(Audio 08/23/10) Roses have two growing seasons in Louisiana, one that starts in the spring and another in the fall. Gardeners should prune their roses now to prepare them for fall blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/09/10) Louisiana gardeners often exclusively focus on growing tomatoes in the spring and early summer. By the time we get into late summer, most tomatoes have been removed from the garden. Gardeners can plant tomato transplants during August to experience tomatoes in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/16/10) Gingers are a popular tropical plant used in Louisiana landscapes. When pruning gingers, we primarily focus more on cutting back cold-damaged growth. We also can do some pruning on gingers during the summer. Here are some tips for pruning gingers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/30/10) Understanding how the roots of a tree work can help protect the tree from damage. If construction will take place around trees, make sure the roots are protected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/23/10) August may not be the best time to put new plants into your landscape, but you can add them to your aquatic garden. Look for container plants at your local nursery that you can just place into the water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/23/10) When you buy transplants at a nursery, you need to remember those plants may not be ready for your garden. Toughen up the transplants using the process gardeners call "hardening off" before you plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/09/10) Louisiana gardeners often plant milkweed in their landscapes. The monarch butterfly, which migrates through Louisiana, can only lay its eggs on plants that are very closely related to milkweed. If you are interested in attracting monarch butterflies to your milkweed, do not apply any pesticides. Listen for more information on milkweed and monarch butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/02/10)The summer heat may discourage you from getting out in your garden, but there are many things you could be planting during the month of August. Hear about transplants and vegetables you can plant now that will be ready in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/09/10) Sometimes container plants outgrow their containers which stunts their growth and makes them less healthy. If a pot becomes too small for a plant, repot it into a bigger container. Here’s some advice for repotting container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/30/10) It's not too late to establish a new lawn or repair a damaged area of a lawn. The best way to do this is with sod. Hear tips for laying sod. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/16/10) The intense heat of late summer makes this a poor time to plant many types of plants in our landscapes. If you have been considering adding some tropicals to your landscape, you can plant them now. Palms, cannas and gingers are a few plants that will grow beautifully in your landscape despite the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/20/10) Nothing epitomizes the summer season in Louisiana more that the crape myrtle. This small tree packs a powerful punch of color over an amazingly long season. But other summer-blooming large shrubs and small trees can do a lot to contribute to the summer display.
(Audio 08/09/10) Container plants that are kept outdoors during the summer should be watered frequently. Check your container plants often to ensure they have sufficient water. Hear more about caring for your outdoor container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/16/10) Although houseplants are grown indoors, they are not necessarily protected from insects. The most common pests seen on houseplants are mealy bugs, scale and mites. Learn about the damage that these pests can cause and what treatment to use if symptoms arise. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/30/10) Fungal diseases can cause serious problems in lawns, but not all fungi are detrimental to grass. Slime mold and mushrooms may appear in yards, but don't harm the lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/09/10) Louisiana iris is a popular herbaceous perennial that is native to Louisiana. These iris grow profusely during the spring, but become unattractive during late summer. This indicates their dormancy. Hear more about Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/02/10) Spider mites and white flies are two destructive pests that cause a lot of problems this time of the year. Both of these pests can be dealt with by using a light oil spray or by applying an insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/27/10) Plants under heat stress are weakened, and we generally see an increase in disease and insect problems at the end of the summer. Keep your eye out for pests such as mealy bugs, aphids, leaf hoppers, scales, spider mites and whiteflies. Monitor population levels and damage carefully.
(Audio 08/02/10) Louisiana experiences a very long summer growing season that extends beyond August. You may notice that some of your warm season bedding plants are becoming overgrown. Now is a great time to cut these plants back and apply some fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/06/10) The period from late June to mid-September is the most stressful time of the year for gardeners and their plants. Indeed, our hot summer season essentially defines what trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials we can grow successfully in our landscapes.
(Video 08/09/10) During summer, many Louisiana gardeners grow the beautiful, flowering shrub oleander. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the dwarf oleander makes a great container plant for colorfully accenting your landscape. (Runtime: 1:42)
(Audio 08/02/10) Chinch bugs are one of the leading lawn pests in Louisiana. These insects suck the sap out of the grass causing the lawn to appear wilted and discolored in some areas. Learn how to treat your lawn if you notice symptoms of chinch bug infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/13/10) August is a month when gardeners should think about two important aspects of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This month is the latest we fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape.
(Audio 08/16/10) Pear trees are one of the easier and more reliable fruit trees to grow in Louisiana. Hear about what to be aware of when preparing to harvest your pears. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/23/10) Coleus are grown for their colorful foliage rather than the flowers they produce. Many are adapted to full sun, but one must be grown in the shade. Hear more about coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/16/10) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)
(Audio 08/02/10) Because of Louisiana’s long summer growing season, insects have a long time to develop their populations over the summer. Be sure to identify which pest or disease is affecting your plants so you can choose proper treatment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/30/10) Louisiana gardeners tend to use the phrase shallots for either green onions or true shallots, but they really are two different plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the difference and how to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/23/10) August is the last month of the year we apply fertilizer to our lawns in Louisiana. If your yard appears green and healthy, you can skip the fertilizer application. And be sure not to use a weed-and-feed product this time of the year. Hear what to use and how to use it in this segment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/23/10) Hurricane Katrina brought horrible destruction to the New Orleans area. But the storm also helped create something unique in that same place. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a hybrid plant called Katrina Iris. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Video 08/02/10) Louisiana’s summer heat can force many gardeners to minimize their outdoor gardening efforts. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can stay cool and comfortable growing ivy indoors. (Runtime: 1:41)
(Audio 08/16/10) Ferns are one of the most valuable plants for shady areas. Because the weather is so hot this time of the year, working with ferns will keep gardeners in the shade. Here are some tips for caring for your ferns during August. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/30/10) The weather is still hot, but now is a good time to plant fall tomatoes. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends some good tomato varieties and explains how to plant them. (Runtime: 1:42)
(Audio 08/30/10) September is great month to plant vegetables. Gardeners can still plant warm-season vegetables while putting in their first cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)