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. (PDF format only)

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. (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. (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. (PDF format only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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.

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

Follow these 12 easy steps to make and maintain your compost pile. (PDF Format Only)

This guide will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about tree planting in the area. It suggests native and well-adapted trees for our region and describes how to grow them successfully. The tree illustration fold-out can also be used as a poster (22" x 34").

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. (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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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.

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-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 fall. (PDF Format Only)

Take-all root rot is a serious problem on all warm-season turgrasses in Louisiana. This publication describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF format only)

Blueberries are nature’s No. 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables studied. 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. (PDF Format Only)

Leaf and crown rot is a common problem on liriope (or lily turf) in both nursery and landscape settings. All species and cultivars of liriope are reported to be susceptible to this disease. Proper identification is the key to sucessful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease. (PDF format only)

Southern bacterial wilt (or bacterial wilt) is a destructive disease of tomato and other solanaceous crops as well as a wide range of ornamentals. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease. (PDF format only)

Proper identification is the key to sucessful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease. (PDF format only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

Organic gardening is popular in the United States, and interest is increasing in Louisiana. Organic gardening encourages particular garden practices that use natural biological cycles, enhance diversity and are ecologically sound. (PDF Format Only)

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

Louisiana is blessed with long growing seasons that 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. (PDF format only)

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)

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)

Ants range from mildly irritating to highly annoying. Knowing the species, its biology and potential control methods 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 $12.50 each. To purchase using a major credit card, click on "order publication."

The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. The recommended varieties for home planting are listed and described in this publication.

What is compost? Find information on temperature, oxygen and aeration, moisture, odors, nutrients, co-composting and much more!

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)

Selection, cultural practices, fertilization, pruning and recommended varieties of vines and ground covers are included. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

You have many choices in lawn and garden tractors. Size, quality and cost vary widely, which means 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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

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 and shipping. You can order this book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

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.

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.

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 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. (PDF Format Only)

This publication contains a variety of information about 53 Louisiana plants that can serve as nectar sources for honeybees. Illustrated by color photos of each plant, the 32-page guide includes descriptions of the plants and the honey produced from each source. It also includes a handy chart showing the blooming season for each plant. Cost: $10 plus tax and shipping. You can order this book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

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

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)

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

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. (PDF Format Only)

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

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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF format only)

Centipede grass 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. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF format only)

Which composting system is right for you? Find the answers and more in these helpful guides to composting.

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)

Africanized honeybees were brought to Brazil in 1956 to improve local strains. In 1957, several colonies escaped. Once established in Brazil, the Africanized honeybees 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. (PDF format only)

Mirliton is mainly cultivated for its fruits, but its stems, young leaves and tuberous roots are also edible. Mirliton is a warm-season crop and grows well in well-drained soils high in organic matter. Mirlitons are susceptible to a common fungal disease called powdery mildew. Use this publication to identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only)

Leaf galls on azaleas and camellias are relatively common in Louisiana, especially in years with extended periods of cool, wet weather during the spring. This publication describes how to identify and manage these disease. (PDF Fomat Only)

Gray leaf spot occurs on a wide range of turfgrasses throughout the United States. In Louisiana, it is most commonly seen on St. Augustine grass but occasionally can be a problem for Bermuda grass or centipede grass as well. This publication describes how to identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only)

Botrytis fruit rot (or gray mold) is a common and damaging disease of strawberries in Louisiana -- particularly during periods of cool to moderate temperatures, high humidity and prolonged periods of free water on the plants. This publication describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

Angular leaf spot is a common disease of strawberries in Louisiana, particularly during periods of cool, wet weather. This publication describes the disese and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

This 52-page pocket guide is designed to help you identify pests commonly found in and around buildings. It includes photos and information about various pests, such as ants, roaches, flies, rats, mice, termites, spiders, wasps, bees, bedbugs, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and more. Diagrams and scales showing the size of some of the pests are included to help in identification. A spiral-bound, heavyweight, coated-paper copy is available for $12.

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)

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 select a tractor to meet your needs. (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

Entomosporium leaf spot is a common disease of various woody ornamentals. In Louisiana landscapes, however, it is most commonly a problem on Indian hawthorn and red tip photinia. This publications describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

Two scab diseases routinely affect citrus in Louisiana. Citrus scab (also called common citrus scab or sour orange scab) has been present in the state for many years. In contrast, sweet orange scab was identified in Louisiana and Texas for the first time during the summer of 2010. This publication describes how to identify and manage these diseases. (PDF Format Only)

This publication provides information on shrubs commonly grown in Louisiana and includes tips on watering, planting, pruning, size, form and varieties. (PDF Format Only)

Learning to identify trees can be fun. It is easy to identify the common trees of Louisiana with this guide – particularly because pictures instead of long, written descriptions used to identify the leaves. Common trees include the native ones as well as trees introduced from other parts of the United States or from foreign countries.

Growing a school garden can be an exciting, but challenging, initiative. School gardens have many benefits. The first and most obvious is that the students learn about agriculture. They learn where their food comes from. Teamwork, social skills, healthy food alternatives, literature, math, science, art and physical education can all be taught in the garden area. (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. (PDF Fomat Only)

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! (PDF Format Only)

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. (PDF Format Only)

Troubleshooting: Symptoms, possible causes and prescriptions for your composting problems. (PDF Format Only)

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

Fleas developed on Earth thousands of years ago and have adapted many survival techniques. In Louisiana, they are pests in and around homes and on pets and other animals year round. Control measures and insecticides to use included. (PDF Format Only)

Fig rust is the most common disease of figs in Louisiana and usually develops late in the summer. Symptoms, cultural practices and options for management inlcuded. (PDF Format Only)

Use this poster to help you identify common weeds infesting your lawn and landscape. (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)

Early blight is one of the most common diseases of tomatoes in Louisiana. This fact sheet describes the disease and how to mange it. (PDF Format Only)

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)

The black pecan aphid is found throughout Louisiana and most pecan-producing states. Description, life cycle, damage and control information included. (PDF Format Only)

Oleander leaf scorch is a deadly bacterial disease of oleander that was first reported in California in the early 1990s. Since then, the disease has been found across the southern United States and was recently reported in Louisiana. (PDF Format Only)

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)

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)

Trees on home grounds or in parks are assets to everyone. Trees also are long-term investments for property owners. Like any investment, trees require effort to maintain their value. That means tree owners must make careful decisions about care and maintenance, which may require the occasional advice and service of a professional – an arborist. (PDF format only)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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. (PDF format only)

This guide for 2010 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.

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: