Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass.

Pecan spittlebugs are found throughout the pecan-producing regions of Louisiana and can be a serious pest. The severity of infestations varies from year to year and from orchard to orchard. Life cycle, type of injury and control information are included. (PDF Format Only)

Troubleshooting: Symptoms, possible causes and prescriptions for your composting problems.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

Follow these 12 easy steps to make and maintain your compost pile.

The twospotted spider mite is one of the most persistent and damaging pest problems affecting strawberry production in Louisiana. Damage, description, life cycle, monitoring, control information and color photos included. Spanish version also included.

Camellia flower blight is the most common disease of camellias in Louisiana. This publication describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

In addition to flowers, bedding plants may be grown for their colorful foliage or interesting forms or textures. With proper selection, they can be used to provide color throughout the year. Use this publication to help you with bedding plant selection and proper care.

Louisianians take pride in the appearance of their lawns and landscapes. Weeds, however, can detract from that appearance and frustrate homeowners. Information on adaptation, light, soils and mulch can be found in this publication.

Mole crickets cause millions of dollars in turf and grass damage each year. Their burrowing in the soil breaks up the soil and causes roots to dry out. Identification, life cycle and control included.

Pecan phylloxera are found throughout the native pecan-producing regions of the United States. Beginning in mid-April, galls (knots) begin to appear on the leaf veins, leaf rachises, catkins, current season's shoot growth and nuts of the pecan. Damage, description, life cycle and control information is included. (PDF Format Only)

Two species of yellow aphids are found on pecans in Louisiana and in all pecan-producing states. Descripton, life cycle, damage and control information is included. (PDF Format Only)

Stink bugs and leaffooted bugs are found throughout the pecan-producing regions of the United States. They can be found throughout Louisiana. Description, life cycle, damage and control measures are included. (PDF Format Only)

Bacterial leaf scorch is a common disease that affects a variety of trees used in the landscape. This fact sheet describes the disease and how to identify it. (PDF Format Only)

Large patch (formerly called brown patch) is the most common disease of warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana. This article decribes the disease and how to manage it.

Which composting system is right for you? Find the answers and more in this helpful guide to composting. (PDF Format Only)

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscusrosa-sinensis) is one of the most popular plants used in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. This publication includes information that explains how the hibiscus can provide almost non-stop blooming from spring through the fall.

Centipedegrass is a popular lawn grass in Louisiana. Although centipede is a low-maintenance grass, proper management is still important. This publcation covers factors that contribute to centipede decline: improper plant nutrition, cultural practices, and soil and water conditions.

If you touch a stinging caterpillar, you will likely soon feel a burning and itching pain. The reason is that the caterpillar’s spines have punctured your skin and have released a venom. Control measures, life cycles and color images included. (PDF Format Only)

The flowering dogwood (Cornusflorida) is native to much of the eastern United States. Dogwood is a very versatile ornamental tree. This publication includes information on plant selection, watering, fertilization, disease and pest control for dogwoods.

Gardening is one of Louisiana’s most popular activities, and this publication is designed to provide Louisiana vegetable gardeners with a comprehensive guidebook to help them get the most from their gardens. The 120-page, spiral-bound, full-color guide provides a variety of photos and illustrations. Cost: $20 plus tax (free shipping). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below.

Many Louisiana gardeners are expressing their desire to attract butterflies to their yards. Learn how to create a butterfly-friendly environment with a few simple requirements: food, water, shelter and a place to reproduce. (PDF Format Only)

This series provides a variety of information for home vegetable gardeners. Topics include beans, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, peppers, onions, shallots, garlic and many more of the favorites of home gardeners.

Blackberries are a favorite springtime fruit in Louisiana. The blackberry (raspberry) crown borer is a serious pest of blackberry plantings and causes loss of plant vigor, loss of yield and plant destruction. Damage, life cycle, monitoring and control recommendations included.

This handbook provides helpful ideas, information and techniques to create and maintain a more environmentally friendly landscape. You will learn the basics of designing a landscape using carefully selected plants suited to Louisiana growing conditions. $12.00 + tax. You can order this book from our online store, by using the Order Publication link below.

Citrus leaves, blooms, aroma and color add to the aesthetic value of the landscape. This 16-page, full-color guide includes recommended varieties and descriptions; tips on site selection, planting, spacing and pruning; and images of citrus insect pests and common citrus diseases. Cost: $5 plus tax (free shipping). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below.

A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition. 32-page, full-color guide. Cost: $5 plus tax (free shipping). To order this book, use the Order Publication link below.

This publication outlines some of the options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color. (PDF Format Only)

Organic gardening is popular in the United States, and interest is increasing in Louisiana. In organic gardening, particular garden practices are encouraged that use natural biological cycles, enhance diversity and are ecologically sound.

This publication includes information on conserving existing trees, planting and transplanting, pruning, tree fertilization, street and parking area plantings, tree evaluation, tree lists and a quick tree selection guide.

Compact utility tractors are popular with farmers, landscape contractors and rural landowners. In fact, compact tractors are by far the best-selling tractor category. These small tractors are virtually useless by themselves, but they are versatile when equipped with the proper implements and attachments. This publication discusses the selection of suitable implements for use with compact tractors.

This publication has information on the varieties, pollination, soil preparation, planting and cultivation of vegetable pears.

We often see lawns with mushrooms or doughnut rings of dying or dark green grass. These are referred to as "fairy rings." This publication includes information on how to control fairy rings in your lawn.

If we manage our lawns correctly and use proper cutting practices, we can have nice lawns and rarely be bothered with clippings. Learn how to leave clippings in place without creating problems for your lawn.

The most important cultural practice the homeowner with pecan trees needs to consider is proper fertilization. This publication includes information and guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees.

Louisiana is blessed with long growing seasons which make year-round gardening possible. To be successful, however, you must have an insect management program. Learn how to tell if the insect is beneficial to your garden, or if it is a pest and determine what to use if controls are necessary.

Good marketing is the process of fulfilling the objectives of both the buyer and the seller. The factors you have some control over are the 4 Ps of product, price, placement and promotion. Here are some tips to help you tune up your produce marketing plan.

Greenhouse tomatoes are about a $2.2 million business in Louisiana, assuming growers can sell what they produce for a profit. Learn the secrets of turning a profit from your tomatoes.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

A properly constructed and maintained playing surface is an important component of the overall athletic facility. This publication includes information on the construction and maintence of athletic field turfgrass.

This publication is intended to introduce home vegetable gardeners to the various methods used to manage the many diseases that affect these crops. (PDF Format Only)

Use this guide to plant a successful vegetable garden. The information has been developed after considerable research and practical experience.

Many Louisiana homeowners have small greenhouses for growing potted plants and for starting annual flower and vegetable plants. You can also grow high-quality fresh vegetables in a home greenhouse during the cold months to add variety and interest to the family diet. Recommended varieties, temperature requirements, pest control and hobby greenhouse diagrams are included. (PDF Format Only)

A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included.

This publication includes information on the life cycle, damage and control of slime mold on turfgrass.

Growing your own fruit can be profitable and satisfying, and many fruit trees can add beauty to your landscape. But you can't expect to grow quality fruit without caring for the plants. This publication explains how your success will depend largely on variety selection, soil management, pruning, fertilization, pest control and other cultural practices. (PDF Format Only)

Not many plants can take Louisiana’s summer sun and heat like coleus. Information on soil conditions and preparations, watering, fertilizing, planting and blooming and recommended varieties is included. (PDF Format Only)

Selection, cultural practices, fertilization, pruning and recommended varieties of vines and ground covers are included.

Louisiana's warm, humid weather encourages the development of several serious diseases that can damage rose bushes. This publication describes the major rose diseases found in Louisiana and offers disease management tips.

The Louisiana iris continues to be a popular plant for landscapes in the Southeast. This publication provides information on culture, watering, fertilization and several other topics. (PDF Format Only)

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet.

The Argentine ant, an exotic species brought to New Orleans from South America in the late 1800s, is found throughout the state after being transported in nursery stock and by cars, boats and RVs. Their huge colonies, with millions of workers and hundreds of queens, extend for miles. Identifying characteristics, areawide management and cultural controls incuded.

Blueberries are nature’s No. 1 source of antioxidants among the more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables. They also are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Information on pick-your-own operations, selection, storage, preparation, freezing, canning and using Louisiana blueberries can be found in this publication.

St. Augustine disease is a virus disease that affects St. Augustine grass across the Gulf States. This fact sheet describes the disease and how to mange it. Color photos are included. (PDF Format Only)

It would be hard to find a flower more universally loved than the rose. Over humanity’s long history with this plant, the rose has found its way into our gardens, cuisine, medicine, art and cultures. It is easier than ever to find undemanding, reliable roses that will enhance your landscape. This publication will help you decide what types of roses to grow, as well as explaining how to plant and take care of them. (revised 4/07)

Interest in commercial sod production has risen because of increased demand for an instant turf by many building contractors and their customers. This publication discusses basic cultural practices and equipment required to produce quality sod. (PDF Only - Rev 04/08)

Having a lawn under shade trees is not always a compatible mix. Even so, you may be able to choose shade-tolerant grasses and manage them to get the best turf cover for that level of shade. Use this publication to choose the best variety and cultural practices for your lawn.

This publication provides an easy and simple-to-understand method to determine when and how much irrigation water is needed. (PDF Format Only)

Efficient watering practices are important to all homeowners who want to conserve water, maintain a healthy turf and reduce maintenance costs. (PDF Format Only)

The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a widespread problem in Louisiana. This pest favors the soils where most vegetables are produced and has been found in about 25 percent of the vegetable gardens in our state. This nematode can be extremely damaging to some crops and causes severe losses. (PDF Format Only)

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of the disease known as southern blight. (PDF Format Only)

Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only)

Tomato yellow leaf curl is a relatively new whitefly-transmitted virus disease of tomatoes in the United States. It was first observed in South Florida in 1997 and has since spread throughout much of the Southeast, including Louisiana where it was first observed in 2000. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease of tomatoes. (PDF Format Only)

This publication is intended to help you select the correct zero turning radius mower for your purpose, then use it and maintain it correctly and safely. (PDF Format Only)

Fire blight is a common and serious disease of certain members of the pome fruit subgroup of the rose family. This article discusses how the disease develops and steps to manage it. (PDF Format only)

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This article is intended to aid in the identification and management of tomato pith necrosis. (PDF Format Only)

A cinder block multiple bin looks like three cinder block holding units in a row. It is sturdy, and if you can find used cinder blocks, it is relatively inexpensive to build. Materials list and instructions included.

This composting system actually works. Materials list and instructions included.

A cinder block bin is sturdy, durable and easily accessible. Materials list and instructions are included.

Mulch material does not have to be finished compost. But you can also mulch with compost. Materials list and instructions are included.

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of phytophthora blight on peppers.

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in distinguishing among three common foliar diseases of watermelon. (PDF Format Only)

Mini gardening is an intensive type of agriculture using a small space or containers to produce vegetables and plants. The main benefits derived from mini gardens are that they take much less space and require much less work. This publication includes information on constructing and maintaining a mini garden.

Downy mildew is a potentially devastating disease of all cucurbits. Disease symptoms, development, control measures and color photographs of symptoms on pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon are included.

This publication explains the basic principles of composting including information on nutrients, oxygen, temperature, odors,and recipe calculations.

Blueberries fit into any general home landscape design and can serve as hedges, borders or backgrounds. The blueberry’s native adaptation to both the soil and the climate of the Southeast makes it a productive fruit for Louisiana. Use these guidelines to sucessfully add blueberries to your home landscape. (PDF Format Only)

A garbage can composter is inexpensive and easy to build. It can be used for food or garden wastes. You do need to turn the wastes.

This publication includes information on the planting, fertilization, pruning, failure to flower, insects and diseases, and varieties of crape myrtles.

Figs are tasty and can be eaten fresh, made into preserves and jams, or used in baking. Figs are commonly grown in all areas of Louisiana. All fig varieties discussed in this publication produce a main crop. Learn cultural practices and fertilization, disease and insect control and how to handle and process your fruit.

The objective of this publication is to provide information that will help you select the best lawnmower for your needs, as well as to use it correctly and safely and maintain it properly. This publication is limited to information on consumer-oriented, walk-behind lawnmowers. Riding lawnmowers, lawn/garden tractors and compact utility tractors with mower decks are covered in other publications.

Several factors need to be carefully considered when you’re developing landscape beds for ornamental plants. Learn about soil texture, what to do for poorly drained soils and soil amendments.

Azaleas, the major ornamental plants in Louisiana’s residential and commercial landscapes, are available in many flower colors, growth habits and foliage characteristics. This publication includes information on planting and maintenance, pest control recommendations and details on popular varieties.

This publication includes information on growing plants in hanging baskets and caring for them. It includes the best time to plant hanging baskets, types of linings for them, details on watering and care, as well as information on winter protection and insect and disease control.

This publication includes information on shrubs commonly grown in Louisiana including watering, planting, pruning, size, form and varieties.

Following the tips given here should help keep your lawn in good condition. A lawn that is healthy and properly cared for will resist weeds and other pest problems!

Ants range from mildly to highly annoying. Knowing the species, biology and control can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral bound copies are available for $10 each. To purchase using a check, use the pdf order form. To purchase with a credit card, click on "order publication."

Information on culture, watering, fertilization and several other topics of Lantana camara (common lantana), Lantana hybrids and Lantana montevidensis (trailing lantana).

A wire mesh bin is inexpensive and easy to build out of either galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth. Materials list and instructions are included.

A wooden box bin can be built inexpensively by using wooden pallets. Or you can use lumber to make a nicer bin. Materials list and instructions are included for making a compost box bin.

A wood and wire three-bin turning unit can be used to compost large amounts of yard, garden and kitchen wastes in a short time. Construction requires basic carpentry skills and tools. Materials list and instructions included.

Wireworms are found throughout North America and most of the world. They are among the most difficult and destructive pests to control and the most widespread pests of corn, sod, small grains, sugarcane, potatoes, root crops and vegetables. Descriptions, life history, habits and control measures included.

The conspicuous webs make infested trees unsightly, and the eastern tent caterpillars become pesky invaders when they search for food or a place to spin a cocoon. Descriptions and control measures included.

Forest tent caterpillars have voracious appetites and consume the foliage of several tree species. Descriptions and control measures included.

The walnut caterpillar attacks a variety of deciduous trees, with a preference for walnut, pecan, butternut and hickory. Descriptions, control measures and color image included. (PDF Format Only)

Africanized honeybees were brought to Brazil in 1956 to improve local strains. In 1957, several colonies escaped. Once established in Brazil, the Africanized honeybees (AHB) moved north up the east coast of South America and into Central America. During the next few years, they increased their northward expansion through central Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, reaching Southern California in 1994.

The selection, planting and care of urban trees in Louisiana. Includes full-page poster of native landscape trees, their leaves, tree height and spread comparisons. 16 pages.

Blackberries and dewberries are native to Louisiana, and many commercial varieties are well adapted to growing conditions of the state. They can be profitable commercial fruit crops. Blackberries also can be grown in the home garden with few or no pesticides. Types, recommended varieties, location of site, soil preparation, fertilization, pruning, and weed, disease and insect control included.

This guide for 2009 contains suggestions for management of the most important or more prevalent diseases of Louisiana plants. It includes information on fungicides, bactericides and nematicides, as well as safety precautions for using them.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the leading floricultural crop in the United States since the mid 1980s, are one of the primary trademarks of the Christmas season. This publication includes information on plant selection, varieties, placement and care in the home, and care after Christmas for poinsettias.

Farming of exotic mushrooms offers another opportunity to add to farm cash flow or supplemental income. It is also popular among home gardeners and organic farmers. Shiitake (pronounced she ta key) is the most popular of the exotics. This publication includes information on the fruiting, harvesting, pest problems, and cost and returns for shiitake mushrooms.

Learning to identify trees can be fun. It is easy to identify the common trees of Louisiana with this guide. Long words have been left out, and pictures are used to identify the leaves instead of written descriptions.

Tractors from major manufacturers tend to be well designed, reliable and a pleasure to use. You can choose from a wide range of sizes, prices and features as well as a wide range of implements and accessories. This publication helps you to select a tractor to meet your needs.

You have many choices in lawn/garden tractors; size, quality and cost vary widely. Selecting the correct tractor for your use can be bewildering. This information can help you select the right tractor and use it efficiently and safely.

Why be concerned? Too often, we think of ourselves as external to our environment. We ignore the many relationships among people, other living creatures and our surroundings. We ignore these relationships at our own risk. Solutions to environmental problems are far more effective when all life forms are considered part of the ecosystem.

Click on the link below for the Master Gardener Web site:

Yard wastes can be composted without a bin if you don’t mind the appearance of an uncontained compost mound in your yard. The only costs are your time and effort.