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News Release Distributed 02/25/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen OwingsGrowing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for landscape professionals and home gardeners alike. A major problem in rose production and landscape performance is disease (blackspot and powdery mildew, primarily) brought on by environmental conditions of our region. Heat and humidity have an adverse affect on many rose varieties we grow in Louisiana. The growing popularity of landscape shrub roses has stimulated new interest in roses over the past few years. Traditionally, modern roses – such as hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora varieties – have dominated the market. Landscape shrub roses in the modern-rose category were a small percentage of the modern rose market in the 1990s, but that has totally reversed. This trend has been driven, in large degree, by the tremendous success and popularity of the Knock Out rose varieties. One of the major rose evaluation projects under way at the LSU AgCenter is participating in evaluation of Earth-Kind roses and varieties that are candidates for this program. The Earth-Kind project was initiated about 15 years ago by Texas A&M University. One of the initial goals was to locate the best “yellow rose of Texas.” But now it includes the goal of testing and recommending roses for low-maintenance landscapes. This includes the evaluation of numerous rose varieties, particularly those classified as shrub roses. Characteristics considered in these evaluations are low irrigation requirements, minimum pruning requirements, desirable flowering characteristics, minimum insect susceptibility and resistance or low susceptibility to blackspot and other devastating rose diseases. There were eleven original Earth-Kind rose varieties: Belinda’s Dream, Caldwell Pink, Carefree Beauty (also called Katy Road Pink), Climbing Pinkie, Else Poulsen, Knock Out, Marie Daly, Mutabilis, Perle d’Or, Sea Foam and The Fairy. In the initial evaluation process conducted in Texas, these were the best-performing. In 2006, Spice and Duchesse de Brabant were added, and in 2007, Ducher and Georgetown Tea joined the list. Two new Earth-Kind roses continue to be added to the list each year. More recent Earth-Kind rose varieties are Madame Antoine Mari and New Dawn in 2008 and La Marne and Souvenir de St. Anne’s in 2009. The 2010 Earth-Kind roses are Cecile Brunner and Reve d’Or, and Mrs. Dudley Cross and Monsieur Tillier were Earth-Kind roses for 2011. This brings the total number of Earth-Kind roses to 23. A new Earth-Kind rose planting is underway at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station. The AgCenter is an official university partner with Texas A&M University in the Earth-Kind rose program. These rose varieties may have limited availability in Louisiana, but some can be found at independent retail garden centers around the state. If you find them, you should have great success with these plants. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse and www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 02/28/11) Many nurseries are now stocked with incredible selections of rose plants. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what to look for. He also explains why it’s best to plant your roses during March, rather than waiting. (Runtime: 1:42)
News Release Distributed 02/22/11 Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights. This problem gained attention after the 2005 hurricanes when some Louisiana residents were unable to receive federal and state aid for property damage, said Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter family economist. “They owned their homes. They even paid property taxes. But legal documents didn’t list them as owners so they lacked ‘clear title,’” she said. Their homes were passed down through generations by family agreement, but not through the legal system, Tucker explained. “They owned ‘heir property’ and couldn’t receive Road Home government aid or finance repairs,” she said, adding that heir property issues are common in both rural and urban areas throughout Louisiana. Tucker said heir property comes about when necessary legal work isn’t done after a property owner dies. “If you do nothing, the right to live on the property goes to a living heir, who is related to the deceased property owner by blood or marriage, or named in a will,” she said. The heir legally owns the property, but the property’s title does not automatically pass to the heir. Even if the property owner had a valid will, the heir still must take the original to court to get clear title, Tucker said. According to Tucker, if you do not have clear title, you may not be able to: – Sell your property. – Make repairs to the property. – Borrow money against the property. – Cash an insurance check. – Deal with a bank on a foreclosure. – Qualify for government aid to fix your house. – Get a homestead exemption for taxes. – Get notice of actions by the city or parish if they try to take your home from you. – Have a court rule on “claims of heir” in a lawsuit against those falsely claiming to be heirs of the original owner. Getting clear title used to be expensive and time consuming; however, Act No. 81, passed by the Louisiana Legislature in 2009, simplifies and reduces the cost of the process, Tucker said. “Act No. 81 lets heir property owners file an ‘Heirship Affidavit’ that can get them clear title to homes they live in if the estate is valued at less than $75,000,” Tucker said. This process can reduce legal fees and filing costs. An Heirship Affidavit is a statement under oath by two or more heirs (including the surviving spouse, if any) as to certain facts. “It can only be used if the property owner died without a valid will and must be filed after 90 days from the property owner’s death,” Tucker said. Generally the Heirship Affidavit requires: – Date of death of the deceased and his home address at the time of death. – Marital status of the deceased and the name and address of the surviving spouse, if any. – Names and last known addresses of the heirs and their relationship to the deceased – Legal description of the property. Other actions property owners can do to protect their property include: – Make sure your property taxes are paid. – Have a valid will. – Make a family tree to help family members know who their relatives are. If you think you may have heir property valued at $75,000 or less, Tucker advises calling an attorney. Explain that you want to file an Heirship Affidavit. “The attorney can walk you through the process, determine whether you qualify and describe information that you may need to get clear title,” Tucker said. Useful documents to bring to your attorney visit include deeds, tax receipts, death certificates and obituaries, she said. Tucker recommends a publication, “Protect Your Property: Heir Property in Louisiana,” available from Louisiana Appleseed at http://louisiana.appleseednetwork.org. It is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
News Release Distributed 02/18/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes. They are very familiar to visitors on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. And live oaks make the news when development threatens individual plants. You can register and name 100-year-old live oaks with the Live Oak Society operated by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. Live oaks certainly are one of Louisiana’s most sustainable trees. The winter months are a great time to provide care and maintenance to your live oak trees. From selecting trees at the garden center to planting, pruning and fertilization, this is the time of year for live oak maintenance. Live oaks are grown at many wholesale nurseries in Louisiana and are one of the most sold trees at garden centers. If you intend to plant a live oak, select a tree with a well-developed central leader system. And be sure the tree was properly pruned at the nursery. Proper pruning at a young age is important for live oaks long term. Most home gardeners should plant trees growing in 3- to 15-gallon containers, although you can purchase live oaks that are much larger. It is hard, however, for an average homeowner to handle planting trees larger than those growing in a 15-gallon container. When planting, be sure to follow LSU AgCenter tree-planting recommendations: – Make the planting hole the same depth and two to three times as wide as the container in which the tree has been growing. – Make the sides of the planting hole rough, not smooth. – Put into the planting hole the same soil that came out of it. – Do not amend this backfill soil with compost, pine bark or similar materials. – Water the tree during the planting process to eliminate dry pockets that will desiccate the new growing roots. – Mulch trees after planting. Be sure to give your new live oak tree adequate room. Most of the time, live oaks are now planted on 30-foot-by-30-foot spacings. This is, however, way too close. You also see live oaks planted on 60-foot-by-60-foot spacings. This is OK. But ideally, live oaks need to be planted on 90-foot centers. We all see live oaks in front yards that have basically no room for a tree this large. Also, live oaks routinely are planted between streets and sidewalks. Once again, this is the wrong tree in the wrong place. Be sure to plant live oaks where they have room to grow and do what they want to do. Fertilization of live oaks is not recommended the first year after planting. You can start a fertilization program thereafter. During the first year, growth emphasis on the tree should be directed to the root system. Nitrogen fertilizer applications during this time favor shoot growth at the expense of root growth. Mature live oaks may benefit from fertilization, or they may not need fertilization at all. The tree needs to be examined for new growth. If new growth, as measured by shoot elongation, is significant, fertilization is not needed. If not much new growth or no new growth is apparent, fertilization or other cultural practices may be needed. A licensed tree-care professional should examine your mature live oak trees in most of these situations to determine a course of action. Live oaks originating from seed sources in Louisiana will grow best in Louisiana. In other words, do not expect acorns obtained from a tree in Texas to produce a tree in Louisiana that would grow as well as it would grow in Texas. We are fortunate to have the Orange Island live oak, a sexually produced variety, propagated here in Louisiana by Live Oak Gardens in New Iberia. It is a very vigorous-growing live oak and is better than other varieties. Wholesale growers also now have access to the Cathedral and Highrise varieties of live oak. These are asexually propagated from stem cuttings and produce trees that are similar in growth habit, size, etc., so they have a uniform look in a landscape planting. These are not being grown in large numbers in Louisiana, and their availability is limited for home gardeners. Live oaks are one of our most important trees. Provide proper care to these great trees. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse and www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 02/21/11) During dreary winter days, gerbera daisies provide beautiful, diverse splashes of color on a windowsill. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take care of your daisies as an inside plant now -- and as an outdoor plant later. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Video 2/14/11) Orchids are beautiful plants, but they have a reputation of being hard to grow. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out in this edition of Get It Growing, the moth orchid shatters the stereotype because it’s both beautiful and easy to grow. (Runtime: 1:42)
News Release Distributed 02/11/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen OwingsPetunias are one of the most popular flowers in Louisiana. They can be planted in fall for cool-season color or planted in late winter or early spring for warm-season color. Common questions pertaining to landscape performance of petunias include: What can be done to extend their flowering time in the landscape? Are there variety differences? What are the requirements for planting time, watering and bed preparation? You can plant petunias from September through early November and from late January through mid-March. They do better during winter months in south Louisiana. Their performance through winter depends significantly on how cold the winter is. Petunias are available in many colors. They come in single-flowered and double-flowered varieties. Normally, the single-flower forms are more reliable than the double-flower forms long-term. Some best management practices for petunias include: – Properly prepare the bed to allow for good internal drainage and aeration. – Add fresh, nutrient-rich, finished compost to beds to provide nutrients. – Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting as part of a traditional fertilizer approach. – Make sure petunia beds have a soil pH between 5.5-6.0. – Select a full-sun planting location. If you want to extend petunias longer into summer, plant in a partially shaded location but realize flowering will be less. – Complete late-winter and early-spring petunia planting by mid-March. – Consider the Wave, Easy Wave, Tidal Wave and Madness varieties. Many others will, however, provide satisfactory performance. – Irrigate only when needed. Over-watering leads to root rot and stem dieback problems. – Be aggressive and plant in masses for the best visual enhancement. –Deadhead lightly after the first peak bloom for performance longer into late spring. Petunias are popular bedding plants and are not difficult to grow. Just follow these recommendations and select nice, vigorous, healthy plants to get started. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse and www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
News Release Distributed 02/09/11 The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, released in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, are the first to address an unhealthy public, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. With a majority of the country’s adults either overweight or obese, the new recommendations are especially urgent for consumers and health professionals, Reames said. The Dietary Guidelines provide “a healthy, balanced approach to weight management, which focuses on consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages and engaging in regular physical activity,” Reames said. The goal of the new guidelines is to help individuals maintain a calorie balance over time to achieve and sustain a healthy weight. The guidelines also recognize the influence of the food environment on choices and help steer people away from food containing high amounts of saturated fats, sodium and refined grains the less frequent choice. “These guidelines recommend a shift in food consumption patterns, encouraging people to eat more of some foods and less of others,” Reames said. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood. The guidelines call for less salt, sugar, solid fats, trans fats and refined grains in the diet. A significant change in the guidelines is a reduction in salt intake for half the population – including African-Americans, people 50 or older, and those with diabetes, hypertension or chronic kidney disease. This population should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium – a little more than a half teaspoon a day. For those not included in the restricted groups, the guidelines continue to advocate only 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Americans typically consume twice that amount, Reames said. She said the best way to not exceed sodium recommendations is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and limit foods with hidden sodium such as breads, pasta and processed foods. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense and can help people lower their saturated fat intake. The guidelines recommend that less than 10 percent of calories come from saturated fats. They also encourage the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as tuna and salmon. “The old guidelines gave vague suggestions to eat more fruits and vegetables. The new guidelines urge people to make half their plates fruits and vegetables,” she said. The guidelines also have changed from recommending servings to recommending a specific amount of food in ounces. Old guidelines, for example, recommended eating two servings of fish a week. The new guidelines specify eating eight ounces of fish. “Serving size differs from person to person,” Reames said. The guidelines encourage consumers to enjoy their food, but to reduce the amount. Reames said learning to control portions at home and at restaurants can help people achieve a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
(Video 2/07/11) If you think all "ferns" are really ferns, then it's time to think again. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about selection and care of the hardy asparagus fern – which actually is not a fern at all. (Runtime: 1:35)
Distributed 02/07/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings It’s early February, but that doesn’t mean the the season’s over for cool-season plants. You can still plant trees and shrubs over the next month or two. And you can plant cool-season flowers this month to enjoy through late spring and early summer. If you do, consider adding some of the inaugural cool-season Louisiana Super Plants. If you missed its debut, the Louisiana Super Plant program is a recommendation, promotion and marketing effort designed to provide reliable suggestions on great plants for Louisiana home gardeners. Last fall, ShiShi Gashira camellia, Camelot foxglove and Amazon dianthus were announced as the initial Louisiana Super Plants. ShiShi Gashira is a small-growing camellia, and the absolute best of the fall-flowering shrubs for Louisiana’s cool season are the camellias. Many small-growing camellias belong to the sasanqua and hiemalis species that are great for fall and winter bloom. The most popular of the hiemalis, frequently misidentified as a sasanqua, is ShiShi Gashira. This variety has a slow to moderate growth rate, so size can be managed. It also has large flowers for a hiemalis and has a long blooming period – blooms start in mid- to late October in Louisiana and last until mid-January. You can expect 90 days of bloom from these great plants. The best of the new dianthus is the Amazon series. These are very prolific flower producers and can be planted September through early November or February through March. Flower heads are large and will last until mid-May in south Louisiana and until late May or early June in north Louisiana. This series also has cut-flower potential. Remove old flower stalks to encourage the continuation of the bloom season. Flower colors available in the Amazon series are Rose Magic, Purple, Cherry and Neon Duo. Amazon dianthus are Dianthus barbatus interspecific hybrids. Camelot foxgloves are new to the market. These are also called digitalis. For best results, plant them in fall or late winter to early spring. Flowers come on 2-foot-tall spikes in spring. Flowers come on 2-3 weeks before the popular Foxy variety and last 2-3 weeks longer. Removing old flowers also will extend the bloom time on these plants. Foxgloves are best suited for a partially sunny location – light afternoon shade would be ideal. Flowers colors in the Camelot foxglove are lavender, cream, rose and white, with lavender, cream and rose being the better-performing colors. These are the three cool-season Louisiana Super Plants that you still have time to consider. All are durable and low-maintenance. Watch for information on the spring 2011 Louisiana Super Plants starting in mid-March and continuing through early May. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse and www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Distributed 02/03/11) Tests by the LSU AgCenter have confirmed herbicide-resistant pigweed at three locations in north Louisiana. “We’ve joined the party,” said Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist who conducted the testing.
(Radio News 02/14/11) It can be tough for youngsters in military families to make and keep friends. Operation Military Kids helps these youngsters meet children in similar situations. The program is supported by the Department of Defense and administered through 4-H. Caleb Persick is a graduate assistant with the program. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 02/07/11) It is a common concern that your child could be the victim of a bully, but what if your child is the bully? LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Linda Robinson says new technology can make it easier for your child to harass others. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 02/21/11) Good nutrition can be difficult for seniors, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel. She works with seniors and their caregivers to stress the importance of eating healthfully. Gambel says the lack socialization at mealtime may make seniors eat something quick and convenient rather than healthful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 02/21/11) People are living longer, working later in life and residing in their homes. LSU AgCenter agents are working with seniors and their caregivers to help them maintain a high quality of life. LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel explains. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 02/21/11) Four plants have been selected as Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2011. Among them is the Serena angelonia, a warm-season annual that prefers full sun, says LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station coordinator Regina Bracy. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Radio News 02/14/11) Louisiana 4-H and BREC, the recreation and parks commission for East Baton Rouge Parish, have teamed up to offer military families an opportunity to gather and play golf. The First Tee event March 12 at J.S. Clark Park in Baton Rouge will offer food, golf instruction and a chance for military kids to meet. Caleb Persick works with the program known as Operation Military Kids through the LSU AgCenter. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 02/28/11) Americans leave a large carbon footprint on the Earth. Making small changes can reduce the size of that footprint and help conserve natural resources. LSU AgCenter area housing agent Stephen Picou says a good place to start is by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 02/07/11) Sitting too much can take years off your life. An LSU AgCenter researcher and an AgCenter nutritionist talk about new research that stresses the importance of moving more throughout the day, not just at the gym. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the report. (Runtime: 1:41)
(Radio News 02/28/11) Gardeners can find inspiration, garden supplies and educational presentations at a host of spring garden shows happening around Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 02/07/11) You get up every morning and hit the gym or the pavement. Then you spend the rest of the day sitting in front of a computer, in meetings or on the couch. That half hour or even hour of exercise may not be enough to make up for being sedentary most of the day, says LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 02/07/11) A variety of screens compete for children’s attention. But too much time spent watching television, on the computer or playing games can be detrimental to a child’s health. LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec says children need more physical activity than adults. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 02/21/11) Many seniors are choosing to live at home rather than moving in with a loved one or into a nursing home or assisted living facility, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel. Gambel visits senior centers and other places in the New Orleans area where seniors gather to make sure they are living safely. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Video News 02/14/11) Louisiana’s strawberries started coming in as early as November, but cold weather is creating a break in the crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:32)
(Radio News 02/14/11) On a cold, windy day recently, as temperatures struggled to climb to the upper 30s, Eric Morrow’s strawberry plants sat protected under a white sea of row covers. The plants have needed the warmth over the past few months. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 02/28/11) Dry conditions affected Louisiana agriculture last summer, and cattle operations in the state were hit hard. Dennis Kieffer felt the effects. He raises cattle in Winn Parish, and the lack of rain affected his forage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 02/07/11) Cooking, pacing, washing dishes -- all these activities contribute to your daily calorie burn. LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec says the amount of nonexercise activity you get throughout the day can be just as important to your health as the exercise you do. (Runtime: 60)
(Radio News 02/07/11) Bullying has moved beyond the playground and into cyberspace. New technology and social media have given bullies a new platform for abuse. The anonymity of the Internet and the sense of distance it provides have helped make the messages particularly cruel, says LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Linda Robinson. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Radio News 02/28/11) Commodity prices are soaring, and that means increased feed costs for cattle producers. Coupled with rising fertilizer costs, these increases make it a lot more expensive to raise cattle. Dennis Kieffer operates Circle K Cattle Co. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 02/14/11) The heart is in focus during February, not only because of Valentine’s Day but also because this month the American Heart Association calls attention to the threat of heart disease. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says a healthful diet can guard against a heart attack. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News 02/21/11) Seniors are living longer and in their own homes. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on ways they can do so safely. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Video News 02/28/11) Thousands of youth with their cows, sheep, pigs and chickens in tow attended the LSU AgCenter’s 76th Livestock Show. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Radio News 02/14/11) Louisiana’s strawberry farmers started picking their crop as early as the first week in November. Regina Bracy, research coordinator at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station, says the way farmers plant and care for their crops is helping them get earlier berries. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 02/21/11) Three graduate assistants in the LSU AgCenter’s food science department hope their Ze-Ti will win the final round of a competition.Their product concept is a shelf-stable bubble tea -- a tea-based drink that contains real tea, natural fruit puree and tapioca pearls. The product contains canola oil and meets "heart healthy" claims, says team member Darryl Holliday. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 02/28/11) You’ve heard the term lazy pig. You may believe that, but there certainly is nothing lazy about the hard-working youngsters that care for and show livestock. For more than 75 years, youngsters and their animals have gathered for the annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Audio 02/07/11) While gladiolas are great summer bulbs, February is a good time to plant them. These plants bloom better in April or May rather than in the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/07/11) Bare-root roses are sold without soil around them and don't come in a container. It is important to get this type of roses planted before they wake up and begin to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/28/11) Pre-emergence herbicides prevent weeds before they occur. Using this type of herbicide in early March will help prevent summer weed problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/21/11) One of the keys to gardening successfully is to make sure plants receive the right amount of light - not too much or too little. Plants that require full sun will not thrive in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 2/14/11) Orchids are beautiful plants, but they have a reputation of being hard to grow. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out in this edition of Get It Growing, the moth orchid shatters the stereotype because it’s both beautiful and easy to grow. (Runtime: 1:42)
(Audio 02/28/11) The weeds in your lawn now are cool-season weeds. As the weather warms, they can become more of a problem. To keep them under control, prevent them from flowering and setting seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/28/11) Perennials can live for many years in our landscapes. Many nurseries have perennials in gallon containers that will instantly brighten up a flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 02/18/11) Gardeners often wait until April or May to purchase blooming roses from nurseries and plant them. But earlier planting has advantages. If you’re thinking about adding roses to your garden, here is some advice that will help you get them off to a good start.
(Audio 02/14/11) Gardeners considering transplanting a tree or shrub should do so before the plant wakes up and begins to grow this spring. Also, before digging up the plant, prepare its new location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/07/11) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit trees in their landscapes. February is a good time to prune fruit trees. Each tree has a particular way to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 02/11/11) Growing houseplants successfully starts with understanding their needs. Houseplants contribute to and become part of the interior decor, but they are not furniture or knickknacks. They are alive. And like all living things, they have certain requirements that must be met to be healthy.
(Video 02/21/11) During dreary winter days, gerbera daisies provide beautiful, diverse splashes of color on a windowsill. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take care of your daisies as an inside plant now -- and as an outdoor plant later. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Audio 02/21/11) Spring-flowering bulbs planted last fall are growing and perhaps even blooming this month. Don't be concerned about late freezes damaging the foliage of these plants. But flower buds can be damaged by temperatures in the 20s or teens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/14/11) Gardeners can clip ground covers back before new growth appears. This is done to remove unattractive foliage, revive plants and control growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/21/11) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of herbaceous perennials. These plants need to be divided from time to time. Late winter is a good time to accomplish this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/21/11) Organic matter helps with bed preparation. So what is it? Organic matter generally is plant material that has decayed, such as compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 02/25/11 ) Gardeners often are faced with small areas in their landscapes. Urban lots typically are fairly small, and in older neighborhoods it is especially common for the house to occupy a large part of the lot. Even where lots are larger, restricted-space areas often need to be addressed on the small scale.
(Video 2/07/11) If you think all "ferns" are really ferns, then it's time to think again. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about selection and care of the hardy asparagus fern – which actually is not a fern at all. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Audio 02/14/11) Decorative ponds and aquatic gardens are common in today's landscapes. Fish and plants in ponds are not active in late winter and early spring, which makes it a good time to clean out ponds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/21/11) Gardeners who saved caladium tubers can start the tubers indoors. When started early, they'll already be sprouted when planted in April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 02/04/11) Most Louisiana landscapes contain a variety of perennials, and February is a good time to transplant or divide them. Now through April also is an excellent time to add new perennials to garden.
(Audio 02/07/11) During the cool season, we can have a difficult time deciding what to plant in shady areas. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a few ideas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/14/11) Areas of the United States are designated as various hardiness zones, based on the lowest average winter temperature that occurs in the area. North Louisiana is in zone 8, and south Louisiana is in zone 9. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/14/11) If you are considering planting a tree, do so this month. That will give it time to get established before the summer. Hear more from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill to find out the proper way to plant a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/07/11) Hydrangeas are wonderful summer-flowering shrubs for shade to partly shaded areas. The color of the flowers depends on the pH of the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/28/11) Roses perform better when they are fertilized. They produce larger and more attractive flowers. Any general-purpose fertilizer that has the nutrients your soil needs will work. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 02/28/11) Many nurseries are now stocked with incredible selections of rose plants. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what to look for. He also explains why it’s best to plant your roses during March, rather than waiting. (Runtime: 1:42)
(Audio 02/28/12) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. Gardeners can start planting warm-season vegetables. By planting early, you can get the harvest in before it gets too hot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Distributed 02/21/11) The LSU AgCenter and the St. Tammany Master Gardeners will have their annual garden show and plant sale March 19-20 at the St. Tammany Fairgrounds in Covington.
(Distributed 02/22/11) Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights.
(Distributed 02/28/11) WINNSBORO, La. – Nature tourism is a fast-growing activity worldwide, according to a Mississippi river guide and canoe builder.
(Distributed 02/25/11) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Forestry industry representatives attending an LSU AgCenter forum Tuesday (Feb. 22) at the Dean Lee Research Station were warned that a non-native grass threatens Louisiana forests.
(Distributed 02/23/11) OPELOUSAS, La. – LSU AgCenter crawfish researchers gave recommendations to producers on improving their crop and avoiding or reducing problems in their ponds.
(Distributed 02/11/11) Military families in Louisiana will hit the links on March 12 at The First Tee event at J.S. Clark Park in Baton Rouge.
(Distributed 02/21/11) The New Orleans 2011 Spring Garden Show will be held at the City Park Botanical Garden on April 2-3 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day.
(Distributed 02/03/11) A river guide and canoe builder will speak about identifying criteria for canoeing and kayaking trails on Feb. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter’s Scott Research and Extension Center in Winnsboro.
(Distributed 02/23/11) POLLOCK, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Resident Summer Camp combines an educational program with a week’s worth of fun.
(Distributed 02/28/11) With the recent warm weather, homeowners are anxious to fertilize their St. Augustine grass and centipede grass as well as get weed-and-feed out on their weeds. It’s not time, however, to put either conventional lawn fertilizer or weed-and-feed out on St. Augustine grass or centipede grass right now, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Ron Strahan.
(Distributed 02/21/11) Three graduate assistants in the LSU AgCenter’s Food Science department are vying against two other universities for up to $6,500 in cash and prizes in a contest to develop new food products using canola oil.The team made it into the final round of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Heart Healthy Product Development Competition with a tea-based drink called a bubble tea.
(Distributed 02/11/11) CROWLEY, La. – Friends, family and former co-workers of Rouse Caffey gathered Thursday (Feb. 10) to celebrate the naming of a rice variety as a tribute for his work as director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station and chancellor of the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 02/18/11) Experts call it “poverty of place” and explain that it occurs because of circumstances that exist in particular locations. The poverty is found mostly in the hearts of inner cities or in remote rural areas.
(Distributed 02/23/11) Louisianians can work in their yards almost every day of the year, but spring is prime time for gardening. The LSU AgCenter has announced a lineup of garden shows that kick off in March and continue into May in Hammond, Covington, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Houma.
(Distributed 02/11/11) The LSU AgCenter will hold a series of crawfish-producer meetings to bring farmers up to date on important issues.
(Distributed 02/28/11) Along the banks of the Mississippi in St. James Parish sit majestic plantation homes and fields of sugarcane. And for more than 60 years in these fields, Charles Gravois Sr. has produced bumper crop after bumper crop of sugarcane. His perseverance was rewarded when he was named the 2011 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.
(Distributed 02/21/11) GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 76th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Feb. 12-19 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
(Distributed 02/25/11) LSU AgCenter agents in north Louisiana have started a blog to help farmers use new technology and equipment to maximum capabilities.
(Distributed 02/14/11) Ben Legendre, professor and head of the LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute at St. Gabriel, has received the 2010-2011 President’s Award from the American Sugar Cane League.
(Distributed 02/14/11) The Hammond Spring Garden Day is set for March 12 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Distributed 02/11/11) BATON ROUGE – Farmers from across the Midsouth, along with researchers from the LSU AgCenter and several other universities, met here recently (Feb. 1-2) to share techniques and ideas at the National Conservation Cotton and Rice Conference.
(Distributed 02/24/11) DELHI, La. – Students from elementary schools in Richland, Franklin, Ouachita and Morehouse parishes visited a number of interactive exhibits and heard from LSU AgCenter agents about agricultural products in northeast Louisiana at Ag Adventures Feb. 22-23.
(Distributed 02/22/11) This year’s crawfish season is off to a slow start mainly because of unusually long stretches of cold weather, but a warm-up is boosting the catch.
(Distributed 02/10/11) The Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners will present their fifth annual garden symposium on March 26 at the Natchitoches Events Center.
(Distributed 02/11/11) The Cenla Forestry Forum is scheduled for Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter Evacuation Shelter, 8125 U.S. Highway 71 in Alexandria.
(Distributed 02/17/11) The 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association will hold its annual conference March 11-13 at the Marriott Baton Rouge. The conference will focus on teaching participants to work more confidently with youth and increase the service roles of 4-H volunteers.
(Distributed 02/03/11) Ag Adventures, an educational program about agriculture for third- through fifth-graders in northeast Louisiana, will be held Feb. 22-23 at the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center in Delhi.
(Distributed 02/19/11) The LSU AgCenter honored several Louisiana 4-H and FFA members and Saturday (Feb. 19) for their work with youth livestock projects. The awards to one volunteer and five club members were presented during ceremonies that concluded the 76th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. That event ran Feb. 12-19.
(Distributed 02/08/11) The LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station has scheduled a greenhouse tomato seminar on Feb. 25 at the station in Bossier City.
