Mowing grass is the most popular way that homeowners use compact utility tractors. Different types of mowers serve different purposes, and you should choose the correct mower for your needs.

A two-acre camellia garden at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station is now open again, thanks to the efforts of the Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners.

Louisiana sod farm situation for 2008.

Forty-six ornamental pepper varieties commercially available to growers and gardeners were evaluated during 2007 and 2008 for their garden performance in the Gulf States at three locations: Hammond (La.), Crystal Spring (Miss.) and Verona (Miss.). Variety performance from the Hammond Research Station trials are presented in the attached PDF file. Top ten cultivars were highlighted. Please see related article for their photos.

Implements, including mower decks, can be attached to tractors in several ways and in several locations. The larger the implement and tractor, the more likely an upscale, easy-to-use hitch will be provided. Naturally, the upscale hitch systems cost more.

You might think that riding mowers and lawn/garden tractors are small and low to the ground so overturns are not a problem. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Riding mowers and small tractors can overturn to the side or rear fairly easily.

There is a lot of play on the skinned areas of a ball field. Proper maintenance is required for safety and quality play.

It seems obvious that a wider or faster mower will cover a lawn faster than a narrower or slower mower, but this is not always true - and seldom will the increase in cutting rate be proportional to the increase in width or speed.

Drop spreaders are best suited to small lawns where you want uniform patterns or have many obstacles to trim around. Rotary spreaders are generally best for large, open areas.

Walk-behind lawn spreaders are designed to be pushed, not pulled. The delivery rate from drop spreaders and the pattern from rotary spreaders are distorted if a spreader is pulled backward.

Calibration of vehicle-mounted boom-type sprayers is simple and can be very accurate. Calibration of hand-carried sprayers is much more subjective, but it is simple to do.

Non-powered wheeled sprayers offer homeowners an easy and relatively inexpensive way to apply the correct rate of fertilizer and pesticides uniformly to home lawns.

Whether you have a few rose bushes beside your house or a half-acre garden, you will need a sprayer to take care of your plants.

The objective of this project is to evaluate garden performance of a diverse collection of ornamental bananas. This will benefit both the ornamental plant production industry and the home consumer market.

Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps.

A relatively new class of products in the commercial grounds maintenance industry is the self-propelled spreader and/or sprayer. This kind of equipment can potentially reduce the effort required to apply fertilizer or pesticides to lawns, but it comes at a substantial cost and will require some trade-offs in operating mode.

Zero-turning-radius mowers are popular among professionals and homeowners with larger lawns. Zero-turning-radius manufacturers offer many new and/or optional features on their mowers that further increase their versatility and ease of use.

Zero-turning-radius mowers are available in two configurations: mid-mount decks and front-mount decks. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages, and each has proponents.

Zero-turning-radius mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies.

Commercial-size riding mowers, including the popular zero turning radius mowers, are covered by a safety standard promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Even though many of these mowers are used by homeowners, those that are designed primarily for commercial use are considered commercial machines and they fall under a commercial mower standard.

Some zero-turning-radius mowers are designed with a serious fire safety hazard. These models should be avoided.

Zero-turning-radius mowers are somewhat different from conventional tractors. Their short wheelbases and narrow wheel spacings can contribute to overturns.

Zero Turning Radius riding mowers can do a wonderful job of maintaining turf, but the rapid response and maneuverability that make them so handy can cause problems if you aren’t careful.

Zero Turning Radius mowers, like all lawnmowers, operate in a dirty environment. Proper and regular maintenance is needed to keep your mower operating at top efficiency and minimize costly repairs and downtime.

Zero Turning Radius mowers have separate hydraulic pumps driving the left and right tires, and each side is controlled separately. One tire can be turning forward while the other is turning in reverse, thus the mower can pivot around its own center. This feature allows amazing versatility in trimming while mowing.

If you have a small garden, many manual cultivation tools are available for your use.

A small, hand-held sprayer is available that will spray herbicides uniformly and with a relatively uniform droplet size.

Riding mowers, lawn tractors, lawn and garden tractors, and garden tractors are large and powerful. They can be dangerous if not used safely.

A mower deck can’t cut grass unless it is connected to the tractor engine. This is usually done in one of two ways, with some possible permutations.

All rotary cutters are inherently dangerous. The thrown object hazard is not fully recognized by everyone, yet it can cause injury, blindness or even death.

Although there are some imported compact tractors available under $10,000, most compact tractors from major manufacturers are in the $10,000 – $20,000 range. Older farm tractors can be a less expensive alternative to compact tractors.

Hydraulic cylinder rods have traditionally been coated with highly polished hard chrome. This surface provides reasonable corrosion resistance and good sealing in hydraulic cylinders, but the material can corrode. An alternate approach now used on some new equipment, including loader cylinders on compact tractors, is a sprayed-on tungsten carbide coating.

A photo gallery of the new 'Sun Spun' petunia varieties (Ball FloraPlant) from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station.

A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

This publication includes information on types of linings, filling, planting, watering, caring, and winter and insect protection for your hanging baskets.

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

The LSU AgCenter has a landscape trial of Knock Out rose varieties at Burden Center in Baton Rouge and also at the Hammond Research Station in Hammond. Blackspot ratings for 2008 are included here.

Colorful Caladiums are popular summer accents in our area; however, certain varieties are more suited to certain landscape conditions than others, and proper variety selection appropriate to the planting site is the key to achieving desired effects. The 2006 caladium trial at the Hammond Research Station documented 30 varieties for their early- and late-season performances as well as sun tolerance.

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.

If you have frequent flat tires on tractors, implements, or other off-road equipment you might want to consider using a tire sealant.

Hydraulic hoses can be a weak link in your tractor’s hydraulic system. The exposed hoses are very vulnerable to wear – and thus leakage and failure. Nylon sleeves over the hoses can dramatically increase hose life.

It is not necessary to buy all the equipment you need for your lawn and garden. In many cases, renting can be a practical option.

A good sports field doesn’t just happen. Even well constructed fields will be worn out if over used or abused.To better sustain your current turf surface this year, manage these prime considerations.

For successful greenhouse crop production, growers must be able to recognize symptoms of insect, disease or nutritional problems in their plants and take corrective measures before major crop losses occur. Although scouting regularly does give you the added benefit or early detection, it is essential to employ practices that improve overall greenhouse management. For that purpose, we have taken the liberty of compiling some best management practices (BMPs) that we hope will reduce the chance of

Landscape evaluation observations were taken on new plants from Ball FloraPlant in 2009. Here is the completed report from LSU AgCenter work at the Hammond Research Station.

Landscape evaluation observations were taken on new plants from Ball Seed, Pan American Seed and Ball Flora Plant in 2007. Here is the completed report from LSU AgCenter work at Burden Center and the Hammond Research Station.

Oil is the lifeblood of any engine. Neglecting your oil can be a costly mistake.

Some companies now offer landscape bedshapers designed specifically to lay out and maintain landscape beds. These machines are generally heavier, more powerful and more versatile than turf edgers.

A simple but accurate way of checking the output of your sprayer is the H 128 method of sprayer calibration.

Species and variety recommendation for field grown specialty cut flowers in the South.

The Safari series marigolds have been evaluated at the LSU AgCenter the last several years. This is a group of French marigolds.

The Durango series marigolds have been evaluated at the LSU AgCenter the last several years. This is a group of French marigolds.

This series of presentations discusses the basic information needed by landscape contractors to design and install quality irrigation systems.

The Louisiana Horticulture Law states that no person shall receive fees, advertise or solicit business in a regulated profession or occupation unless he holds the appropriate license or permit, or has a regular employee who holds the appropriate license or permit, or is employed by a person who holds the appropriate license or permit. This program is managed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

The term ‘topdressing’ is used for both the material used and the process of adding a thin layer of material to the surface of a sod or seed bed.

You may be able to improve the performance of your compact utility tractor by ballasting the tractor properly.

Most small, hand-carried lawn and garden tools use 2-stroke engines and most larger machines such as lawn and garden tractors use 4-stroke engines. The reason for this has to do with the weight ratio of the engines.

LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil.

Utility vehicles are popular and handy. They are making inroads on the use of ATVs for hunting and can also be used for many chores around a small acreage (or a large farm). Utility vehicles are somewhat similar to the small vehicles used on golf courses for decades, but use ATV components to provide more power and versatility.They aren’t cheap, but they are useful and fun to use.

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your small engines and tractors is to service the oil and fuel filters as needed.

Our warm-season grasses don’t like low temperatures. Some may show off colors because of chilling injury. Don't confuse this with disease and don't make it worse.

Violas, a close relative to the pansy but with smaller flowers, can provide a mass of color on the darkest winter day. Several viola series perform well in Louisiana, but sometimes it's difficult to choose the viola you want with so many series and colors available. The pictures included on this page are all from the annual bedding plant trials performed at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

When you buy a bag of fertilizer or granular pesticide to spread on your lawn, it will usually have a label on the back of the bag with settings for several common fertilizer spreaders. Do you know where those settings come from, how they were developed or how reliable they are?

Some rotary spreaders can deliver a reasonably uniform distribution pattern with some products, but not with others, and some homeowner rotary spreaders don’t deliver a good pattern with any product.

Rotary spreaders offer the advantages of wide, fast coverage and forgiving patterns, but they are not well suited to working along turf edges. Some spreaders offer a pattern cut-off mechanism to address this problem.

Lawn fertilizers and pesticides are more easily applied as granules rather than liquids, but broadleaf herbicides need to be sprayed in many cases. A push-type walk-behind sprayer that resembles a spreader meets this need.

Sports turf grown on a sand-based root zone requires special attention since it is sand and not soil. This management is more like a hydroponic culture.

Varying your mowing pattern can cause you to spend a little more time mowing, but the result will be a greatly improved appearance in your turfgrass.

The analysis or "formula" listed on the fertilizer bags tells you what is inside. This information lets you apply the proper amount of fertilizer.

The soil's pH (acidity level) is a basic foundation of soil fertility and productivity. It is 'step one' in plant production.

A general overview calendar of bermudagrass maintenance options for athletic turf managers.

If you want to apply granular products correctly, you will need to use the correct spreader pattern setting, swath width, and rate setting. This article will tell you how to achieve this.

Information for greenhouse growers on media pH management in production.

There are some simple steps you can take before storage to make your equipment easier to start when you need it again.

Hedge trimmers are perhaps not as popular now as a few years ago. Many people now realize that it is healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared. Nevertheless, there are some situations where shearing plants to shape is appropriate. A hedge trimmer is usually the best tool for the job.

As with any power tool, string trimmers are capable of causing injury if not used in a safe manner. String trimmers will last much longer and give more trouble-free service if used and maintained properly.

A string trimmer is a useful addition to almost any gardener’s toolshed.

There are two ways to trim and edge turfgrass around sidewalks, flower beds, trees, buildings, etc. You can trim the turfgrass mechanically with a string trimmer and/or an edger, or you can use a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup® and similar chemicals).

Turfgrasses grow fast and aggressively in the South. If not edged back regularly, Southern turf will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, etc.

Through nest building and foraging activities, ants alter physical properties and nutritional status of soils through structural modifications and nutrient accumulation. In turn, these alterations may enhance soil quality for plant growth. This study examined the effect of the invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, on soil properties and plant growth.

To get the best performance and longevity from your tiller you need to properly maintain it. You also need to be aware of some of the dangers involved in using a tiller, and take steps to protect yourself and others.

Factors such as price, performance and durability are important considerations in choosing garden tools and power equipment, but if a tool or machine is uncomfortable or awkward to use, you will regret buying it. The interaction between you and the tool or machine is called ergonomics.

This report estimates the cost and return of a centipedegrass sod farm in Louisiana. Materials, inputs and scheduling reflect the average situation in Louisiana.

Soil compaction and lack of aeration are death on turf.

A total of 38 caladium varieties were evaluated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station during the summer of 2009 for their landscape performance, including foliage color, fullness and plant uniformity. The top 10 performers are presented here. (Caladium tubers were donated by Classic Caladiums and Happiness Farms.)

Whether you buy, rent or borrow a tiller, you will find that it has a wide range of uses. It can be a general purpose garden tool.

The right rotary tiller can make the job of gardening much easier, but if you choose the wrong tiller for the job, it can make your job more difficult.

A common problem with hydraulic cylinders is rust and pitting of the cylinder rods. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated.

A new 20-acre site at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center in Baton Rouge is now home to commercial ornamental and turfgrass activities to benefit Louisiana's green industry.

(News Distributed 11/06/2009) HAMMOND, La. – Landscape and nursery professionals heard about the latest plant varieties and LSU AgCenter plant evaluations at a plant materials conference here Oct. 29.

In the summer of 2000, daylily rust was reported for the first time in the United States. It has since spread across most of the country and continues to present problems for home gardeners, commercial landscapers and daylily growers.

Spreader.EZ is a computer program that allows you to analyze the patterns from broadcast fertilizer spreaders, determine the uniformity of the patterns, and select the effective swath width.

This poster discusses natural feeding preferences, adapted feeding preferences and feeding strategies of the Argentine Ant.

Two questions of interest to prospective purchasers are: How much do riding mowers and small tractors in the various classes cost and how long can I expect one to last?

A relatively new disease of trees and ornamental plants has found its way into Louisiana, and officials are keeping watch to make sure it doesn’t spread. It is sudden oak death.

Many growers pick up plastic mulch but several machines are available for this job. Work at the LSU AgCenter has demonstrated that, in some cases, plastic mulch can be picked up by a hay baler.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Here is some information on performance.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Colors are red, pink, coral and peach. New for 2010 will be apricot and sweet.

Poa infestations are usually combated with herbicides. Several options exist with preemergence herbicides applied in the early fall for Poa control on golf courses that will not be overseeded. However, most of these herbicides are not labeled for golf greens.

This manual is intended to help small greenhouse tomato growers in Louisiana and elsewhere grow a successful crop using perlite or pine bark medium. Small growers can produce vine-ripened, high-quality fruit that can be delivered to the local market on the same day of harvest.

Iron chlorosis results when green chlorophyll in leaf tissue fails to develop properly. Iron chlorosis first develops in new growth and as the condition worsens, leaves appear yellow or almost white.

The advantages of an ASAE standard quick hitch include faster, easier and safer hitching. To use a ASAE standard quick hitch, the implement hitch geometry must conform to the ASAE standard.

Some grounds maintenance equipment is designed with metric components. This has some ramifications for service and parts.

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.

Three types of rear tires are available for compact utility tractors, and at least five types are available for the front. The different types of tires serve different purposes. You can select agricultural tires for general farming, turf tires for use on turfgrass, or compromise with an industrial tread.

Chainsaws tend to require more maintenance than most other lawn and garden equipment. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the saw and make it easier to start but will also make your work easier.

Although chainsaws are handy, they are potentially dangerous and must be used carefully to avoid serious injury.

Chainsaws are popular homeowner tools. When selecting a chainsaw, consider the power requirements and safety features.

Walk-behind rotary lawnmowers can handle clippings in one of three ways: they can mulch them, bag them or discharge them to the side. Some mowers can do any of the three with minimal adjustment. Any of the three modes can be useful in some situations.

Walk-behind home lawnmowers are covered by safety standards and regulations, but the real responsibility for safety rests with you, the operator.

If you have a small lawn and are willing to get a little exercise while mowing, a good manual push mower can be a good alternative to a powered mower.

The tractor by itself is of limited use. The tractor furnishes the power, but the implements allow the tractor to do useful work. Varied implements are available for compact tractors from both the tractor manufacturers and short-line manufacturers.

This poster addresses habitat preferences and where Argentine ants can be found.

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.

Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. This can cause premature wear, poor quality of cut, and an excessive power requirement.

Mid-mount mowers for lawn, garden, and compact tractors typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping.

Sweet peas are an excellent cool-season annual for Louisiana. The flowers are popular for cutting and bundling because they come in an array of colors and have an intoxicating scent. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden in October or transplanted from containers in November. Sweet peas are vines so the plants need support (fence, netting, etc.) or a trellis to grow on. Sweet peas start blooming in late March and last up to two months, longer if deadheaded regularly.

Finish (or grooming) mowers typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping.

In many neighborhoods, the roar of lawnmowers has been joined by the howl of leaf blowers. "The primary complaint with leaf blowers is noise," says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

Farm and grounds maintenance equipment is often exposed to rain, high humidity, fertilizer, pesticides and corrosive plant materials (such as grass clippings). The manufacturers of that equipment have taken steps to try to protect the equipment and reduce the potential for corrosion.

While equipment companies are doing their part to reduce corrosion of tractors and farm equipment, how well you maintain your machinery will determine its useful life. Here are some rust prevention tips.

Although most people opt for small engine-driven generators, there are some real advantages to a generator that connects to a tractor power-take-off (PTO).

Some spreader experts and some spreader and granular material operating instructions advise you to go over your lawn twice when spreading fertilizer or granular products, with the two trips over the lawn made at right angles to each other. Don’t do it!

Most turf fertilizers contain controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer. There are two types of controlled-release fertilizer and one type can be damaged by your spreader.

To obtain the best results from your granular fertilizers and pesticides, you have to apply them at the correct rate. One easy step you can take to help assure that your spreader delivers the correct rate of material is to calibrate your spreader.

In some situations, a hand-cranked spreader is more practical than a wheeled model. When spreading granules in nurseries, beds of flowers and ornamentals, and other restricted areas, a wheeled spreader can be difficult or impossible to use. Hand- or strap-carried, hand-cranked spreaders are a viable option in such cases.

The more you learn about lawn spreaders, the more you realize how complicated they really are. The LSU AgCenter has published a bulletin that summarizes 24 years of research on spreaders.

Most garden tools have fixed handles. Some tools, however, are available as separate handle and toolhead components that can be interchanged.

Phosphorus (P) is a major essential nutrient in plants and soils, but is often eyed as an element of concern. Following our BMPs for P fertilization should yield adequate growth, color and pest resistance without harmful pressures on our water’s quality.

The key components of the effective use of fungicides for pecan disease control are timing, coverage and concentration. The updated 2009 fungicide list is included.

There are several state-regulated horticulture professions and two occupations that require a license or permit in Louisiana.

When performing such light-duty operations as mowing grass or making hay, it is sometimes possible to reduce fuel consumption by shifting to a higher gear and reducing engine rpm.

Digging post holes is a common do-it-yourself project. You have many choices as to how to dig your holes. Unfortunately, the inexpensive methods involve hard work.

Forty-five old and new ornamental pepper varieties were evaluated in 2007 and 2008 at three locations: Hammond (LA), Crystal Spring (MS), and Verona (MS). The top 10 performers in the Hammond trial are presented in this photo gallery.

When you buy a walk-behind lawnmower, you benefit from safety standards and regulations from two sources: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth.

Most high-end golf courses in Louisiana play on high-speed, dense, ultra-dwarf bermudagrasses like TifEagle, Champion or Mini Verde. These new-generation grasses can be wonderful but unforgiving compared to older grasses like TifDwarf or TifGreen.

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.

A sharp mower blade produces a prettier cut with less stress on the turf plant. Sharpening a reel mower blade assembly is difficult and best left to a professional, but sharpening a common rotary mower blade is not a big problem.

For more detailed information on composting, see these W.A. Callegari Environmental Center information articles.

There are three primary transmission systems used in riding mowers and the various classes of mowing tractors.

Many lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other lawn and garden equipment with small engines were inundated during the flooding from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In many cases, that equipment can be salvaged.

It takes some knowledge and research to select turfgrass species and varieties that are adapted to your site and that will perform well under their intended use and time of planting.

Pine straw makes an excellent mulch and is much in demand for landscaping. If you own some land with pine trees, you can easily rake your own pine straw.

Depending on the type of ditch or trench you need and the size of the job, you have many choices of available tools. All of the do-it-yourself methods involve hard work, but some are not as hard as others.

Electric tools eliminate the fire hazards associated with gasoline, but introduce the hazard of electric shock or electrocution. There are some steps you can take to improve the safety of electric tools.

Garden tools will last longer if we take good care of them, but it can be a real bother to do so. A simple trick will make it much easier for you to keep your shovels, hoes, trowels, etc. clean and protected.

If you grow a vegetable garden, you probably get tired of bending over placing seeds in a furrow. Perhaps you are also tired of making the planting furrow and then covering it over and tamping. If so, you might be interested in one of the garden seeders on the market.

Plans are provided to allow you to build a hydraulic lift boom to mount on a category II or category III-N 3-point hitch.

Louisiana and the southeastern United States has an abundance of native plants that have potential for ornamental and fruit crop use. One of these that LSU AgCenter personnel have been investigating in recent years is the pawpaw.

Photo gallery of varieties in the Swan series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

Photo gallery of varieties in the 'Songbird' series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included.

Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included.

A phenology research garden was planted in fall 2007 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond, La. Data collected in 2008 indicated that a sequence of phonological events in advance of pest activities is available from 15 ornamental plants for predicting landscape pest activity.

Green industry professionals attending the landscape horticulture field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in June were given the opportunity to “pick their winning plants” from the sun garden evaluation trial gardens at the station. Over 340 varieties were planted this year. The planting mostly consists of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials, but new roses and some “companion” woody ornamental shrubs (such as Southern Living plants) are also included.

A handy reference chart with information on changing soil pH with lime and sulfur applications.

The turfgrass cover on playing fields definitely affects the play of the game. Field speed, ball roll and safety are all very much related to the turf condition. An attractive field is inspirational to the team and a pleasure to watch play on.

A dirt scoop is a handy attachment for small tractors. It will allow you to dig, move, and dump small quantities of soil, gravel, sand, or other materials much easier than you can do with a shovel and wheelbarrow and much less expensively than with a front-end loader on your tractor.

Fruit thinning is a time-consuming task that is often required to produce good quality fruit. It can be very beneficial for peach, plum and apple trees.

Calculation conversions for producers to use when converting fertilizer recommendation for a small area

Many hand garden tools have wooden handles. Although some newer tools have fiberglass or metal handles, wood is still a very common handle material. With just a little care, your wooden handles can last a lifetime.

A well-groomed, lush, green lawn is not only pleasing to look at but adds value to housing property. The attractiveness of golf course turfgrass is one of the reasons this sport is so popular. But this beauty comes with a price – proper management. Here are some tips from LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 06/17/08) The LSU AgCenter has conducted a considerable amount of evaluation research on crape myrtles over the last 10-plus years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. “Probably 40-50 varieties are worthy of being grown and sold in Louisiana,” Owing says.

Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation.

Carefull examination of the spark plug(s) can yield insights into other maintenance needs on your engine.

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your small engines is to service the air filters as needed.

Managing nematodes in golf greens is quickly going to change over the next two years. The current nematicide that is being use is being phased out.

Putting the correct grease in your grease gun and using it religiously can prolong the life of your equipment.

Maintaining quality turfgrass sometimes requires that lawn waste be picked up. This trash can include leaves, pine needles and grass clippings as well as twigs, seed pods from trees and pine cones.

Whether renovating your field or planting a new one, a good, strong start is the key to success.

With the ever increasing demand for faster, more competitive putting green surfaces, superintendents are finding blue-green algae encroachment on putting greens an all too common theme.

Cut flowers can be a profitable crop in the Southern U.S. This manual provides basic information on the production of specialty cut flowers.

Pruning shears come in two basic styles and in a wide range of sizes and price ranges.

One of the most hazardous substances most of us have to deal with is gasoline. We tend to take it for granted since it is so common and familiar, but we should pay it more respect.

Several heavy-duty hand tools canl help you with intermediate pruning jobs and allow you to avoid the cost and hassle of a chainsaw.

Knowing what is in your soil and what it needs is a basic and first step to a good crop and plant health. This off-season time is a good time to get this information and find the products you will require.

These photos and drawings show how to use an ASAE standard 3" x 8" hydraulic cylinder to provide a power-adjustable upper link for a tractor 3-point hitch.

Several models of small walk-behind stump grinders are aimed at homeowners, rental use and smaller professional operations. Most are reasonably safe if used carefully, but a few are not safe no matter how they are used.

In recent years, IPM programs are becoming more attractive to ornamental growers. Scouting is a key component of any IPM and helps you to (1) detect when pests are first present, (2) make proper control decisions and (3) monitor whether your control practices are effective. Here are some tips on how to scout and practice IPM for the control of one of the top greenhouse pests - twospotted spider mite.

This slide show provides information on the identification and control of the most common weeds.

Overview of common commercial products for landscape bed weed control .

One of the factors that most affects both the capability of a lawn/garden tractor, and the price, is the engine.

Results from landscape performance trials on Lucky and Landmark series lantanas from Ball FloraPlant at the Hammond Research Station in 2008.

Citrus trees that survived hurricane damage may have lost significant amounts of foliage. These trees could experience a strong flush as they start their own healing process. This is very important because new foliage will provide nutrients needed for winter survival and faster tree recovery. Producers must implement practices to protect from additional leaf loss which can be caused by the citrus leafminer.

Ornamental sweet potatoes have gained considerable interest among land¬scape industry professionals and home gardeners over the past 10 years. Varieties include plants that are chartreuse-lime green (Margarita), blackish purple (Blackie) and tricolored (Pink Frost).

All compact tractors currently sold have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), and most larger zero-turn mowers now have this safety feature also. A ROPS that is properly designed and used can prevent serious injury in most overturn accidents. One of the most important considerations in ROPS protection is to wear your seatbelt.

Removing the bucket from the front-end loader on your tractor is very easy (on newer loaders) and makes your tractor much more maneuverable. You should develop the habit of removing the loader bucket whenever you use your tractor for mowing, tilling, etc.

Post hole diggers mounted on tractors and powered by the tractors’ PTO shafts are useful tools for setting posts, planting trees, and other uses, but they can cause serious injury if not used correctly. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is an organization whose members manufacture post hole diggers. They have developed some guidelines to help you use their products more safely.

One of the handiest implements you can put on your tractor is a lift boom for the 3-point hitch. In some areas these are called boom poles or gin poles.

Compact utility tractors are small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower. All current models come equipped with two important safety features: a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. These two safety components can go a long way toward protecting you in case of an overturn - if you use them.

A simple hand spreader is often the best tool for applying granular fertilizer or pesticides.

Consumer Reports magazine released its second annual lawn care poll in the May issue. See the results.

Turfgrasses provide functional, economic, recreational, health and safety, environmental and aesthetic benefits to Louisiana.

A tractor 3-point hitch is handy and versatile. The upper link of a 3-point hitch is a turnbuckle that allows adjustment of the angle of the implement on the hitch. It is possible to replace this link with a hydraulic cylinder.

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.

There are several things that will give all athletic fields success in keeping adequate turf cover on the field. Simply put, you must grow grass, avoid wearing it out and don’t have a mud pit.

Areas that receive a lot of traffic usually become compacted. Soil particles are packed closer together, creating a root zone where there is little air, poor percolation of water and a tough medium for roots to grow in. The most effective form of relief for a compacted lawn is core aerification.

FWA provides four-wheel-drive when engaged. FWA substantially increases the cost of a tractor, but it provides some important benefits.

You will save money in the short run at discount stores and mass merchandisers. You will pay more but get better quality equipment and service with dedicated lawn and garden dealers or farm equipment dealers.

You have many choices when it comes to shovels. The type you need depends on the job you have to do.

Most professional applicators use rotary spreaders. Rotary spreaders are not only faster than drop spreaders, but are more forgiving of small errors in swath width.

A good lawn spreader is a precision tool and should be treated accordingly. Your lawn spreader doesn’t need a great deal of time-consuming maintenance, but a few simple steps can preserve the life and precision of your spreader.

Some high-quality plastic spreaders have precision equivalent to the better homeowner metal spreaders. There is a tremendous difference in performance among brands and models.

People tend to walk at different speeds. When you are pushing a spreader, this difference in walking speed can cause problems.

Rotary broadcast spreaders offer many advantages for turf professionals. There are also some disadvantages including pattern skewing and the need to develop pattern settings for each product to center the pattern. Pendulum-action spreaders overcome those problems.

Mowing in the morning will give a longer time of high quality play during hours of play than mowing in afternoon or evening because of the way grass grows.

Interest in daylilies is still strong despite rust problems over the past several years. New daylily selections and All-American daylily winners need to be evaluated in the Gulf South for landscape performance.

The reality of the myth that gypsum added to a lawn or garden will definitely improve soil tilth and strength, falls into the realm of agricultural practices being misapplied to ornamental landscapes.

Ornamental gingers encompass a diverse and versatile group of plants that are gaining increased popularity in the flowering pot plant, landscape and cut flower markets. They have showy and attractive foliage and flowers, which make them interesting ornamentals.

Mid-mount rotary mower decks are common on lawn tractors, garden tractors, subcompact tractors and smaller compact utility tractors. There are two ways that these decks can be mounted, and the mounting method affects adjustment and operation.

The LSU AgCenter has named the top performing petunias, violas and pansies in its evaluation of 200 cool-season cultivars tested between September, 2006 and May, 2007 at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

Leaf blowers are efficient, useful tools that annoy some people. Be aware of the problem, and use your leaf blower responsibly to avoid losing the privilege.

Electrical units are fine for small lawns, gasoline hand-held units are the best choice for larger home sites and backpack blowers are a good choice for professional users.

Some people believe a turfgrass sod farm will eventually look like a strip mine because top soil is depleted with each harvest.

Winterizing is an attempt to toughen plant tissues for the winter freezes much as you would add antifreeze to your car’s radiator for freeze protection.

Many implements are available for rear mounting on compact utility tractors, including mowers of various types, tillers, angle blades, box blades, cultivators, bedders and rakes. These machines add versatility to your tractor, but mounting them to the tractor’s 3-point hitch can be a hassle. A quick hitch can make your job much easier.

Factors that influence pesticide performance include water quality, coverage, agitation, mixing, watering practices, water temperature, rotation, application time, pesticide incompatibility, residual activity and surfactant use.

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.

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.

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)

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.

Impatiens are colorful summer-flowering annuals that provide season-long color in landscape and home gardens. The 2006 impatiens trial conducted at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station evaluated some of the latest release of mini impatiens, trailing impatiens, double impatiens and New Guinea impatiens. Landscapers and gardeners can choose impatiens for shade or sun areas according to the trial results.

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.

Without good irrigation and resources to do so, allowing your turf to go dormant during extended summer drought may be the best management practice.

Two-thirds to three-quarters of the golf game is affected by the green; thus your first dollars should go toward a well-performing green.

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.

Increased emphasis on safer sports turf has evolved greatly over the past years. About 20 years ago, two-thirds of reported sports injuries occurred on practice fields. Those fields were less maintained than game fields.

Before lowering greenhouse temperatures to save on fuel bills, consider the effects of low temperature on tomato production.

An abundance of weeds, diseases and insects plague Louisiana’s home landscapes. The adoption of BMPs and integrated pest management (IPM) will reduce these problems.

Riding mowers, lawn tractors, lawn and garden tractors, and garden tractors are covered by several safety standards that are designed to protect you, the operator.

Finishing (or grooming) mowers typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping.

The EPA found that small spark-ignition engines of 25 hp or less contribute about 20 percent of hydrocarbon emissions and 23 percent of carbon monoxide emissions from all mobile sources. As a result of this perceived problem, the EPA has issued new regulations on small engines.

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.

Number of seeds/pound, seeding rate/acre, spacing, planting dates, optimum soil temperature range for germination, depth to plant seed, days to germinate, days from planting to harvest begins, approximate time from pollination to market and recommended varieties included. Revised May 2009.

This is a PDF chart of 2009 (home and commercial) recommended lawn and turfgrass herbicides and their general usage.

Numbers and lines on turfgrass are best applied with specially formulated turf paints. These materials are not toxic to leaf blades and allow them to breathe.

Do you get what you pay for when buying a mowing tractor? There is certainly a wide range of prices; in fact, you can easily pay twice as much for a lawn tractor at a major farm equipment dealer as you would pay for a lawn tractor with the same horsepower and mowing width at a discount store. What do you get for the additional money?

Acidic soils (low pH) cause more gardening problems in Louisiana than any other soil factor. They affect so many other soil factors in both pest management and soil fertility.

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)

One of the major distinctions between low-quality and high-quality tools is the way the toolhead is manufactured.

Homeowners and gardeners often use wheelbarrows and garden carts to move materials. This article describes advantages and limitations of each.

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.

With fall comes yard and garden cleanup – especially leaves. For many homeowners, a leaf blower can be an efficient and effective grounds maintenance tool, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

Some lawns were lost to the flood waters and some were only hurt in spots. Dead areas will have to be replanted, or a weed patch will result. Some forethought before planting may save time, effort and money.

Mushrooms in lawns and moldy foods can be health hazards for your dogs, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steve Nicholson.

Centrifugal clutches are common on many grounds maintenance machines including string trimmers, chain saws, and some lawn mowers.

Grass clippings are a constant in yard maintenance, but fall introduces leaves into the mix. This year the nuisance is worse because hurricanes and storms have defoliated more trees.

A power lawnmower requires regular maintenance if it is to provide reliable service. Most of the maintenance steps are easy and can be done by a reasonably handy homeowner.

Power lawnmowers are available with a wide array of features. Some of the features are helpful; some less so. It can be a challenge to optimize both features and price.

In mid-April it’s time to do two things – pay taxes and fertilize your lawn. If you’ve already taken care of the taxes, now you should decide whether or not to fertilize your lawn.

Loading equipment onto trailers and trucks presents a safety challenge. Loading the right way can reduce the risk of overturn and operator injury.

The correct use of drip irrigation provides an ideal soil moisture level for plant growth.

Application of herbicides formulated on granular carriers is a common practice in container nurseries. Depending on the container arrangement and plant species, a high percentage of the material applied may not be retained in the containers - particularly when the material is applied with a broadcast rotary spreader, as is a common practice.

Studies of water distribution uniformity and fertigation uniformity with sprinkler irrigation were conducted in a commercial container nursery. The first phase of the study consisted of determining water uniformity for two sprinkler heights. The second phase consisted of determining fertilizer application uniformity.

We are all familiar with low-growing, running grasses like the St. Augustine and centipede used to cover lawn areas, and, in most gardeners’ minds, all other grasses are simply weeds. Ornamental grasses, however, are an often overlooked group of herbaceous perennials that thrive in our climate and will grow beautifully with minimal effort.

One of the great groups of ornamental plants introduced in 2004 was the ‘Crimson’ series of azaleas from Country Pines Nursery in Forest Hill, La.

Louisiana has an abundant supply of water; even so, the demand for water sometimes exceeds the amount readily available. This publication will help homeowners and turf managers make better irrigation choices as to when to irrigate and how much.

Bermudagrass sod is a tough, fine-textured, aggressive, warm-season turf that's just perfect for a pretty lawn or well-performing athletic turf. It does not tolerate shade, so overhangs and trees are a big problem.

The good mowing practices are okay with most lawns and tall-cut turf. Tall cut grass often has more abuse tolerance by nature of more leaf area and more root mass. Low-cut turf does not have these extended benefits to draw from and requires the best mowing practices to sustain decent quality.

Layering of very different soil types creates root problems. If you can, always avoid sodding a sand-based root-zone area with native-soil-based sod.

Some sand bunkers are a nightmare to maintain. The structural stability of sand on a slope is a function of slope, type of sand and the amount of water. Knowledge of the following principles will show you where your problem lies and suggest what to do about it.

Dormant-season sodding can be successful. Planting dormant grass is simply more risky; winter environmental conditions may end up taking some of the sod. In some cases, risks have to be taken.

Many people think that grass just grows and grows and you can’t wear it out. The truth is that most fields are over used and under maintained. Assessing wear also helps with field maintenance schedules and budgets.

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)

A simple calendar for general weed control activities on sports fields.

(Distributed 09/08/08) Louisiana’s commercial ornamental horticulture industry received significant but not major damage from the effects of Hurricane Gustav, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter.

A breeze is blowing through storm-beaten pecan trees in Ben Littlepage’s 300-acre orchard near Colfax. The trees are almost leafless, and there’s about a handful of pecans left on one very large native tree.

Several useful and applicable reference articles for sod farming.

Community Supported Agriculture is an alternative marketing method for commercial vegetable growers. Growers sell a share of their anticipated harvest directly to consumers and deliver an agreed-upon portion of their crops to subscribers throughout the season.

Daylily is an economically important nursery crop for Louisiana growers. It was relatively disease-free before the arrival of daylily rust in 2000. Commercial growers and homeowners rely solely on fungicides for rust control, which is expensive and time consuming. Biofungicides are biological or bio-rational alternatives that control disease by different modes of action. If effective, they can reduce control cost and provide resistance management tools.

To harvest an acre of sod on a sod farm will require more than an acre to be cut because it is virtually impossible to harvest all the grass as a saleable item. Losses will come from several sources.

Links to some of the numerous ants of Louisiana discussing identification, biology and treatment.

Periodically, grasshoppers have been of economic importance, but a few species sometimes occur in large enough numbers to damage citrus, vegetable crops and landscape ornamentals. One of the species most commonly causing damage is the eastern lubber grasshopper.

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)

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.

Nursery and Landscape Notes is a quarterly newsletter for Louisiana's green industry professionals. It includes production information for nursery growers and cultural practice recommendations for landscape contractors. New plant information is also included.

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.

This bibliography was compiled at a time of increasing concerns about the health status of baldcypress forests in Louisiana and beyond. This bibliography intends to provide researchers, decision makers and forestry professionals with a comprehensive reference in this subject. (PDF Format Only)

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."

Ornamental gingers encompass a diverse and versatile group of plants that are gaining increased recognition in the flowering pot plant, landscape and cut flower markets. This publication provides timely information for producing some of the species and hybrids of Curcuma, Globba and Keampferia as flowering pot plants.

The green industry is the production, sale and maintenance of ornamental plants and related products. The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of the green industry on Louisiana’s economy.

This guide is revised as needed. The most important or more prevalent diseases of the more common or important plants are included in this edition.

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.

Before Command herbicide was labeled for sweet potato production, Louisiana sweet potato growers faced numerous weeds such as annual grasses, cocklebur, morningglory and prickly sida.

Front-wheel-assist (FWA) is a popular option on many compact utility tractors, and it’s standard equipment on several models. It’s also available on some lawn and garden tractors.

LSU AgCenter experts at its Red River Research Station gave greenhouse tomato growers some new ideas to save money and boost production at a recent field day (Feb. 24).

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

The information should make it easier for anyone using a fertilizer spreader to select an appropriate type of spreader and to obtain optimum performance from the selected spreader. This bulletin summarizes 24 years of design, study, research and teaching about fertilizer spreaders.

(Distributed 7/25/03) Sometimes you must pick up lawn waste or trash that can include leaves, pine needles and grass clippings as well as twigs, seed pods from trees, pine cones and other debris. There are tools designed for such jobs, says LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Richard Parish.

Louisiana residents can learn how to operate chainsaws more safely through workshops offered by the LSU AgCenter.

Practice makes perfect, but follow these general rules.

All grasses should be "brought back" in April. A good strong start helps prevent weed establishment.

Our society has a strong interest in the green industry, defined as the production, sale and maintenance of ornamental plants and their allied goods and services. During the 1990s, consumers’ incomes increased significantly for most demographic groups.

If you overseeded your lawn or athletic fields last fall, you should help your turf out of that "fix," says LSU Agricultural Center horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The warm-season grass will be trying to re-establish itself as the cool-season, overseeded grass grows strong.

If handled the wrong way, centipede lawns can develop a lethal syndrome.

(Distributed January 2004) In January and February, outdoor gardening activities are limited. Why not prepare for spring?

Maintaining good Bermudagrass turf primarily includes adequate fertility, mowing and weed control, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed May 2004) A recent Florida study showed that a sodded St. Augustine lawn, even on a sandy soil with 10 percent slope, was very effective in retaining the applied N (nitrogen). Sod was fertilized with a standard 1 pound. N/1000 square feet. every other month during the growing season. Researchers found less than 2 percent of the applied N was lost as leaching down through that soil. This loss occurred essentially with fresh applications and higher rainfall.

As we move into August, heat and humidity make you think twice before working outdoors. In wet summers, the extra turf growth and extra mowing also may squelch your enthusiasm. But spending less time in your yard could lead to a loss of general soil fertility.

(Distributed 7/25/03) Does your lawn have ruts or stripes caused by mower tires? Have you ever envied the beautiful checkerboard and diagonal patterns on golf greens and sports fields? You can counteract the ruts and improve the look of your lawn with a little forethought and change in your mowing patterns, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Richard Parish.

(Distributed 7/25/03) Fertilization is one way to promote rapid recovery of worn turf areas on athletic fields. But time is running short to restore the grass, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.