September is Louisiana’s last chance to plant a relatively diversified vegetable garden before next spring. During this month we can detect the first signs of cooler weather that accompanies the fall, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

June is a pivotal time for Louisiana vegetable gardens. It’s the transition from spring to hot summer conditions. At this time many crops are fully in harvest or have been pulled out to make room for new crops.

A home garden tomato variety trial to determine the best tomato for growing in containers.

Canavalias are large, climbing, trifoliate vines producing thick and long (1 foot or longer) pods. I first heard them described as "Texas butterbeans," but don't try to eat them.

Southern peas are an option for Louisiana summer gardens, because they can take the heat and prefer less fertile soils, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

To our Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide, please add these new possibilities for 2009.

These NEW cultivars were some of those added to the 2008 LSU AgCenter Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide.

Okra is a warm-season crop that grows well in Louisiana gardens. A good start is important for successful okra production.

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

These cool-season crops are somewhat hardy and will tolerate various degrees of frost. They grow best in the fall when the weather turns from warm to cool. Recommended varieties, soil preparation, fertilization and pest control are included. (PDF Format Only)