(Distributed February 2004) The last five to 10 years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of annual bedding plant species and varieties available for residential and commercial landscape use. The LSU AgCenter has conducted landscape trials on annual bedding plants for a number of years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed February 2004) The LSU AgCenter's 8th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Seminar and Field Day will be held Feb. 27 at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City. Running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the free-of-charge Friday afternoon program will cover what is new in the industry, production problem solutions, pest control and a tour, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2004) Understanding the numbers on a bag of fertilizer helps you apply the right amount and ratio of fertilizer your yard and garden need, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Fertilizers come in different strengths and blends, with the three numbers on the bags showing the percentage by weight of the three major nutrients.

(Distributed February 2004) Mardi Gras is a time with lots of colorful beads and other throws that children like. LSU AgCenter Family Development professor Dr. Diane Sasser offers some tips to help keep kids safe during Mardi Gras parades.

(Distributed for February 2004) Following its recent consumer alert about ephedra, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue a rule to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says consumers should stop buying and using ephedra products now.

(Distributed February 2004) February is Children’s Dental Health Month. LSU AgCenter nutrition expert and dentist Catrinel Stanciu says now’s the time to ask yourself about your children’s oral hygiene.

(Distributed February 2004) Want to lose weight and keep it off? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a combination of healthy eating and physical activity promotes successful long-term weight control.

(Distributed February 2004) March is National Nutrition Month sponsored by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and its Foundation. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the observance reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of health, along with physical activity.

(Distributed February 2004) Each year, heart disease and stroke kill more than 500,000 women. "That equates to about one death a minute," calculates LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed February 2004) February is American Heart Month. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says this year’s campaign is a call to action for women to take charge of their heart health.