(Distributed 05/17/13) HAMMOND, La. – Spring blooms on roses came late this year due to unusually cool conditions in March and April. But May flowering has been outstanding throughout Louisiana. In most home landscapes, roses perform their best at first flowering in spring and at fall bloom in October.

(Video 05/27/13) One of the most graceful plants of summer is the Lily of the Nile or agapanthus – with its striking blue or white flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to different-sized agapanthus plants and explains how to take care of them. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Audio News 05/17/13) Wholesale beef prices are at historically high levels. This may affect summer cookouts as consumers can expect to see higher prices at the grocery store. LSU AgCenter livestock economist Ross Pruitt said drought in the Midwest led to a shortage in hay and higher corn prices. This in turn is affecting beef prices. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 05/17/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – Building a pond requires more than just digging a hole and waiting for rain, LSU AgCenter experts said at a pond seminar recently (May 14). Planning and following basic guidelines can prevent problems.

(Video 05/20/13) Salvia is an incredible summer plant that offers a wide variety of colors and styles. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some beautiful salvia species and explains the best places to plant them. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video News 05/16/13) Just as cooks are getting ready for grilling season, beef prices are on the rise. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that several factors are causing the increase. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Audio 05/20/13) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. Most of the leafy greens we use are grown in winter. If you are looking for greens in summer, you can try Malabar and New Zealand spinach or amaranth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) If you grow plants in containers, you will need to clean these pots from time to time. Plastic pots are easy to clean, but terra cotta pots may need a little more help. Listen to learn how to properly clean your pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Late May is a good time to plant summer bulbs. Some to consider include calla lilies, canna, caladiums and gingers. Look for them in local nurseries and garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Black spot is the leading fungal disease on roses in Louisiana. Some of the roses we use are more tolerant to black spot. Hybrid teas and grandifloras can be put on a regular spray schedule to control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Spanish moss is associated with Louisiana - often seen hanging from the branches of live oaks or cypress trees. It does not hurt the trees it grows on. It makes its own food through photosynthesis. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are studying a bird species that lives only in coastal marshes to try to determine how it may be affected the by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

(Distributed 05/15/13) MAMOU, La. – The Evangeline Parish Rice Tour will be held May 23 starting at 8 a.m. The first stop will be at Hebert Farms off Bieber Road. Signs will be posted to indicate the location, approximately 4.7 miles west of La. Highway 13.

(Distributed 05/15/13) MANY, La. – Poultry producers are getting help to face the expected challenge of inspections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

(Distributed 05/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Children from all regions of Louisiana are learning about science, math and other subjects while watching their food grow in school gardens, according to LSU AgCenter county agent Miles Brashier, of Pointe Coupee Parish.

(Distributed 05/14/13) HAMMOND, La. – More than 200 Louisiana Master Gardeners braved downpours to be recognized for their volunteer efforts at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on May 10.

(Distributed 05/13/13) MANSURA, La. – A dozen new inductees into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame were recognized at a ceremony at the 4-H Museum here on May 11 for their work with 4-H clubs across the state.

(Distributed 05/13/13) The LSU AgCenter 4-H program will share in a $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation to help teach healthy living and eating choices.

(Distributed 05/10/13) HAMMOND, La. – Althea goes by the scientific name of Hibiscus syriacus. When they look at althea, most gardeners are reminded of the hibiscus family, to which this popular, Southern heritage plant belongs. These plants are also known as rose of Sharon.

(Distributed 05/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will host a Lead Certified Renovator Training course on Thursday, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(Distributed 05/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Small studies on alligator nutrition have been ongoing at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station, but with the addition of new facilities, those projects can be expanded, according to LSU AgCenter assistant vice chancellor Phil Elzer.

(Distributed 05/09/13) Barbe Elementary School in Lake Charles received a gold award of distinction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s HealthierUS Schools Challenge Tuesday (May 7) at the Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting. The award recognizes schools that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.

(Audio 05/13/13) It is too late to plant Irish potatoes, but gardeners can get ready to harvest them. When the plants turn yellow and start to die off, that is the time you will get mature potatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) The Bandana series lantana and the Little Ruby alternanthera are great summer bedding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Both also are Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2013. Consider planting them in May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Gardeners planted cool-season bedding plants back in the fall. These are flowers that like cold nights and cool days, so they will start fading soon. Pull them out when this happens and put in some warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Newly planted trees will need special care their first summer in the ground. Pay close attention to watering young trees during drier periods. Hear more to learn good techniques for watering trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Hydrangeas and gardenias put on their best show in May. You may see a few yellow leaves on them, but this isn't of concern. You can shape them up after they bloom, and be sure to give hydrangeas water during summer dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/07/13) Consumers looking to decrease their intake of sugar have several non-nutritive sweeteners to choose from. Non-nutritive sweeteners include saccharine, aspartame, stevia and sucralose. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video News 05/07/13) Cotton is no longer king among crops in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that acreage has fallen dramatically over the past ten years. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Distributed 05/07/13) SHREVEPORT, La. – Pecan growers meeting at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Research Station May 3 heard that proposed federal regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act could have a major effect on their operations.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Food, music and hayride tours will be featured at the annual Garden Fest at Burden on June 15 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Five 2013 state 4-H Commodity Ambassador contests named 15 winners on Tuesday, April 16, on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. In all, 80 4-H’ers from across the state competed in the chicken, egg, seafood, sugar and turkey ambassador contests.

(Distributed 05/07/13) MANGHAM, La. – Students and parents gathered at Mangham Elementary School on April 25 to participate in Family Nutrition Night, an innovative, hands-on experience as part of the school wellness program.

(Distributed 05/16/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant will hold a pond management seminar May 14, starting at 6:30 p.m.

(Audio 05/06/13) Louisiana will likely have the lowest number of cotton acres in recorded history this year. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist and entomologist David Kerns is expecting farmers to plant no more than 150,000 acres. A decade ago the state’s farmers were planting as much as 800,000 acres of cotton. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video 05/13/13) Flowers aren’t the only source of color in your landscape during the summer months. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill presents some great choices for colorful and attractive foliage that will stand up to the heat. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 05/03/13) HAMMOND, La. – If you like the flowering habit of shade-loving impatiens, you’ll be excited to know that a new type of impatiens is on the market that will thrive in our Louisiana summer heat and humidity – SunPatiens.

(Distributed 05/02/13) CROWLEY, La. – Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met for a two-day (April 30-May 1) whirlwind tour of Louisiana agriculture with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the LSU AgCenter to give the EPA an understanding of the state’s unique challenges.

(Distributed 05/02/13) NORCO, La. – On an unseasonably cold day in late April, a group of high school students from Washington, D.C., got into Lake Pontchartrain to help save the wetlands that border it.

(Audio 05/02/13) On an unseasonably cold day in late April, a group of high school students from Washington, D.C., got into Lake Pontchartrain to help save the wetlands that border it. The 10th-graders were on a service-learning field trip from Washington International School to learn about and help restore Louisiana’s wetlands. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video News 05/03/13) The value of agriculture to Louisiana’s economy set a record last year. High prices and excellent production combined to make it an outstanding year for the state’s agricultural industry. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 2:06)

(Video News 05/02/13) Students from Washington, D.C., traveled to New Orleans to help repair a damaged wetland. The project was part LSU AgCenter’s Youth Wetlands Week. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Video 05/06/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. The Aphrodite althea is a Super Plant that provides incredibly large and beautiful flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains proper care for this beautiful shrub. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 05/06/13) The warmer the weather gets, the less effective lawn herbicides become. If you need to treat your lawn for weeds, do it soon to get the best control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Several diseases can infect tomato plants, and buckeye rot is one of the worst. This disease causes lesions on the tomato itself. Discard any fruit that has evidence of buckeye rot and spray your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) The Aphrodite althea is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for spring 2013. This plant can be used as a large shrub or small tree. It is related to hibiscus and has wonderful large flowers that bloom throughout summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Houseplants that have spent the winter indoors could use some time outside. Make the move gradual by first putting them in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Cooking with home-grown herbs is a great way to add flavor to your food. If you have cool-season herbs growing in your yard, harvest them before they give way to the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 04/30/13) Louisiana’s agriculture economy reached a record of $11.4 billion in 2012. LSU AgCenter economist John Westra said this was almost a seven percent increase over last year’s total of $10.7 billion. (Runtime: 2:00)

(For Release On Or After 05/31/13) You’ve got to think that a vegetable with a name like yardlong bean would be incredibly productive – and you would be right. This vegetable originated in southern Asia and is now grown extensively in Asia and Europe.

(For Release On Or After 05/24/13) Nearly any plant may be grown outdoors in a container as long as you provide the requirements that the plant needs. Even commonplace plants take on a distinctive quality in containers.

(For Release On Or After 05/17/13) As the weather warms up, insect problems increase. Many gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens or landscapes. But just because you see an insect is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 05/10/13) Louisiana gardeners crave color in the landscape. When thinking about landscape color, we often tend to focus mostly on annual bedding plants. These plants are bred and selected to produce outstanding displays of color.

(For Release On Or After 05/03/13) Lots of new planting gets done every spring. Proper watering can make the difference between life and death to newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs and ground covers as well as bedding and vegetable transplants.

(Distributed 04/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The agricultural economy in Louisiana grew to a record high value of $11.4 billion in 2012, an increase of 6.5 percent over the 2011 amount of $10.7 billion, according to the latest figures released by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new pavilion on April 25.

(Distributed 04/29/13) CROWLEY, La. – Southwest Louisiana farmers are frustrated this year with a larger-than-usual number of birds eating rice seed, causing many farmers to replant.

(Distributed 04/26/13) HAMMOND, La. – One of the nicest small, flowering trees for Louisiana landscapes is the chaste tree or vitex (Vitex agnus-castus). Midspring through early summer is the main time for flowering on this increasingly popular plant.

(Audio 04/29/13) It is not too late to add roses to your landscape. Plant roses into well-prepared beds enriched with organic matter. Remember, roses enjoy full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Caladiums allow gardeners to work in the shade during summer. These plants grow from tubers and can be planted in May and June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Gardeners can begin planting more heat-tolerant vegetables in May. The temperatures will be hot as the vegetables develop. Listen to learn what vegetables can be planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. You may see bell peppers in red, yellow and orange. These are simply green bell peppers that have stayed on the plant long enough to fully ripen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/29/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of evergreen shrubs and trees in their landscapes. Even though evergreen plants never drop all their leaves at once, it is important to know that leaves do get old, will turn yellow and drop off the plant. Generally this is nothing to worry about. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Matt Fannin, an associate professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, has been appointed as associate director for analytic and academic programs in the Rural Policy Research Institute.

(Distributed 04/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The day after the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig – April 21, 2010 – Linda Hooper-Bui, an LSU AgCenter entomologist, had a graduate student sampling insect populations in the marshes of southeast Louisiana.

(Distributed 04/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana cotton producers have the opportunity to provide direction for prioritizing cotton research in Louisiana by participating in a survey being conducted by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Many area students who know little about where their food comes from received a lesson complete with live farm animals when they attended Farm Day at the LSU AgCenter dairy on April 18-19.

(Distributed 04/22/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are presenting a workshop on complying with regulations on genetically engineered organisms on April 30 in Baton Rouge.

(Video 04/29/13) A strikingly beautiful summer plant is the verbena. It’s been around for a while, and as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, breeders have developed many colorful variations of this outstanding plant. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 04/19/13) WINNSBORO, La. – The 2013 wheat harvest in Louisiana is only a few weeks from beginning, and experts aren’t sure how the crop will turn out.

(Video News 04/19/13) Bombs that exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon sent scores of people to the hospital, with more than a dozen critically injured. An LSU AgCenter scientist is working on a type of gene therapy that improves healing of catastrophic injuries. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:57)

(Distributed 04/19/13) HAMMOND, La. – Lantanas continue to be one of the most popular herbaceous perennials for Louisiana landscapes. Many varieties, some old and some new, offer a multitude of growth forms and flower colors.

(Video 04/22/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. The Bandana lantana, also called Bandana Rose, is a beautiful, low-maintenance lantana with an improvement over its relatives. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Bandana’s compact size – only 20 inches tall and 2 feet wide – make it even more manageable than other lantanas. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video News 04/18/14) Farmers attempting to plant soybeans keep hitting delays. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports now is the perfect time to plant soybeans in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:21)

(Distributed 04/18/13) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Growing grass efficiently was the focus of the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station Beef and Forage Field Day held April 16.

(Audio 04/18/13) Louisiana farmers are trying to get their soybeans planted. Prices are good, and LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy expects farmers to plant around 1.2 million acres of soybeans – that is if they can get them in the ground. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 04/22/13) When planting herbs in April, gardeners should focus on heat-tolerant herbs. Basil is one to consider planting. Harvest herbs you planted in fall because they will start to languish as the weather warms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Mulching offers many benefits to flower beds and vegetable gardens. A good layer of mulch suppresses weeds, helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Plants growing in containers have special needs. They have to be in potting soil. They also need frequent watering and fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Many of the plants we grow in containers are tropicals. If you brought plants inside for the winter, now is the time to move them back outdoors. Make the transition slowly to help the plants adjust to greater light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/22/13) Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They bloom beautifully throughout the summer. The leading insect pest of crape myrtles is the crape myrtle aphid. They are sucking insects that create honeydew on the trees, creating a sooty mold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 04/17/13) Bombs that exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon sent scores of people to the hospital, with more than a dozen critically injured. An LSU AgCenter scientist, Daniel Hayes, is working on several projects aimed at improving healing of catastrophic injuries. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 04/12/13) HAMMOND, La. – As the peak of the spring bedding plant season arrives, we may need a few warm-season flowers in our shade areas around the landscape.

(Distributed 04/11/13) CAMERON, La. – LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant representatives met with a handful of shrimpers April 9 to tell them about ways to make more money.

(Video News 04/11/13) An LSU AgCenter program has youngsters on a mission to live healthier. And along the way, they are learning about new technology. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited students on the Body Quest. (Runtime: 2:10)

(Distributed 04/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will hold the groundbreaking ceremony for its new pavilion at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25.

(Audio 04/15/13) Summer bedding plants are ready to go into the garden. Nurseries are full of great selections. Consider planting spring Super Plants to brighten your landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) Lawn care kicks into high gear as the weather warms. If you didn't have your blades sharpened before putting the mower away for the winter, consider having them sharpened now. This will keep the turf healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana agricultural producers are highly dependent on the world market to sell their commodities, and a new export facility at the Port of Baton Rouge could increase the amount of ag products shipped abroad.

(Audio 04/15/13) April is a good time to plant caladiums. These plants are wonderful in shady locations. There are some varieties that will work in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/10/13) CHALMETTE, La. – Darion Dewhirst had never tasted a tomato before Beth Gambel brought her mobile iPad lab and bags of fresh vegetables to his school. Now the third grader looks forward to trying new vegetables.

(Audio 04/15/13) There are four main lawn grasses used in Louisiana. These grasses love the heat and grow well during summer. If you are thinking of planting a new lawn, do it is as the weather warms up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/15/13) Lantanas provide reliable color in Louisiana landscapes. They typically grow rather large, but a new series called Bandana lantana produce mounding plants covered in flowers. They are drought-tolerant and attractive to butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/09/13) CROWLEY, La. – Rice planting in the southern part of Louisiana is wrapping up, and north Louisiana farmers are getting ready to plant.

(Distributed 04/09/13) FRANKLINTON, La. – Scientists from the LSU AgCenter and Mississippi State University shared findings from research on forage and feed at a Southeast Research Station field day here on April 5.

(Distributed 04/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – This prom season high school girls will spend weeks struggling to find the perfect dress – will it be gold metallic, ravishing red, bright white or the hottest color? The dress is just the beginning.

(Audio 04/09/13) Technology can keep youngsters from being active, but the LSU AgCenter has employed iPads to encourage third-graders to move more and eat better. Body Quest: Food the Warrior uses animated characters to challenge elementary youth to develop healthful behaviors. LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel is conducting the program at Chalmette Elementary School. (Runtime: 2:05)

(Distributed 04/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana 4-H Foundation has announced that it has met its financial goals to begin construction on the first phase of its multipurpose building at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La.

(Distributed 04/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter researcher recently received a $100,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources pending final approval from the state contracting office to provide a series of water project evaluations and management plans regarding the Atchafalaya Floodway System.

(Audio 04/08/13) New Orleans is famous for its food. Fried seafood, rich gumbos and spicy etouffees are some of the city’s staples. But healthier fare is making its mark on the city’s landscape in the form of urban farms. Arugula, beets, basil and parsley are popping up in small plots and even on rooftops – like one above a Rouse’s grocery store just blocks from the French Quarter. (Runtime: 2:10)

(Video News 04/08/13) With mild weather in early March, farmers were able to get a lot of rice planted. But farmers weren’t expecting the dip in temperatures late in the month. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime:1:21)

(Distributed 04/05/13) HAMMOND, La. – Joseph’s coat, which includes several species of Alternanthera, is one of those old garden plants that is becoming new again. These are foliage plants for the landscape.

(Distributed 04/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – April is the ideal time to resume the annual war against red imported fire ants in Louisiana, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Tax credits can reduce the amount of tax you must pay. A refundable tax credit not only reduces the federal tax you owe, but may also result in a refund.

(Distributed 04/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Connecting Cooperative Extension Service personnel in each state when information is needed after a disaster is the goal of LSU AgCenter disaster specialist Pat Skinner.

(Distributed 04/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Junior League of Baton Rouge will offer the last of the Story Time at Burden series on April 13 at the Steele Burden Orangerie.

(Audio 04/08/13) Little Ruby alternanthera is a low-growing plant grown for its beautiful foliage. Its deep burgundy, purplish foliage stays lovely all summer long. It also is a spring 2013 Super Plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) In Louisiana, we can begin fertilizing lawns in the last week of March, and this can continue into May. It is a great idea to fertilize lawns that are low in vigor and need a deeper color. Gardeners can use a weed-and-feed to also control weeds in the yard while fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of spring-flowering bulbs. Some of the bulbs will come back and re-bloom year after year, while others don't re-bloom well. Learn how to care for ones that do bloom again and again. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) The warm weather of spring brings out more pests in our landscapes. Insecticides may be necessary to control insects on vegetable plants. Make sure you know what kind of insects you have so can best control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/08/13) With warmer weather in April, gardeners can plant tomatoes in any area of the state. When selecting tomato transplants, decide what type of tomatoes you want. You can choose from many different varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Before the LSU AgCenter’s Operation Military Kids program began, Louisiana children who were not connected to a military base felt detached and alone, but this is changing, according to Christina Lawson, the program’s coordinator.

(Video 04/15/13) Hanging baskets offer a unique aesthetic perspective to patios and porches. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on maintaining the health and beauty of plants you choose for your hanging containers. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video 04/08/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. Little Ruby alternanthera is a colorful, tough new Super Plant selection. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the low-maintenance Little Ruby is an excellent choice to grow in containers or in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:32)

(For Release On Or After 04/26/13) As May approaches, we transition from the warm days and cool nights of spring and early summer to the hot days and warm nights that will be with us until September. With the increasing heat, you should be noticing the inevitable decline of your cool-season bedding plants.

(For Release On Or After 04/19/13) Lantana (Lantana camara) is one of the first flowers I became aware of as a young child in Chalmette. After all, who could resist a plant so perfectly named with the common name “ham and eggs”?

(For Release On Or After 04/12/13) The foliage of ornamental plants generally plays a supporting role to their colorful flowers. Leaves, in all their many different shades of green, typically provide a backdrop for the flowers that delight the eye and dominate our attention.

(For Release On Or After 04/05/13) Blue, particularly true blue, is a color relatively rare among garden flowers. Blame the pollinators. Remember, flowers are not produced by plants for our enjoyment.

(Distributed 04/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The next lead-certified renovator training class will be held at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 16.

(Audio News 04/01/13) It’s been a cold start for rice. About half of the state’s crop has been planted, but freezes and frost in late March slowed planting and seed germination. Also the weather has been dry since planting began. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/28/13) NEW ORLEANS, La. – More than 200 economists, sociologists and government policymakers brought ideas and lively discussion about ecosystem services and valuation to the “Big Easy” during the 4th National Forum on Socioeconomic Research in Coastal Systems on March 24-26.

(Distributed 03/28/13) HAMMOND, La. – In Louisiana, we are ideally located to grow many plants that are adapted to more tropical and semi-tropical climates. This is especially true south of Interstate 10 and Interstate 12.

(Audio 04/01/13) The weather turns warm in April. This month is a transition time in the garden. Cool-season bedding plants are blooming beautifully now, but gardeners interested in putting in new plants should look for warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) Sapsuckers are birds related to woodpeckers. They have strong beaks they use to peck holes into the trunks of trees. They are after sap in the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) Easter was early this year, but you may still have Easter lilies. You can plant these in a flower bed where they will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) Many spring-flowering shrubs have been blooming during the past month and will continue to bloom into April and early May. The best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you could disrupt next year's blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/01/13) We can count on warmer weather during the month of April. Gardeners can start planting transplants of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Hear more to learn about other vegetables ready for planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 03/26/13) The LSU AgCenter is one of several organizations supporting small farms established in urban settings. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited urban farms in New Orleans that are bringing locally-grown, fresh food to city dwellers. (Runtime: 2:27)

(Distributed 03/26/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H youth development program has received a $1.5 million, three-year grant to continue a wetlands-based curriculum aimed at students and teachers in grades fourth through 12th. This is the third time the AgCenter has received a grant for this program, which has been in operation since 2007.

(Audio 03/25/13) Lots of eggs will get boiled, dyed, hid and hunted this Easter. Denise Holston-West says we must remember that hard cooked eggs are perishable, and eggs should not be allowed to sit out all day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/25/13) Store shelves and children’s baskets overflow with candy at Easter time. Parents may be mindful of not going overboard with candy, but inevitably children will get candy. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West said some of the sweet treats could be replaced with toys.

(Distributed 03/25/13) DELCAMBRE, La. – Experts from the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant met with area shrimpers to help them become more efficient, learn new technology and comply with federal fishing regulations. “We are talking about efficiency and quality,” said Thomas Hymel, extension agent.

(Video 04/01/13) Did you know cantaloupes and watermelons belong to the cucumber family? Right now is a great time to plant all of these. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what you need to know about selecting vegetables from the cucumber family.

(Video 03/25/13) At this time you can plant many different types of vegetables. Tomatoes are among the favorites. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to look for when selecting tomato transplants from the nursery. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 03/22/13) NEW ORLEANS, La. – New Orleans is famous for its food. Fried seafood, rich gumbos and spicy etouffees are some of the city’s staples. But healthier fare is making its mark on the city’s landscape in the form of urban farms.

(Distributed 03/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – Gardeners have long desired flowers that are low-maintenance in their landscape. But they also want these flowers to last spring through fall.

(Distributed 03/12/13) LSU AgCenter will conduct a wheat and oat field day on April 17 at the Macon Ridge Research Station south of Winnsboro, La.

(Distributed 03/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Dan Hayes, an assistant professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has been awarded a $400,000 Career Award grant from the National Science Foundation.

(Audio 03/20/13) Corn planting has started across the state. Frequent rains in recent months have farmers behind schedule, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers will plant as much as they can while the corn-planting window is open. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 03/20/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Farmers sowed the first seeds of spring with corn going into the ground early in March. Wet weather delayed the start of planting, according to LSU AgCenter corn specialist, Ronnie Levy, but once drier conditions moved in, farmers planted a lot of corn in a short time.

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners often wait until roses are in bloom to head out to nurseries to purchase plants. Planting is stressful for a plant, so it's best done before it starts blooming. Late March is a good time to plant roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Thrips are tiny insects that invade the flower buds of roses. As the bud opens, the flower may appear burned on the edges. Some buds may never fully open. Systemic insecticides can help control thrips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Louisiana gardeners use many types of tropical plants in their landscapes. They may have been damaged by freezes this winter, so you can trim them back. Wait until April or May to plant new ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners use the term deadhead when talking about removing faded flowers from their plants. This keeps the plants looking attractive, and also prevents the plant from setting seed - which encourages more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/24/13) The buck moth caterpillar, found primarily on live oaks, has black stinging spines. Usually by late March, you can see caterpillar masses up in trees. A tree service can spray the trees before the caterpillars descend. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/18/13) CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter research funded by Louisiana rice farmers’ checkoff funds led to federal approval of a bird repellent, AV-1011, that prevents birds from eating rice seed once it is planted.

(Distributed 03/18/13) CLINTON, La. – How best to deal with feral hogs and an overview of the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) problem in white-tailed deer were featured at the LSU AgCenter Wildlife Field Day at the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station on March 16.

(Distributed 03/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Sometimes calories aren’t the same. They’re a measure of energy in foods, but calories in some foods are more easily transferred into the body than calories in other foods, said Richard Mattes, professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University.

(Distributed 03/15/13) The LSU AgCenter brings the “magic” of agriculture to the Parker Coliseum April 22-28 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/15/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The director of the Louisiana Forestry Association told foresters at a March 12 conference that several industries are planning to locate in Louisiana that would use wood to make biofuels and fertilizers.

(Distributed 03/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – March is the time when home gardeners get seriously engaged in planting and enjoying the spring season. Many gardeners continue to use roses in landscapes across Louisiana. In addition to the popular Knock Out varieties, people frequently plant All-America Rose Selection (AARS) winners.

(Audio News 03/14/13) Farmers are sowing the first seeds of spring. Corn is going into the ground, but wet weather has delayed planting, according to LSU AgCenter corn specialist Ronnie Levy.

(Audio 03/18/14) Prospective homebuyers often have their home inspected before purchasing it. It's a good idea to have the trees on the property inspected as well. Consider having a licensed arborist check the trees for potential problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/14) Fruit trees must be sprayed preventively for insects and diseases. If you wait until they are already infested, it's too late to spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Gardeners may get overwhelmed by the many options of fertilizers available. Remember you don't need a different fertilizer for each plant. Consider getting a general-purpose fertilizer to feed most plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is the most susceptible, but the fungus also attacks centipede grass. It gets started when the weather is cool and moist. Hear more to learn about the symptoms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Louisiana lawns start to wake up in March. Often home gardeners want to fertilize their lawns early. The grass is best left alone and not stimulated while it is greening up. Wait until April to fertilize with any general-purpose lawn fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 03/12/13) Weeds that grow wild on the edges of fields are not an issue from a weed management standpoint. But in those weeds lurk insects, and if farmers don’t control those weeds, the insects will make their way onto their crops. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 03/12/13) JEANERETTE, La. – More than 125 people from 19 parishes attended the Acadiana Cattle Producers Field Day March 9 at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station with presentations on cattle and forage research.

(Audio News 03/11/13) During March’s National Nutrition Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionists emphasize the importance of serving children a nutrient-dense diet. Quincy Cheek, a family and consumer science agent with the LSU AgCenter, says children can consume plenty of empty calories often in the form of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Distributed 03/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter researcher has received two grants totaling $400,000 to study water and soil contamination in southwest Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/11/13) “Are your neighbors healthy?” Karen Overstreet asks. Creating a healthful neighborhood may be the secret to your own healthy lifestyle, according to the program leader for food and consumer sciences in the LSU AgCenter.

(Video 03/18/13) Animals often eat plants, but rarely does the opposite happen. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores some interesting carnivorous plants that flip the food web around by actually eating insects and bugs. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 03/11/13) If you’re looking for transitional plants that can survive remaining freezes but also stand tough during hot weather, calibrachoa would be a good choice. They’re not petunias, but these hardy perennials look a lot like petunias. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why calibrachoa is a good choice to plant in your garden now. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Distributed 03/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – New varieties from the Encore azalea group are coming this spring. Many of the Encore azaleas now have improved cold hardiness (normally not a problem in Louisiana), sun tolerance and lacebug resistance. Encore azaleas bloom three seasons – spring, summer and fall.

(Audio News 03/07/13) Louisiana’s wet winter has caused problems for farmers preparing to plant. Ridding fields of weeds is usually a task farmers do a month or so before planting, but wet weather has hampered those efforts, according to LSU AgCenter weed scientist Jim Griffin. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 03/07/13) WELSH, La. – Making an internet connection in rural areas requires some research, but viable options are available. That was the message at the Connect My Louisiana Southwest Summit held recently (March 5) organized by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. –Two professors in the LSU AgCenter Department of Entomology were recognized at the 87th annual meeting of the Southeastern Branch Entomological Society of America in Baton Rouge on March 5.

(Video News 03/07/13) To control insects, farmers also need to control weeds. Spring plantings are starting, and it’s best to begin with a field that has few insects around it. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story.

(Video News 03/07/13) Louisiana farmers are preparing to plant their spring crops, but heavy rains throughout the winter have delayed weed removal and could postpone planting. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Audio 03/11/13) Perennials live from year to year in our landscapes. Their clumps will grow larger and larger and may eventually need to be divided. Get this done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has developed a mobile Web application, also known as an app, that will allow soybean farmers to easily identify weed, insect and disease problems in their fields by just grabbing their smartphones.

(Audio 03/11/13) March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. You don't have to fertilize them if they don't appear to need it. Newly planted shrubs or ones with low vigor can benefit from an application of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/13) CLINTON, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering a prescribed burning workshop with burner certification for timber landowners on April 3-5 at the Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station. The workshop will begin 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day.

(Audio 03/11/13) Vegetable transplants purchased from nurseries have been pampered in greenhouses. Outdoor conditions can be stressful for them. They need to be hardened off before planting them into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) Louisiana home gardeners plant lots of vegetables in March and April. Pollination is an issue for some vegetables. Some are self-pollinating. Others have to be pollinated by bees or insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) You may notice flower beds filled with beautiful cool-season bedding plants. These plants peak around late March and April. The best beds were planted in the fall. So if you want these flowers, plant them as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s winter has been warmer and wetter than normal. This has been hard on the state’s wheat crop, which is midway through its growing season.

(Distributed 03/05/13) HOUMA, La. – Area shrimpers learned about new equipment being required on their boats and the best ways to comply and become more efficient at the Louisiana Seafood Summit Feb. 27-March 1 organized by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.

(Audio News 03/05/13) Louisiana’s winter has been warmer and wetter than normal. This has been hard on the state’s wheat crop, which is midway through its growing season. Wheat doesn’t like wet conditions, but LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Ed Twidwell says wheat that was planted properly seems to surviving the rain. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 03/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nationally known New Orleans restaurateur John Besh will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Louisiana Food Processors Conference on March 13-14 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale earlier this year, according to Master Gardener Donna Montgomery.

(Distributed 03/01/13) CROWLEY, La. – A warm winter apparently has allowed blast disease to survive on rice plants that lived through this winter’s warmer-than-usual temperatures. Many farmers reported blast outbreaks in their fields last year that affected yield and grain quality.

(Distributed 03/01/13) Nutritionists are encouraging people to eat right, your way, every day as a part of March’s National Nutrition Month.

(Distributed 03/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – The 2013 gardening season sees five new bedding plants named All-America Selection winners. These include Profusion Double Deep Salmon zinnia, Profusion Double Hot Cherry zinnia, Pinto Premium White to Rose geranium, Cheyenne Spirit echinacea (purple coneflower) and South Pacific Scarlet canna.

(Distributed 03/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Harper Armstrong, of Bastrop, a farmer for the past 47 years in Morehouse Parish, has been selected as the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 03/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A variety of LSU AgCenter and Mississippi State University scientists and specialists will present ways to improve livestock nutrition programs at a forage and feed field day at the AgCenter Southeast Research Station in Franklinton on April 5.

(Audio News 03/01/13) LSU AgCenter nutritionists are encouraging people to eat right, your way, every day as a part of March’s National Nutrition Month. Quincy Cheek, an LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent, says eating right doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 02/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s mild winter, lacking those temperatures that hover in the upper teens and lower twenties, could well be the reason for the earlier appearance of Asian soybean rust in south Louisiana.

(Distributed 02/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – As the garden show season begins across south Louisiana, questions about insect and disease damage on plants will continue to increase.

(Video 03/04/13) Now is a great time to plant vegetables like broccoli and cabbage in your garden. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a crucial, but sometimes overlooked part of vegetable production — harvesting at the right time. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Distributed 02/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Soybean and Feed Grains Research and Promotion Board has awarded $1.8 million to the LSU AgCenter for research and extension projects in 2013.

(Distributed 02/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Gray mold, a fungal disease common to tomatoes grown in greenhouses, has been showing up in operations from East Feliciana to Terrebonne parishes in recent months.

(Distributed 02/26/13) BOSSIER CITY, La. – The Northwest Beef and Forage Field Day will be held April 16 at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station.

(For Release On Or After 03/29/13) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain about gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations.

(For Release On Or After 03/22/13) Louisiana gardeners begin to plant spring and early summer vegetables this month. Watch the last freeze date in your area and be prepared to cover or protect tender plants in case of an unusually late freeze.

(For Release On Or After 03/15/13) Visions of delicious homegrown vegetables can become a reality with some planning and a willingness to put in the time and work that planting and caring for a garden require.

(For Release On Or After 03/01/13) When it comes to gardening, knowing the sunlight conditions in different areas of your landscape is critical to success. If you should plant a shrub you just bought in partial shade, do you know where partial shade exists in your landscape?

(For Release On Or After 03/08/13) If you have a thick layer of gunk on the bottom of a small decorative pond or aquatic garden, it’s a good idea to clean it out early this month. Generally, you should clean out smaller aquatic gardens about once a year and larger ones every few years.

(Audio 03/05/13) Perennials are colorful plants grown for their colorful flowers or foliage. They can brighten our landscapes and live for many years. Gardeners can find established perennials grown in large containers at nursery centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Cool-season weeds are actively growing in lawns and flower beds this time of the year. As the weather warms, these weeds can explode in growth. Make sure they don't flower and set seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Spring-flowering bulbs can add a lot to gardens. Many of these bulbs do not bloom again well or at all. These bulbs should be pulled out of the garden and composted. For the ones that do, such as daffodils and narcissus, leave them in place. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Gardeners can use pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before they show up. Early March is the ideal time to use these herbicides to prevent weeds from popping up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. We can begin planting warm-season vegetables in many areas of the state. Gardeners do need to watch out for late freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/25/13) The 14th annual Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will be held March 22-23 at Burton Coliseum.

(Distributed 02/25/13) A weekend full of food, flowers and fun is scheduled for Baton Rouge on March 9-10 when the LSU AgCenter presents the 11th annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show, the 7th annual Louisiana State and Regional Chili Cook-off and the 4th annual Baton Rouge Spring Car Show.

(Distributed 02/25/13) The LSU AgCenter and the St. Tammany Master Gardeners will hold their annual Northshore Garden Show and Plant Sale March 15-16 at the St. Tammany Fairgrounds in Covington.

(Distributed 02/25/13) CROWLEY, La. – The faculty at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station conducted a day-long rice farming clinic Thursday, Feb. 21, for employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ducks Unlimited to learn the basics of growing rice.

(Distributed 02/25/13) The Hammond Spring Garden Day is set for March 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 02/22/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Direct Seafood Academy will be held in February, March and April across coastal Louisiana with a series of programs focusing on marketing techniques, improving product quality, safety and getting new business. Sponsors are Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – Home gardeners need to increase their knowledge and awareness of management practices recommended for roses in our landscapes.

(Distributed 02/21/13) WEST MONROE, La – The LSU AgCenter will host a Connect My Louisiana Summit on March 6 to explain options for access to high-speed Internet connections in rural areas.

(Video News 02/21/13) Cows, chickens and pigs are popular show animals among youngsters participating in livestock shows. But a growing number of 4-H and FFA members are showing pygmy goats. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited with one teenager who is raising and breeding these little animals. (Runtime: 1:19)

(Video News 02/21/13) When the Mardi Gras parades stop rolling, and Louisiana settles into Lent, thoughts turn to crawfish. Rain in 2012 is helping this year’s harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 02/21/13) The 24th Annual Florida Parishes Forestry Forum will be held in the University Center at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond on March 15.

(Distributed 02/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Insect researchers from across the Southeast will gather in Baton Rouge early next month to discuss the pests that can kill crops, harm livestock and make life uncomfortable for people. The Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America will hold its annual meeting March 3-6.

(Distributed 02/20/13) WELSH, La. – A meeting to explain options for high-speed access to the Internet in rural areas will be held at the Welsh Community Center on March 5. The meeting, starting at 9:30 a.m., will provide consumers, business owners and government officials information on broadband connectivity in rural Louisiana, according to Deborah Cross-Young, LSU AgCenter extension agent.

(Video 03/04/13) Now is a great time to plant vegetables like broccoli and cabbage in your garden. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a crucial , but sometimes overlooked, part of vegetable production — harvesting at the right time. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Video 02/25/13) Now’s a great time to plant peach trees in Louisiana. Established ones need proper care, like pruning, to produce lots of mouth-watering fruit. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out some crucial tips for maintaining both young and mature peach trees. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners use a variety of terms to describe the different amounts of light plants need to grow and be healthy. Hear more to learn the differences of full sun, part sun, part shade and full shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Perennials are wonderful plants that live for many years in our gardens. Many of these plants are dormant this time of the year, making it a great time to divide them. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners may not think about planting warm-season vegetables in the month of February. They can, however, plant sweet corn as early as the last week of February. Planting early helps minimize problems with pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/20/13) FRANKLIN, La. – A 4-H project aimed at helping St. Mary Parish residents avoid troublesome encounters with black bears is being honored with an award from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Adriana Drusini and Jennifer Ducote, both 4-H agents, and Catherine Siracusa, black bear conflict officer, will receive the Governor’s Conservation Award in Baton Rouge on Feb. 23.

(Audio 02/25/13) Fertilizers provide nutrients to plants to help them grow. Gardeners may have fertilizers left over from previous seasons. That is still good to use. Fertilizers will stay potent indefinitely. Just be sure to store it properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/13) Ground covers are a popular part of Louisiana landscapes. We want evergreen ground covers, but sometimes they can have old foliage that needs to be trimmed back. This encourages the plant to grow new foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 02/20/13) Signs of spring are sprouting across the state, and with fairer weather comes crawfish. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Greg Lutz says some crawfish-producing areas are having a normal to better-than-normal harvest, while other areas are seeing fewer crawfish. But overall, he expects a decent crop. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 02/19/13) MARKSVILLE, La. – Louisiana agricultural consultants met at their annual convention to hear expert advice from LSU AgCenter researchers on cotton, corn, soybeans and rice in preparation for the upcoming crop season.

(Distributed 02/19/13) NEW ORLEANS – The 34th Annual New Orleans Spring Garden Show will be held at the City Park Botanical Garden on April 6-7 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 02/19/13)GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 78th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show held Feb. 9-16 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/19/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton will hold a wildlife field day on Sat., March 16.

(Video 02/11/13) It’s not too early to plant Louisiana iris in your landscape. They grow well across the state and add an elegant touch to any yard. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides tips for care of your Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Distributed 02/18/13) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 16) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 78th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

(Distributed 02/18/13) GONZALES, La. – The LSU AgCenter honored several Louisiana 4-H and FFA members and one adult leader Saturday, Feb. 16, for their work with youth livestock projects.

(Distributed 02/15/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Southeast Region Extension office is conducting a pond management workshop on March 22 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers in Mandeville.

(Audio News 02/15/13) Miley, Zoe, Bailey and Chloe sound like they could be Emma King’s classmates. But these are the names the Iberville Parish teen has given to a few of her prize-winning pygmy goats. King started raising and showing pygmy goats simply because they were cute. But she has helped that category grow at the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show and has grown closer to her dad, Jason, in the process. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 02/15/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Seventy people filled the meeting room to capacity the day before Mardi Gras (Feb. 11) to find out about the new LSU AgCenter Food Incubator and how it can help them start or expand their food businesses.

(Distributed 02/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – Azaleas are Louisiana’s most popular shrub among home gardeners. Fall is the best time to plant azaleas, followed, in turn, by winter, spring and summer. The vast majority of azaleas are, however, planted in spring. This is, of course, when garden centers have the best selection and is the time of the year when gardeners see azaleas in bloom.

(Distributed 02/14/13) HAMMOND, La. – Landscapes around the state are in various stages of their spring awakening, but it is still February.

(Distributed 02/11/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host the Central Louisiana Forestry Forum on March 12 at the evacuation center near the LSU at Alexandria campus.

(Distributed 02/11/13) JEANERETTE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station will hold its Acadiana Beef Cattle Producers Field Day on March 9.

(Distributed 02/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has scheduled 12 field days at off-campus research stations during 2013, according to John Russin, vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.

(Distributed 02/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden is holding a series of vegetable workshops on a variety of gardening topics beginning in February.

(Distributed 02/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Value-added processing will be featured at the 2013 Louisiana Food Processors Conference on March 13-14 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – Flowering trees add considerable color and beauty to our landscapes during late winter and early spring. Many of the trees that flower this time of year can be considered low-maintenance compared to the amount of joy we get from them.

(Distributed 02/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering a three-day mold control and remediation training course March 26-28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the LaHouse Resource Center on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 02/07/13) BRAITHWAITE, La. – An ecotourism workshop aimed at exploring potential business opportunities along the Gulf Coast will be held in Plaquemines Parish on March 12.

(Video News 02/05/13) Louisiana’s biofuels industry is growing, and the LSU AgCenter is fueling that growth. A new pilot plant will process crops that can be turned into bioproducts. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:51)

(Video News 02/07/13) Before the azaleas bloom or the crawfish start boiling, you can get your first taste of spring with Louisiana strawberries. Growers started picking berries a few months ago, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that a mild winter could improve the crop. (1:36)

(Distributed 02/07/13) With more warm, sunny days across south Louisiana, gardeners will soon begin looking for outdoor chores to complete.

(Audio 02/18/13) Spring bulbs are up and growing. Some, like paperwhites, are already blooming. The foliage of spring bulbs is hardy, but if we get a freeze, the flowers can be damaged. Consider cutting them to bring indoors if a freeze is likely (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) Transplanting a tree or shrub may be desirable or necessary sometimes. Gardeners thinking about moving the plant should do it now while the plants are dormant. Doing it correctly will help the plant succeed in its new location. (Runtime: 60 seconds

(Audio 02/18/13) Gladioluses are beautiful in the flower garden. The flowers don't last long, so you can get a longer blooming season if you do several plantings in two-week intervals. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) A lot of gardeners like to prepare their beds before it is time to plant flowers or vegetables. Our weather can be rainy in late winter, and this makes it hard to work the soil. Make sure your soil isn't too wet when you prepare beds, or you could damage the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/13) Late winter is a great time to plant trees and shrubs into your landscape. It is easy to plant a tree, but you have to do it properly. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 02/05/13) Under ominous skies, workers pulled row covers over Kevin Liuzza’s strawberry fields. Rain is typical in January, but his fields were battered by 18 inches in the early part of the month leading to a lot of lost berries. Row covers are used to protect the crop from cold weather but can also shield against showers. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 02/05/13) BOSSIER CITY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a free seminar on growing tomatoes in greenhouses on March 1 from 1-5 p.m. at the Red River Research Station.

(Distributed 02/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy will hold its fourth national forum on Mar. 24-26 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans. The conference is titled, "Challenges of Natural Resource Economics and Policy (CNREP 2013): the 4th National Forum on Socioeconomic Research in Coastal Systems.”

(Distributed 02/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La – Two Baton Rouge middle school students are having papers published in a peer-reviewed journal as a result of their school science projects.

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can alter the color of their hydrangeas by applying additives to the soil this month. Lime can turn blue hydrangeas pink, and aluminum sulfate can change pink hydrangeas into blue ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can fertilize shade trees in February. Large mature trees don't require fertilization, but trees in the first five to 10 years can use that boost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners interested in planting bare-root roses need to do so soon. Bare-root roses are more vulnerable than container roses, which can be planted throughout the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Most of us wouldn’t start something new without first gathering information and the necessary tools. Taking up a new hobby this year? Then you’re probably signing up for lessons or reading as much as you can about your new interest.

(Audio 02/11/13) Shady areas can get a boost with cool-season color. Plants such as cyclamen, forget-me-nots and foxgloves can thrive in the shade. For areas with part shade, consider pansies and violas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/13) February is a good month to prune fruit trees. How you prune the trees can affect the harvest. Do some research before you prune to make sure you get the best production from your tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Rice prices are likely to improve with the expectation that China will buy American rice and the Brazilian crop will be off this year, a rice marketing consultant said Thursday (Jan. 31) at the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference.

(Distributed 02/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – A couple years ago saw the debut of a new, heat-tolerant group of rhododendron varieties from the Southern Living Plant Collection. These were developed to perform well in the Deep South while performing equally well in traditional rhododendron areas.

(Distributed 02/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Jeff Bush, formerly with Tulane University in New Orleans, has been named the executive director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation. He will oversee the fundraising for the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H and youth development program.

(Video 02/04/13) If you’re searching for a tough, shade-loving plant with nice shiny leaves, ligularia might be the plant for you. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good selection for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 1/28/13) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to Dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 02/04/13) The winter has been mild in Louisiana, but we have had a few frosts that could have damaged tropical plants. You can prune damage off herbaceous tropical plants such as gingers and elephant ears. Wait to prune woody damage until the plants start to sprout in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Spider mites can be a problem on houseplants in the winter. These tiny insects are hard to spot, but listen to learn symptoms of spider mite damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Swiss chard is a wonderful vegetable that hasn't reached the popularity in the home garden as many other vegetables. It's nutritious, delicious and even beautiful in the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) Take care of roses that need pruning early this month. Roses that bloom throughout the year may need to be cut back to encourage new blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/13) February isn't always frost-free, so gardeners can't yet plant spring vegetables. Anyone looking to put new vegetables into their gardens should plant cold-tolerant vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/31/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Until rice mills start to offer incentives for quality grain, farmers will continue to choose varieties based on yield, LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe told his colleagues from rice-growing regions across the United States.

(Audio News 01/31/12) A new pilot plant at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute functions much like a sugar mill, but this facility will produce syrup that can be turned into biofuels and biochemicals. The recently commissioned plant will be a centerpiece for research, education and outreach for the emerging biorefining industry in the Southeast. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 01/31/12) NEW ORLEANS – Getting back to nature and spending time in the great outdoors is an activity that some inner- city youth in New Orleans are making part of their childhood.

(Distributed 01/30/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual camellia garden stroll from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Hammond Research Station.

(Video News 01/29/13) Sophisticated pedometers and smart phones can help people keep their healthy living resolutions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tells how. (1:55:)

(For Release On Or After 02/22/13) Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that can be grown easily in Louisiana vegetable gardens during fall, winter and spring. It is reliable and very productive and should be planted more often. A cool-season vegetable grown primarily from October to June, it has better heat resistance than other greens, such as spinach.

(For Release On Or After 02/15/13) Homeowners whose new houses were constructed on lots with existing trees are often dismayed to find the trees declining in health or dying a few years after construction. This tragedy can be avoided if existing trees are properly protected during construction around them.

(For Release On Or After 02/08/13) February is a great time to plant hardy fruit trees, bushes or vines in your landscape. Local nurseries should have an excellent selection newly arrived for planting in late winter and early spring.

(For Release On Or After 02/01/13) Early February is an excellent time to cut back roses growing in your landscape. Hybrid tea and grandiflora roses, in particular, should be pruned around this time every year. Otherwise, these roses tend to become leggy, less vigorous and unattractive and do not bloom as well.

(Distributed 01/28/13) WINNSBORO, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologist David Kerns was honored Jan. 18 in a ceremony recognizing him as the Jack Hamilton Regents Chair in Cotton Production in the AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering two new short courses for tree care and landscape professionals. The first course, Introduction to Arboriculture, will be held Feb. 18-22.

(Distributed 01/25/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – The fledgling biofuels and bioprocessing industry in the South took a step forward Friday, Jan. 25, with the formal commissioning of a pilot plant at the LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute.

(Distributed 01/25/13) HAMMOND, La. – No specific set of rules will cover all pruning. The important consideration should be preserving the natural form of a particular species.

(Distributed 01/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced plans to increase lead safety and awareness of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule by mailing postcards to uncertified renovation contractors as a reminder of their obligation to become certified and by increasing its monitoring and enforcement activities.

(Video News 01/25/13) Childhood memories of her grandfather’s chicken flock in the Netherlands prompted Kim Kramer to turn her shed into a chicken coop. Three years later, “the girls,” as she calls them, are a part of her family. Kramer and her husband Chris Mores and their three boys are part of a growing number of city dwellers who have backyard flocks. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 01/28/13) Light is a plant's food, so it is critical for the plant to grow and thrive. If you have indoor plants this winter, make sure they are near a window where they can get plenty of light. Clean windows or prune plants to let more light in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) Late January is a good time to prune everblooming roses. How far back you cut the roses depends on much their size needs to be controlled. Remember, pruning helps them bloom better. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) If you can't find things to do in the landscape, consider planting ground covers. These plants establish well during cooler months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) There will be plenty to do in the garden in late March and April, so take time now to prepare beds. If adding beds or planting into existing beds, turn soil and add organic matter. (Runtime: 60 econds)

(Distributed 01/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Heavy rains that soaked south Louisiana in early January were not what strawberry farmers needed.

(Audio 01/28/13) Gardeners typically buy roses growing in containers, but garden centers do have bare-root roses. These plants are perishable and must be planted this month or next. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/24/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Keeping sites productive in today’s economy is an important consideration to managing forestlands, according to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Mike Blazier.

(Distributed 01/23/13) RAYVILLE, La. – Louisiana rice farmers heard Tuesday, Jan. 22, that federal regulations for large fuel storage tanks on farms and ranches will go into effect May 15 unless Congress can be convinced to delay the measures for another year.

(Distributed 01/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Winter wheat is one of the few crops currently in the ground and subject to the adverse effects of flooding.

(Distributed 01/22/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Trail rides and other horse-related enterprises are big business across the country, particularly in the South. “Trail riders spend $50-$70 million yearly,” said Clint Depew, retired LSU AgCenter equine specialist.

(Audio News 01/22/13) Childhood memories of her grandfather’s chicken flock in the Netherlands prompted Kim Kramer to turn her shed into a chicken coop. Three years later, “the girls,” as she calls them, are a part of her family. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/21/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Farmers getting ready to plant their cotton and small grain crops this year got advice from a full slate of LSU AgCenter experts on Jan. 17 at the Dean Lee Research Station.

(Audio 01/18/13) New Year’s resolutions often revolve around weight loss. Many people dust off their sneakers and hit the road or the gym, and more people are incorporating technology into their get-fit goals. High-tech pedometers and smart phone apps can provide motivation to get moving. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Heli Roy says adding 2,000 extra steps can help individuals maintain weight. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Several LSU AgCenter experts will discuss their research projects for rice, corn, soybean and cotton farming at the 16th Annual National Conservation Systems Conference on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

(Distributed 01/17/13) HAMMOND, La. – Some people consider roses to be hard to grow. This is not true. Difficulty in growing roses is a common misconception that many gardeners have a hard time believing.

(Distributed 01/17/13) DELHI, La. – An irrigation workshop will be held Feb. 5 in Delhi.

(DIstributed 01/16/13) HAMMOND, La. – Government officials, community leaders and educators discussed the current situation and the future of Internet connectivity in rural areas of Louisiana at the Connect My Louisiana broadband summit held on Jan. 15.

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana will be gathering in Gonzales next month for the 78th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – What does it take to get started in production agriculture? The LSU AgCenter‘s Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program will provide some answers for high school students who apply and are accepted into the 2013-2014 class.

(Audio 01/21/13) Gardeners should avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees this time of the year. These plants have already set their flower buds, so pruning now would remove flowers. This includes plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas and gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Camellias are in bloom right now. It is great to see their flowers in the dead of winter. January is a good time to plant them. Because the plants are blooming, you can see which color you prefer to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow vegetables year round. While gardeners will see fewer problems in the garden in winter, pest problems can still pop up. Keep the garden mulched and weeded. Also look out for caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is providing mentoring services for moms with local support in Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin parishes.

(Audio 01/21/13) Despite the name Irish potatoes, potatoes are actually native to South America. They are a cool-season crop. Gardeners can plant seed potatoes now into a well-drained, sunny location. Be patient. It may take a while to see growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/15/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – This winter’s flu outbreak has been widespread, and children are particularly vulnerable to flu, colds and other illnesses this time of the year. Parents can help their youngsters fight off infections by providing them with a healthful diet.

(Video 01/21/13) Even though it’s wintertime, you can still incorporate color into your home setting. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the use of combination planters as a way to establish color on a patio or deck and as a way to grow vegetables or herbs that can please the palate. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Video 01/14/13) Now’s a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs. Small trees can add a nice accent to home landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the blue point juniper – a lovely evergreen tree. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio News 01/15/13) This winter’s flu outbreak has been widespread, and children are particularly vulnerable to flu, colds and other illnesses this time of the year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents can help their youngsters fight off infections by providing them with a healthful diet. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 01/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor and associate director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, has announced plans to retire June 1, 2013.

(Distributed 01/11/13) CROWLEY, La. – The possibility of selling American rice to China is becoming more likely as trade negotiations progress, according to the director of the USA Rice Federation.

(Distributed 01/11/13) KAPLAN, La. – An LSU AgCenter economist told Vermilion Parish farmers that they have more reasons to be more optimistic this year than they had in 2012.

CROWLEY, La. – As Mardi Gras gets closer, many in Louisiana look forward to consuming their favorite crustacean, the crawfish. While it is still early in the season, there have been indicators that this year’s supply will be improved when compared to last year’s.

(Distributed 01/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The 2013 class of Louisiana Master Farmers was recognized at a luncheon sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/11/13) HAMMOND, La. – Our great dogwoods (Cornus florida) once reigned supreme as one of the traditional Southern landscape plants. Dogwoods are deciduous, spring-flowering trees native to the eastern half of the United States and grow to a height of 30 feet. They are beautiful plants for partially shady, understory and sandy soil areas.

(Distributed 01/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana photographers who want to submit photographs for the LSU AgCenter 2014 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar have only a few weeks to enter.

(Video News 01/10/13) Farmers hoping for a new farm bill in 2012 never got one. Instead, farmers will be operating under most of the same policies they have been working under since 2008. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 01/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The fourth annual Arbor Day celebration at Burden that was set for Jan. 19 has been rescheduled due to weather concerns. The new date for the activities is Sat., Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Audio 01/14/13) Winter is a good time to prune a wide variety of plants in your landscape. Deciduous shade trees are leafless, allowing you to see the structure of the tree more clearly. You do not want to prune spring-flowering shrubs now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Gardeners may have a lot of plants inside their homes during winter. This can lead to pest problems. Look out for mealy bugs - cottony white bugs that suck sap out of plants. Control them with a horticulture oil or houseplant insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) When it comes to fertilizing, common sense can dictate when to do it. The best time to fertilize a plant is early in its season. When plants are dormant, don't fertilize them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Swiss chard and beets are two of the vegetables that gardeners can plant in January. Beets are grown for their roots, while Swiss chard is grown for its leaves. Remember, beets need to be spaced properly to make a nice root. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) The winter months are the ideal time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. In our state, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January. If you are considering planting shade trees or decorative trees, do it for Arbor Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 01/08/13) Not only chefs have a hand in food product development. An LSU AgCenter food engineer is helping companies make their foods safer and fresher. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Audio 01/08/13) Farmers are disappointed that Congress couldn’t pass a new farm bill in 2012 and instead extended the 2008 Farm Bill, which technically expired in September. LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi says this puts farmers in a difficult position as they make planting decisions for this year. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Farmers are disappointed that Congress couldn’t pass a new farm bill in 2012 and instead extended the 2008 farm bill, which technically expired in September. LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi says this puts farmers in a difficult position as they make planting decisions for this year.

(Distributed 01/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a Connect My Louisiana summit on the importance of being connected to the Internet on Jan. 15 in the Southeast Region Office at the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 01/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, has announced plans to retire Sept. 15, 2013. He will continue in his present duties until July 1.

(Distributed 01/04/13) HAMMOND, La. – Many residents of southeast Louisiana may not know that the LSU AgCenter has an agricultural experiment station in this area. It’s devoted to horticulture research and extension programs to aid commercial nursery and landscape professionals, along with homeowners.

(Distributed 01/03/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – The LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 25 to mark the completion of a pilot plant dedicated to producing biofuels and biochemicals from agricultural crops and byproducts.

(Audio 01/07/13) Fall-planted parsley performs better than the herb planted in winter. That doesn't mean you can't plant parsley transplants now. Wait for a mild spell to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Rye grass is a cool-season temporary grass. It allows homeowners to have a green lawn during the winter. It must be maintained, which includes mowing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) It takes about six to eight weeks to raise tomato transplants. If you plan to grow your own transplants, you may want to start soon. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) To get the best blooms, plant foxgloves, holly hocks and delphinium by early February. Also, consider planting the Super Plant Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Gardeners planted most of their spring-flowering bulbs in fall. Two notable exceptions are tulips and hyacinth. These bulbs need to be chilled before they can be planted into the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 12/31/12) Many of Louisiana’s crops had record or near record high yields in 2012, and sugarcane is no exception. Most of the crop is in, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says farmers have been pleased with the harvest. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 12/31/12) Weed control is still necessary during winter. Cool-season weeds can withstand Louisiana's relatively mild winters. Lawn weeds are more obvious this time of the year, so consider controlling them with broadleaf weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) January is usually the coldest month of the year in Louisiana. Vegetables planted this month must be able to withstand the cold. Some root crops and leafy vegetables can be direct seeded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/25/13) Now is an excellent time to consider adding roses to your landscape. For many gardeners, particularly those just getting into roses, a rose is a rose. But several different categories or types of roses are available, and within each type are numerous varieties.

(For Release On Or After 01/18/13) The presence of birds is almost universally welcome among gardeners. Their contribution of movement, color, sounds and pest control to the landscape are unique and desirable.

(For Release On Or After 01/11/13) Many gardeners consider snails and slugs to be the most disgusting pests in the garden. I could live with their looks if they just didn’t cause so much damage.

(Audio 12/31/12) Nurseries and garden centers are stocking roses that Louisiana gardeners can plant this time of the year. If mail-ordering roses, you need to get them in as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/04/13) January and February are excellent months to plant trees in Louisiana. If you’re thinking about adding shade trees, small spring- or summer-flowering trees or trees for screening, head out to local nurseries and purchase and plant trees in the next few weeks.

(Distributed 12/28/12) HAMMOND, La. – Winter is here, and this leads to many questions about protecting landscape plants during the cold months of December, January and February.

(Video 01/01/13) Eventually, most gardeners have to apply some type of treatments to control insects, weeds and disease. Some of the chemicals are pre-made and measured; others have to be mixed. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of using the proper sprayers for various lawn and garden applications. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 12/21/12) WEST MONROE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct several educational programs during the 2013 Ag Expo scheduled for Jan. 18-19 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

(Video News 12/21/12) 2012 was a good year for Louisiana farmers. They benefited from high yields and prices. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video 12/31/12) Holly plants have always been synonymous with the Christmas season — because of their deep green foliage and bright red fruits. But even though Christmas and New Year’s Day are almost past, you can still plant these festive trees and shrubs in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the best holly plants available at your local nurseries right now. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Audio News 12/21/12) Farmers have harvested approximately 80 percent of the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says it’s been an ideal harvest. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)

(Distributed 12/21/12) HAMMOND, La., -- Plucking fresh fruit from your own orchard can be a delicious way to add beauty and taste to your home landscape. The best time to plant fruit trees in Louisiana is now through January. Plant now, and you can pick your own fruit at home later.

(Distributed 12/20/12) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct six clinics for rice farmers to provide growers with valuable information for the 2013 crop.

(Audio 12/20/12) Drought conditions and a hurricane didn’t keep Louisiana farmers from having a really good year. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 12/20/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter food engineer specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods.

(Video News 12/19/12) As women age, they are at risk for osteoporosis and can lose strength, balance and flexibility. An LSU AgCenter nutrition agent is helping women in her community become "Strong Women." LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended one of their workout sessions. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Audio 12/19/12) Rock 'n' roll music from the 60s plays from an iPhone as women – most of them retired – gather in a circle for their morning workout. This is a Strong Women class, part of a national program that promotes strength training for midlife and older woman. LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Debbie Melvin started the class five years ago in Lafourche Parish to help women in her community improve muscle mass, bone density and overall function as they age. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 12/19/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Despite drought conditions and a hurricane, 2012 was an excellent year for Louisiana farmers. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped.

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists are working with researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil spills.

(Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) After the holidays, people wonder what to do with the plants they used to decorate their homes. Poinsettias are not easy to grow in the landscape, so they should be discarded. Keep your holiday cactus because it will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) There is nothing like fresh food from the garden. This time of year can be busy, but don't forget to harvest vegetables that are growing in your garden. Listen more to hear how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Tropical plants can be damaged during winter freezes. You will need to prune freeze damage. Prune the herbaceous tropical plants, such as gingers, soon after the damage occurs. Wait to prune woody tropicals until spring when new growth would start to appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Southern University Agricultural Center recognized staff and faculty members for outstanding service and research at a joint conference on Dec. 17-18.

(Distributed 12/14/12) CLINTON, La. – Learning to burn safely was the main topic of the State Prescribed Burning Certification workshop held at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station on Dec. 12-14.

(Audio News 12/14/12) Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter researcher specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods. He is partnering with Motivatit Seafoods to help them produce oyster and spinach ravioli. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/14/12) HAMMOND, La. – Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for late fall through early winter. They go by the scientific name of Camellia sasanqua.

(Distributed 12/13/12)BATON ROUGE, La. – Buck moths on the wing in December conjure up thoughts of buck moth caterpillars in the yard in spring. And large numbers of buck moths flying in south Louisiana this season suggest buck moth caterpillars will abound next spring, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio News 12/13/12) The LSU AgCenter is starting food business incubator – a shared facility where food companies can come to develop food products for the wholesale market. Gaye Sandoz will coordinate it. The incubator will be housed on campus. The location will allow faculty from the LSU AgCenter’s food science department and LSU’s business department to consult with incubator’s tenants. Sandoz also will offer marketing support. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 12/13/13) CORONADO ISLAND, Calif. – Don Groth, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, received the Rice Industry Award at the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference. In addition, Ernest Girouard, coordinator of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, received the Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award.

(Video 12/24/12) Now’s a great time for cool-season vegetables. You can have even more of a good thing by carefully maximizing the vegetables you grow in your rows. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this efficient process called intercropping. (Runtime: 1:16)

(Video 12/17/12) Most plants are fertilized during spring. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why some plants need to be fertilized during winter. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Audio 12/17/12) Amaryllis is a wonderful spring-flowering bulb. The bulbs are dried by growers for shipping, making them ready to bloom around Christmas. Pot them indoors now, and save the bulbs for planting in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana gardeners must protect their tropical plants during freezing weather. Container plants can be brought inside. Plants in the ground can be mulched or covered. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Pecans are popular in holiday baking. The holiday season also is a good time to plant pecan trees. Pecan trees grow large, and the wood is brittle. Be sure not to plant them close to homes or structures. Also, choose the right variety for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter faculty members were recognized for receiving professorships at a reception on Dec. 7.

(Audio 12/12/12) Many individuals are limited to their homes, hospital rooms or nursing homes, and this can be particularly tough during the holidays says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser. Those who are homebound may feel a loss of control over their environment, and that loss is compounded this time of the year. If you know someone in this situation, make time to visit them if possible. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio News 12/12/12) The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser says trying to achieve the perfect holiday can bring about worry and tension. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. “Everything is red and green about the holidays, but a lot of people are experiencing the blues,” said LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the past month, Louisiana strawberry growers have been producing a nice crop, and as long as the weather is cool, berries should continue to be available, according to Regina Bracy, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 12/11/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianians battling crazy ants now have a new weapon with the announcement of a special label to use the insecticide Termidor on crazy ants in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring.

(Distributed 12/11/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fruit and vegetable growers from across the state attended a fall field day at Burden on Dec. 10 to learn about the latest research being conducted by the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio News 12/10/12) Technology may be blamed for contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, but LSU AgCenter agents are using it to help combat the problem. Nutrition agents in 10 parishes will use iPads to teach third-graders health and nutrition lessons with a program called Body Quest, Food for the Warrior. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser explains. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 12/07/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is in the process of establishing a food business incubator and has hired a veteran food consultant to coordinate it.

(Video 12/10/12) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 12/3/12) If you’re searching for a unique gift, you might consider a Get It Growing calendar or a living Christmas tree this season. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, they’re both gifts that certainly keep giving throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Distributed 12/07/12) HAMMOND, La. – As we approach the end of fall and the beginning of winter, we may have oak leaves and pine needles lying around in our landscapes in abundance. What can we do with these products? How about using them for mulch in our landscape beds, around our trees and in our vegetable gardens?

(Distributed 12/07/12) Landowners interested in outdoor recreation, horse owners, and others interested in existing outdoor enterprises are invited to attend a horseback riding workshop in conjunction with the Ag Expo in West Monroe on Jan. 18.

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – It may be the ultimate “silver bullet” – an extremely small particle made of iron coated with ceramic and silver and finally a powerful drug that can find its way through the human body to target a deep infection – and treat it.

(Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow camellias. They are wonderful winter-blooming shrubs. Winter also is a great time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Technology may be blamed for contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, but LSU AgCenter nutrition agents are using it to help combat the problem. Extension agents in 10 parishes will use iPads to teach third-graders health and nutrition lessons with a program called Body Quest

(Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Freezing temperatures can damage some of the tender plants used in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners must remember they need to look at the real temperature, not the wind chill, while determining when to protect plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s cotton crop has been picked, baled and ginned. Large rectangular bales sitting by the fields are a common sight during the harvest season. But in some areas of the state, round bales are replacing the more familiar cotton modules.

(Distributed 12/05/12) MARINGOUIN, La. – School gardens in Point Coupee Parish can make improvements in technology thanks to a $10,000 grant to purchase needed equipment.

(Distributed 12/04/12) CROWLEY, La. – Two scientists at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station were honored Nov. 26 with named professorships. LSU AgCenter crawfish researcher Ray McClain was named to the Doyle Chambers Distinguished Professorship, and LSU AgCenter molecular biologist Herry Utomo was named to the F. Avalon Daggett Professorship in Rice Research.

(For Release On Or After 12/28/12) Our winter landscapes look decidedly different from our landscapes in summer. The major reasons for this are that many of our shade trees drop their leaves in winter, and in their leafless state their appearance is stark and bare. In addition, our lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown.

(Video News 12/04/12) 4-H club days are more exciting at schools in Madison Parish where a mobile technology lab is changing the way meetings are conducted. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard explains. (Runtime: 1:38)

(For Release On Or After 12/21/12) This time of year when we have brought many of our container tropicals inside for the winter, we need to be on the lookout for pest problems. When they do happen, indoor pest infestations can be devastating if not dealt with promptly, effectively and safely.

(For Release On Or After 12/14/12) The majority of plants in our landscapes are completely winter hardy. The primary concern during freezes is our tender plants in the ground or in outdoor containers. These plants – native to tropical regions of the world where it never freezes – do not have the ability to protect themselves from sub-freezing temperatures. If we want them to survive freezing temperatures during winter, we must provide protection for them.

(For Release On Or After 12/07/12) We use a variety of decorative plants to dress up our homes during the holidays. Poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, in particular, play an important part in decking the halls. How well you care for them once you get them home has a lot to do with how long they will stay attractive.

(Distributed 12/04/12) SPRINGFIELD, La. – Elementary school students from Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes learned the importance of wetlands during Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day on Nov. 29 at Tickfaw State Park.

(Video News 11/30/12) A dry fall has helped wheat growers get their crop in quickly. And this year growers have planted more wheat than in recent years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 11/30/12) Are you one of the many Americans who face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight? The good news is that although many people gain weight from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, research suggests that the gain will probably be only one pound, not five, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Audio News 11/30/12) Farmers have planted most of Louisiana’s wheat crop. Planting started at the beginning of November, and with good weather, it went quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/30/12) The LSU AgCenter announces its call for entries for the 2014 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. Louisiana photographers will have an opportunity to submit their best photos of beautiful Louisiana flowers, plants, lawns and gardens.

(Distributed 11/30/12) This is a great time to add new trees to our landscapes. Oak trees are very popular in Louisiana landscapes, and we are familiar with the popular Southern live oak. Deciduous oaks – those that lose foliage in winter – common in Louisiana are water oak, shumard oak, southern red oak and willow oak. The one, however, with the best potential for landscape use is the nuttall oak.

(Audio 12/03/12) Winter gardening activites don't really stop, but they do slow down. You can put away lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Make sure you store these tools properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses brighten our homes during the holidays. Make sure you take care of these plants to get the most out of them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) When buying a real Christmas tree, make sure you are buying the freshest available. Check the tree's needles and fragrance. Also, consider getting a tree from a choose-and-cut tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) The soil in Louisiana typically stays warm during winter, so you can plant a number of plants this time of year. Tropical plants are the exception; they should be planted during warm weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) While gardeners don't see as many insects on plants during winter, they are still out there. Vegetables and cool-season plants can attract pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs.

(Distributed 11/26/12) ABBEVILLE, La. – A seafood promotion and marketing project aimed at developing direct sales from fishermen to customers is being expanded along the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is not the best time to fertilize plants in the landscape. Most plants are going dormant for the winter. Fertilizing them now could hurt them. A few exceptions are cool-season bedding plants, vegetables and Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) Make sure your landscape stays attractive during winter. Clean off dead growth from summer plants, mulch beds and add cool-season color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in the landscape. Planted now, trees have time to settle in before the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/26/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two of the 10 Louisiana participants in the national 4 H Poultry and Egg Conference recently (Nov. 14 15) won first and second place in cooking competition.

(Distributed 11/21/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays mean an increase in mail orders for boxed cheese at the LSU AgCenter Dairy Store. The boxes contain two pounds of cheese that sell for $11.50 a box, plus tax and shipping charges.

(Distributed 11/21/12) Japanese maples have the potential to be one of the most outstanding small trees for specimen plantings and focal-point use in residential landscapes in the Southeast.

(Distributed 11/20/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Twenty winners of this year’s Louisiana 4-H Educational Awards Trip were honored at an awards luncheon at The Club at Union Square, formerly the LSU Faculty Club, on Nov. 20.

(Distributed 11/20/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nominations for the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year award are being accepted now through Jan. 4. Application forms can be obtained at any LSU AgCenter parish extension office or online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/farmeroftheyear.

(Video 11/26/12) On occasion, special plants have been developed for their fast growth and low-spreading coverage of the ground. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the newest “wave” plants – it’s called the Cool Wave pansy. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Audio News 11/16/12) The cost of a typical Thanksgiving meal is up 13 percent this year. An LSU AgCenter survey shows the 2012 Thanksgiving market basket will average $44.35 for 10 people. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 11/16/12) Thanksgiving week is the time when many people begin purchasing plants for the holiday season, and many poinsettias are available in stores and garden centers now, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(Distributed 11/16/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – In casseroles and pies, sweet potatoes will share space with the turkey on Thanksgiving. Louisiana farmers harvested a good crop of this Thanksgiving mainstay. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith said despite some concerns late in the growing season, farmers brought in a good crop.

(Distributed 11/16/12) November is prime time for cool-season bedding plants, and dianthus have been among the plants in this group gaining considerable popularity the past 10 years. Pansies have long been the most popular cool-season bedding plant, but many new dianthus varieties are making this great, under-used cool-season flower better known to home gardeners.

(Video News 11/14/12) In casseroles and pies, sweet potatoes will share space with the turkey next Thursday. Louisiana farmers harvested a good crop of this Thanksgiving mainstay. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:22)

(Video 11/19/12) Herbs are great for seasoning that special dish. But some of them are also known for beautifully colored flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to two of them – Mexican tarragon and pineapple sage. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Audio News 11/15/12) Along the midway at any typical fair you can find games, rides and various foods sold on a stick. But the State Fair of Louisiana offers something more – an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic at the State Fair in Shreveport links the food and fiber products used every day to the farmers, ranchers and foresters who help produce them. LSU AgCenter 4-H Regional Coordinator Karen Martin explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/12) Bulbs of paperwhite narcissus are available at garden centers. They are easy to grow this time of the year. You can force the bulbs in containers. The containers should be placed outside in a cool, sunny location until they began to bloom, then you can bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana farmers produced a record soybean crop this year, yielding 44 bushels on 1.11 million acres, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. The previous high was 43 bushels in 2007.

(Audio 11/19/12) Many people move houseplants outside for the summer. Now that it is getting cooler you may want to prepare your plants for a move back indoors. They are used to light outside, so you need to get them ready for lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/19/12) Leaves are valuable in the garden as a mulch or compost. To compost them, you can make a bin out of fencing material and wire and dump your leaves in it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – TransGenRx Inc. (tgrxinc.com), a biopharmaceutical manufacturing company based here, recently received a substantial Louisiana R&D Tax Credit award.

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – For many Americans, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without turkey. To make sure you have enough turkey for the feast and for leftovers too, purchase at least one pound of uncooked turkey per person, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Audio 11/19/12) November through February is the best time to plant hardy fruit trees. Choosing the right tree is critical. You need to plant a variety suited for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 11/14/12) Farmers are wrapping up Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest. The vegetable is especially popular this time of the year. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says despite some concerns late in the growing season, farmers brought in a good crop.

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Pies are traditionally served at holiday feasts. But mishandling them can lead to problems, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are a perfect time to enjoy Louisiana sweet potatoes or yams, as they have come to be known. Louisiana yams are bred to have a soft, moist flesh and to be exceptionally sweet and flavorful.

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Brining turkey for holiday meals is becoming more popular. The salt used in brining dissolves protein in the muscle, and the salt and protein reduce moisture loss during cooking, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. This makes meat juicy and tender.

(Distributed 11/14/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fried turkey is not as unhealthful as it sounds – if you don't eat the skin of the bird, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. In fact, experts recommend not eating the skin no matter how a turkey is prepared.

(Distributed 11/13/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana cooks shopping for Thanksgiving will find the costs of traditional dinner items up this year. The 2012 Thanksgiving market basket will average $44.35 for 10 people, according to an LSU AgCenter survey.

(Distributed 11/13/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Gregg Henderson, the Paul K. Adams Professor of Urban Entomology at the LSU AgCenter, was named the recipient of the 2012 Recognition Award in Urban Entomology from the Entomological Foundation.

(Video News 11/12/12) Sugarcane farmers have welcomed the dry weather in recent weeks. It has allowed them to get a good start to the sugar harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:51)

(Audio 11/12/12) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable. If you space your plants too close together, you won't get nice-sized florets. Also harvest the broccoli when the flower buds on the head are the size of a kitchen match. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Amaryllis bulbs are available this time of the year. It is popular to grow them in containers for the holidays. They grown in landscapes in Louisiana, but you must wait until spring to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Summer-flowering bulbs are going dormant this time of the year. This is a good time to trim them back. Mulch over their rhizomes to protect them from the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Gardeners can plant ornamental vegetables that can be grown simply for how beautiful they are. Curley parsley, kale and Swiss chard are a few to consider. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/12/12) Camellias are relatively easy to grow, providing wonderful flowers through the winter. One problem with camellias is the tea scale insect. It gets on the underside of leaves and can be controlled with a horticulture oils or a systemic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/09/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – An apparent increase in cases of hemorrhagic disease among deer in the Florida parishes of Louisiana has caused concern among hunters and wildlife experts. But that doesn’t mean the disease is on the rise, according to an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/09/12) HAMMOND, La. – You can include in your landscape many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year.

(Video 11/11/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the stately sweetbay magnolia, a Super Plant that thrives in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:24)

(Distributed 11/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Twelve LSU AgCenter extension agents received awards from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents at the organization’s Oct. 21-25 annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

(Audio 11/06/12) Cattle producers may benefit from including dry distillers grain, a byproduct of ethanol production, into their cows' diet. LSU AgCenter animal scientist Ryon Walker conducted research on feeding supplements and found fertility in mature cows increases with distillers grain when compared with a liquid supplement.

(Distributed 11/02/12) FRANKLINTON, La. – While many agricultural producers have experienced improved conditions over the past few years, dairy farmers still are trying to recover from the hard years, especially 2009, according to LSU AgCenter researcher Mike McCormick, resident coordinator at the Southeast Research Station.

(Video News 11/2/12) A grass native to Louisiana’s prairielands could be an alternative source of energy as a biofuel and an alternative crop for farmers’ marginal land. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Audio News 11/02/12) Yields are showing that Hurricane Isaac’s winds and rain didn’t have a lasting effect on the state’s sugarcane crop. With dry weather throughout most of October, farmers have had ideal harvesting conditions. Growing conditions were good as well. Farmers have harvested about 30 percent of the crop, and LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says what they are getting so far is really promising. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/02/12) HAMMOND, La. – A poor horticulture practice in Louisiana and across the South involves one of our most beloved landscape trees. Each year, crape myrtles are pruned improperly. One of the ten commandments of gardening should be “thou shalt not top crape myrtles.”

(Distributed 10/31/12) GRAND LAKE, La. – Cattle owners and ranch managers in Cameron Parish learned the basics of smoke management in prescribed burns used to control coastal marsh vegetation. Niels De Hoop, LSU AgCenter forestry specialist, said prescribed burning is a tool used by foresters, sugarcane farmers, and in marshland for cattle at a meeting here on Oct. 30.

(Audio News 10/31/12) Michael Blazier’s timber work is taking him into research on biofuels. The LSU AgCenter forester is working with switchgrass planted around trees. The plant is showing promise as a biofuel that can grow on marginal land with few resources. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 10/31/12) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Rice Research Board met Oct. 29 to decide how funds from checkoff money should be spent on research projects to benefit fellow farmers. The board approved $1.3 million in funding for 17 projects, after hearing several hours of presentations from LSU AgCenter scientists.

(Distributed 10/31/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is working with residents in certain rural areas of Louisiana who are still experiencing difficulty receiving broadband Internet services.

(Audio 11/05/12) Wherever you live in Louisiana, you can plant cool-season bedding plants that will bloom through fall, winter and spring. Some cool-season bedding plants to consider include pansies, violas and dianthus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) November is a great month to plant spring bulbs in your landscape. By this month the soil temperature has had a chance to cool. Check your nursery for bulbs. But remember, tulips and hyacinths need to chill before planting later in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Most cool-season bedding plants enjoy growing in full sun to part shade. If you have a shady area, consider planting Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. Both are Louisiana Super Plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Lettuce is best fresh from the garden. You can grow it in your garden by direct-seeding or by planting transplants. Listen to learn more about growing lettuce. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/05/12) Chrysanthemums are beautiful part of the fall landscape. They are great planted into the landscape or used in containers. Choose plants with plenty of unopened blooms so you will have longer-lasting flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/5/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill highlights the tough and beautiful Sorbet viola. (Runtime: 1:50)

(For Release On Or After 11/30/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Few flowering bulbs can surpass the stately beauty of the amaryllis. Typically blooming in April, this popular bulb is a star performer in the spring garden. Dormant bulbs are readily available now, and with proper care, they can become a long-lasting part of your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/23/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and I am always impressed when I meet gardeners in their 70s, 80s and even 90s who are still actively gardening.

(For Release On Or After 11/16/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fall is an outstanding time to plant many of the hardy culinary herbs. And one of the most popular is parsley.

(For Release On Or After 11/09/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fall – November through early December – is the best time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. Are you are thinking about adding shade trees, small spring or summer flowering trees or trees for screening? If you are, this is time of the year to head out to local nurseries and purchase trees to plant in your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/02/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana gardeners often use containers of tender tropical plants on decks, patios and porches and in courtyards to provide color and beauty through the summer. These plants thrive in outdoor conditions. But because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures, they must be protected during winter. Generally, this means bringing them indoors.

(Distributed 10/30/12) ARCHIBALD, La. – Michael Blazier is familiar with growing trees. As an LSU AgCenter forestry researcher, he has been involved in many timber-related projects that have helped determine the most efficient methods for producing quality lumber. Now, he is working on growing switchgrass, a fast-growing native plant that shows promise as a biofuel feedstock.

(Audio News 10/26/12) Students at Glasgow Middle School in Baton Rouge learned about the importance of healthful eating and food security during the school's Food Day celebration. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot was in the first booth students came to, handing out the tools to help them start a salad. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 10/26/12) POLLOCK, La. – A donation by AT&T will help fund the first phase of construction of a multipurpose center at the LSU AgCenter 4-H Camp Grant Walker. Sonia Perez, AT&T president for Louisiana operations, presented a $25,000 check to Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, on Oct. 25.

(Distributed 10/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Students at Glasgow Middle School streamed out of their gymnasium with hands full of fruit, vegetables, seeds and sandwiches. The sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders were participating in the school’s Food Day program.

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners looking to plant an evergreen tree should consider the evergreen sweetbay magnolia. The tree is native to the state and is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2012. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/25/12) In November leaves start falling from deciduous trees. Don't leave thick layers of leaves on your lawn or ground covers. You can pick up fallen leaves with a bag attachment on a mower and use the leaves for mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/25/12) HAMMOND, LA. – The ideal planting time for cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana runs from late September through early December. Some of our common cool-season flowers prefer the earlier planting dates and some prefer the later planting dates.

(Distributed 10/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is helping individuals get comfortable using the Internet while also teaching them about nutrition guidelines.

(Audio 10/29/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a crop of fall tomatoes. It's too late to plant them this season if you didn't do that already, but those who did grow a crop should harvest their tomatoes before a frost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners may notice yellow leaves on their evergreens. Sometimes this can indicate a problem, but this time of the year it is likely old leaves dying and then falling off the plant. This is natural part of the plant's lifecycle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)