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(Audio 12/06/10) It is common to hear about wind chill during the winter. The important thing for gardeners to remember is wind chill does not affect plants. Look at the actual temperature when deciding whether or not to protect plants from freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/27/10) Indoor plants add a lot to our home environment. Houseplants need proper care to thrive, including adequate sunlight and water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/13/10) Gardeners use a wide variety of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, to care for their landscapes. These products must be stored safely. If they are water-based and stored outdoors, they could freeze during cold spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/27/10) Tulip and hyacinth bulbs need to chill in the vegetable bin of a refrigerator for about eight weeks before they can be planted into the ground. If you chilled bulbs earlier in the fall, you can plant them in late December or early January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/27/10) With the coming of the new year, it is popular to make resolutions. Gardeners can resolve to try something new in the garden, to keep up with weeding or to read a gardening book. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 12/27/10) Pansies are a popular choice for planting in cool-season flower beds, and now there’s a new pansy that spreads and grows more plentifully than all other pansies -- making it an economical choice. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the Plentifall pansy. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Audio 12/06/10) December is a good time to plant hardy fruit and nut trees in your landscape. We use plenty of pecans in holiday cooking, and if you want a tree of your own, consider planting one soon. Try these tips for planting and growing pecan trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/06/10) Many of the tools we use for gardening are retired for the winter. Put away tools safely, making sure gas is burned from equipment, and have broken items serviced. Clean and sharpen tools, so they are ready for use when spring arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/06/10) Louisiana's mild winter temperatures allow weeds to grow in our gardens throughout the season. The best thing to do for weed control is to keep a sharp eye out for them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 12/17/10) April through October is the best time for sodding in Louisiana, but dormant-season sodding can be successful. Planting dormant grass is simply a little riskier.
(Audio 12/13/10) Many gardeners save seeds. This is a good idea when you buy seeds and have some left over or when you want to save seeds from plants you have grown. Make sure you dry them and store them properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/06/10) When freezes threaten, it's best to move tropical plants growing in containers into protected locations. For plants growing in your landscape, try mulching them, covering them or warming them with Christmas lights. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/13/10) If you want a green lawn during winter, you need to over-seed your lawn with ryegrass. It's hardy, takes freezes and grows beautifully through the winter. But you will need to care for it -- mowing regularly, watering and fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/27/10) People often force amaryllis bulbs to bloom at Christmas time. This is easy to do. Then the bulb can be planted in your yard during spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/10) The Christmas cactus is a great plant for the holidays and can be used year after year. After one finishes blooming, move it to a bright window and water it every few days. When the weather warms during spring, bring the plant outside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 12/03/10) It’s a pity what generally happens to leaves that fall from deciduous trees this time of the year. Most people rake them up, put them in bags and then place the bags on the curb to be picked up with the trash. What a shame.
(For Release On Or After 12/24/10) I often write columns on timely information about what needs to be done in the garden. I remember once meeting a gentleman who said that his wife read my columns faithfully. After reading about what to do in the garden, she would make a list of the tasks he needed to do that weekend.
(Radio News 12/13/10) Camellias bloom beautifully throughout the winter months. If Louisiana has a dry spell during winter, you may want to irrigate your camellias. Freezes can damage open blooms but generally won't hurt buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/10) Roses continue to bloom well into December in Louisiana. If there is going to be a hard freeze, cut any open flowers and enjoy them indoors. Also, cut faded flowers to keep the plants attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 12/13/10) A popular adage says eating cabbage on New Year’s Day will bring you prosperity. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU horticulturist Dan Gill won’t promise any get-rich schemes from cabbage consumption, but he will give you some tips on growing and harvesting this nutritious vegetable -- so you can enjoy it throughout the new year.(Runtime: 1:50)
(Video 12/20/10) Both novice and veteran gardeners look forward to the 2011 season for growing beautiful plants, fruits and vegetables. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a resource that can help you throughout the year. The proceeds from the Get It Growing Calendar also support horticultural research. (Runtime: 1:28)
(Radio News 12/13/10) Deciduous trees in our landscapes have been dropping leaves. Get these leaves off the lawn and consider using them as mulch or compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 12/10/10) Winter vegetable gardening is tremendously rewarding. Many of the vegetables we planted earlier in the fall are ready to harvest, and it is important to harvest them at their right stage for best results. Here are a few guidelines for some of the most commonly grown crops.
(For Release On Or After 12/31/10) The next few weeks are an important time for planting tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs that have been previously stored in your refrigerator. (Won’t it be great to get that space back?)
(Audio 12/27/10) Garden catalogs arrive in mailboxes during December and January. They contain beautiful pictures that tempt gardeners to try new plants. Be sure and purchase plants suited for Louisiana's climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/10) Leafy vegetables are great in the winter garden. With some leafy greens such as heading and semi-heading lettuce, the entire plant is harvested. With others, only the oldest outer leaves are harvested. This allows for an extended harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/10) It's common for leaves on deciduous trees to change color and drop from the trees. Evergreen plants also may change color this time of year, although they will hold onto their leaves. This isn't cause for concern, and the leaves will green up once spring arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/10) Tropical plants are common in Louisiana landscapes. These plants can be damaged by winter freezes. Herbaceous tropical plants can be pruned within a week or so. For woody plants, wait until spring to see where the damage has occurred. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
