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(For Release On Or After 12/28/2007) The basic techniques of gardening today are not that much different than those our great grandparents used. Still, technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work and garden. Gardeners will, with greater ease and frequency than ever before, exchange ideas and be exposed to new concepts about how and why we garden. How will the new trends affect the plants we use and how we design with them and care for them?
(Audio 08/13/07) We start looking for pears to ripen on our trees in August. They will start to change color, with a red blush appearing on the fruit. You also might notice the fruit soften or drop out of the tree. If that happens before they're ripe, you can ripen them off the tree for fresh eating. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/13/07) Many gardeners grow plants in containers. Container plants growing outdoors may need to be repotted after vigorous growth during the summer. You can see wilting and stunted growth on a plant that has outgrown its container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/13/07) When it's hot outside, gardeners need to look for jobs that can be done in the shade. Ferns work great in shady areas, and this time of the year they may have unattractive fronds that need tending. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/13/07) The Louisiana Iris becomes dormant in the months of August and September. Then they begin active growth again in October. That means now is a great time to divide and transplant these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/12/07) Louisiana gardeners can plant milkweed or butterfly weed for migrating monarch butterflies. Monarchs lay eggs on the butterfly weed. Although these plants may have other insect problems, remember that using insecticides on them will harm the butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/13/07) Despite the intense heat this time of the year, you can still add warm-season bedding plants to your landscape to provide that great color we all crave. Stop by your local nursery or garden center, and you’ll find they have a wide selection of wonderful plants in just about every height and color you can imagine. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)
(Audio 07/02/07) There are many beautiful ornamental grasses that can be used as decorative borders. They are drought tolerant and have good insect and disease resistance. Gardeners can find a wide variety of ornamental grasses at gardening centers -- with at least one that will fill their needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/02/07) Louisiana gardeners grow many plants in containers. This time of the year these plants need plenty of watering, especially if they are in a sunny location. Repotting plants into larger containers can help you cut down on the amount of watering you need to do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/02/07) Palm trees can be grown all over Louisiana. If you want to add a palm to your landscape, now is the time to plant them. Homeowners in North Louisiana should choose hardy palms for their climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/02/07) The bald cypress is Louisiana's state tree. It makes a great addition to the landscape, but gardeners can have a problem with cypress knees. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to remove knees that might pop up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/02/07) Hydrangeas and gardenias bloom in the early summer. Although most of the summer-flowering shrubs we grow in our landscapes bloom on new growth, hydrangeas and gardenias set their flower buds in late summer. When the plants finish flowering, prune them quickly so as not to cut off next year's flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/07) Despite the intense heat of summer, you can continue to plant colorful bedding plants to brighten your summer beds. Be sure to keep them well watered when they are newly planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/07) Gladiolas bulbs are planted in Louisiana landscapes to provide beautiful spikes of flowers in many colors. Once a gladiola finishes blooming, you should cut off the faded flower but leave all the foliage intact so it can provide food for the bulb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/07) Fertilizers are products that add essential minerals and nutrients to the soil. Soluble fertilizers are dissolved in water and applied as a liquid to plants. They provide immediate nutrients to plants, but they do have drawbacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/07) Weeding work is never done, but there are ways to suppress weeds. Mulch is one way to keep weeds down. A pre-emergence herbicide also can prevent weeds from taking over beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/07) Tarragon is an herb that is popular in poultry dishes. French tarragon is the classic variety, but it won't grow in Louisiana during the summer. Cooks and gardeners can substitute Mexican tarragon to overcome that obstacle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/07) Zinnias provide bright colors in the garden and make great cut flowers. Although many zinnias perform poorly during the summer months, Profusion zinnias can stand up to Louisiana's heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/07) Summer is an excellent time to add plants to an aquatic garden. Plants in good-sized pots can simply be placed into the pond. There are no holes to dig or beds to prepare. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/07) High temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous heat index. It's important to take care of yourself when you garden this time of the year. Garden early in the morning or late in the evening and follow the shade around. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/07) Petunias are a popular summer bedding plant up north, but these plants generally tend to fade in Louisiana's summer heat. Wave petunias, however, will tolerate more heat than most varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/07) During the intense heat of summer rose blooms are fewer, smaller and poorer in quality. Heat stress causes the drop in production. Even though it may seem like roses could use fertilizer, now is not the time to apply fertilizer to your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/07) You may notice fine silvery webbing appearing on the bark of trees during the summer. These webs are made by tiny insects called bark lice or psocids. While it looks alarming, these insects won't harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/07) Most of the roses in our gardens today are everblooming roses. But some gardeners still grow once-blooming roses. When these roses finish flowering, it is time to prune them. Just study each plant carefully to decide how to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/07) June ushers in hurricane season in Louisiana, and strong thunderstorms also are common during the summer months. To prepare your yard for potential storms, check for weaknesses or dead branches in trees. Also, plan what objects need to be picked up in your yard if you know a storm is approaching. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/07) In horticulture the term sucker is used to describe a strong sprout growing from the base of a tree or the tree's root system. Crape myrtles commonly produce suckers. But there is a way to get rid of these growths. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/07) Home gardeners can grow a number of vegetables from the onion family. These crops are planted in fall and harvested this time of the year. Pull the onion, shallot or garlic bulb out of the ground and let it dry in the sun a few days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/07) Creating a compost pile is a great way to recycle yard waste. Fallen leaves and grass clippings can be turned into valuable material that can be used in garden bed preparation or as top dressing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/07) Gardeners may notice poorly-performing plants with grayish-green growths on them. These growths, called lichens, often are blamed for harming trees or shrubs. Lichens are not parasites, but they often live on trees that are already unhealthy.
(Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/07) A vine-ripened tomato freshly picked from the garden can be a real treat. But harvesting tomatoes at the perfect time is not always possible. If they still need it when you pick them, you can ripen tomatoes indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/07) The vegetables we plant in Louisiana this time of the year have to be able to take the intense heat throughout the summer. We can plant a variety of vegetables such as canteloupe, eggplant and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/28/07) A number of trees and shrubs we use in Louisiana landscapes tend to develop suckers at the base. Suckers are sprouts that come up on trees such as wax myrtles, crape myrtles and river birches. Pruning and treatment is important in controlling these suckers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/27/08) If you will be building or doing any sort of construction on land with existing trees, plan carefully to preserve the trees, if possible. Consulting with an arborist can determine which trees are healthy and how they can be protected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/28/07) Irish potatoes are planted into the home garden around February in Louisiana. By the time we reach late May or early June, the potatoes usually are ready for harvest. And blooms may show up around harvest time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/28/07) Most trees and shrubs in Louisiana should be planted during our cooler season, but palms should be planted during the heat of summer. The roots of palms only grow in warm soil. Just make sure the palms you plant are hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/28/07) Vines are wonderful additions to our landscapes. They are beautiful climbing on a trellis or over an arbor. Annual vines are the ones that die at the end of their season, so if you are hesitant to use vines because you think they might get too wild, an annual vine will solve that problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 05/28/07) It is not as well known as its Chinese and Japanese counterparts, but there is a native wisteria vine found in Louisiana. It's called Wisteria frutescens, and it blooms about now (in late May). While the Chinese wisteria’s blooming is over in about two weeks – one big flash – the native wisteria has been in bloom at least a week or two and is going to continue to bloom for more than a month. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)
(Audio 05/21/07) The most popular small flowering tree in Louisiana landscapes is the crape myrtle. Its long blooming season and its ability to grow under most Louisiana soil conditions make it a prized tree. Crape myrtles come in a variety of colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/21/07) Decorative ponds and aquatic gardens are popular in many home and commercial landscapes. One of the more common problems for these ponds is green water. Algae blooms can cause green water this time of the year. But submerged plants can help clear this up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/21/07) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana's cuisine, but it is difficult to get these vegetables to grow during the summer. There are some nontraditional greens cooks and gardeners can try this time of year, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/21/07) Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom between April and September. Many are native to tropical and subtropical areas, and they thrive in Louisiana's climate. These summer-flowering bulbs can vary in size, height and color – and in the amount of shade and moisture they can tolerate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 05/21/07) Shrub roses are a category of roses that are really great for use in the landscape. What revolutionized this category was a cultivar called Knock Out. In this Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter hoticulturist Dan Gill also shows us other shrub roses that work well in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 37 seconds)
(Audio 05/14/07) Black spot is the most destructive disease on roses in Louisiana. Cultivars of roses that are highly susceptible to black spot are difficult to grow here. You can control black spot by spraying your roses regularly – even before you see signs of the disease occurring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/14/07) Spanish moss does not hurt a tree it is growing in. You can see the moss turn green when it rains, because the rain is what provides nutrients for the moss. Since Spanish moss isn't drawing anything from the tree, if you like the way it looks in a tree, let it grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/14/07) Many of us have childhood memories of harvesting blackberries on roadsides. You also can grow blackberries in your home garden. Prune them after harvest, which comes this month, but prune only the canes that bore fruit this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/14/07) Now is a great time to evaluate flower beds. If you planted cool-season bedding plants, you probably are noticing those are starting to fade. Replace them with warm-season bedding plants to have color this summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/14/07) Many gardeners do a lot of planting in late winter and early spring. As we move into the heat of summer, it is important to water these new plants, because they do not have well-established root systems yet. In this segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill focuses on watering newly planted trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 05/14/07) May is a transitional month in Louisiana flower gardens. The wonderful cool-season bedding plants that provided so much color and beauty during the milder months of spring really begin to show the heat stress as the weather becomes warmer. (Runtime: 1 minute, 23 seconds)
(Video 05/07/07) Clematis vines produce huge beautiful flowers that could make any gardener want a vine in the yard. The vine can thrive during the spring in Louisiana, but once the intense heat of summer moves in, it will start to wilt and die. (Runtime: 1 minute, 25 seconds)
(Audio 05/07/07) Early May is a good time to do your final assessment for weed control in your lawn. The reason for doing it now is that the herbicides we use to control weeds in our lawns cannot be used once the daytime highs stay above 85 degrees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/07/07) Hydrangeas and gardenias bloom in May and are great shrubs for Louisiana. A unique aspect of both plants is that they set their flower buds in late summer. If you need to prune the shrubs, do so right after they finish flowering. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/07/07) Properly caring for a new lawn will give it a good start. New sod will need to be watered frequently since it has not established a good root system yet. Mow the lawn when needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/07/07) Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in the home vegetable garden, but they do have their share of disease problems. This time of the year buckeye rot could attack the lower cluster of fruit on a tomato plant. Mulch can help prevent that problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 05/07/07) Sod is turf grass that is grown in a field and then harvested by cutting thin strips. Using sod is the best way to establish a new lawn. It creates an instant lawn without the worry of birds eating the seeds or rain washing the seeds away. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 04/30/07) The word bolting is a horticulture term used to describe when a plant we don’t intend to grow for its blooms goes into flower. This oftentimes occurs in leafy vegetables like turnip greens and radishes that we grow for their roots. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds)
(Audio 04/30/07) Houseplants brighten our decor and help to freshen the air, but they prefer to be outdoors. If you plan to move houseplants outdoors for the summer, make the transition to higher light conditions gradual. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/30/07) Freshly grown herbs are perfect for seasoning home-cooked meals. Herbs are not difficult to grow either. Many of the herbs we love to grow are more productive in the spring and early summer, so harvest your herbs generously this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/30/07) Gardeners can plant many vegetables into their gardens this time of the year. But they need to start focusing on heat-tolerant vegetables such as eggplant, peppers and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/30/07) Caladiums are great plants that provide summer color in shady areas, and you can plant caladium tubers this time of the year. An added bonus to these plants is that they are very heat-tolerant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/30/07) The color of the pepper depends on the stage at which it is harvested. Some traditionally are harvested green, like green bell peppers and jalapeno peppers. But we generally wait to harvest cayenne peppers and red bell peppers when they turn red. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 04/23/07) The Japanese maple is an outstanding small-growing tree for Louisiana landscapes. We grow them for their brilliantly colored foliage. They peak at about 15 feet and work well in a small area such as around a patio or close to your home. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)
(Audio 04/23/07) It's time to move container plants that were inside during the winter back outside. But you need to make the move to higher light conditions gradual. Move these plants to a shady location outside first before introducing them to more sunlight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/23/07) Spring-flowering bulbs beautify Louisiana landscapes, but you need to take care of these plants after they finish blooming. It is important not to remove the foliage until it begins turning yellow. This will help to ensure your bulbs will bloom again next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/23/07) Cool-season bedding plants are in full bloom this time of the year. Keep a close eye on these plants because they will start to languish as the weather warms. When they began fading, pull them out and replace them with warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/23/07) The warmer weather is encouraging container plants to grow vigorously. These plants need more fertilization than plants grown in the ground, because the frequent watering they need leeches nutrients out of their soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/23/07) Most of the fungus diseases that attack plants in our landscapes like rainy weather. One common disease that actually prefers drier conditions is powdery mildew. Symptoms appear like a fine white powder over the foliage of the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/16/07) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of summer bedding plants that tolerate the heat and provide lots of color for us during the warm season. This is a great time to start planting them if you want to add something new to your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/16/07) Caladiums are easy to grow and reliable in shady areas. There are some varieties that can tolerate sun, but most caladiums prefer shady locations. You can plant caladium tubers this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/16/07) Warmer weather means it's time for lawn chores. We have to mow more often, spend more time watching for weeds and just generally put more work into our yards. This is a good time to make sure your mower is in good condition and the blades are sharp. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 04/16/07) April is a transitional month in Louisiana flower gardens. Many of the cool-season bedding plants we planted last fall are blooming beautifully right now, but it's too late to plant those flowers. If you want some color in your landscape that will last through the summer, consider putting in warm-season plants now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)
(Audio 04/16/07) Permanent lawn grasses grow best during the warm season. This is the prime planting time for warm-season grasses. With the exception of common Bermuda, solid sodding is the best way to plant a lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/16/07) Louisiana has its share of pest problems as the weather warms up. If you notice you are having a weed, insect or disease problem in your lawn or garden, it is important to correctly identify the culprit and to get the right recommendation to try to eliminate it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/09/07) In Louisiana we generally apply the first fertilizer to our lawns in early April. It is important to allow the lawn to green up and establish a good root system before applying fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/09/07) A variety of the herbs we grow in our herb gardens grow better during the cool season. It is best to harvest herbs generously in April, May and early June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/09/07) Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in the home garden. When you go to the nursery to buy tomato transplants, choose those that are dark green and stocky. The better quality transplants you start with the better the plants are going to do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/09/07) Tomato plants tend to sprawl on the ground when they are not supported. If the fruit is left touching the ground, it can rot. Stake your tomato plants to keep them growing tall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 04/09/07) The Louisiana cross vine is an outstanding native vine that blooms in the spring. It provides wonderful flowers to our landscapes this time of the year. The cross vine is native to many wooded areas of the state. (Runtime: 1 minute, 15 seconds)
(Audio 04/09/07) Perennials are wonderful herbaceous plants that are grown for their beautiful flowers or attractive foliage. These plants brighten the landscape and live for many years, giving them an advantage over annuals that have to be replaced every year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/02/07) April is a transitional time in the flower garden. Cool-season bedding plants are at their peak right now, but it really is too late to plant them. Instead, it's better to start planting warm-season bedding plants that will bloom for you throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/02/07) April is a busy month for the home vegetable gardeners. Some of the most popular vegetables we grow can be planted at this time. Remember, earlier planted vegetables escape problems with insects and diseases (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/02/07) Now is a good time to evaluate spring-flowering shrubs and decide if they need to be pruned. It is best to prune them soon after they flower, and always prune with a specific purpose in mind, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 04/02/07) Dry, warm weather in the spring encourages the development of spider mites. They can damage a variety of vegetables and ornamentals in our landscapes. If you see damage, you can inspect under the leaves of the plants for signs of infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 04/02/07) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of spring-flowering trees and shrubs to bring lots of color to our landscapes this time of the year. Azaleas are blooming all over the state right now in lots of wonderful colors. A shrub that’s commonly planted along azaleas is this bridal wreath spirea. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)
(Audio 04/02/07) Leading up to the Easter holidays there are plenty of Easter lilies for sale, but after Easter many people dispose of them. Easter lilies actually can be planted into the landscape and will bloom for you in the spring year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 03/26/07) Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops that home vegetable gardeners plant in Louisiana. Mid-March is a great time for South Louisiana gardeners to plant tomatoes. Gardeners in North Louisiana can start planting their tomatoes in early to mid-April. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)
(Video 03/26/07) Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops that home vegetable gardeners plant in Louisiana. Mid-March is a great time for South Louisiana gardeners to plant tomatoes. Gardeners in North Louisiana can start planting their tomatoes in early to mid-April. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)
(Audio 03/26/07) In gardening the term deadheading refers to removing faded flowers from a plant. This practice has many benefits, including keeping plants looking attractive and encouraging some to bloom longer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/26/07) Although nurseries in the state generally begin carrying tropical plants in March, it is better to wait until April or May to incorporate these plants into your landscape. Late freezes can occur, and it takes a while for the soil to warm up to the temperatures these plants need to thrive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/26/07) When you are getting ready to purchase a home, inspections can ensure costly repairs will not be required after you take ownership of the property. In many instances when you use a home inspector, the condition of the trees and the landscape is not given the same consideration. Hiring a licensed arborist to inspect trees can save money for you as the potential homeowner. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/26/07) Mirliton is a vegetable that is popular in southern Louisiana, but it also can be grown in the northern part of the state. Look for the sprouted fruit at your local garden center and plant them into a well-prepared bed. It grows as a vine, so give it something to climb on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 03/19/07) As we move into mid-March, Louisiana vegetable gardeners can start working with the crops we grow in the spring and early summer like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. This is a great time to get them into the ground if you’re in South Louisiana. North Louisiana gardeners will want to wait until the early part of April. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)
(Audio 03/19/07) In spring we do a lot of planting, and good bed preparation is an important part of the process. The basic steps include removing unwanted vegetation, tilling and adding soil amendments. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/19/07) Brown patch is a fungal disease that attacks lawn grasses. Since it favors mild and wet weather, the growing conditions we have now are ideal for brown patch. It will show up as the grass starts to green up and grow, but you can control it with a lawn fungicide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/19/07) Cool-season weeds may be prevalent in your lawn now. Fortunately, these weeds are not very destructive to the grass and many will die off when the weather warms. To control future generations of the weeds, it is best to mow them back to prevent them from flowering and setting seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/19/07) Finish transplanting and dividing perennials this month. If transplanted now most perennials will do well, but if you wait until the weather is warmer, your plants may suffer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/19/07) Mulches decay and get thinner over the winter, which means weeds usually become a nuisance in your planting beds this time of year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill reminds us that mulch is our best defense against weeds. He also says there is no need to remove old mulch when putting in new mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/12/07) Vegetable transplants purchased in nurseries have been grown in greenhouses and have led a sheltered life. Planting them right into the garden can be traumatic for them, so you need to harden them off before they go into your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 03/12/07) Herbaceous perennials live in our landscapes from year to year. These plants are nonwoody and can brighten our landscapes. Many nurseries carry perennials such as salvia and butterfly weed.
