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(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)
