History and mission of the Hammond Research Station.

Established as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station in 1922, the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in Hammond has served the needs of the strawberry and vegetable industries in Southeast Louisiana for more than 80 years. While continuing to serve this industry, the station has now embarked on a new initiative to provide research and education for the green service industry.

Pansies are our most popular cool season bedding plant. Here is some recommendations for home gardeners in the care of pansies and information on variety selection.

Dianthus are a popular cool-season bedding plant. Here is some variety and cultural information for home gardeners.

We have many great trees recommended for south Louisiana landscapes. Some of these are common and known by home gardeners and green industry professionals, but there are great trees that are less known and under-utilized. Here is a list.

The Southeast Louisiana Association of Nurserymen will hold their annual trade show (along with educational seminars) at the Castine Center in Mandeville on Friday October 10th.

The 12th Louisiana Plant Materials Conference for green industry professionals will be held Wednesday October 29th at the Hammond Research Station.

The LSU AgCenter conducts greenhouse and landscape research on many new bedding plants each year to determine production practices to assist growers and observe performance in the landscape to provide garden centers, landscape professionals and home gardeners information on how these plants will perform under Louisiana’s growing conditions.

Herbaceous perennials are winter hardy ornamental plants that reappear each spring from their crowns or root systems. Many species can be used as groundcovers or landscape plantings to provide color for extended seasons. Some major species in production and landscape use are daylily, lantana, verbena, purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan.

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

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

Dig caldiums in the fall or leave them in the ground. That is the question. Here are some suggestions and guidelines.

Hurricane Gustav made landfall in Louisiana on Labor Day and did minor damage to the commercial ornamental horticulture industry.

Living in south Louisiana, we know that getting ready for the storm means stocking batteries, candles, water, canned goods and first aid supplies. We also need to think about the landscapes that surround our homes or businesses and how they can provide a buffer zone that can reduce storm damage.

(Video 08/25/08) Plants need some sunlight to grow, but it’s a fine balance between adequate light and too much heat. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores some important research that’s being done in sun gardens. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

Here is some information on weed control in home landscape beds for the fall months.

Garden mums are one of the most popular color plants for the fall landscape.

Guidelines for planting sweet peas in the fall for a nice show of flowers in the spring.

Sweet Bay magnolias are gaining in popularity among home gardeners and landscape professionals.

Confederate rose is a great plant for fall flowers in Louisiana landscapes. These plants go by the scientific name Hibiscus mutabilis.

Ornamental peppers are becoming increasingly popular as landscape plants. Here is some brief information to help you with this plant.

Several species of cassias are becoming popular with home gardeners and commercial landscapers.

Virginia willow is one of the more popular native shrubs used in landscapes. Here is some information on this unique and interesting plant.

Caladiums are excellent summer accents in Louisiana gardens. New varieties with improved sun tolerance, unique color combinations, and better growth habits have been introduced by breeding programs in recent years. Caladium landscape trials were conducted at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in 2006 and 2007 to identify varieties that adapt to landscape conditions in southeastern LA and provide selection guidance to landscape processionals.

Vinca series were evaluated at Burden Center in Baton Rouge in 2005 for landscape performance. Series evaluated were: ‘Sunstorm’ (8 cultivars and a mix), ‘Cooler’ (12 cultivars and a mix), ‘Victory’ (9 cultivars), ‘Titan’ (3 cultivars), ‘Pacifica’ (13 cultivars and two mixes), ‘Sunglow’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sundress’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sunshower’ (5 cultivars), ‘Mediterranean’ (6 cultivars and a mix) and ‘Nirvana’ (2 cultivars). The results are in the attached PDF file.

Vita for Resident Coordinator Regina Bracy.

CV for Yan Chen.

Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticulture, debuted three exciting new coleus varieties this year. These are vegetatively propagated and recommended for full sun plantings. Henna and Indian Summer have been top performers in our LSU AgCenter landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station in 2008 and Mocha Mint has been an above average performer.

Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus diseases, and a pest responsible for spreading it has now been found in Louisiana. Information on what to look for and where to look, what plants are preferred by the disease and where to report suspected disease symptoms or insect sightings.

Identification of citrus greening and the Asian citrus psyllid.

Twelve onion varieties were planted in replicated plots at the Burden Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA in January of 2008. Plants were obatined from Bland Farms, Glennville, GA, Dixondale Farms, Carrizo Springs, TX and Dietrich Gembler, Knippa, TX. The varietes were evaluated for maturity, yield, bulb size, bulb shape, degree of bolting, degree of double bulbs and tast

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.

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

The different types of leaves, abundance of blooms, aroma of flowers and color of mature fruit of different types of citrus add to the aesthetic value of the landscape. Citrus in the landscape also can provide excellent quality, nutritional fruit. So citrus is the ideal fruit for the homeowner. Recommended varieties and descriptions, as well as tips on site selection, planting, spacing and pruning, are included. (Revised September 2008)

Number of seed/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.

Herbaceous perennials are continuously gaining popularity in landscape plantings. However, nutrient requirement of many species in this group during their first year establishment in landscape is still unknown. Seven herbaceous perennials were studied for their growth, flowering, and overwintering survival in respond to a variety of fertilization regimes and fertilization recommendations were generated based on the restuls.

The current effort with the Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden at the Hammond Research Station.

A demonstration of different landscape mulch materials is on-going at the Hammond Research Station. Here are photos of the different mulches currently being evaluated. More to come!!!

The Profusion series of zinnias from Sakata Seed continues to expand. Starting in 2009, 13 varieties will be available. New double-flower forms are debuting. In addition, we still have the old, good-performing standbys - Orange, White, Cherry (improved), Fire, and Apricot. See photos of all the Profusion zinnias in this PowerPoint presentation (warning - very large file size).

The fall Gardener's Night Out at the Hammond Research Station has been scheduled for Friday October 17th. Come and view all of the exciting plants in the sun garden evaluation area and hear Ron Strahan discuss landscape weed control.

Forty three coleus varieties were trialed in landscape evaluation plots at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Top performers were Red Hot Rio, Big Red Judy, Zen Moment, Lancelot, Ruby Ruffles, Mariposa, Henna, Indian Summer (not pictured), Royal Glissade, Pineapple Splash and Fishnet Stockings. Here is a photo gallery. Results are based on plant vigor, foliage attractiveness, and resistance to flowering. Plants were grown in full sun.

Three new canna varieties from Horn Canna Farm in Oklahoma debuted in 2008. They are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station.

(Video 08/18/08) How do nursery and landscape operations choose many of the plants they sell? In this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the LSU AgCenter provides research-based information that helps the green industry sell the best plants. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

Here is some information on what you will see on a self guided or faculty guided tour of the Hammond Research Station.

The beginnings of the Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden at the Hammond Research Station.

The establishment of the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden means that the Hammond Research Station will have a continuing feature to honor a remarkable woman. This garden will be a source of information, an inspiration, a delight to visit….much as Ms. Margie is and has been during her lifetime. The beginnings of Ms. Margie's nursery career are discussed here.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station has established the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden in recognition of one of Louisiana's most widely known nursery owners and nationally known lover, breeder and authority of azaleas.

Descriptions on what you can see on a self-guided or guide lead tour of the Hammond Research Station.

Pest management in urban landscape presents unique challenges because of the tremendous diversity of ornamental plants, each with its own complement of insect pests. A new research project has been initiated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station focusing on alternative pest monitoring approaches. One approach will be using phenology events of flowering landscape plants as indicators to predict pest activities.

Information on benefits of micro-irrigation systems for a home landscape and basics/guidelines on installation and ideas to consider.

(Distributed 06/19/08) A new bug has joined the population of pests in Louisiana that can potentially destroy an agricultural crop. It’s the Asian citrus psyllid and its target is any kind of citrus tree. Smaller than the capital A on this page and mottled brown in color, the psyllid sucks the sap out of the leaves, resulting in curling. Sooty mold will develop on the leaves from the honeydew produced by the psyllid.

(Distributed 06/18/08) Landscape professionals and consumers alike received valuable information at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station’s second annual landscape horticulture field day on June 11.

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.

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

Studies in other states have suggested that cover crops, especially brassicas, can provide some of the benefits of a fumigant. A study was conducted at the Hammond Research Station to evaluate this concept.

(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.

CV for Roger Rosendale.

Vegetable growers have many choices in tractors, ranging from older, smaller tractors to large, new tractors. Many are designed specifically for vegetable work.

Provides driving directions indicating how to find the Hammond Research Station from any direction.

The Hammond Research Station has an urban forestry effort to plant native tree species. Read about it here!

The 'Explorer' petunias are from Sakata Seed and are seed propagated spreading type petunias. They have performed very well in LSU AgCenter landscape trials the last five years.

A written overview of plants being evaluated in the sun garden landscape area at the Hammond Research Station in 2008.

The newest ornamental sweet potato cultivars are the 'Sweet Caroline' series. These are being evaluated in LSU AgCenter landscape plant trials.

A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch.

Growing commercial vegetables is different from growing agronomic crops and requires a different approach to equipment. A precision cultural system (PCS) developed by the LSU AgCenter can make commercial vegetable production much easier.

Cultivation is essential for nearly all commercial vegetable crops since herbicide choices are limited and vegetable crops cannot tolerate much weed competition. A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of precision cultivation if set up and equipped properly.

A key component of a precision cultural system is precision bed shaping. A precisely shaped bed is essential to locate the crop row properly when planting and to provide a basis for guidance of subsequent operations.

Precision vertical plate seeders are available for planting many vegetable crops. These seeders use a vertical metal plate with the cells (holes) on the edge.

A standard sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops once the plants reach 4-6 inches, but it must run very slowly in small crops (1-2 inches) and has a tendency to throw soil over the crop plants. An alternative is a rotary tiller/cultivator.

Many years of testing at the LSU AgCenter have demonstrated that precision belt seeders deliver the best seed spacing uniformity of any type of vegetable seeder – if the seeds are spherical (round) or nearly so. Belt seeders are versatile and can meter a wide range of seed types and sizes.

Established as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station in January 1922, the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station has served the needs of the strawberry and vegetable industries in Southeast Louisiana for more than 80 years.

Most commercial vegetable growers apply granular fertilizer in a preplant operation, and many also make sidedress applications of granular fertilizer. An excellent way to apply granular materials in either a broadcast or banding mode is with a pendulum-action spreader.

Flame weed control can be an effective adjunct to cultivation for some vegetable crops and some weeds. Flame weed control fits especially well in organic operations.

All vegetable seeders require openers, coverers and presswheels to provide a furrow for the seeds and to then cover the seeds and assure proper soil contact. These devices must be matched to the soil type and condition for optimum germination and seedling vigor.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for nearly all strawberry growers and most vegetable growers. Installing the mulch is easier than it used to be when mulch was installed by hand, but it can be challenging.

When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight.

Cone guide wheels are the heart of a precision cultural system (PCS). Cone guide wheels allow an implement to follow along a shaped bed with no effort on the part of the tractor driver.

(For Release On Or After 04/28/06) Daylilies are coming into bloom about now, and gardeners would be hard pressed to find a plant that provides so many colorful flowers for so little effort. Available in an amazing variety of colors, shapes and sizes, there are daylilies to fit virtually every taste and garden situation.

(Distributed March 2005) Two varieties top the list for the 2005 All-American Daylily Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2006) A relatively new category has been added to All-America Selections, home of the popular All-America Rose Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. That group is daylilies.

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.

(Distributed 04/14/08) The 2008 All-American Daylily winner is Sweet Summer Valentine, chosen by the All-American Daylily Selection Council. The plant has light, buff-pink flowers with a vivid burgundy maroon eyezone and a matching edge.

There is a wide range of seeder types and models available for direct seeding vegetable crops. Smaller growers typically use the less expensive seeders; larger growers can justify more expensive precision seeders.

A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops but must be run slowly (1-2 mph) when the crop plants are small. A simple modification to a sweep cultivator allows high-speed cultivation of small vegetable crops.

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.

Vacuum seeders are popular among larger commercial vegetable growers. They do a good job of singulating most vegetable seeds. They are especially useful for singulating the oddly shaped seeds that cause problems for most other types of seeders.

Maps showing how to find the Hammond Research Station.

CV for Richard Parish

Information on the use of petunias in our Louisiana home landscapes.

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.

(Distributed 02/22/08) Mulching is one of the most important tasks for a successful landscape. Ornamental plants benefit greatly from it. Mulching should be part of garden maintenance at least twice a year, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

Information on azaleas includes recommended cultural practices and other keys to be successful with this popular plant in your landscape efforts.

Information on economic and marketing projections for nursery/floral crop producers in Louisiana for 2008. A national outlook is also provided.

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

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

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.

The newest series of crape myrtles are the 'Razzle Dazzle' series. There are hybrids and are dwarf in form. Landscape performance evaluations are underway at the LSU AgCenter.

The new 'Plush' series of petunias are the newest of the seed propagated spreading type petunias. They are available from S & G Flowers. Here is photo gallery of the cultivars.

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.

A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

Cost budgets are reported for 20 vegetable crops, with combinations of crop, machinery size and market channel. Each cost budget is supplemented with a table where net returns are calculated over a range of prices and yields. Crops include butter beans, snap beans, broccoli, fall cabbage, spring cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant, mustard, okra, southern peas, bell pepper, Irish potato, sweet potato, shallots, squash, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon.

CV for Allen Owings

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.

Landscape beds, parking lots, and construction activities around trees are all possible without harming the trees if you understand where the tree roots are and what they need to survive. Use these guidelines to protect trees in potentially damaging situations.

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.

Commercial blueberry production in Louisiana had its beginning more than 40 years ago with the introduction of improved varieties of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei). Commercial blueberry potential in Louisiana can be measured in terms of how well you select a site, choose cultivars and plan for cultural practices.This publication includes information on soils, site preparation, fertilization and pruning.

The 'Wave' series of petunias are very popular with commercial landscapers and home gardeners at the current time. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars.

The 'Easy Wave' series of petunias are smaller versions of the original 'Wave' series. This group has also allowed for the expansion of flower color options in the series. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars. Several "mixes" are available also.

The 'Tidal Wave' series of petunias are hedgiflora type petunias. They are the tallest growing and widest spreading of these petunia groups. Here is a photo gallery of the four cultivars in this series.

On the last couple years, a number of new Liriope muscari and Liriope gigantea cultivars have been released. These are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station.

Late fall through winter in Louisiana is a great season for planting fruit trees, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. The horticulturist says several kinds of fruit trees and similar plants work well in backyard landscapes.

The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station has established the Margie Yates Jenkins Azalea Garden in recognition of one of Tangipahoa Parish’s most widely known nursery owners.