can feed on a number of plants and are difficult to control. Try spinosad before the insects burrow into the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/12) Decks are a great place for outdoor gatherings, and container plants help liven them up. Water from plants can stain or rot the wood of a deck, so be sure to boost potted plants with pot feet, bricks or stones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/12) The intense heat takes its toll on our landscape. We can use heat-tolerant plants that can withstand the summer temperatures. Remember, these plants demand a lot of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/13/12) When it comes to vegetable gardening in Louisiana, gardeners should take advantage of our year-round growing season. Yes, even in the torrid depths of summer you can plant delicious, heat-tolerant vegetables to keep your garden productive.

(For Release On Or After 07/06/12) By midsummer, many adults are thinking of ways to provide something for children to do until school begins. Why not start a gardening project? You can introduce your youngsters to the joys of gardening and at the same time exercise their bodies and brains.

(Audio 07/09/12) If you'd like to reduce your cooling costs in your home, consider planting shade trees. Shade trees are best planted to the south, southwest or west of the home. Decide what you want now, but plant in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Tomato production is likely slowing down in vegetable gardens around the state. Tomato plants don't produce well during the hottest time of the year. Pull out plants that are done, but remember you can plant tomato transplants later this month for fall production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Figs are ripe and ready to pick in July. If you have problem with birds pecking at your fruit, try netting around the tree. Water the tree regularly during dry weather and watch out for diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Web worms are showing up in trees and shrubs. These caterpillars form webbing on the ends of branches and eat the foliage. They don't kill the branch, and they can be removed easily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Mowing is a big chore during summer months. It needs to be done regularly to keep the lawn healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Summer temperatures are soaring, but work can still be done in the vegetable garden. Try to work early in the morning or late in the evening. Plant vegetables such as okra, cucumbers and southern peas this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/09/12) Hydrangeas usually require shade to grow well. But a newer version called Limelight hydrangea – which grows taller and provides more blooms than traditional hydrangeas – can grow in full sunlight. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill places this lesser-known hydrangea in the limelight. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 07/02/12) It’s not a good idea to plant most trees and shrubs during the summer. Tropical plants like the strikingly beautiful hibiscus are an exception. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the versatile uses of the hibiscus and gives tips on caring for this colorful plant. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 06/18/2012) Flowers are not the only game in town when it comes to summer color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some special hibiscus plants that display beautiful purple – and even pink – foliage. (Runtime 1:29)

(Audio 06/18/12) Many people plant trees during the winter season and into spring. When the temperatures rise, these trees are going to need supplemental watering. Here are some tips for watering newly planted trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Just about everyone loves a colorful flower bed in the summer. Pentas are wonderful, reliable plants that come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Hear more about planting pentas in your flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) While French tarragon will not grow properly through Louisiana’s hot summers, Mexican tarragon could serve as a substitute. This relative of marigolds has a rich flavor and grows beautifully in full sun. Learn more about planting Mexican tarragon in your herb garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Most baldcypress trees that are planted in the landscape don’t usually produce knees. If your cypress does produce knees, this can be a nuisance when they come up in the lawn. While cypress knees in a flower bed appear picturesque, it is beneficial to eliminate the ones that appear in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Petunias produce beautifully while the weather is relatively mild in the spring. It is not unusual for these spring-planted petunias to begin to languish during the intense heat of summer. If you are planning to plant petunias for the summer, be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Gardenias are popular in Louisiana gardens and are known for their amazing fragrance. When gardenias finish their blooming season in June, it is time for gardeners to begin pruning if necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider pruning your gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Hurricane season begins in June. High winds from these storms can cause damage to landscapes, and gardeners should be aware of this and prepare their landscapes accordingly. Hear about how you can properly prepare your yard for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Lichens are a crusty, grayish growth found on tree branches, statues and fences. Gardeners are often concerned that this growth is damaging the plant. Learn more about lichen growth in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous shoot originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them properly to prevent a stub from sprouting again and producing more suckers than before. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Now is the time for gardeners to start pruning their once-blooming rose bushes. These roses are just finishing their blooming season, and by pruning them now, the plant will produce vigorous new growth. This new growth will produce flowers for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/11/12) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video 06/04/12) Red yucca is not really a yucca, and it’s not really colored red. But it is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent without the dangerous dagger-like leaves of a true yucca plant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this heat-tolerant plant, which also attracts butterflies. (Runtime: 1:27)

(For Release On Or After 06/29/12) There is a great deal of confusion among gardeners about what fertilizers are, what they do and why we use them. To put things in perspective, using fertilizers properly is an important part of gardening, but it is almost never a matter of life and death.

(For Release On Or After 06/22/12 ) As if mowing the lawn wasn’t trouble enough, dealing with and disposing of grass clippings can be a major problem. Clumps of grass clippings left on the lawn are unsightly and yellow the grass beneath them.

(For Release On Or After 06/15/12) No other summer-flowering shrub surpasses the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for glossy, dark green foliage and nonstop flowers in shades of and blends of pink, yellow, orange, white, lavender or scarlet. And their exceptionally long blooming season runs from late spring through late fall.

(For Release On Or After 06/01/12) Gardeners crave color in shady areas of their landscapes just as much as they do in sunny areas. Unfortunately, shade-loving plants are generally not so flamboyant, and the selection of colorful bedding plants for shady gardens is limited. Thank goodness for caladiums.

(For Release On Or After 06/08/12) People often take their longest vacations during summer. When planning a vacation, people make arrangements to have someone take care of everything from their pets to the newspaper. But it’s also important to have someone look after plants and home grounds during an extended absence.

(For Release On Or After 03/30/12) The cucumber family, properly known as the Cucurbitaceae (cu-cur-bit-A-cee-ee), provides a wide variety of vegetables popular for the spring, summer and fall home vegetable garden.

(Audio 10/17/11) Gardeners can change the color of their hydrangeas this month by applying lime or aluminum sulfate. Hydrangeas provide beautiful blooms during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Promote your gardening photographs by entering the LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Gardening Calendar competition. Submit your eye-popping images of Louisiana flowers, fruits, vegetables, gardens, trees, etc. for all months of the year. Find out more by reading the 2014 Get It Growing Calendar call for entries information included along with the form for entering your photos.

(Audio 07/25/11) Flowers from the garden should be brought indoors. Cutting flowers allows you to enjoy the flowers more and beautifies your living areas. Cut your flowers during the coolest part of the day and keep them in water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/11/11) Many bedding plants gardeners planted in the spring are starting to lose their vigor. You can replace these plants with heat-tolerant plants such as zinnias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/25/11) April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. If these plants were planted back in the fall, they should be hitting their stride now. This time of the year is not a good time to plant cool-season plants, but you can make evaluations about what worked in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/31/11) Plants growing indoors can be prone to pest problems. Spider mites are tiny pests that can thrive on houseplants. Know the symptoms of spider mites and how to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/13/10) Camellias bloom beautifully throughout the winter months. If Louisiana has a dry spell during winter, you may want to irrigate your camellias. Freezes can damage open blooms but generally won't hurt buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/29/10) Louisiana gardeners use cool-season bedding plants to add color to our flower gardens during winter. Plants such as dianthus, pansies and violas will bloom from fall into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/22/10) If you’re looking for a cool-season bedding plant that blooms nicely most of the year, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a suggestion. The Snow Princess is a beautiful plant, but as you’ll learn on this edition of Get It Growing, you won’t need a magic wand to keep it alive. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 11/08/10) Louisiana Super Plants are beautiful plants chosen by the LSU AgCenter as superior ornamentals for Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the most recent fall Super Plants. It’s called Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Audio 04/05/10) Spider mites are a type of pest that is barely visible to the naked eye. They attack and damage plants such as roses, palms, eggplants and many other vegetables and ornamentals. Find out what symptoms to be aware of when checking for spider mite infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/09/10) Louisiana iris is a popular herbaceous perennial that is native to Louisiana. These iris grow profusely during the spring, but become unattractive during late summer. This indicates their dormancy. Hear more about Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/20/10) Only the most reliable bedding plants can survive a Louisiana summer. This is a great time of year to evaluate your bedding plants and deternune which ones performed well and which ones you may or may not want to plant again. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/13/10) You can maintain a tropical look in your landscape well into fall with the beautiful Pride of Barbados plant. But LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises you’d better plant them now. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 09/06/10) It looks like this could be a good year for pecans in Louisiana. Someimes, though, the weight of pecans can cause problems for the trees. Pecan trees have brittle wood, and limbs can snap and break from the heavy nuts. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Frequent summer rainfall makes the weather humid and damp. Snails and slugs love this type of weather, and they are likely to come out and feed on your plants. Deal with snails and slugs by setting out beer traps or using iron phosphate baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana gardeners welcome flowering plants that are able to withstand the intense heat of summer. Profusion zinnias are a hybrid group of zinnias that are insect-free. They grow very well during the summer. Hear more about growing zinnias in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Gardeners should practice weed control in Louisiana beds during the summer. Regardless of how you weed, chances are the weeds will grow back. Try using mulch as a defense against weeds, and you also may want to apply a pre-emergence herbicide to prevent weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) If you have tomatoes planted in your vegetable garden, by this time of the year you should be harvesting many fresh red tomatoes. You may notice some of the flowers that the plant produces will begin to fall off due to high temperatures and lack of pollination. If you want to harvest tomatoes well into the summer, be sure to plant heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana figs will soon begin to ripen. It is important to make sure fig trees are receiving a sufficient amount of water. To prevent birds from feeding on your figs, purchase bird netting from your local nursery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Louisiana gardeners who spend long periods of time outside in their gardens should take precautions to protect themselves from summer’s heat. Hear more about drinking plenty of fluids, gardening in the shade and other helpful tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/23/09) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit. Now is a great time to plant fruit and nut trees to allow time for establishment. Learn more about the many kinds of fruit trees that can be grown successfully in Louisiana. (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 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)

(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)

(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 10/20/06) When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

(For Release On Or After 10/13/06) I’m not a big fan of bringing in new soil and replacing the original soil in a garden bed. There are times, however, when it is necessary to purchase additional soil for the garden – especially when creating new raised beds or raising the grade of existing ones.

(For Release On Or After 10/06/06) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease. By the end of September or beginning of October, however, they reach the end of their growing season and begin to decline in appearance.

(Audio 2/20/06) Potted, blooming Easter lilies are always available around Easter time. Save these lilies and plant them into your landscape. They will go dormant in the summer and bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/20/06) Home inspections can ensure that costly repairs are not required after you take possession of the property. Trees usually are not included in such inspections, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests hiring a licensed arborist before making an offer on a home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/20/06) Louisiana gardeners are able to grow a wide variety of fruit trees in home landscapes. One thing you need to keep in mind is that fruit trees are prone to insect and disease problems. These trees must be on a preventve spray schedule. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/20/06) Corn is one of the most wonderful vegetables you can grow in your home vegetable garden. Corn takes up a lot of room, however, so you will need space to grow this plant. Plant corn in a square to get good pollination. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/13/06) Proper bed preparation before planting is an important part of your success in the garden. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says good bed preparation makes a difference in the perfomance of what you plant, whether it is vegetables, shrubs or flowers. Remove weeds and till soil to get started. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/13/06) St. Augustine grass has been a very popular lawn grass. Unfortunately, it is quite susceptible to the disease brown patch. Brown patch primarily is active in the fall, but it also shows up this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/13/06) During the month of March, Louisiana lawns wake up and begin to turn green. Dormant lawns may be alive with winter weeds this time of the year. Mow back these weeds or apply a lawn weed killer. This will prevent the cool-season weeds from setting seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/13/06) Mulch is a material gardeners spread over the soil surface to supress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. A common question LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gets about mulch is whether a gardener should remove old mulch before putting down new mulch? His short answer is no. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audtio 03/13/06) Transplanting and dividing perennials should be done as soon as possible. As the weather warms, the chance of transplant shock increases. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to divide and transplant perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 2/27/06) Camellias provide wonderful flowers in the late winter. Spider mites can be a problem on camellias. Mites are hard to see, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says they can be controlled. (Runtime: 1 minute 30 seconds)

(Video 2/13/06) Louisiana gardeners are accustomed to going to the nursery and buying plants already in bloom. Holly hocks should be planted well before they bloom. They need to be established to put on a good show. (Runtime 1 minute 24 seconds)

(Video 03/06/06) This a great time of the year to start warm-season bedding plants from seed -- to transplant into the garden later. Read the back of the seed package for directions. (Runtime: 1 minute 35 seconds)

(Audio 03/06/06) March is a great month to fertilize your shrubbery. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says a good all-purpose granular fertilizer can be used to fertilize virtually all the shrubs in your landscape. If your plants are performing well, fertilizing is an option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/06/06) Gardeners use a variety of interesting terms. One of these terms is "hardening off." That term is applied to growing transplants. What it means is that transplants often are raised in the sheltered environment of a greenhouse and they must be toughened before being planted into a garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/06/06) Consumers actually eat the fruit of some popular vegetables. In botany, the fruit means the structure that encompasses the seed. Some of these vegetables include tomatoes, corn, squash and lima beans. To be successful with them, you must plant so proper pollination can take place. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/06/06) This is a nice time to think about planting summer bedding plants. If you have cool-season plants still blooming, leave them be. If you have bare beds, consider planting warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/06/06) Perennials are wonderful plants that can live for many years in our landscapes. Many nurseries are carrying perennials now. They can make an immediate impact on your flower garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/27/06) Cool-season weeds are growing in lawns this time of the year. Even though they will die off when the weather warms in April and May, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends controlling them now so they won't bedevil your lawn next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/27/06) Many of our spring-flowering bulbs put on their best show during March. This is a great time to walk around your garden and make notes. You can use your notes when planning your garden next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/27/06) Roses should be growing well this month and could even set flowerbuds later in the month. Apply a fertilizer to get them to grow vigoursly and produce beautiful flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/27/06) The buck moth caterpillar is a problem in all parts of Louisiana. The moth emerges in December and lays eggs in oak trees. Homeowners can have their trees sprayed to reduce the chance of an infestation of this stinging caterpillar. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/27/06) March is a busy month in the home vegetable garden. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says gardeners in North Louisiana should wait a while before planting, but he also says earlier planting means fewer problems with insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 2/20/06) There are plenty of fruit trees, shrubs and vines that can grow in Louisiana landscapes. Late February and early March are ideal times to get them into the ground. (Runtime: 1 minute, 37 seconds)

(Audio 2/20/06) Fire Blight is a damaging bacterial disease that hits members of the rose family. You also see it on fruit trees and ornamentals. Since you cannot control this disease once you see it., LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends preventive sprays.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/20/06) Planting corn in February may sound a bit early, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says that's OK because early planted corn is less susceptible to insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/20/06) Some of the spring-flowering bulbs already have bloomed, but some that are stil blooming are susceptible to late-winter freezes. Protect blooming flowers from harsh temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/20/06) Organic matter can be any number of materials derived from plants or animals. It makes soil richer and more fertile. In this segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains more about organic matter. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/13/06) It's not unusual to decide you want to move a plant from one location to another. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says February is the time to do that, and he advises to get up most of the roots and replant it at the same depth it was growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/13/06) February is a great month to clip ground covers before the new growth appears. Old, brown leaves often appear in liriope and monkey grass. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says to cut this back now to keep your ground covers attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/13/06) Decorative ponds and aquatic gardens are popular in Louisiana landscapes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says this is a great time of year to clean out a pond and get it fresh for spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/13/06) Were you thinking of planting a tree? There is still time to get trees into your landscape this year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says you have until the end of February to plant, and he stresses to pick a tree with a straight trunk and no low forks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/6/06) Hydrangeas are remarkable shrubs. They produce large heads of colorful flowers that can be manipulated. Now is the time to add lime or aluminum sulfate to change the color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/6/06) Cool-season bedding plants provide color to our gardens during winter and spring. Now is the time to plant cool-season bedding plants, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a few that work well in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/6/06) Late winter and early spring are great times to add roses to your landscape. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends using bare-root roses if you are looking for an inexpensive option. Plant them into well-prepared beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 2/6/06) Most of the hardy fruit trees grown in the home garden should be pruned in February. Young trees should be pruned properly to help them grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 1/16/06) During the winter time we move tender tropicals indoors to protect them from the cold. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips to properly water these plants and other houseplants. (Runtime: 1minute, 37seconds)

(Audio 1/9/06) This time of year gardeners are putting new beds into their landscapes. That often means bringing in soil mixes to create these beds. It is very important to know what kind of soil mix you are getting. (Runtime: 1min 30sec)

(Video 12/26/06) Wood ashes have a variety of nutrients in them and can be used in landscapes. They are very alkaline and should be used sparingly. (Runtime: 1min 17sec)

(Video 1/2/06) It's important for Louisiana gardeners to realize our winters are so mild that we can still grow a variety of things throughout the year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has hints for planting cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 1minute, 39 seconds)

A variety of other gardening and landscaping resources also are available through the LSU AgCenter Web site.

(Audio 12/19/05) This is a great time to plant a pecan tree. Check with nurseries to see when pecan trees will come in. Be patient though; it takes about seven years for the tree to begin producing nuts.

(Audio 12/19/05) The mild weather in Louisiana allows weeds to grow in the winter time. Gardeners need to keep an eye out for these weeds and keep beds well mulched to suppress weed growth.

(Audio 12/19/05) Garden products need to be stored properly over the winter. Many of these products are water-based and could freeze in cold weather

(Video 12/12/05) When the mercury dips, growers can do a variety of things to protect tropicals. For valuable tropicals, digging them up and potting them may be the best protection.

(Audio 12/19/05) Don't throw leaves away. Gill says falling leaves are too valuable for the trash pile. Use them as mulch or put them in a compost bin.

(Audio 12/5/05) With our mild winters, there usually is something we can do in our gardens all year. When planting, pruning and routine chores slow down in the winter, there are other chores gardeners can do.

(Audio 12/5/05) If you haven't put in your cool-season bedding plants, now is the time. Just be sure not to put them out right before a hard freeze.

(Audio for 12/5/05) Poinsettias come in many different shapes and sizes. Proper care will assure a beautiful plant into the New Year.

(Audio for 12/5/05) Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a fun way to get a fresh, live tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about how to find tree farms around Louisiana.

(Audio for 12/5/05) Despite the cold, there are a number of vegetables you can plant this time of the year. Just be sure to protect them from potential hard freezes.

(Distributed 11/30/05) Falling leaves are a sign of the season, but if you leave those leaves on your lawn, they can cause damage. Dan talks about ways to remove leaves from your lawn.

(Distributed 11/23/05) Cast iron plants make for great landscape plants. They love shady locations and stay green throughout the winter. Clip back the dead or brown foliage this time of the year to keep plants looking attractive.