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(Audio 02/26/07) Fertilizer does not go bad if stored properly. Most of the fertilizers we use will absorb moisture out of the air, which makes them difficult to use. For best results, store fertilizer in a sealed plastic bag or sealed plastic container.(Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) One of the critical parts to successfully growing plants is providing them with the light they need. There are a variety of terms used to describe the type of light a plant prefers. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what "full sun" means. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) It's too late to plant spring-flowering bulbs, but you may have questions about what is happening to these plants this time of the year. One of those questions may be whether late freezes will damage these plants. Generally, the foliage of these plants is very hardy, so any freezes we may get will not damage it. But flower buds can be damaged by extreme cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Organic matter is very valuable in the home garden. When it comes to gardening, organic matter means plant parts such as leaves, sawdust or wood chips and animal manures. This can be made into compost and incorporated into garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Organic matter is very valuable in the home garden. When it comes to gardening, organic matter means plant parts such as leaves, sawdust or wood chips and animal manures. This can be made into compost and incorporated into garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Most of the hardy perennials growing in landscapes can be cut back and divided this time of the year. Cutting back perennials removes dead growth. But this needs to be done before they put on spring growth. This also is a good time to transplant perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Now is the time to clip back ground covers – before new growth appears. This helps remove old growth and rejuvenate the plants. It also controls their growth. Finish up this task by the end of February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Sometimes it may be necessary to relocate a shrub or a tree. This is a great time of the year to transplant trees or shurbs. Just be sure to prepare the hole in the new location before you dig up the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Many landscapes include small decorative ponds or aquatic features. This is a great time to clean ponds, because the foliage and fish in them are not very active. Choose a mild day to get this done. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Planting a tree is not a difficult task, but it should be done right to ensure a good start for the tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says to start by measuring the root ball of the tree. Then dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) The typical garden hydrangea has a very unique aspect – the color of the flowers is influenced by the pH of the soil. Depending on the soil type, gardeners can manipulate the colors of their hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to their soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) There is a nice selection of warm-season colorful plants for shady areas, but when it comes to color during the cool season, most of the bedding plants prefer sunnier areas. There are a few plants that might work in shady spots, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) Not many plants are sold "bare root" any more, but roses still are commonly grown that way. It is critical to get bare-root roses planted early – by the end of February, at the latest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) Hardy fruit trees should be fertilized during the month of February. This encourages good vigor and improves their production. If you are not sure how to fertilize your trees, you can get recommendations by having your soil tested through your LSU AgCenter extension office. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) February is the month to fertilize trees in your landscape. Young trees benefit the most from fertilization. This encourages them to grow faster in those first few years. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains different ways to fertilize trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Rose bushes are popular in Louisiana landscapes, and now is the time to prune roses. This is particularly important for hybrid teas and grandiflora roses because of the way they grow. Other roses should be pruned to remove dead growth or to shape them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of tropical plants in their landscapes. During the winter, these tropical plants are damaged by cold weather. Whether you should prune these damaged plants now or later depends on what type of tropical plants they are. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Spider mites are tiny pests that can attack and damage plants. Infestations tend to be worse on houseplants, since there are no natural predators for the insects indoors. If you have a problem, you may notice pale foliage and tiny spider mites on the under side of the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Swiss chard is an outstanding leafy vegetable that is easy to grow. It tastes a little like spinach when it is cooked, but it is related to beets. You can direct-seed it into your garden right now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners can continue to plant vegetables in their vegetable gardens during February. You can direct-seed root crops in your garden this time of the year. Cole crops also can be planted now, as well as some leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/29/07) Even though Louisiana gardeners can plant year-round, most gardeners get the gardening bug in the spring. Now is a great time to get beds prepared for spring planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/29/07) Ground covers are wonderful low-growing, spreading plants. They work well in areas where grass won't grow, like under trees. These plants are hardy in the winter, and this is a good time to plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/29/07) Most roses need to be pruned every year. Pruning is important on roses such as hybrid teas and grandifloras, and late January is the best time to prune your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/29/07) Plants utilize light to create the food they need to live and grow. When we grow plants indoors, light is very limited. But you can improve the light an indoor plant gets by making a few adjustments. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/29/07) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill frequently talks about how to grow flowers, but this time he's talking about how to preserve some of those wonderful flowers you grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/22/07) Most of the plants we use in our landscapes are hardy, but tropical plants are popular in Louisiana. Many tropicals will survive freezes, although they will have some damage. When to prune the damage depends on what type of tropical you have. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/22/07) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says he often gets questions about watering indoor plants. Watering them too much or not enough both can be problematic for the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/22/07) Winter vegetable gardens have far fewer insects and disease problems than summer vegetable gardens, but there are still some pests out there. Caterpillars, scale insects and slugs can be common this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/22/07) Now is a great time to purchase and plant camellias. There are not many plants that are in full bloom during their proper planting time, but camellias are one of those plants. You can choose the camellia variety that has the shape and color flowers that you like. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/22/07) Mealy bugs are small white insects that suck on the leaves of plants. If you notice small cottony spots on your indoor plants, you probably have an infestation of mealy bugs. A plant can tolerate a small population, but as the population grows, the plant will become sick and weakened. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/15/07) Winter is a great time to prune a variety of plants in our landscapes. Do not, however, prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs. But you can prune summer-flowering trees and shrubs. Remember, pruning is optional. Only prune if a plant needs it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/15/07) This is a great time to plant Irish potatoes in our vegetable gardens. Buy whole potatoes from local nurseries to cut up and plant. If you plant them soon, they will be ready to harvest in late April or early May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/15/07) There are a number of plants in our landscapes that we can propagate with hardwood cuttings. These cuttings are taken during mid-to-late winter. Some of the plants you can propagate using this technique are roses and figs.
(Audio 01/15/07) Beets are a wonderful root crop that grow well in our vegetable gardens. Beets are grown from seed, and this is the time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/15/07) Louisiana celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday in January. This a great time to plant a tree in your landscape. Trees provide many benefits such as providing shade, serving as wildlife habitat and helping to clean the air. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) In the North, plants such as foxgloves and holly hocks are perennials, but here in Louisiana, they are cool-season annuals. Find these plants at your local nursery as soon as you can, and buy them before they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) In the North, plants such as foxgloves and holly hocks are perennials, but here in Louisiana, they are cool-season annuals. Find these plants at your local nursery as soon as you can, and buy them before they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) Houseplants add a lot to our indoor environment and decor, but the containers they are grown in can confine a plant's root system. As a plant grows larger, its root system will outgrow the container, and it will be time to repot the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) Many Louisiana gardeners overseed their permanent lawn grasses with ryegrass. You can enjoy a beautiful green lawn all winter, but one of the drawbacks is you still have to care for it. With lots of rain, it will be necessary to mow more often. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) Parsley is an easy herb to grow. We can grow two different types: flat-leaf and curly-leaf parsley. Flat-leaf is more flavorful, but curly-leaf is more attractive in the home garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/08/07) Three of the most popular plants we grow in our vegetable gardens are tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Many gardeners buy transplants of these plants in late March or early April. But you can grow them from seeds now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/01/07) The weather in Louisiana stays relatively mild during the winter. That means plants continue to grow here, and weeds are no exception. If you want, you can mow lawn weeds back occassionally, or you can use an appropriate herbicide on them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/01/07) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of cool-season bedding plants to keep their gardens colorful during the winter and spring. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages gardeners to keep these plants healthy so they stay beautiful into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/01/07) Hardy trees and shrubs can be planted during the winter, and that includes roses. Landscape roses are popular and provide plenty of flowers. This also is a good time to order roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/01/07) We use a variety of plants to embellish our homes during the holidays. Christmas trees, poinsettias and Christmas cactus keep our homes merry and bright. Poinsettias should be discarded after the holidays, but a Christmas cactus can bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 01/01/07) January usually is the coldest month in Louisiana. Despite the cold, vegetable gardens remain productive during this month. Some root crops and leafy greens can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/25/06) Late December through early January is the best time to plant hyacinth and tulip bulbs that have been chilling in refrigerators. Chilling them first helps them bloom properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/25/06) After a hard freeze you can tell which plants in your landscape are hardy and which ones are tender tropicals. When cold damage occurs on herbaceous tropicals, it is obvious. You can prune that damage off shortly after the freeze. But wait until spring growth occurs to prune woody tropicals . (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/25/06) The depths of winter is a good time to plant roses. Many nurseries have rose bushes available. If the weather stays mild, roses can continue to bloom into January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/25/06) Perennial herbs can grow during the winter in Louisiana. Gardeners can harvest the herbs whenever there is enough growth on the plant. They may grow slowly during the winter, but they will start growing vigorously come spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/25/06) Deciduous trees have leaves that change colors and then fall, but this time of the year some evergreen plants also may go through a color change. Azaleas and junipers are two evergreen plants on which the foliage often changes colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/18/06) It is not uncommon for gardeners to save seeds. Seeds can be left over from a packet, or a gardener might harvest seeds from plants in the garden. Storing the seeds properly is important to keep the seeds viable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/18/06) Throughout the month of December, trees in our landscapes drop their leaves. If handled properly, these fallen leaves can be valuable in our landscapes. You can chop them with a lawnmower and use them as mulch or rake them and put them in a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/18/06) Camellias produce beautiful blooms during the winter. There are few things you can do to keep your camellias attractive. If the weather is dry, irrigate them. If a hard freeze is predicted, you can pick the open blossoms. Also, check the plants for tea-scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/18/06) Many of the garden chemicals we use in our landscapes are water-based. If you store them in a shed or garage and the temperature drops below freezing, these products can freeze. During cold spells, store these products in a safe place. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/18/06) Many gardeners overseed their lawns with ryegrass to keep them green during the winter. Ryegrass lawns should be growing nicely now, and proper care is important to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/11/06) There are wonderful tropical shrubs and herbaceous plants that work great in our summer landscapes in Louisiana. But even here those tropicals often need protection from some of our winter weather. There are several ways to protect them - mulching them, covering them or putting lights on them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/11/06) Weeds continue to be a problem in Louisiana all through the winter. Warmer, wetter weather will allow the weeds to thrive. Your best defense against these weeds is to mulch you landscape beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/11/06) Apple trees are not common in the Deep South, but we can grow apples down here. Gardeners interested in growing apples must choose a variety adapted to our mild winters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/11/06) Although gardening never really stops in Louisiana even during the winter, things do slow down this time of year. Many of the tools we use during the summer, such as mowers, are used very little during the winter. Store these items properly to ensure they are in good condition when you need them next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/11/06) During the winter months, you may hear about the wind chill factor. Don't worry about your plants if the wind chill is below freezing but the temperature isn't. Plants don't feel wind chill the way people do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/04/06) By early December we are at the end of our fall tomato season in Louisiana. You may still see some green fruit hanging on your tomato vines. Once the weather gets cold, however, tomatoes ripen very slowly. If a freeze is predicted, you can harvest the tomatoes green and ripen them indoors or use them in recipes that call for green tomatoes.
(Audio 12/04/06) Plants are a great way to brighten our homes during the holidays. But make sure you select the right kind of plant. When choosing a poinsettia, look for full, colorful bracts with flowers intact. Natural light helps your holiday plants last longer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/04/06) There is still time to put cool-season bedding plants into your landscapes. It is important not to put these in right before a period of intense cold, but once they're established these plants are hardy and like cooler weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/04/06) Christmas trees are an indispensable part of the holidays for many people. The fresher the tree, the longer it will stay attractive in your home. The freshest trees are those you cut yourself. Visiting a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm makes a great family outing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/04/06) Vegetable gardening doesn't stop in the winter around here. The vegetables we plant this time of the year can tolerate Louisiana's mild to cold winters. Many leafy greens, root crops and cole crops are great to plant this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 2/13/06) Were you thinking of planting a tree? There is still time to get trees into your landscape this year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says you have until the end of February to plant, and he stresses to pick a tree with a straight trunk and no low forks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 2/6/06) Cool-season bedding plants provide color to our gardens during winter and spring. Now is the time to plant cool-season bedding plants, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a few that work well in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 2/6/06) Most of the hardy fruit trees grown in the home garden should be pruned in February. Young trees should be pruned properly to help them grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio for 12/5/05) Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a fun way to get a fresh, live tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about how to find tree farms around Louisiana.
(Audio for 12/5/05) Despite the cold, there are a number of vegetables you can plant this time of the year. Just be sure to protect them from potential hard freezes.
