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(Audio 07/26/10) Flower gardens add a great amount of beauty to our landscapes. Late July or August is a great time to evaluate your flower beds to see what needs to be replaced. Hear about some great replacements that can withstand the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/26/10) Crape myrtles are popular summer-flowering trees, and they have a very long blooming season. If your tree is relatively young, and you notice some leftover seed pods, trim these off to encourage new growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/26/10) The roses in your landscape do not enjoy the heat of summer. You may notice smaller flowers, faded color and declining quality. There is not much you can do for your roses when this occurs, but be sure to water deeply when the weather is hot and dry. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/26/10) Some people feel guilty for harvesting flowers from their flower gardens. Imagine how much more you would enjoy your flowers if they were cut from your garden and arranged in an attractive vase indoors. Here are a few tips on how to make cut flowers last as long as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/26/10) Caladiums are one of the most common bedding plants to use in shady areas of the landscape. They are popular, reliable and do not have many insect problems. Caladiums do require extra care during the summer. Be sure to keep beds well-mulched, water deeply, and apply a light application of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 07/19/10) Common wax begonias are beautiful in the landscape, but they’re kind of small. If you’re looking for a begonia with bigger flowers and leaves, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends trying dragon wing begonias on this segment of Get It Growing.(Runtime: 1:41)
(Video 07/26/10) Blue flowers can add a cool touch to hot summer gardens, but are all flowers that may be called blue truly blue? In reality, relatively few flowers in nature actually are blue. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill is in search of some of those true-blue flowers. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Audio 07/19/10) Unlike most summer-flowering shrubs, gardenias and hydrangeas should be pruned around the same time that spring-flowering shrubs are pruned. Here are some tips for pruning your gardenias and hydrangeas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/19/10) Basil is an indispensable herb used in Louisiana cooking. Basil is a warm-season herb, and you can add more basil to your garden despite the heat. Visit your local nursery to find basil transplants to add to your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/19/10) During the heat of summer, shade trees in the landscape are incredibly welcomed. As the years go by and these shade trees get increasingly larger, the grass beneath the canopies may not get enough sunlight and may begin to fade away and die. Here are some options for dealing with bare areas underneath shade trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/19/10) If you ever notice a fine, silvery webbing located on the bark of trees, do not be alarmed. This is the web of bark lice, which are scavengers that feed on organic debris lodged in the crevices of the bark. Bark lice are harmless, so it is not necessary to remove them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/19/10) Blackberries are one of the easiest and most productive fruits that can be grown in the home garden. They have a unique life cycle. Blackberry chutes do not produce during the first year, but during their second year they produce vigorously and then die. Be sure to prune all of the old canes down to the ground and prune the tips off of the new canes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 07/16/10) Deadheading is an important but often-neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms. It is most often done to annuals and perennials, but it is also useful with some summer-flowering trees and shrubs.
(For Release On Or After 07/23/10) We all are familiar with low-growing, running grasses like St. Augustine and centipede used to cover lawn areas, and in most gardeners’ minds, all other grasses are simply weeds. Ornamental grasses, however, are an often-overlooked group of herbaceous perennials that thrive in Louisiana and will grow beautifully with minimal effort.
(For Release On Or After 07/30/10) The LSU AgCenter conducts greenhouse and landscape research on many new bedding plants each year. This helps to determine production practices to assist growers and evaluate performance in the landscape to provide garden centers, landscape professionals and home gardeners information on how these plants will perform under Louisiana’s growing conditions.
(For Release On Or After 07/09/10) Not satisfied with the occasional, chance appearance of butterflies, many gardeners are creating butterfly gardens with plants specially chosen to invite them into the landscape. A large number of beautiful native butterflies will visit gardens that provide for their needs.
(Audio 07/12/10) Nobody enjoys weeding a garden, especially during the heat of summer. The best defense against weeds that grow from seeds is to keep beds mulched or use a pre-emergence herbicide. Learn more about preventing weed growth in your beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/12/10) Figs are ready for harvest. One of the main issues growers have with fig trees is birds. Birds will wait until the figs are perfectly ripe, and they peck holes in them before you have a chance to harvest. Learn how to stop birds from damaging your figs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/12/10) The intense heat of summer takes a toll on our flower gardens. Many summer bedding plants are able to endure this heat and produce lots of flowers for us. Here are a few tips on watering and keeping your garden looking lively. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/12/10) When growing plants in containers, it is critical that the containers have drainage holes. Drainage holes allow us to water these plants generously and let the excess water seep out of the holes. When placed on wooden decks, use bricks or pot feet to boost these container plants because the excess water could stain or rot the wood. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/12/10) Leaf miners are tiny insect larvae that get inside leaves and feed between their upper and lower surfaces, which results in white lines on leaves. Prevent leaf miner damage by applying an insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/05/10) Because Louisiana summers are extremely hot, many gardeners choose to take a break from gardening until the weather becomes cooler again. Before you put your vegetable bed to rest, be sure that you take steps to ensure your garden doesn’t become full of weeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/05/10) Webworms are small furry caterpillars that tend to form colonies and spin webs enclosing the tips of branches, especially on pecan trees. Within these webs, these caterpillars feed on the foliage causing a brown discoloration. Hear more about how to handle webworms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/05/10) If it weren’t for shade trees, Louisianans would hardly be able to spend any time outside during summer. Interestingly, the shade that these trees cast also saves you money on your utility bill. Hear more about the benefits of having shade trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/05/10) The most important parts of lawn care this time of the year are mowing and watering. Here are some tips on watering and mowing your lawn during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 07/05/10) Louisiana is at the end of its prime tomato. Many varieties can't handle the intense heat during July and August. When you feel that your tomato plant is done producing, feel free to pull it up and deposit it into your compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 07/05/10) During the heat of summer, flowers obviously need to be well-watered to keep them alive and attractive. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a hardy plant that is drought tolerant, while also maintaining its color throughout the entire summer. (Runtime: 1:37)
(Video 07/12/10) No trees show off more bright, flowery colors during the summer than crape myrtles. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some advice for selecting and growing these beautiful and popular landscape trees. (Runtime: 1:36)
(For Release On Or After 07/02/10) When you think of shade trees in your landscape, you most likely focus on the shade they create outside. It would be hard to do anything on a patio or deck this time of the year unless it was shaded. But trees that shade our homes also help hold down inside temperatures far better than curtains or blinds. And this lowers the cost of summer air conditioning.
(Distributed 07/30/10) We often associate many of our warm-season bedding plants with the spring and summer growing seasons. Often overlooked is the fact that many of these plants may actually do better in our Louisiana landscapes during mid- and late summer through fall. Zinnias and marigolds are two excellent examples of warm-season bedding plants to try from August through the first killing frost.
(Distributed 07/14/10) A few weeks before elementary school begins, remind your child that school is starting and pay attention to your child’s reactions, says LSU AgCenter family and child development specialist Linda Robinson. Reactions may range from excitement to nervousness to disappointment.
(Distributed 07/08/10) The high school years are usually a time of experimentation and testing limits. Recent studies, however, reveal that conflict between parents and adolescents is much less than popular culture leads us to believe, according to LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Linda Robinson.
(Distributed 07/27/10) Starting in August, a new federal program will be available that provides help for homeowners who have become unemployed so they can temporarily reduce or suspend their mortgage payments while they seek employment, according to Gloria Nye, LSU AgCenter extension family economist.
(Distributed 07/07/10) A take-along lunch can be a healthful, economical choice for students and teachers, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
(Distributed 07/09/10) One of the most popular summer bedding plants in Louisiana is vinca, also called periwinkle. This annual plant is known for having a very long blooming season. It is also very heat- and drought-tolerant.
(Distributed 07/20/10) Young athletes need adequate fuel, fluids and nutrients to perform their best. Eating right helps delay fatigue and allows them to push harder and recover faster, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
(Distributed 07/22/10) Most people think of mid-summer as the “down time” in the landscape. Many of our warm-season bedding plants from earlier in the spring and summer have a tendency to not be performing as well by the time we get to late summer. We do, however, have a wonderful assortment of tropical plants that can be grown very successfully in south Louisiana.
(Distributed 07/29/10) A recent study funded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service suggests that a woman’s weight during pregnancy may influence the likelihood of her child becoming an overweight or obese adult.
(Distributed 07/16/10) Summer is prime growing season for lawns in Louisiana. Lawns that are not performing their best can be made better through the fall. If you did not fertilize your lawn during the spring, you still have time to fertilize and get your lawn in good shape prior to fall
(Distributed 07/02/10) Many times, we tend to neglect our home landscapes during the summer, but this can be a time of the year when problems arise. Summer officially will last only three months, but real summer growing conditions in Louisiana can last 120-150 days. During this hard time of the year in the landscape, several horticultural practices need to be done.
(Distributed 07/15/10) Proper hydration is essential for healthy physical activity. Drinking the right amount of fluids before, during and after every physical activity is vital to providing the fluids the body needs to perform properly, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
(Distributed 07/06/10) Experts often call breakfast the most important meal of the day, and this is especially true for kids headed off to school.
(Distributed 07/08/10) As of July 1, the U.S. Congress has reauthorized and extended the National Flood Insurance Program until Sep. 30, making it possible for many people to purchase affordable flood insurance for their dwellings, says Gloria Nye, extension family economist with the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 07/08/10) After the more leisurely pace of summer, preparing and serving meals can be a challenge when juggling family members’ busy schedules of school, work, sports, homework, etc., says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
(Distributed 07/07/10) The transition to middle school occurs at a time when children are moving into adolescence, and the preteen years can be stressful for children as their bodies prepare for puberty.
(Distributed 07/30/10) Hot summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
(Distributed 07/06/10) As the first day of school approaches, many parents find themselves anxious about how their children will adjust. Parents of young children may be anxious about leaving their children in a new environment for the first time.
(Distributed 07/14/10) Getting off to a good start with your child’s new teacher requires communication and respecting the role of a teacher, says LSU AgCenter youth development specialist Janet Fox. A strong connection between families and teachers is essential for building a positive environment for children.
(Distributed 7/14/10) A durable home that withstands natural hazards like hurricanes saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs and, potentially, your health.
(Radio News 07/12/10) Each year, LSU AgCenter researchers test new crop varieties. At the Red River Research Station in Bossier City, Jim Hayes works with corn, soybeans, cotton, oats sorghum and wheat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 7/19/10) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on experimental rice lines that could become new varieties. LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe is working on a conventional long-grain variety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 7/19/10) LSU AgCenter rice breeders released two new Clearfield rice lines this year. Dr. Steve Linscombe, LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the Rice Research Station, explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/12/10) Several improvements to the way greenhouse tomatoes are grown will help producers grow better tomatoes over a longer period of time. LSU AgCenter greenhouse tomato expert Dr. H.Y. Hanna says one improvement is the way plants are heated. Growers used to blow heat over the tops of the plants. A new system heats from the bottom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 7/26/10) A group of Louisiana chefs attended the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station’s field day to learn more about rice production in Louisiana. Matthew Beaudin is a chef at L’Auberge du Lac Casino in Lake Charles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 7/26/10) Producers participating in the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program will be required to take part in technical assistance training and develop a business plan. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the first phase will consist of a two to three hour workshop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 07/26/10) Soybeans have suffered this year because of weather conditions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that stress on the crop could lead to diseases (Runtime: 1:31)
(Radio News 7/19/10) This year’s soybean crop could be a tale of two extremes – too much rain on some of the crop and not enough rain in other areas. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says the overall crop is fair right now. A portion of the state's soybean acreage that received too much rain has been replanted, but some farmers are still waiting for good weather conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 7/26/10) 4-H’ers participating in the Next 4-H Food Star program learned about seafood issues and the importance of the seafood industry to Louisiana. Grant Parish 4-H’er Alex Talberg spoke about the Gulf oil spill in a presentation he did for the program. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 7/19/10) The rice water weevil is the biggest pest of rice. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel conducted tests at 15 locations around the state looking at insect control from Dermacor seed treatment, Cruiser Max and pyrethroid combinations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/05/10) Consumers don’t need to worry about the safety of Louisiana seafood says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. She cited daily testing of seafood by local, state and federal experts. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 7/26/10) Many Louisiana shrimp and catfish producers will be eligible to participate in the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The program aims to help producers affected by increased imports of their commodities and offers technical and financial assistance to eligible producers, says LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry. (Runtime: 1:30 seconds)
(Radio News 07/05/10) Oiled birds such as pelicans have become a symbol of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Research on how affected pelicans and other shore birds will survive or recover is scarce, says LSU AgCenter conservation biologist Dr. Phil Stouffer. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Radio News 7/19/10) Louisiana’s rice crop appears to be in good condition. But LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says the weather has him a little worried. (Runtime: 1:10)
(TV News 07/19/10) Cloudy days could mean lower yields for the state’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers will have to wait and see how the weather will affect this year’s crop (Runtime: 1:30)
(Radio News 7/26/10) Twenty-four 4-H’ers from across Louisiana participated in the Next 4-H Food Star program. The program will take them to the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans. The youth took part in a two-day program on LSU’s campus that involved learning about seafood and cooking seafood dishes. LSU AgCenter family and consumer science coordinator Quincy Cheek helped organize the program. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Radio News 07/05/10) Crawfish boils are a mainstay of many spring weekends in Louisiana, but the boiler pots typically are put away in early summer. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz believes an alternative species of crawfish, which are native to Louisiana and found in the Atchafalaya basin, may someday have the pots boiling again in the fall. (Runtime: 1:30)
(TV News 07/12/10) Louisianans love crawfish, but fresh crawfish is only available during a certain window of time. LSU AgCenter researchers are working on an alternative crawfish species that could open that window a little wider. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Radio News 07/12/10) Many families along the coast are facing a difficult situation and may have important decisions to make. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says families should use this problem-solving process to work through tough decisions. She says to start by identifying and analyzing the problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/05/10) As of mid-June, Asian soybean rust hasn’t been found in the United States says LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/12/10) Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse offers several advantages over traditionally-grown tomatoes. LSU AgCenter greenhouse tomato expert Dr. H.Y. Hanna says you get excellent tomatoes with little effect on the environment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/12/10) Coping with a crisis can take a toll on families. Many of the people affected by the oil spill were also affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says families and communities should ask themselves three questions when faced with this or any unexpected crisis. First, she suggests asking how difficult this challenge will be. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/05/10) An LSU AgCenter plant pathologist told participants at a field day at the AgCenter’s Red River Research Station that this is the worst year for corn disease he has seen. While diseases such as common rust and northern leaf blight have been a problem in some fields, Dr. Boyd Padgett isn’t recommending blanket fungicide applications for all fields. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)
(TV News 07/05/10) Louisiana’s corn crop is past the tassel stage. Some farmers have seen diseases on their corn. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has more. (Runtime: 1:34)
(Distributed 07/01/10) Qualifying farmers will be paid to flood their fields, providing alternative habitat for waterfowl that would normally migrate to marshland threatened by the BP oil disaster, according to Kevin Norton, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program was approved to encourage farmers and ranchers to flood as much as 150,000 acres in an eight-state area as habitat for birds that ordinarily fly to the coastal marshes.
(Distributed 07/14/10) WEST MONROE, La. – Results from the 41st annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 6-10 have been released.
(Distributed 07/19/10) A team of researchers soon will be surveying south Louisiana and Texas rice fields to determine how much food is available from farming and natural plants for migrating waterfowl along the coastal prairie.
(Distributed 07/02/10) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day held Thursday (July 1) gave the rice industry a chance to learn what researchers are doing to help farmers. But participants were told state budget cuts are looming that could adversely affect LSU AgCenter research projects.
(Distributed 07/16/10) With the reopening of large areas in Louisiana waters for recreational fishing, more boats will be encountering oil on their hulls. Experts recommend removing the oil as soon as possible to prevent additional contamination and damage to the boats.
(Distributed 07/16/10) The LSU AgCenter has been named as a recipient of one of 22 U.S. Department of Agriculture grants supporting agricultural market research and demonstration projects.
(Distributed 07/13/10) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Field Day will be held Aug. 5 with field tours starting at 9 a.m. Experts will give overviews on their work with corn, cotton, soybeans and cattle.
(Distributed 07/09/10) Oil from the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is causing concern among cattle owners who graze their herds on coastal marshes. The fear is that severe weather or high tides could push the oil inland.
(Distributed 07/22/10) LSU AgCenter researchers will showcase and discuss research and demonstration plots at the Sweet Potato Research Station field day Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the station in Chase.
(Distributed 07/06/10) The Vermilion Parish Rice Field Day that was to be held July 6 has been rescheduled because of bad weather and will be July 13, according to Stuart Gauthier, LSU AgCenter county agent. “We hope for drier weather next week,” Gauthier said. “At this point we are planning to have the same speakers and itinerary for the event.”
(Distributed 07/13/10) CROWLEY, La. – Among the 400 who attended a recent LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station field day was a group of 13 undergraduate minority students from universities across the United States working this summer as researchers at Louisiana State University.
(Distributed 07/20/10) A statewide LSU AgCenter 4-H program to heighten students’ awareness of Louisiana’s wetland loss is entering its fifth year.
(Distributed 07/07/10) Remembering the proper fork to use and knowing when to begin eating at a formal dinner were just a few of the lessons learned by 4-H members who attended the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University educational program recently on the LSU Baton Rouge campus.
(Distributed 07/23/10) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Growers who attended the 28th annual sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel were given better news than they’ve received over the past few years about the current crop.
(Distributed 07/15/10) The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has not only tested the limits of human engineering, but also the scientists who study birds along the Gulf Coast. Avian scientists are finding there is little knowledge and direction as to what recommendations should be undertaken to remedy oil-soaked birds and the long-term effects of oil in their habitat.
(Distributed 07/19/10) School gardens are fast becoming a core element of Louisiana children’s school education. In some schools, gardens are being integrated into the curriculum to teach children about plants, nature and the outdoors. Gardens also can be used to teach children about history, economics, poetry, math, science and social studies.
(Distributed 07/07/10) The LSU AgCenter’s 28th Annual Sugarcane Field Day will be held July 21 at the Sugar Research Station near St. Gabriel.
(Distributed 07/15/10) Families and children enrolled in the LSU AgCenter’s Reading to the Heart literacy program in Alexandria and Tallulah have plenty to keep them busy during the summer break from school.
(Distributed 07/07/10) KERRVILLE, Texas – The Louisiana team placed third in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational held here June 29-July 2.
(Distributed 07/29/10) David J. Boethel, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for research and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, has been elected as one of 10 Fellows of the Entomological Society of America for 2010. The election acknowledges outstanding contributions in research, teaching and administration.
(Distributed 07/26/10) A proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is offering grants of up to $45 million for biofuels research, is in preparation as part of a new initiative in the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 07/16/10) RUSTON, La. – Don’t lose a dream by hanging out with the wrong friends, Coach Teresa Weatherspoon told a group of 26 sixth- through eighth-graders as part of the Celebrate Girls 4-H Club event July 14-16 here.
(Distributed 07/02/10) CROWLEY, La. – The company marketing Jazzman rice, developed by the LSU AgCenter, brought a group of Louisiana chefs to the July 1 field day at the Rice Research Station here.
