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(Video 12/25/13) Not sure when to get that plant into the ground? The 2014 Get It Growing calendar explains when to plant and how to care for your flowers and vegetables. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, the calendar has valuable tips that will help the gardener throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Audio News 12/26/13) Youngsters on all-terrain vehicles are common in Louisiana, and some kids across the state may have even gotten one for Christmas. Several 4-H agents participated in a training program so they can go back into their parishes and hold ATV safety training courses for youth. One mistake organizer David Boldt says he sees too often is youngsters starting out on ATVs that are too big. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Audio 12/30/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants. Many of them will be blooming now. If you deadhead them, that will encourage them to continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/30/13) The cold weather of January limits what vegetables can be planted this month. Some root crops are hardy and can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/30/13) Lawns are relatively carefree during winter. You may notice winter weeds popping up this time of the year. You don't have to wait until spring to use a lawn weed killer. You can do it on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/30/13) The mild winters we have in Louisiana means we can plant hardy plants like shrubs or roses. January is a good time to plant roses, particularly if you are mail ordering them. They are usually shipped bare-root, and its best to handle bare-root roses this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/30/13) If you wondering what to do with holiday plants after the holidays, well it depends which kind you have. Poinsettias should be discarded, but a Christmas cactus or living Christmas tree can be enjoyed for years to come. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 12/20/13) For all major commodities, 2013 was a really good year, making it the second year in a row Louisiana farmers saw high yields and good prices. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Video News 12/19/13) LSU AgCenter researchers are working with tiny particles, called nanoparticles, to help improve medical and agricultural issues. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with two scientists working in nanotechnology. (Runtime: 2:05)
(Video News 12/19/13) Cattle production has decreased in the past few years. The LSU AgCenter is working to help beef cattle producers raise cattle in challenging economic times. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:49)
(Audio 12/23/13) Some of the plants we use to decorate during Christmas, like poinsettias, should be discarded after the holiday season. The Christmas cactus is one that can live year after year. Move them to a window that gets lots of sun and water regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/23/13) If you wanted tulips and hyacinths blooming in your spring garden and haven't chilled bulbs, it is too late. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs must be refrigerated before they can be planted out into our landscapes. If you have some chilled, you can plant them during the next few weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/23/13) Gardeners may not think about planting roses in December, but this is a good time to do it. Rose bushes even make nice gifts. Roses are blooming now at the nursery, making it easier to select the variety you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 12/23/13) During the holiday season, you will see Christmas cactuses for sale in nurseries, home improvement stores and even supermarkets. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your Christmas cactuses during the holiday season and throughout the year to help them do their best for years to come. (Runtime: 1:36)
(Audio 12/23/13) Many plants in the landscape are hardy in the winter, but tropical plants can be damaged by freezes. Herbaceous tropicals show their damage immediately. Damage on woody tropicals won't be evident until spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 12/16/13) During this time of year, brown and red foliage on many plants can indicate cold damage. But, as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, hardy shrubs are different. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Audio 12/23/13) Louisiana cooks like to use green onions. They are easy to grow and simple to harvest. Hear more to learn about growing green onions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Distributed 12/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Faculty and staff members at the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Agricultural Center received awards for exceptional extension and research programs at a joint annual conference on Dec. 16-17.
(Audio News 12/16/13) A team of LSU AgCenter scientists is designing nano-delivery systems for biomedical, food and agricultural applications. These nano-delivery systems have the potential to heat and destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy cells, to target pesticide applications to plants to avoid drift, to improve food safety and to pinpoint where medicine is received in the body. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Audio 12/16/13) Gardeners can save seeds from seed packages or from plants. The seeds need to stay viable. Drying them and storing them in the refrigerator will keep the seeds fresh. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous trees are wonderful in the landscapes. They provide great shade in summer and let the sun shine through in winter. But all the falling leaves have to be dealt with. Consider using the leaves as mulch or turning them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/16/13) Camellias are wonderful winter-flowering shrubs. They don't require a lot of care, but may need water during dry spells. Also keep in mind that their flowers could be damaged by freezes, but buds are hardy. Also watch out for camellia tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous shade trees are known for changing colors. A few evergreens will do this as well. Some varieties of azaleas and nandinas will turn colors. This change doesn't mean there is a problem with the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/16/13) Many gardeners store their garden chemicals in outdoor sheds. Water-based chemicals can freeze if the weather gets cold enough. This could cause the container to burst and spill the contents. Make sure liquid materials are stored in an area where they won't freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News 12/05/13) The holidays are here, and decorations are going up. A poinsettia can help make your home festive. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at picking out and caring for this holiday plant. (Runtime: 1:43)
(Video News 12/05/13) Tomatoes and peppers are being replaced with satsumas and navel oranges at roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Consumers can find Louisiana citrus this time of the year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a grower. (Runtime: 1:57)
(Audio 12/10/13) Lawns may need some care during winter. One thing to watch for is leaves. If leaves stay on the lawn too long, they can damage it. Also weed issues can be addressed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/13) Fall, winter and early spring are good times to plant hardy fruit trees. Peaches are a wonderful fruit to grow in the home garden. Hear more to learn about growing a peach tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/13) Gardeners watching the weather need not worry about wind chill. Wind chill is how cold it feels to people. Plants do not need to be protected if the temperature is above freezing, even if the wind chill will be below freezing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/13) Louisiana has relatively mild winters. This allows weeds to survive and grow this time of the year. Keeping beds well mulched is a good defense against weeds. Weed killer also can be used. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/13) Freezes are likely this time of the year. Gardeners will need to protect tropical plants when freezes occur. Covers and Christmas lights can keep the plants warm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 12/02/13) What started as a 4-H project 45 years ago has long been a family business for John Rogers. Rogers works with his mom, brother and their wives and children to tend to their 20-acre citrus grove in Terrebonne Parish. Rogers started harvesting his fruit about a month ago. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Audio News 12/02/13) You can find poinsettias filling nurseries and garden centers this time of the year. With its bright red bracts and dark green leaves, the poinsettia is a Christmas favorite. If you are looking to use poinsettias to decorate your home during the holidays, choose ones that will last throughout the season. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Audio 12/09/13) There is still time to plant cool-season bedding plants in your landscape. Prepare the beds before planting by digging up old plants and turning the soil. Some plants to consider include foxgloves, violas and the new Super Plant, Diamonds Blue delphiniums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/09/13) Gardeners in Louisiana can produce a fall crop of tomatoes. With a freeze in November, many tomato plants are probably done. If you still have tomatoes, pick them before the next freeze. They can ripen indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/09/13) Cut Christmas trees are an important part of holiday traditions. Keeping a tree fresh and alive is important. To do this, chose wisely, and always keep it in water. Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/09/13) We use a wide variety of plants to embellish our homes around the holidays. Proper care will keep them attractive throughout the season. Take care when transporting these plants. Also place them in a sunny spot away from warm vents or a fireplace. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/09/13) Cold temperatures don't mean you can't have vegetables in winter. A variety of vegetables can withstand winter weather. Hear more to learn which vegetables you can plant this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 12/09/13) You may be noticing some blooms on roses right now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your roses during the fall and winter months to help them grow their best. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Video 12/02/13) Dreary, cold days of fall don’t have to be lacking in color. The Cassia splendida, also called golden wonder tree, surprises you with bright yellow flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this beautiful tree. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Audio 11/25/13) A lot of vegetables are available as transplants at nurseries. Root crops, however, must be direct-seeded. The root is the crop, so if you pull it out to transplant it, the root may be damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/25/13) Landscapes and gardens can stay attractive during winter. Gardeners should take some time to clean up around their landscape by cutting back dead foliage or adding new mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/25/13) Deciduous shade trees are dropping their leaves this time of the year. You can make use of these leaves in your landscape by raking them and using them as mulch or by composting them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/25/13) Willow oak is a deciduous shade tree that grows well in Louisiana. It is a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013. It has an upright, oval growth habit and can grow relatively quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/25/13) The leaves on some deciduous trees are starting to change colors. Trees in Louisiana don't put on the fall display as they do up north. Some trees that are more likely to provide color include sweet gum, red maple, gingko and southern sugar maple. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News) While harvest has wrapped up on many crops, Louisiana farmers are busy planting wheat. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at the planting season. (Runtime: 1:23)
(Audio News 11/19/13) The cost of the average Thanksgiving meal is up 9 percent this year according to a survey by the LSU AgCenter. Jeanette Tucker, an AgCenter family economist, says the 2013 Thanksgiving market basket will average $48.50 for 10 people. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Video News 11/18/13) After a year of growth, Louisiana’s sugarcane crop is ready for harvest. What seemed to be an average crop is turning out better than expected. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Video 11/18/13) Most cool-season bedding plants like full sun. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out some beautiful shade-loving plants that work great during cooler months. (Runtime: 1:27)
(Video 11/25/13) Many trees are dropping their leaves now. But not to worry; fall is a great time to plant trees in your yard. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a Super Plant called willow oak. And like all Louisiana Super Plant selections, it’s a proven winner. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Audio News 11/14/13) Farmers have planted most of Louisiana’s wheat crop. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Josh Lofton says with ideal weather recently, they’ve been able to plant quickly. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Audio 11/18/13) November and early December are considered the best time to plant hardy trees in our landscapes. In this segment, horticulturist Dan Gill has steps for planting a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/18/13) The majority of the cool-season plants we use in our flower gardens are transplants. Some plants prefer to be planted from seeds. Sweet peas, poppies and larkspurs should be direct-seeded where you intend for them to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/18/13) Mild winters allow Louisiana gardeners to have flowers and vegetables during winter. But this also means we have insect pests. Things to look out for this time of the year include aphids, slugs and snails. Hear more the learn how to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/18/13) Most spring bulbs can be planted this time of the year. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs need refrigeration before they can go into the ground. You can buy the bulbs now and keep them in the vegetable bin of your refrigeration for six to eight weeks before planting them in January or February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/18/13) Most Louisiana gardeners have tropical plants in their landscape. These plants need to be protected during freezes. Tropicals in containers can be moved inside. Sheets or small lights can keep plants in the ground from freezing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 11/12/13) Earlier in the year, sugarcane farmers were worried about their crop. A cool spring and early summer slowed growth of the cane, and farmers were anticipating a less-than-average crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says a warm end to summer helped the cane catch up. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Distributed 11/11/13) SHREVEPORT, La. – Several thousand students and their teachers visited the LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic exhibit at the 2013 Louisiana State Fair.
(Audio News 11/08/13) The popular dairy store on LSU’s campus scoops out ice cream in flavors such as Tiger Bite and Rum Raisin, but on the other side of the Dairy Science building, LSU AgCenter researchers are working on ways to make dairy products healthier. Kayanush Aryana is adding healthy ingredients to yogurt such as immune boosters and fiber. (Runtime 1:40)
(Audio News 11/06/13) On a Saturday morning in October, youngsters gathered at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden to hear the story of Spookly the Square Pumpkin. The event is part of LSU AgCenter’s story time at Burden series. Becky White, an AgCenter professor, is on a mission to get parents and caregivers reading more to young children. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Audio 11/11/13) Many gardeners move their houseplants outside during summer. But a lot of container plants are tropical and should be kept inside for winter. Don't wait until a freeze threatens. Prepare the plants for the move, and rid them of any pests before bringing them in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/11/13) You may see amaryllis bulbs in the nurseries this time of the year. Fall and winter is not the time to plant amaryllis in your landscape. The bulbs can be grown in pots indoors on a sunny window sill during winter and then planted outdoors in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/11/13) Gardeners can get so caught up in working in their gardens that they don't take the time to just enjoy it. Spend time relaxing in your garden and admire the work you put into it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/11/13) Ryegrass will keeps lawns green and attractive throughout winter. Remember if you do plant ryegrass you will have to continue to mow. Hear more to lean about planting ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/11/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to get a fall crop of tomatoes. As the weather gets cooler, the tomatoes will ripen more slowly. If a freeze threatens, harvest the tomatoes and ripen them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 11/11/13) Ornamental grasses can look lovely in the landscape – particularly when they add a touch of color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to pink muhly grass – a wispy native ornamental that can add grace and colorful tints of pink to your yard. (Runtime: 1:32)
(Video 11/04/13) The Louisiana Super Plants program promotes plants that are tough, vigorous and beautiful in Louisiana landscapes. Most plants that are described as blue look to be some shade of purple or lavender. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a true blue and strikingly beautiful plant – the Diamonds Blue delphinium. (Runtime: 1:36)
(Video News 11/05/13) Yogurt can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. An LSU AgCenter researcher Kayanush Aryana is looking at ways to make yogurt even healthier. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited Dairy Science to learn more about Aryana’s work. (Runtime: 1:48)
(Audio 11/01/13) Sweet potato producers are harvesting their crop. The yield so far is average, and the quality is good. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist, Mavis Finger says a cool, wet spring delayed planting statewide, leading to smaller potatoes. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Video News 10/31/13) Sweet potatoes are common on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but now this fall favorite is consumed year-round. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard takes a look at Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest. (Runtime: 1:18)
(Audio 11/04/13) Nurseries get their spring bulbs in September, but November is the best month to plant them. You can find good selections now. Listen to hear how to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/04/13) Lettuce is a great cool-season vegetable. The lettuce you purchase in the supermarket cannot compare to freshly harvested lettuce. You can grow lettuce from seeds or transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/04/13) Deciduous trees will drop their leaves this time of the year. Keep the leaves from sitting on your lawn too long. This can make the grass unhealthy. Rake or mow them up. Use the leaves as mulch or compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/04/13) We expect to see the leaves of deciduous trees change colors and drop off. But this can happen to some of the leaves on evergreens as well. Evergreens won't have a big drop off like deciduous trees, but older leaves may yellow and fall off. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/04/13) Despite the cold weather we can have in November, there are many vegetables that can be planted this month. Many vegetables prefer chilly temperatures, so keep the garden active during winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Distributed 10/23/13) OAK GROVE, La. – Cars were lined up for a mile trying to get into the Family Fall Fest at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center on a sunny Saturday morning on Oct. 12, reported Brenda Bradley as she arrived. Bradley, a member of the town council here, was one of the planners for this event, which attracted more than 400 men, women and children of all shapes, ages and sizes from across West Carroll Parish.
(Audio 10/28/13) As we move into fall, gardeners may wonder what to fertilizer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says generally nothing. We want trees and shrubs to go dormant, and they won't benefit from fertilizer. The exceptions include cool-season plants and perennials that grow this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/28/13) It is a little early to see a lot of leaves dropping out of your trees. But next month there will be leaves to deal with. Don't rake, bag them and throw them out. Instead consider composting them or using them as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/28/13) Storms and high winds are common during Louisiana's summers. As a result you may have broken limbs in your trees. Look at your trees and call an arborist if you have ragged stubs or limbs that may fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/28/13) Louisiana wildflowers put on an outstanding display in fall. Look around and notice what nature does every year. Some of the plants to look for are goldenrod, asters and narrow-leaf sunflowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/28/13) You may hear about winterizing your lawn in fall. This means applying potassium to our lawns. Plants need potassium during winter, but winterizing is optional. If you do, make sure to buy the correct winterizer for Louisiana lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/28/13) Now is a great time to plant hardy shrubs. Maybe one of the best-smelling of all those shrubs is the gardenia. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out on this edition of Get It Growing, if you want those great smells from nice, white flowers in the spring, you want to avoid pruning your gardenias at this time. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Video 10/21/13) Now is a great time to plant cool-season herbs. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to chives – an herb with beautiful flowers and tasty foliage. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Audio News 10/18/13) Colors abound as hibiscus, impatiens and Drift roses put on a show at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station. The station opened its door to landscapers and gardeners to inform and show them the latest ornamentals and woody plants. A goal of the station is to find the best plants for Louisiana’s growing conditions. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Video News 10/17/13) Yields are high for Louisiana’s cotton crop LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that good weather and good land have farmers reaching for a record. (Runtime: 1:36)
(Audio 10/24/13) A wide variety of hardy herbs can be planted this time of the year. These herbs won't be hurt by the cold weather. They will need a well-drained, sunny location. Consider planting herbs such as chives, oregano, sage, thyme and lavender. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/25/13) Diamonds Blue delphiniums are a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013. They are a low-growing variety of delphiniums that are a true blue color. Plant them now, and they will bloom in fall and winter and put on the best show in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/22/13) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable to grow. Harvesting broccoli can be tricky. Gardeners may wait for the head to be a certain size before harvesting. This can lead to the broccoli flowering. Don't go by the size of the head, but rather the size of the buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/23/13) Now through February is the best time to plant fruit trees. A fall planting allow them to get established and send out strong roots. Don't expect a good harvest the first few years, and be sure to plant varieties suitable for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/21/13) Fall is the best time of the year to plant hardy trees and shrubs. These plants are not bothered by winter cold and establish well in the cool days of autumn. Roses, camellias and azaleas are all good to plant now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 10/09/13) Louisiana had record low cotton acres this year, but farmers may be harvesting record high yields according to David Kerns, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist. Farmers planted about 128,000 acres. Kerns said much of that was concentrated in areas that typically see higher yields. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Audio 10/14/13) Hydrangeas are wonderful flowering shrubs. Gardeners looking to change the color of their hydrangeas can add amendments to the soil this month. If you want blue hydrangeas, apply aluminum sulfate. For pink hydrangeas, put lime around them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/14/13) Most summer bulbs can be left in the ground and will survive our winters. Simply cut back the foliage when it turns brown and keep the ground mulched. Caladiums and hybrid gladiolus do better dug up and stored for the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/13/14) Caladiums are going dormant. October is the time to dig up the tubers for storage during winter. Do this while there is still foliage attached to the tubers. Let the foliage turn brown, and it will detach easily. Store the tubers indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/14/13) Camellias are popular in Louisiana. They are relatively pest free, but they do have one issue, the camellia tea scale. This insect can be controlled with an oil or systemic spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 10/04/13) Debbie Melvin is spending eight Monday evenings with a group of women helping them form healthy habits they can have for the rest of their lives. Melvin, an LSU AgCenter nutrition agent in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, has been teaching Smart Portions classes for five years. The program arms participants with knowledge necessary to make positive lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthy weight. (Runtime: 1:55)
(Audio 10/07/13) Louisiana gardeners do have options for cool-season plants that do well in shady areas. Plants such as Camelot foxglove, Swan columbine and forget-me-nots will grow in the shade, but could use some morning sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/07/13) Chrysanthemums start showing up in nurseries in September. October is a better month to plant them. The cooler days allow the plants to last longer. They are also great in pots on porches, on patios and indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/07/13) Louisiana gardeners who want to plant strawberries need to do so soon. Check nurseries and garden centers for strawberry plants. These should be planted in well-prepared beds in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/07/13) October is a great time to plant cool-season bedding plants into your gardens. These include pansies, dianthus and ornamental vegetables. Plant them now for flowers in fall and spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
