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Greetings Producers and Friends of the LSU AgCenter!
Welcome to the Horticulture Connection Newsletter. Your editor here is Michael LaVergne, ANR Agent for Horticulture and Agronomy covering parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, and Vernon. I recently transitioned to this role mid-January of 2025 after spending thirty-four years in 4-H Youth Development in Calcasieu, Cameron and Beauregard Parishes.
I grew up raising and showing Swine, Sheep and Brahman Cattle in Ragley, LA in 4-H and FFA across the state and country.I graduated from McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.I attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, receiving a Master’s degree in Vocational Education as well as a specialization in Environmental Science.I’ve consistently helped at livestock shows, including the State Fair of Louisiana, SW District Livestock Show, and LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show. I am excited to share my passion for the Horticulture and Agronomy industry here in the central region of the state. Feel free to reach out to me by email at mlavergne@agcenter.lsu.edu.
August My goal is to provide you with information about upcoming events and opportunities in the area and across the state, such as field days, meetings, classes, and any other events that would be of interest. I will also plan to provide you with the latest news and information on the issues affecting you, whether they be drought or other weather-related conditions, garden production, landscape maintenance and production, soil sample interpretations, fertilization, management, marketing your crop and more.
To most of us, the Red Imported Fire Ant is an insect that most if not all of us have experienced within our lifetime. The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a common turfgrass insect pest in Louisiana. These pests do not injure turfgrass, but they do build unsightly mounds in our yards that could cause possible damage to our lawn equipment such as mowers. A little history of the Imported Fire Ant. It was imported to the US around the 1930’s accidentally arriving by ship to a port in Mobile Alabama from South America. Since then, it has spread to infest more than 260 million acres of land in nine southeastern states, including Louisiana. Fire Ants are now also found in California and Mexico.
Fire ants are a persistent nuisance in Louisiana landscapes, but with the right strategy, they can be effectively managed. The LSU AgCenter recommends the Texas Two-Step method: first, apply a broadcast bait when ants are actively foraging (typically between 75–95°F), then follow up with mound treatments using insecticidal sprays.
Baits work by targeting the colony, including the queen, while sprays or dusts help eliminate visible mounds. Baits consist of pesticide combined with a material fire ants consume as food.Apply fresh bait when the ground and grass is dry and no rain is expected for 24 hours after treatment.
Some products, such as those containing acephate, are applied as dry dust. Ants walking through the treated soil get dust on their bodies and transport the insecticide into the mound. Within a few days the entire colony should be killed. To use dust, distribute the recommended amount evenly over the undisturbed mound.Other insecticides used to control fire ants are mixed with water and then applied to the mound as a drench. These liquid mound drenches kill ants underground but must be applied in sufficient volume to penetrate the entire nest. Generally, about 1 gallon of diluted mixture is poured gently over the top of each mound.Granular products offer another method of getting insecticide into fire ant mounds. To treat a single mound, measure the recommended amount, and sprinkle it on and around the mound following label directions.
For organic options, products containing boric acid or d-limonene are safer around water and pets. Other organic products such as pyrethrin, pyrethrum, rotenone, citrus oil extract and diatomaceous earth, are organic pesticides. Diatomaceous earth, a natural silica-based dust, will kill some ants, but it rarely eliminates ant colonies when used alone. Avoid breathing in dust-like particles.Home remedies generally do not work well.
Remember, no method offers permanent eradication—fire ants will return, so seasonal treatments (spring and fall) are key. For best results, coordinate control efforts with neighbors to reduce reinfestation. Always read and follow label directions when using pesticides. For more details, visit LSUAgCenter.com and search “Managing Imported Fire Ants.”
Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds in Louisiana lawns. This warm-season perennial thrives in moist conditions and spreads rapidly through seeds and stem fragments, often forming dense mats that choke out turfgrass.
Effective control requires a planned and consistent approach. Begin in early spring (April–May) with spot applications of herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, mecoprop, and carfentrazone—products like Speed Zone Southern or Weed Free Zone. These are most effective when the weed is young and actively growing. As temperatures rise above 85°F, switch to metsulfuron (MSM Turf, Manor) or Celsius (thiencarbazone + iodosulfuron + dicamba), which are safer for southern turfgrasses like St. Augustine and centipedegrass.
Expect to make multiple applications—typically four or more—throughout the growing season. Cultural practices like proper mowing, fertilization, and drainage also help suppress infestations. Avoid mowing when buttonweed is flowering, as fragments can root and spread.
For more details, visit LSUAgCenter.com and search “Virginia Buttonweed.”
Cultural control is the first line of defense. Maintaining a healthy, dense turf through proper mowing, fertilization, and pH management helps grass outcompete weeds. Improving drainage and manually removing rhizomes can also reduce infestations.
For chemical control, apply post-emergent herbicides in late spring when dollar weed is actively growing. The most effective option is metsulfuron methyl, though repeated applications may be necessary. Other effective combinations include 2,4-D + dicamba + mecoprop, or products with carfentrazone. Atrazine is also effective but should not be used on bermudagrass.
Always follow label directions and consider integrating both cultural and chemical methods for long-term success. For more information, visit LSUAgCenter.com and search “Dollar weed.”
If your lawn or garden isn’t thriving, the problem might be right under your feet — your soil. The LSU AgCenter recommends soil testing as the first step to understanding what your soil needs. A simple test can reveal nutrient levels and pH, helping you apply the right type and amount of fertilizer or lime. This not only saves money but also protects the environment from excess runoff.
Soil testing is especially helpful before planting new lawns, vegetable gardens, or flower beds. It can also explain why plants aren’t growing well, even with regular care. The LSU AgCenter suggests testing every 2–3 years for best results. Homeowners can pick up soil test kits from their local AgCenter office. Just collect samples, send them in, and receive customized recommendations to improve your soil’s health.
For more information, visit LSUAgCenter.com and search “Soil Testing.”
Allen Parish Fair is set for November 12-15th in Oberlin. Allen Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, fruits, flowers, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come.
Beauregard Parish Fair is set for Tuesday through Saturday, September 30-October 4, 2025, in DeRidder at the Fair Grounds. Beauregard Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, flowers, fruits, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come. There is a Livestock show as well.
Vernon Parish Fair is set for Wednesday through Sunday, October 1-5, 2025, at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Grounds. Vernon Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, flowers, fruits, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come. There is a Livestock show as well.
I am working on compiling an email list to share this newsletter, Horticulture Hints and other LSU AgCenter information. I am also compiling a list of interested individuals who would like to participate in our LSU AgCenter Master Gardener class. I will hopefully offer a Master Gardener class soon. If you would like to be included in our email list or added to a potential Master Gardener class, please email myself at mlavergne@agcenter.lsu.edu or Jacye Trahan at JacyeTrahan@agcenter.lsu.edu. I look forward to working with each of you.
It is now time to be thinking about planting our fall gardens. The following cool season vegetables with recommended planting date windows are as follows.
Check the LSU AgCenter Vegetable Planting guide for recommended varieties and planting dates for other crops.It may be accessed through the LSU AgCenter website.
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com/beauregard
We have a Facebook Page for each parish!
Membership and participation in activities and events are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status or disability.If you have a disability that requires special accommodation for your participation in an activity, please contact us at 337-463-7006.
Beauregard Parish
219 West Second Street/ P.O. Box 609
Deridder, Louisiana 70634
For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSU AgCenter
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
