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News Release Distributed 09/30/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Cool-season bedding plants continue to be popular in Louisiana. Most home gardeners do more warm-weather than cool-weather flower gardening, but we all need to realize that we have many great cool-season flowers that will do well in our climate from mid-fall through late spring. Home gardeners need to consider the following practices to ensure they get the desired performance from cool-season flowers: – Prior to planting, properly prepare the landscape bed to allow for good internal drainage and aeration. – Incorporate fresh, nutrient-rich, finished compost or landscape bed builder soil into beds to provide nutrients. – Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting. For extending the season, fertilize again at half the recommended rate in late February to early March. – Manage irrigation properly. Many times cool-season flowers need less irrigation than we think. Warmer days of spring will increase irrigation demand. Monitor rainfall. Overwatering leads to many problems with cool-season bedding plants. – Remove old flowers from plants in spring to extend the bloom season. Most cool-season bedding plants are planted in October through November, but if you did not get the opportunity to add some cool-season flowers to your landscape, planting can continue through December, January and February. Most plants will last until May or even June in some years if properly cared for. Pansies dominate the cool-season flower market and are available in a wide choice of colors, including blue, rose, pink, yellow, white, purple, red and scarlet. Flower sizes come in large, medium and small. Some varieties have solid color ("clear") flower petals, and others have blotched flower faces. Normally, clear-faced flowers are the most popular for landscape use, but some folks like the colors of the blotched flowers in mixed plantings. Violas, also called johnny jump ups are smaller versions of pansies and are equally impressive in landscape beds and containers. Petunias are all the rage as a good, cool-season bedding plant in south Louisiana. Plant petunias from mid-September through mid-October for the best fall results. Other cool-season annuals include alyssum, dianthus, ornamental kale, ornamental cabbage, stock and snapdragon. You also can try biennial and perennial flowers such as foxglove, columbine and hollyhock. You should definitely include the Camelot series foxgloves and Amazon series dianthus in your cool-season planting plans. These two plants were fall Louisiana Super Plants last year. Cool-season flowers add color to landscapes at a time of the year when we have fewer trees and shrubs in bloom. If we have improved growing conditions the next couple months, your cool-season bedding plants will shine in late winter. 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 or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 10/3/11) There are many different types of crape myrtles scattered across Louisiana lawns and landscapes. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the new Delta Jazz has a notable feature not found on other crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1:39)
News Release Distributed 09/23/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings September begins the transition to cool weather and fall activities in the Louisiana landscape. It is important to get started with cool-season flowers and bed preparation, assess your lawn status, consider mulching for trees and shrubs, and more. The season for cool-season plants starts in September. Although it may be most ideal to plant most cool-season bedding plants in October, petunias would not mind being planted now. Late September is a great time to start planting petunias, which can be continued into early to mid-October. Try the Wave, Easy Wave and Tidal Wave petunias if you really want to make an impression. Some other bedding plants recommended for fall planting in Louisiana include pansies, violas (johnny jump ups), dianthus, calendula, snapdragons, stock and flowering kale or cabbage. Check your local garden centers for bedding plant varieties that are available. Most of these do best when planted mid-October through November. But September is the time to start by cleaning up any debris from your warm-season flowerbeds and preparing the beds for planting in October. Do a soil test if you suspect pH problems. Ideal pH for many bedding plants is 5.5–6.0. This is considered to be an acid soil and is similar to the pH preferred by azaleas and gardenias. September is an important month in home lawn care. Many of us may want to apply additional fertilizer to the lawn to "keep it going" through fall – but this needs to be avoided. Putting nitrogen fertilizer on warm-season lawn grasses after early September is not recommended. The nitrogen will stimulate growth that will be prone to disease during fall and cold damage during the coming winter. Many times a fall application of a “winterizing” fertilizer is recommended. This is a good idea in some cases. A winterizing fertilizer for home lawn use in Louisiana has a low amount of nitrogen (the first number on the fertilizer bag), a low amount of phosphorus (the second number on the fertilizer bag) and a high amount of potassium (the third number on the fertilizer bag). Never use a winterizing fertilizer that has more nitrogen than potassium. Fertilizers with these ratios are recommended for fall application to cool-season grasses and are not for use in Louisiana (even though these fertilizers are sold here). A potassium application in the fall is recommended only when a soil test of your home lawn area indicates low or medium levels of potassium in the soil. If you have high or very high levels of potassium, a fall application of potassium is not needed. If you apply potassium, do it at the rate of 1-2 pounds of actual potassium per 1,000 square feet of lawn area. You may notice brown patch disease on your lawn during September. This disease is characterized by circular, brown patterns that will green back up on the inside as the circle extends outward. Contact your local LSU AgCenter county agent for current fungicides recommended for this disease. Controlling brown patch in the fall yields improved green-up in the spring. If you are considering overseeding your lawn with a cool-season grass, such as ryegrass, wait until late October through mid-November, depending on where you are located in the state. Many of us want to do some pruning in the fall. When you prune, use thinning-type cuts instead of topping your plants. Wait until later in the fall or even until winter to prune most trees, such as crape myrtles. Sometimes pruning stimulates new growth, which we need to avoid in fall due to the possibility of cold damage. September also is an ideal time to add a new layer of mulch to your landscape beds. What does mulch do for our landscape plants? It minimizes soil temperature fluctuations, controls weed seed germination and subsequent growth, adds organic matter to the soil and plays a major role in moisture conservation. Mulch also insulates the lower stem and root system of the plant from cold winter temperatures and hot summer temperatures. The best mulch is pine straw. Mulch trees to a depth of 3 inches and shrubs to a depth of 2 inches. Avoid piling the mulch around the base of the stems. Working in your landscape in September will properly prepare your plants for the rest of the fall. 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 or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 9/26/11) Are you afraid to grow roses because you heard it was difficult? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains there’s no need to have any fear about growing Belinda’s Dream roses. They’re the latest Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Video 9/19/11) Some herbs are hardy, and you can plant them during cold months with no problem. Others are less tolerant of the cold and should be planted now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill helps you choose the best garden herbs for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:37)
News Release Distributed 09/16/11 By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings As we head toward fall, you may want to consider ground covers for those problem areas in your landscape. You may have shady areas that can no longer support lush turfgrass. Maybe you have a sloping area where mowing is difficult. Planting a ground cover may be an option. The term ground cover is applied to low-growing plants, other than turfgrass, used to cover areas of the landscape. Perennial, evergreen plants having a sprawling, or spreading, habit are most often used. The plants used for ground covers generally are 1 foot or less in height, but taller plants can be appropriate in certain situations. In addition to the beauty they provide, ground covers have many practical uses. They provide barriers to foot traffic and can guide movement through a site. Some ground covers are effective in erosion control. Because they don’t have to be mowed, ground covers reduce landscape maintenance and are especially useful in problem areas such as on steep slopes, under low-branched trees and shrubs, where large tree roots protrude and in confined areas where mowing is difficult. They also are the best solution to areas under trees that have become too shady for grass to grow. You must carefully consider the characteristics you would like the ground cover to have – height, texture, color and so forth – when making your selection. You also need to think about the growing conditions where it will be planted – such as sunny or shady, dry or moist. Then look at the size of the area to be planted. Only the most reliable, fast–spreading and reasonably priced ground covers should be considered for large areas. Monkey grass or mondo grass, creeping lily turf (liriope) and Japanese ardisia are good choices for shade-to-part-shade areas, although many liriope perform well in full sun also. Asian jasmine is excellent for sun to part shade. Whatever type of ground cover you choose, proper preparation of the planting area will help ensure good establishment and faster growth. Ground covers provide several functions in the home landscape, including: – Erosion control on slopes. – Vegetative growth where grass is difficult to grow. – Reduced temperature and glare. – Less lawn maintenance. – Filling in of narrow or oddly shaped areas in the landscape where mowing is difficult. Give careful consideration when selecting ground covers. Selection will depend on the location where it will be used. Consider the amount of sunlight present, irrigation availability, height, growth habit and growth rate. 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 or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 9/12/11) Bugs have been multiplying during the summer. In most cases, you’ll have to use some type of insecticides to protect your vegetable and fruit plants. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, it’s important to use the safest, most appropriate insecticides for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:39)
News Release Distributed 09/09/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Planting palms in home landscapes has gained considerable interest in the past few years for several reasons. For one, many new, exotic palm species and varieties are more readily available. But because cold temperatures the past couple winters damaged some of the species, people are searching for the most reliable palms While most of us now realize that fall and winter are the best times to plant the majority of ornamental plants in our landscapes, the best time to plant palms in Louisiana is May through September. The soil is warmest this time of year, and warm soil is one of the most necessary criteria for palm root growth. Rough handling of palm trees or severe vibrations during transport can break the tender bud, causing death many months down the road. It also is important to transplant the palm as soon as possible after removing it from the soil. Never allow the roots to become dry, although this would not be a problem with container-grown plants. Louisiana is located in USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9, and many palms will do well for us. Keep in mind, though, that there is a large difference in average minimum temperatures between these zones. Climate is without a doubt the single largest limiting factor in selecting palms. Some palms will do fine in zone 9a (New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles) but may be damaged in zone 8b (Alexandria, Baton Rouge) and will definitely exhibit damage in zone 8a (Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe). Reliable palms for some of these areas include: Needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix) Probably one of the most cold-hardy palm species, the needle palm forms a clumping, understory palm with many palmate leaves. This palm is native from South Carolina to Florida and west to Mississippi. Foliage is dark green with silvery undersides. Plants are typically slow-growing and reach heights and spreads of about 5 feet. Needle palms need light shade and adequate moisture. Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) This palm is native to Louisiana and is found from Texas to Florida and northward to South Carolina. Mature height is 6 to 8 feet with leaves 1 to 3 feet wide. It produces white flowers May to June. A subterranean trunk makes transplanting these palms difficult. They are also slow-growing. Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Windmill palms are very popular all over Louisiana. These trees have average heights of 10 to 20 feet but can be as tall as 40 feet. Trunks are slender. Mats of dark brown, hair-like fibers coat the trunk on younger palms. Windmill palms like ample water but don’t do well in extremely moist soils or standing water. Windmill palms are relatively slow growing. Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) Florida has an abundance of cabbage, or palmetto, palms, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the central Gulf Coast. This palm can reach heights of 80 to 90 feet, but most only reach about 20 feet or so tall. Leaves are fan-shaped and 3 to 6 feet in length. These palms are adaptable to wet, poorly drained soil and have a moderate growth rate. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) This clumping palm forms thickets and is native from South Carolina southwest through Florida and westward to Louisiana. Common height is 3 to 4 feet. Saw palmetto does very well in the southern part of Louisiana. It is not common in the nursery trade. Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) This is a clumping fan palm and is slightly less hardy than the windmill palm. Mediterranean fan palms tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Cocos or jelly palm (Butia australis or Butia capitata) Cocos or jelly palms (also known in the nursery trade as butia palms) are becoming better known and are the most cold-hardy of the palms with feather-shaped foliage. A popular palm-like plant for Louisiana is the sago palm. These plants are actually not palms but cycads. The sago is a native of Japan and is hardy to 15 degrees. Its leaves are 2-3 feet long. They can be even larger on older plants and are divided into many narrow, needlelike segments. The primary problem with sago palms in south Louisiana is a fungal, leaf spot disease to which they are especially susceptible during periods of high humidity. Sago palms, however, are highly recommended and should be planted in the late spring and early summer, just as true palms should be. LSU AgCenter horticulturists Severn Doughty and Dan Gill conducted an extensive survey of palms growing in south Louisiana a number of years ago. They found 14 genera comprising 21 species of palms. Of these, less than half have been found to be statistically reliable for planting due to climate limitations. So you can see that species selection is important. Realize that many home gardeners, nursery growers and landscapers use palm species that may not be reliable for long-term performance due to cold weather. The desirable characteristics and fast growth rates of some overcome the necessity to replace them once every 10-20 years due to winter damage. Washingtonia species of palms are hardy to about 15-22 degrees and will be damaged extensively by several consecutive days of temperatures in the teens. For palm success, select for cold hardiness. It is also important to consider vertical and horizontal space limitations. As mentioned earlier, plant in May through September for best establishment. Once established, palms should be maintained under a moderate fertilization program. During late spring and early summer, remove old leaves and flowering parts of the plants as they become unsightly. 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 or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 09/05/11) The desert rose – as the name suggests – is a tough, hardy plant. It doesn’t need much water in the summer, produces beautiful flowers and has an interesting sculpture-looking trunk. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this unique container plant that looks like a miniature tree. (Runtime: 1:41)
News Release Distributed 09/02/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to inform residents on how to properly manage their landscape plants. Many problems associated with landscape plants can be overcome easily if proper practices are maintained. Inadequate preparation of landscape beds frequently tops the list of problems with ornamental plants. But home gardeners also need to be more aware of soil pH and related issues in addition to how to use fertilizer properly. Improper bed preparation leads to many of the problems with home landscape plants in Louisiana. With high annual rainfall and poorly drained native soils around much of the state, proper bed building is critical. Even with dry weather patterns these days, Louisiana still receives considerable rainfall. We need to make raised beds – normally 6-8 inches high. Anything that can be done to improve internal drainage of soil and help with aeration and oxygen exchange in the root zone will aid in landscape success. Raised beds help overcome root rot and related disease issues. Make sure your beds are adequately prepared before planting to help avoid problems later. Soil testing is an important tool in home landscapes. We often see problems with ornamental plants due to improper pH. Most of the ornamental plants grown in Louisiana prefer a soil pH of 5.5-6.5. And some of our common landscape plants actually prefer soil pH in the lower end of this range. Examples include azaleas, gardenias, petunias, blueberries and vinca (or periwinkle). Now is a good time to take soil samples and have them analyzed by the LSU AgCenter’s Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Lab in Baton Rouge for $10 per sample. You can find more information online at www.lsuagcenter.com/soillab. Soil pH is raised by adding lime and lowered by adding sulfur, but these additions should always be based on the results of a soil test. Proper fertilization is one of the key factors to be considered in combination with managing soil pH. It is helpful to know if your native soil has low, medium or high levels of fertility. Do you tend to fertilize less than recommended or more than recommended? What are the fertility requirements of the different ornamental plants you grow? The answers to these questions need to be considered to properly employ sustainable management practices in a residential landscape. Many times newer landscape beds need more fertilizer than older beds. Spring is the generally accepted “best time of the year” to fertilize the vast majority of established ornamental plants, and it is better to broadcast fertilizer uniformly over a bed than to treat individual plants. So getting your soil tested now will put you in a position to get started on time next spring. Preparing a landscape bed, checking and monitoring soil pH and correctly applying fertilizer go a long way in home landscape success. Consider all of these as you return to your landscape activities after a long, hot summer. 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 or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Radio News 10/03/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the LSU AgCenter a $17.2 million grant to work with 16 other partners in eight states on developing biofuels and biochemicals from energy cane and sweet sorghum. Vadim Kochergin, the director of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing, has been working on this process for several years at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Video News 09/16/11) Tropical weather is always a threat to the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that the recent tropical storm did affect this year’s and next year’s crops. (runtime: 1:26)
(Radio News 09/16/11) LSU AgCenter programs are helping youngsters become healthier and more physically active. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The number of overweight and obese children is alarming, says Anne Kean, who manages the LSU AgCenter’s Body Walk program. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Radio News 09/21/11) Patsy Poche is passionate about reading to young children. As a member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, she is working with the LSU AgCenter’s Little Bookshelf program, which helps provide books to parents of newborns. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Radio News 09/01/11) A teacher gave instructions for a science experiment, but she wasn’t talking to her students. She was instructing other teachers. About 125 teachers gathered on LSU’s campus for LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Energy Program. The teachers received an energy curriculum and instruction on conducting experiments relating to renewable and nonrenewable energy and conservation. (Runtime: 2:05)
(Radio News 09/09/11) Tropical Storm Lee dumped rain across much of Louisiana’s sugarcane belt. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois surveyed damage across the state. Downed cane is harder to harvest, but Gravois says the dry, sunny days that followed the storm did help. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Radio News 09/19/11) Poultry houses sit among the rolling hills of north central Louisiana. Poultry is the state’s most valuable animal crop. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station are trying to find ways to make poultry production less expensive. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 09/23/11) Drought over the past year in north Louisiana prompted LSU AgCenter researcher Ryon Walker to conduct a study on feeding protein supplements to cattle. Because of the lack of rainfall, hay production was low, and Walker said cattle producers were feeding their herd older, lower-quality hay. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 09/26/11) Beef cattle research at the LSU AgCenter's Hill Farm Research Station is looking at cow size and cow efficiency. Researcher Ryon Walker says projections about world population in 2050 prompted him to study how cow size may affect the efficiency of raising cattle. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 09/06/11) Louisiana’s drought has affected crops and livestock. It’s also affecting the state’s wildlife, particularly deer. LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed says this summer’s dry weather has decreased the food supply for deer. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Video News 09/07/11) One way to get students excited about learning is to get them away from their desks and actively involved with experiments. The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program is showing teachers how to conduct more science experiments in their classrooms. (Runtime: 1:54)
(Radio News 09/20/11) Poultry litter can be a valuable fertilizer to farmers. LSU AgCenter poultry researcher Bill Owens is studying stacking poultry litter in the poultry house between flocks. (Runtime:1:15)
(Video News 09/23/11) Poultry and beef producers depend on LSU AgCenter research to help them grow their livestock efficiently. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer where these two animal crops figure prominently in the station’s research. (Runtime: 1:36)
(Radio News 09/07/11) No longer is tailgating simply grilling burgers by the stadium. It’s an elaborate affair in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says the carefree attitude of tailgating should not lead to carelessness when it comes to food safety. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Video News 09/13/11) Plants have withered under hot, dry conditions that have dominated much of the summer. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that these plants have become a less-attractive food source for wildlife in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Radio News 09/27/11) LSU AgCenter economists estimate that the 2011 drought has caused $390 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture. Kurt Guidry says crops and farmers were affected in three different ways. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Audio 10/03/11) Roses begin blooming beautifully in October. This month can be dry, so water them if we have dry spells. Also, deadhead roses to keep them attractive and to show off the new growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/19/11) Many gardeners throw away the organic waste generated by their landscapes. Grass clippings, leaves and small twigs can be recycled through composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 09/02/11) In late summer gardeners need to think about two important points of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This time of year is the latest we should fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape. Now is also the time to prune many shrubs, cut back overgrown tropicals and trim some bedding plants.
(Audio 10/03/11) Look around and you may notice beautiful things in nature you can use to decorate your home. Leaves and seed pods can be made into wreathes and arrangements that will stay attractive throughout fall and into the holiday season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/29/11) Homeowners have several options for their grass clippings. One is to keep them on the lawn. This should only be done if you mow frequently. Another is to bag the clippings and use them in a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/12/11) Days are getting shorter, and fall is around the corner. While it can still be warm here this time of the year, plants need to prepare for winter. This means it's getting too late to prune many plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/05/11) Wet and hot conditions in late summer can cause mushrooms to pop up in lawns. These can be a nuisance, but they don't hurt our lawns. Homeowners also may notice slime mold on their grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/12/11) Summer's intense heat begins to dissipate in September, allowing gardeners more time in their yards. This is a good time to prepare beds for fall vegetables and cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/3/11) There are many different types of crape myrtles scattered across Louisiana lawns and landscapes. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the new Delta Jazz has a notable feature not found on other crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1:39)
(Audio 09/05/11) Mature trees are a valuable part of any property. When building a new home or renovating on a lot with trees, make sure to protect the trees from construction damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 09/23/11) Many summer-blooming annuals, perennials and vegetables are setting seeds now, and you can harvest the seeds, store them and then grow a new crop of plants for your garden next year. This can be fun, save a little money and allow you to share seed with gardening friends.
(Audio 08/29/11) Transplants have been coddled at the nursery and aren't ready to go straight into the garden. You need to harden them off first by gradually exposing them to more sunlight and less water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/03/11) Cool-season bedding plants offer beautiful color. Sweet peas also offer wonderful fragrance. Sweet pea seeds can be found at gardening centers, and the plants need something to climb on while growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 9/12/11) Bugs have been multiplying during the summer. In most cases, you’ll have to use some type of insecticides to protect your vegetable and fruit plants. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, it’s important to use the safest, most appropriate insecticides for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:39)
(Audio 10/03/11) October is a good time to start planting cool-season vegetables. Gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/29/11) Home vegetable gardens are very active in September. Gardeners can grow a mix of warm-season and cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/12/11) Louisiana gardeners rely on mulch to help control weeds. Mulches will break down over time, so it may be time to refresh the mulch around beds, trees and shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/05/11) While it still feels like summer in September, plants are preparing for fall and winter. This means gardeners should be cautious about fertilizing certain plants and lawns that need to be hardy heading into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/19/11) By the end of summer, plants growing in containers may have outgrown those containers. Consider repotting them if they appear pot-bound. Choose a new container about 2 to 4 inches larger than the container a plant is growing in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 09/05/11) The desert rose – as the name suggests – is a tough, hardy plant. It doesn’t need much water in the summer, produces beautiful flowers and has an interesting sculpture-looking trunk. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this unique container plant that looks like a miniature tree. (Runtime: 1:41)
(Audio 09/26/11) Gardeners who planted warm-season bedding plants in May, may see these plants fading this month. You can evaluate your plants and start planning your fall beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/26/11) Louisiana iris are wonderful perennials grown in the state. Their growing season starts in October, so now is a good time to dig up and divide these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/29/11) Coleus are among those plants grown not for their flowers but for their colorful foliage. Many coleus varieties are adapted for full sun, but one variety must be grown in the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/05/11) The load of pecan nuts on trees may be fairly heavy in September. As trees get older, the branches get longer and may snap from the weight of the pecans. It is normal even for healthy branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/19/11) The azalea lace bug is a common insect pest that attacks azaleas. The symptom is tiny white specks on the upper surface of the leaf. Turn over the leaf and look for dark spots. Gardeners have several insecticides available to control lace bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/03/11) As the weather cools in October, lawns begin growing more slowly. But you still have to watch out for lawn diseases such as brown patch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 9/19/11) Some herbs are hardy, and you can plant them during cold months with no problem. Others are less tolerant of the cold and should be planted now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill helps you choose the best garden herbs for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:37)
(Audio 09/19/11) Caladiums are valuable bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. Many gardeners dig up the caladiums before winter and replant the tubers the following year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 09/09/11) One of the most common questions I receive from gardeners is, “What kind of fertilizer should I use?” The gardeners generally assume there must be an easy answer for this if they just tell me what kind of plant they are growing.
(Audio 09/12/11) Seasons are beginning to change, but lawns haven't slowed down yet. If the weather remains dry and hot during the month, you may notice chinch bug damage in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 09/16 /11) September is one of our most active months for tropical storms and hurricanes. Although parishes in the southern portion of the state are most vulnerable, these powerful storms can and do produce high winds and heavy rains as they move north. And tropical storms aren’t all we have to worry about. Violent summer storms can produce high winds and tornados as well.
(For Release On Or After 09/30/11) Lawn care definitely changes as the weather begins to cool, and by October the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, centipede, Bermuda and zoysia begins to slow down. As a result, now is not a good time to do anything that would disrupt or damage the turf such as filling, aerification or dethatching.
(Audio 09/12/11) The weather in September can by dry, and October tends to be our driest month of the year. Gardeners may be tempted to water less frequently as the weather cools, but if conditions are dry, watering still will be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/26/11) Garlic is a staple in Louisiana cooking. Gardeners can have a steady supply by growing it themselves in their winter gardens. Growing garlic does require patience. Harvest will occur in late April or May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/26/11) It's still hot in September, so now is still a good time to see where you may need shade in your landscape. Shade trees can reduce energy bills and make outdoor spaces more pleasant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/29/11) Late August is a stressful time of the year in our landscapes, but it also is a good time to walk around and evaluate how plants performed throughout the summer. What you learn will help you make planting decisions for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/19/11) For generations, spring was the prime blooming season for azaleas. But since breeders have developed plants that will bloom in the fall as well as the spring, you can enjoy their beauty this time of year, too. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/26/11) Summer-blooming bulbs are popular in Louisiana landscapes. By this time of the year some of them are fading. Trim away old leaves and cut back stalks to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 09/05/11) Shallots and green onions are popular and easy to grow in home gardens. Growing them does require patience, however. If you plant them now, you won't harvest until spring. You can plant these vegetables using sets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 9/26/11) Are you afraid to grow roses because you heard it was difficult? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains there’s no need to have any fear about growing Belinda’s Dream roses. They’re the latest Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Distributed 09/20/11) The LSU AgCenter will participate in the implementation of the Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia, West Africa, through a recent award from the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Liberia.
(Distributed 09/15/11) CROWLEY, La. – The Mexican rice borer continues to expand its territory in Louisiana after migrating from Texas.
(Distributed 09/16/11) ABBEVILLE, La. – Vermilion Parish officials dedicated a traveling classroom Sept. 14 to teach children about the importance of conservation and Louisiana’s wetlands.
(Distributed 09/22/11) The LSU AgCenter will host a roundtable discussion on Oct. 24, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to inform consumers about the importance of technology and how to make informed choices regarding the selection and use of wireless plans.
(Distributed 09/15/11) MANSFIELD, La. – The International Paper Foundation contributed $5,000 toward Louisiana 4-H Camp educational programs at a breakfast reception Aug. 24.
(Distributed 09/13/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter 4 H program has received a second consecutive Walmart grant for teaching healthy living choices to youngsters.
(Distributed 09/29/11) The LSU AgCenter will conduct a one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make your own biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil on Nov. 12 at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.
(Distributed 09/06/11) Sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois reports on the damage to Louisiana's sugarcane by Tropical Storm Lee.
(Distributed 09/09/11) The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations passed its version of a bill for federal funding to agricultural programs on Sept. 7 that puts back $1.2 million to the LSU AgCenter’s budget that had been taken away in an earlier U.S. House version.
(Distributed 09/01/11) One of the benefits weed scientists enjoy is the ability to evaluate various compounds or technologies prior to their commercialization. In addition to potential benefits, they also identify potential pitfalls. These can include crop injury, carryover effects to subsequent crops and effects from off-target applications.
(Distributed 09/20/11) Teachers, bankers and other community leaders met at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge on Sept. 15-16 to “Prepare Louisiana for Real Life” at the 2011 Financial Education Summit.
(Distributed 09/06/11) HOMER, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists will present the latest information on the two new poultry demonstration houses, managing switchgrass in pine forests for the biofuels market, and beef cattle and forage management at the Hill Farm Field Day on Sept. 15. Registration is at 11 a.m., lunch will be served at noon, and the event starts at 1 p.m.
(Distributed 09/07/11) Scientists have found that hiding a toxin within yeast and cellulose powder bait holds promise in destroying termite colonies.
(Distributed 09/16/11) The LSU AgCenter is helping youngsters become healthier and more physically active, and children’s health is the focus during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.
(Distributed 09/26/11) Louisiana soybean farmers are moving into the final stages of harvest with mixed results in their yields, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 09/20/11) Researchers from the LSU AgCenter are participating in a three-year, $12.2 million grant through the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) to evaluate the effects of the 2010 Macondo oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico.
(Distributed 09/20/11) CARENCRO, La. – Louisiana cattle owners stand to benefit from the Texas drought because ranchers in the Lone Star State are selling cattle and will eventually have to restock, cattle experts said at the Acadiana cattle field day held Saturday (Sept. 17).
(Distributed 09/28/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Burden Research Center in Baton Rouge and the Burden Horticulture Society will sponsor their corn maze each Saturday through October, according to Jeff Kuehny, resident director at Burden.
(Distributed 09/19/11) HOMER, La. – Recent droughts have forced producers to use carryover hay from previous years or purchase lesser-quality hay, and the LSU AgCenter is looking for ways to increase feed efficiency.
(Distributed 09/21/11) The LSU AgCenter is releasing the latest of its helpful resources for Louisiana gardening enthusiasts – the 2012 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The calendar is packed with photos, gardening hints and monthly tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill that are specifically written for Louisiana’s growing conditions and climate.
(Distributed 09/01/11) A teacher gave instructions for a science experiment, watching as another teacher pushed a nail connected to a wire into an apple. The teacher wasn’t talking to her students. She was instructing other teachers.
(Distributed 09/28/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – Do you think food, clothing, lumber and other products only come from a store? Come to AgMagic at the State Fair to see and learn where your food and fiber really come from.
(Distributed 09/21/11) If you live in southern Louisiana and have noticed large numbers of tiny reddish-brown ants in or around your home running around in a crazy manner, then perhaps the hairy crazy ant has moved in with you, says LSU AgCenter scientist Victoria Bayless.
(Distributed 09/08/11) GUEYDAN, La. – Timing of harvest aid application to a maturing soybean crop is critical, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.
(Distributed 09/27/11) Improved soil fertility could boost yields in crops such as corn and soybeans and reduce nitrogen runoff into local water bodies. That’s the premise behind the research of LSU AgCenter scientist Brenda Tubaña.
(Distributed 09/26/11) Food safety is increasing in global importance and complexity said David R. Lineback, senior fellow at the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the University of Maryland at College Park.
(Distributed 09/02/11) Over the next several days, Tropical Storm Lee will drench most of Louisiana’s crawfish-producing parishes with rainfall ranging from several inches to possibly more than 20 inches in some isolated areas.
(Distributed 09/23/11) FARMERVILLE, La. – State Rep. Hollis Downs has established the first-ever endowment for a Louisiana parish 4-H program by donating $10,000 to Union Parish 4-H on Sept. 22.
(Distributed 09/19/11) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers and agriculture industry representatives met Friday (Sept. 16) with Congressman Charles Boustany to express frustration with the increased burden of more federal regulations.
