Louisiana has its share of pest problems. These problems will worsen as the weather warms. If you notice you are having a weed, insect or disease problem in your lawn or garden, it is important to correctly identify the culprit to effectively control it.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Our permanent lawn grasses all grow during the warm season. Now is the best time to plant these. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says the best way to plant a lawn is using sod.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In Louisiana we generally apply the first fertilizer of the season to our lawns in early April. It is important to allow the lawn to green up and establish a good root system before applying fertilizer.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many Louisiana gardeners primarily use annuals to provide color in their flower beds. We also can use perennials to provide color, and those will supply it while growing in your garden year after year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

By the time we get into April, we can plant tomatoes. We could have some late freezes, so be prepared to cover them if this happens. Planting tomatoes early will lead to an early harvest and fewer insect and disease problems on your plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Easter lilies are always available around Easter even though the date moves around. Growers can manipulate the growing conditions. You can keep your potted Easter lily and plant it into your garden after the holiday.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In April, you can look around and see flower beds full of cool-season bedding plants. It is really too late to plant these flowers into your landscapes. Concentrate on getting warm-season plants into your beds later this month.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Tomato plants have a tendency to sprawl on the ground if they are not properly supprted. Supporting the plants will help keep the fruit healthy and disease-free.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners grow a wide vartiety of herbs in their herb gardens, and many of these grow well during the cooler season. These cool-season herbs should be ready for harvest soon.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Sap suckers are a group of birds that peck holes in trees. These birds feed on the sap and insects that collect near these holes. The damage they cause tends to look worse than it really is.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye. Gardeners must look over their plants carefully if they suspect a problem. These insects damage the foliage of plants -- but they can be controlled.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in April. Tomatoes, the most popular home vegetable, can be planted in April, and many others can be seeded or transplanted this month.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In spring, many gardening organizations, businesses and others have events such as garden shows, plant sales and educational oppportunities. Take advantage of these events to find the latest local gardening information.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spring-flowering shrubs beautify Louisiana landscapes in February and April. When these shrubs finish blooming, prune them if they need it.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The redbud is an outstanding, small, spring-flowering tree. Its tiny red flowers can really brighten up a landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Having issues with lawn mushrooms? Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to prevent them. But if you have pets or small children, it is best to gather and dispose of the bothersome mushrooms.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Check your local nurseries for flowering perennial plants. You can find these plants in gallon-size containers, which are good for planting this time of year. These plants will live for many years, and that gives them an advantage over annuals.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

By March most of our roses should be growing vigorously, and this is a great time to fertilize them. You can use an all-purpose or a slow-release fertilizer. Also, now is a good time to spray for black spot.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Interest in growing herbs has been rising in recent years. Louisiana gardeners can plant herbs in herb gardens or containers or in beds among existing plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In March, we begin to see green colors returning to our lawns. If you see weeds in your lawn during this time, it is best to just mow them back rather than apply a pesticide while your grasses are reawakening and starting to grow.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

If you need to prune sumer-flowering shrubs, do it in March or early April. Have a plan before pruning, and do not prune if the tree or shrub doesn't need it.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many landscapes include small decorative ponds or aquatic features. This is a great time to clean ponds, because the foliage and fish in them are not very active. Choose a mild day to get this done.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

As the weather warms up, weeds, insects and diseases become far more common in our landscapes. It is important to remember that pesticides are just one option for control.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mild weather moves in during the month of March, and we can expect lavish displays of color from our cool-season plants
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We love perennials because they come back year after year. When you fertilize your perennials, you can use a variety of different fertilizers such as granular or slow-release fertilizers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Orchids are wonderful flowering plants that are different from many other houseplants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners can plant a variety of vegetables in March. A few vegetables such as eggplant, okra and sweet potatoes are are sensitive to chilly temperatures, and gardeners should wait to until April to plant these crops.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The hydrangea is a popular summer-flowering shrub for shady areas. It is important to remember that these flowers set their buds a year ahead.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spring-flowering bulbs begin putting on a vivid display in March. So this is a good time to keep records. Walk through your garden and take notes on the color and size of plants, when they bloom and how well they work in your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Now is an excellent time to purchase rose bushes from your local nursery and to plant them. By planting early in March, the rose plants will be in better shape in April, May and June.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Ground covers are wonderful plants that we use in very large areas of our landscape. They usually are low-growing evergreens. Even evergreen ground covers can have old, unattractive growth. March is a good time to prune your ground covers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

As the weather gets milder, we can begin planting warm-season vegetables. Freezes are still possible in the month of March, but early planting has some advantages. You can get better quality production and fewer insect problems.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs should be growing nicely, and you may even see some flowers blooming soon.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners often ask what the term "organic matter" means. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains it all.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You may begin to see caladium tubers at your local nursery about now. It is a good idea to get them early.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Light is important to the health of plants. In gardening, a range of terms exists to describe light conditions in the landscape. These include full sun, part sun, part shade and shade.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spring is a busy time in the home landscape. So while things are slower during February, it is a good time to prepare beds that you will plant in March or April.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

February is the last optimal month for digging up and transplanting trees and shrubs in your landscape. It is important to move a plant with as much of the root system as you can get. This will determine the survival of the tree or shrub.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The cool season is the best time to plant a tree in Louisiana. If you want a new tree in your landscape, plant it before late March. When choosing a tree, be sure to pick one that is the right size for you landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Hydrangeas are unique plants that come in lovely shades of blue or pink. These flowers are unusual because the availability of aluminum in the soil dictates their color -- and their color can be manipulated.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Bare-root roses should be planted by the end of February. This is your absolute last chance to get them into the ground.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Dividing perennials helps plants bloom better. You should divide these plants while they are dormant, which is now for most perennials in our landscapes. Plan on wrapping up this task before the end of March.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many of the hardy fruit trees we plant in our landscapes can be pruned in February, but be aware that all fruit trees are pruned differently.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants as early as October. Even though that time passed months ago, it still is not too late to add cool-season bedding plants to your landscape. But it is better to do it now than to wait until March or April.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many gardeners are unfamiliar with swiss chard. It's a vegetable that easily can be planted in your home garden.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We love to use many tropical plants in our Louisiana home landscapes. Although they do very well in Louisiana's hottest weather, they have very little cold tolerance.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spider mites are a common indoor pest that many plant lovers have to deal with. Spider mites are very tiny insects that can cause your plants to look dusty .
(runtime: 00:00:60)

February is a good time to prune roses. This prepares the plants for blooming in the spring and summer seasons.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spring may be right around the corner, but the weather is still cold enough to allow hard freezes to occur. That's why we continue to plant only cool-season vegetables this month.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We prune our roses in Louisiana about twice a year -- once in late January and again sometime in late August. When you prune, do it according to what your roses need.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Camellias are winter-blooming plants, and January is a good time to visit your local nursery and pick out the plant that best suits your needs.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Even through the cold of winter, we can experience a wide variety of pests in our home vegetable gardens.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

People often ask how they should water their indoor plants. The answers on this simple process begin by determining whether your plants need watering or not.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Winter is a superb time to add hardy trees and shrubs to your landscape. You can plant shade trees, add a privacy screen or bring in some flowering shrubs to enhance your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mealy bugs are a common insect on indoor plants. They usually find their way inside your home on plants purchased at a nursery or when you bring in plants that spent the summer outside.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can plant Irish potatoes into your vegetable garden now through February. To start planting, cut the seed potatoes into pieces about the size of an egg and make sure each piece contains an eye.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Winter is a good time to prune shade trees. They are leafless at this time, so it's easy to see their shape and where they may need pruning. Also, if you need a professional, tree companies tend to be less busy during the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Here in Louisiana we don't do a lot of fertilization to our plants during the winter. Most of the plants we have in our landscapes are dormant this time of the year and don't need the nutrients fertilizers provide.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Bed preparation is an important part of gardening. If you are putting in new shrubs, flower beds or vegetable beds, these will require bed preparation. You can do the prep work in advance of planting.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Some Louisiana gardeners prefer to overseed their lawns with ryegrass during the fall. Ryegrass grows very well in the cool winter weather and stays green through our coldest weather. But it also requires you to do some lawn care during that time.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can start growing transplants for tomatoes, peppers or eggplants in trays or pots from now until the first part of February. It takes about six weeks to raise them to transplant size. Then the transplants should go into the ground in March.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Parsley is an important herb in Louisiana cooking. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says nothing beats fresh, homegrown parsley. Louisiana gardeners can grow flat-leaf or curly-leaf parsley, and our winter months are a good time to plant this herb.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In cooler climates, foxgloves and holly hocks are perennials, but in the South they are cool-season annuals. Transplants are available in nurseries this time of the year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners might not consider January a prime month for planting, but the entire winter season is great for planting hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants this time of year. You also should actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants you already have planted.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have your rose plants, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Now that the holidays are over, you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some can be kept, and others should be discarded.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can harvest or plant something in your Louisiana vegetable garden almost every day of the year, and the days of January are no exception.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

One of the biggest problems for indoor plants during winter is the dry air produced by our heating systems. Move house plants away from vents and be sure to water them as needed.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

At the beginning of a new year many people make resolutions -- and gardeners are among those people. If you make gardening resolutions, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has advice for you.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many gardeners purchased amaryllis bulbs in October. If you haven't, but you still want to grow amaryllis, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your bulbs. If you were one of those gardeners who planted your bulbs in October, however, your plants are likely to have bloomed already .
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardening catalogs normally arrive in mailboxes in December and January. Most of these are available for free if you go online and request one. Just be cautious when ordering from catalogs and make sure you choose plants appropriate for your area.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Now through January is the time to plant those tulip and hyacinth bulbs you've been chilling in your refrigerator to get them ready for planting.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Unlike the poinsettia, a holiday cactus will bloom for us year after year. So hang onto those plants even after the holidays are over.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana vegetable gardeners grow a wide variety of leafy vegetables in their winter gardens.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

With recent freezes and even snow in some areas, you will probably see cold damage on your tender tropicals. Your best option is to simply prune it away.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The everblooming roses in your landscape may still be blooming. With these plants, it is not unusual to have new roses well into December.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

There are a variety of reasons why a plant's foliage changes color this time of year. This shouldn't necessarily concern gardeners -- even if the plant is an evergreen.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is important to store garden chemicals safely during the winter. Keep them in an area where they won't freeze and where children can't get to them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Camellias bloom with large, beautiful flowers during the winter. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind when caring for these wonderful winter plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

All permanent lawn grasses we use in Louisiana go dormant during winter and turn brown. Green lawns this time of the year have been overseeded with ryegrass.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many gardeners enjoy starting their plants from seeds. You can do this by either planting seeds directly into your garden or starting the plants in pots or flats. You often will have leftover seeds, and it's a good idea store them properly for future use.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The leaves that fall from your trees can be useful in your landscape. You can collect these leaves and use them as mulch or compost over the winter season.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

A pecan tree is wonderful for your landscape -- if you have room. Pecan trees grow very large, and because of their brittle wood, they should not be planted close to structures.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana's mild winter conditions allow many types of plants to grow over the winter season. Unfortunately, this includes weeds, so there are many different types of winter weeds to be on the lookout for this time of year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners shouldn't worry about the wind chill factor. Plants do not feel wind chill -- which is how cold it feels to warm-blooded animals like us. The plants only feel the actual temperature of the air.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

For most gardeners, the activities we conduct in our landscapes tend to slow down during the winter. Many of our gardening tools take a break this time of the year, so we need to make sure they are stored properly and safely.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In December, freezes threaten plants in your lanscape. With the thermometer dipping into the 30s, you should begin thinking about protecting tender tropicals from the cold.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

There is still time to plant cool-season flowers even though we are into early December. Plant violas, snapdragons and pansies now for great color in the winter and an outstanding spring display.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardening doesn't stop in the winter. The vegetable garden can be productive all year long in Louisiana. Gardeners have a number of vegetables they can plant in December.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Recent freezes may have killed tomato plants, but if your plants are still surviving, here are a few tips to protect them in cold weather.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Christmas trees play an important part in celebrating the holiday season, and selecting the right kind of tree is a big part of the process.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Poinsettias are the most commonly used plant in decorating for the holiday season. With proper selection and care, you can keep these plants looking attractive for as long as possible.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in your landscapes. If you plant them now, the heat of summer won't threaten the young tress.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When considering how to fertilize plants this time of year, the best option really is not to fertilize at all. Just about everything in your landscape is going dormant.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

To many people, falling leaves are a nuisance. These leaves, however, can be useful if we recycle them into compost or mulch.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

A wide variety of herbs are hardy and can be planted this time of year. There are even some herbs that really grow well in Louisiana during the cool season.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable for your garden. It's a little late to plant broccoli now, but if you planted it earlier, you may be wondering when you should harvest this vegetable.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The best time to plant fruit and nut trees is from November until February. Most of these trees need full sun and plenty of room to grow.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You will begin to notice amarylis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around this time of year. The process that growers use to ship amarylis makes them grow and bloom during winter, so you must plant them in a container the first year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You will begin to notice amarylis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around this time of year. The process that growers use to ship amarylis makes them grow and bloom during winter, so you must plant them in a container the first year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom during the summer months. Often these plants go dormant during this time of year and become unattractive, so it's the time to trim their foliage.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Cool weather has arrived, and now is the perfect time to add cool-season bedding plants to the flower beds in your landscape. These plants will continue to bloom for you into spring.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

November is an outstanding month to plant spring-flowering bulbs in your landscape. These bulbs grow over the winter very slowly and then grow rapidly and bloom in the spring.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Just about everyone enjoys a fresh salad, but the best lettuce is freshly harvested from your own vegetable garden.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Most of the perennial plants that we use in our landscapes bloom in the summer. Many of these perennials are winding down right now. This is a good time to cut back any unattractive growth or flowers from them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

During the winter our warm-season grasses go dormant making your lawn brown. If this bothers you, then one option is to overseed your permanent lawn with ryegrass.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Camellias are amazingly beautiful shrubs. One of the greatest things about camellias is they produce flowers in late fall and winter when few other plants are blooming. Camellias are prone to infestations of tea scale.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners can use a wide variety of evergreen trees and shrubs in their landscape because of the mild winters we experience. These plants keep our landscapes looking attractive all through the winter. Gardeners should not be concerned about the leaves of an evergreen plant turning yellow.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Local nurseries have plenty of chrysanthemums in a wide variety of colors. Planting these perennials is a great way to add color to landscapes this time of year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Savvy Louisiana gardeners know that we can get a second tomato crop out of our tomato plants. As the weather cools, the plant production slows down, and gardeners must watch out for freezes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

From November and peaking into early December is when the deciduous trees in our landscape begin to drop all of their leaves. These fallen leaves can provide many good things for our landscapes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana's mild winter allows us to grow a wide variety of delicious vegetables in our home vegetable gardens. Vegetable gardeners who typically plant only in spring and summer should try growing winter vegetables, as well.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Hydrangeas are unique plants that come in lovely shades of blue or pink. They are unusual because the availability of aluminum in the soil dictates their color.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Although our trees really don't begin dropping their leaves until November, you can start thinking about what to do with these leaves when they fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends composting them or using them for mulch.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Persimmons are popular fruit trees you can plant in your home orchard. They are easy to grow and they are not prone to any major insect or disease problems.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Brown patch is a fungal disease that attacks lawns. Brown patch generally occurs when the daytime temperatures are mild and the nights are cooler. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what to look for and how to control brown patch.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

October may not seem like a time to talk about roses, but it is one of state's primary blooming seasons. Roses generally begin blooming in October and continue to do so through December.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The azalea lace bug is the leading insect pest of azaleas. These insects live underneath the leaves and feed on leaf tissue.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When planting spring-flowering bulbs, be aware they are only in bloom for a short period of time. You should plant them sparingly and use them to embellish small areas of your spring landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You may hear or see advertisements that recommend winterizing your lawn. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says this process is optional and in many cases unnecessary.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many of the cool-season annual herbs or the hardy perennial herbs can be planted now. When planting, keep in mind a single plant generally will provide all the herbs an average family needs.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The chrysanthemum is often considered the floral emblem of autumn. You can find them already in bloom at local nurseries. They are a wonderful and very easy way to add color to your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many of our perennials grow from clumps. The clumps become larger and larger each year and may need to be divided. This segment of Get It Growing has advice for Louisiana gardeners about dividing perennials.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners must be careful about what they fertilize this time of the year. Nitrogen can stimulate plants that need to start preparing and shutting down for winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

As the weather cools in October, many of the warm-season bedding plants in Louisiana gardens begin fading. Gardeners can pull those plants out and start preparing their flower beds for cool-season bedding plants. But they should decide what they want before going to the nursery.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners should be on the lookout for scale insects in their landscapes. These insects often are under a protective covering and don't move, so it’s easy to overlook them. Camellias and gardenias are commonly infested with scale insects.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners should be cautious when pruning in the fall. Pruning shrubs now can encourage new growth, and that new growth won't have time to harden off before winter starts.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Sweet peas are one of the most outstanding annual, flowering vines we can grow here in Louisiana. They are attractive for both the color and the fragrance they provide.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Most summer-blooming perennials have stopped blooming by now. This is a good time to tidy up around where these plants were flourishing.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mulches are one of the most important gardening techniques we use in our landscapes. Mulches are particularly useful in supressing weed growth.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Ripe strawberries are one of spring's greatest treats. Louisiana gardeners can enjoy the freshest strawberries by growing their own in their home gardens.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners use tropical plants in containers outside during the summer. You should begin preparing these plants if you plan to keep them inside during the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We plant caladiums because of the colorful leaves they produce, and they make shaded areas more attractive. These plants grow from tubers much like potatoes. You can use that tuber to grow your caladiums in the following years, but you may need to dig it up and store it this time of year.
(runtime: 00:00:00)

Louisiana gardeners use transplants to establish many vegetables and bedding plants. Transplants normally are young plants grown from seeds in a container and then added to your garden. It is very important that you get these transplants off to a good start.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many summer-flowering bulbs will continue to bloom well into the fall. Even though they are still growing and blooming, they are reaching the end of their season. October is not a good time to fertilize these plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

October is when we really begin to focus on cool-season plantings in our vegetable garden. You may still have some fall peppers and tomatoes in your garden, but for the purposes of planting you should really focus on the cool-season vegetables.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners often purchase the seeds they need to grow flowers or vegetables from seed racks at a local nursery. They may also mail-order seeds. And there are occasions when it's possible to save seeds from plants in your garden and use them for new plantings.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Late summer is a great time to evaluate the flower beds in your landscape. There are a variety of things you should make notes on, such as the performance of the plants found in the beds and which plants were succesful and which ones you won't plant again.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The prime tree-planting season is right around the corner. It is best to plant trees and shrubs from November into the early part of December. While it is still too hot to actually plant trees, it would be a good idea to evaluate your landscape now and find out where you may need more shade.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Garlic is an outstanding vegetable with all kinds of health benefits. Most people don't know how easy it is to plant and maintain in their own vegetable gardens
(runtime: 00:00:60)

September and October are transitional months in Louisiana. We begin to cycle out of summer's intense heat as we see cooler weather move in. We also may notice much drier weather, which means you will find yourself watering your garden more frequently.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The Louisiana iris is one of the most beautiful perennial flowering plants you can plant in your garden. Since these plants are native to Louisiana, it's easy to see why they do so well here. They go dormant in the summer. This means if you have been looking to transplant your iris, now is the time to do so.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Azalea lace bugs are the leading insect pest of azaleas in Louisiana. These lacy-winged insects live on the underside of the plant's leaves.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Container plants offer many benefits. They can embellish an area where plants won't grow, and they are easily movable. One of the drawbacks of growing plants in containers is that the root system eventually will outgrow the container.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Caladiums are one of the most reliable summer bedding plants for adding color to shady areas in our landscapes. In September, caladiums become dormant, and we must decide whether to remove them from the landscape for storing or allow them to remain in the ground.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In the past, azaleas flowered in one huge gush in late March and into early April. Now gardeners can plant new groups of azaleas that will bloom in the spring and again in the fall.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Everybody loves a fresh and juicy tree-ripened peach. A peach tree is a popular item to grow in home landscapes. You can plant one in your landscape, but, before you do, be aware that peach trees can have insect and disease problems.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mulches are materials spread over soil in our landscape beds and gardens. One of a mulch's most important benefits is weed control
(runtime: 00:00:60)

If we have a hot and dry September, there is a good chance chinch bugs will be prevalent in our lawns. A possible sign you have chinch bugs is an area of dead grass that starts small and rapidly begins to enlarge.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Lousiana gardeners can do a lot of planting in new beds from September on into November. This includes cool-season vegetables and bedding plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

September ushers in a changing of the seasons to some degree. Remember that most flowering trees and shrubs have already set their buds. Anything that blooms from October to May should not be pruned now.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

September weather in Louisiana is not typically fall-like, but the shorter days tell our plants it is time to slow down and prepare for winter. This means you should be careful when choosing what to fertilize.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many plants are part of the onion family, and we can grow these in our home vegetable gardens. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticuluturist Dan Gill offers help with planting these potent vegetables.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

During late summer, it is not unusual to have a lot of afternoon showers. This can often lead to increasingly soggy conditions and eventually lawn fungus.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mature trees are one of the most valuable and irreplaceable things in your landscape. When adding to your home or doing new construction, it is important to be careful when working around these trees.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners love pecans, and the pecan tree can be a nice addition to your landscape. There are a couple things you should keep in mind when growing a pecan tree, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides tips in this edition of Get It Growing.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

There are a wide variety of vegetables you can plant in September. You can plant both warm-season and cool-season vegetables at this time.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When you buy transplants from your local nursery or gardening center, it is important to remember that those transplants have lived a very sheltered life.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Intense heat in mid-August is stressful for our landscape. This may, however, be a good time to go around your garden and take notes on how your plants are doing.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardeners all across Louisiana are using palms in their landscapes. A big part of maintaining a palm tree is pruning it properly.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Late August is an extremely hot time of the year. It is far too hot to add new plants to your garden. It is a good time, however, to add new plants to your aquatic garden.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

In much of the country, rose growers generally prune back once in the spring and do light pruning throughout the growing season. But in Louisiana we have two rose flowering seasons.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

August is the final month of the year in which we apply fertilizers. If your lawn already looks healthy, then this treatment may be optional.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Summer's intense heat makes it a poor time to plant most types of plants in our landscapes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gingers are among many popular tropical plants for Louisiana landscapes. Their lush foliage and bright flowers are very attractive during the summer.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is a common misconception that houseplants are well-protected from insects.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Most of us utilize container plants both inside our homes and outside on our patios and decks. Eventually these plants will outgrow their container, and it becomes necessary to repot them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The Louisiana iris is a popular native perennial. The provide beautiful flowers for for our spring gardens. Now is a good time to trim off any unattractive foliage as the plant is dormant.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Pear trees are one of the easier and more reliable fruit trees that you can grow in your Louisiana landscape. In August pears begin to ripen and we know when to harvest by a color change.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Ferns are a valuable plant when it comes to planting in shaded areas. This is a great time to care for your ferns because it is much nicer to work in these shaded areas instead of in full sun.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many Louisiana gardeners plant milkweed in their gardens. Milkweed provides both nectar and a larval food source for the monarch butterfly.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Young trees need extra care to grow well their first few years. It is crititcal to water them in the summer, especially the first year that the tree is in the ground.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Coleus is grown for its attractive and colorful foliage. Many of the varieties are adapted to full sun, but one popular variety must be grown in the shade.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Three of the most popular vegetables for home gardeners to grow are tomatoes, bell peppers and eggplants. Eggplants and bell peppers will often survive the summer in pretty good shape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Container plants require extra care during the summer. They can dry out quicker than our plants in the ground. The frequent watering also leeches nutrients out of the container.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners often focus on growing tomatoes in the spring and early summer. Gardeners also can grow a fall tomato crop from transplants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Insect pests have a lot of time to develop their populations over the summer due to the lengthy period where it is very hot. In addition, disease organisms actually do the same thing.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

August is so hot that you may not want to go out and plant anything in your vegetable garden, but if you do, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says there are some great options you can pursue.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Two pests that are destructive and cause a lot of problems this time of year are spider mites and whiteflies. These insects build in numbers through the summer growing season.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Chinch bugs are a leading lawn insect pest in Louisiana, particularly for St. Augustine lawns. Be on the lookout for signs of the pests.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardens experience a very long summer growing season. From April through October we can expect our warm-season bedding plants to provide color for our landscape. But they can get leggy and need to be cut back this time of year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Even though it's very hot outside, we still need need to take care of our landscapes. There are many things to take into consideration as you go through your July gardening checklist.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Having issues with lawn mushrooms? Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to prevent them. But if you have pets or small children, it is best to gather and dispose of them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is no crime to cut flowers from our landscape for indoor use. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says a vase of homegrown flowers can really brighten a room and he offers advice for cutting flowers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many shrubs can be propagated by cuttings during the month of July. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says this is great, because it's like getting free plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Basil is one of the more popular herbs found in herb gardens. It is a warm-season annual that loves the heat.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Planting and growing pumpkins is a a great project for kids to do at home during the summer. It is not difficult, and planting them in July will ensure they are ready for Halloween.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Almost everyone loves figs, and harvesting figs from a backyard fig tree is one of the great delights of July. Fresh figs have many different uses.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Blackberries are a productive fruit that are easily manageable in the home garden. Improved cultivars help produce much larger blackberries that are of higher quality than the wild types.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is not uncommon to see patches of fine silver webbing on the trunks of your trees from midsummer through fall. The webbing is made by tiny insects, and if you look very closely, you can actually see them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Two great flowering shrubs that we use in our southern landscapes are gardenias and hydrangeas. It is important to remember these plants set their flower buds for next year's blooming now.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The trees in your landscape grow larger every year. As time goes by, the shade the trees provide will begin to kill your lawn. Ground covers can bring life to these shady areas.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Leaf miners generally are the larva of tiny flies that lay their eggs on the leaves of plants. The insects burrow into the leaves and eat the tissue of the leaves -- leaving a trail.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Heat begins to take its toll on the plants in our gardens this time of year. Just imagine standing in your garden all day long without air conditioning. That’s exactly what your plants have to do.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Whoever made up the old adage “a job well done doesn’t have to be done again” never weeded a garden. You can pull up every weed you see and come back a week later only to find new weeds. But mulch can suppress weed growth.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Beautiful containers of flowering or foliage plants can add a lot to outdoor decks and living areas. But placing these containers directly on wooden decks can create stains or cause the wood to rot. Use "feet" to lift pots off the deck
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Keeping your home cool this time of year can be expensive. You can reduce the cost and beautify your landscape by planting trees that will shade your home.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Tomato production peaks in early June. The plants are most productive in May and June. Then production and quality begin to slip in late June and July.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Unsightly webs generally are just a part of growing pecan trees. These also show up on other types of trees like river birches. Caterpillars called fall webworms create these webs.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Mowing is the most important lawn chore during the summer months. The most common mistake people make is allowing their lawns to grow too tall.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Despite the heat, gardeners can plant plenty of vegetables this time of the year. You can direct-seed many of these vegetables right into the ground.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Pintas are a wonderful warm-season bedding plant. They don't have any major insect or disease problems. All the plants need is a well-prepared bed in a place where they can get full sunlight.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Tomatoes are a wonderful, productive and very popular home garden vegetable. One of the most common problems associated with this plant is its flowers falling off.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The roses we grow in our landscapes can be divided into two types: everblooming roses and once-blooming roses. Once-blooming roses put on a grand display of flowers in spring, and now is the time to prune these roses. This gives them time to establish new growth for next year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

An important part of successfully gardening is learning to water your plants properly. Doing it correctly is not complicated, but during hot, dry weather watering appropriately can make a world of difference to the health of the plants in your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The baldcypress is Louisiana's state tree and is a popular tree to plant in landscapes. The knees that grow from a cypress tree can create a nuisance in the landscape, but removing them really does no harm.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Trees are the most valuable and irreplaceable part of our landscape, particularly mature trees. Summer thunderstorms are not uncommon, and trees can be victims of lightning strikes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many of us enjoy dressing up our decks with potted plants. Pots of blooming plants can really add a lot of greenery to an otherwise barren wooden surface, but you want to be careful so they don't damage the wood.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Caterpillars are a major pest of ornamentals and vegetables and can even attack and damage our shade trees. Controlling caterpillars is something most gardeners have to deal with sooner or later.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Weed control is a constant problem in beds and landscapes -- especially during the summertime. The saying "a job well done doesn’t have to be done again" definitely does not apply to weeding flower beds.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardenias are one of those wonderful traditional southern shrubs. They produce white flowers beginning in May that have a marvelous fragrance.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Even in the hot summer, we need to care for our landscape, but working in the sun can be dangerous. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has some tips for summer gardening.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The intense heat of summer can stress many of our plants. Roses that perfomed well in the spring may start to languish in the summer heat.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Crape myrtles are a popular summer-flowering tree in Louisiana. One of their few flaws is the suckers that are sent up from their base. Removing these suckers will keep the tree looking attractive.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

June ushers in the hurricane season in Louisiana, and even North Louisiana needs to be aware of the power these coastal storms. During the summer, it is not unusual to have strong summer storms with high winds.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Slime mold is a primitive fungal organism that lives in organic matter in the soil. Most lawns have slime mold on them. After rainy weather, slime mold will grow on your grass blades and produce spores.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Fallen leaves or grass clippings should not end up on your curb waiting for a garbage truck. It should find its way to your vegetable or flower beds. Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste created by your landscape and to put something beneficial back in..
(runtime: 00:00:60)

During the summer, mowing is the primary lawn chore. One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting too long between mowings.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The tropical hibiscus is a wonderful summer plant that can be grown in the ground or in containers. Hibiscus plants produce large flowers that come in an array of colors.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Vine-ripened tomatoes are a delicious treat. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the stages at which you can harvest them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Summer's intense heat really begins in June and will last three or four months. Despite this heat, you can plant many vegetables in your garden this time of the year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Container plants are used to enhance all types of landscapes. When a plant outgrows its pot, you should take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the container.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

May is a wondeful month to plant most of our summer-flowering bulbs. Summer-flowering bulbs do very well in our mild winters and long, hot summers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The hyacinth bean is an outstanding summer-flowering vine that can thrive in Louisiana landscapes. It can be direct-seeded easily and loves the heat.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Summer's long days and warm weather will encourage algae growth in your aquatic garden. If your water starts to become green and soupy, add aquatic plants to naturally clean the water.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. Our traditional greens grow during the cooler times of the year, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says there is an alternative to these cool-season vegetables.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Black spot is the most destructive fungal disease that affects roses in Louisiana. Some varieties of roses are more susceptible to this disease than others.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

People often ask if Spanish moss will hurt a tree that it grows on. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill clears up any confusion you may have about this harmless plant.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When people talk about blackberries these days, they usually are not talking about the fruit. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill reminds us that blackberries -- the fruit, not the communication devices -- are one of the most productive plants you can grow.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Now is the time to start harvesting the Irish potatoes you planted in February. If you do not harvest now, rising temperatures may damage them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Now is the time to replace your cool-season bedding plants. Some of these plants may last well into May and June, but it is best to remove them before your beds begin to look shabby.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many Louisiana gardeners have spent their spring planting. These newly-planted flowers, shrubs and vegetables will need plenty of water. If you don't get rain regularly, you will need to provide the plants with the water they need.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Hydrangeas and gardenias are outstanding May-flowering shrubs. These plants can tolerate and brighten shady areas. After they finish flowering in June, you can prune these plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

May is a great time to look over your lawn and decide if weed control is necessary. Many of the herbicides gardeners use cannot be used when the weather gets hot.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Tomatoes are popular homegrown vegetables, but they have their share of pest problems. The lower fruit on a tomato plant can suffer from buckeye rot -- a disease caused by bacteria in the soil.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

If you planted a lawn this year, the care of it is very important. It needs to be watered often the first couple of weeks. Then you can begin to mow the lawn when it appears to need it.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Summer is a great time to plant a lawn in Louisiana. The weather is warm, and that stimulates the grass to establish quickly. The best method when planting a lawn is to use sod.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Houseplants embellish our homes and purify the indoor air. But plants were not meant to be kept indoors. So let them enjoy some time outside this summer.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. They also are prominent in Louisiana cooking. We usually eat them green, but yellow and red bell peppers simply are green peppers that have ripened.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Herb gardening is popular in Louisiana. Garden-fresh herbs make dishes tastier. Cool-season herbs reach their most productive period in May but will produce less as the weather gets warmer.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Gardening in the shade during the summer makes it more enjoyable. A wonderful plant for shady areas is the caladium. They grow from tubers, and you can purchase them this time of the year.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Sometimes you will notice that leaves on your evergreen plants turn yellow and drop off. This usually occurs around spring and early summer, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the plant.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The May planting season calls for more heat-tolerant vegetables. Even though the weather may be mild in May, temperatures continue to climb. By harvest time for the things you plant now the weather likely will be very hot.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The Louisiana Iris is a wonderful native plant you can use in your landscape. In this edition of Get It Growing, you will find helpful advice on maintaining these plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You still have a chance to plant roses in your landscape, even though warmer weather is right around the corner. Container roses are available at local nurseries. Plant roses in well- prepared beds where they will get plenty of sunlight.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They require relatively little care and bloom for a long period of time in the summer, but aphids can be a problem for this flowering tree.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Flowering bulbs beautify Louisiana's spring gardens. You should continue to care for them after they flower. Removing the seed pods will allow the plants to put their energy into their bulbs and foliage.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. You should not plant them around this time, but you can admire those that are in your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Warmer weather allows container plants to grow more rapidly. During this time these plants need more attention. Be sure to give them what they need in terms of fertilizer.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

As plants begin rapid growth in summer, you may notice a white powdery mildew on their leaves. Before you use a fungicide, be sure your plants really need it. It is common for plants to get over powdery mildew without our help.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Our permanent lawn grasses grow best during the warm summer weather. Now is a great time to plant a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends solid sodding for such a project.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

As temperatures increase, Louisiana gardeners contend with a variety of pests such as weeds, insects and disease problems. A proper diagnosis of the problem will allow proper treatment.(
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Well-adapted perennials will live for many years in your landscape. Now is the time to check local nurseries for flowering perennials.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We delay fertilizing our lawns a little while in the spring to allow them to wake up and establish a strong root system. Now is a good time to fertilize. Fertilizing your lawn is optional, but you should consider doing it if you want your grass to be greener and grow more vigorously.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many of the herbs in our gardens are sensitive to heat. You should harvest and preserve these herbs now before the summer heat starts.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Tomato vines have a tendency to sprawl out on the ground if they are not properly supported. This can cause fruit rot. Here are two ways to help support your tomatoes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners should have their tomato transplants in their gardens by mid-April. This allows the tomato plants to settle in and set fruit before summer's intense heat arrives.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When it is time to choose what plants you would like to add to your garden in April, select warm-season bedding plants. Many nurseries will still have cool-season bedding plants available, but you should avoid those.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Around early to mid-spring you may notice strange holes appearing in your trees. These holes are created by small birds called sap suckers. As their name indicates, these birds feed on the sap from trees.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spider mites attack a wide variety of ornamentals and vegetables in our gardens. These insects are related to spiders, but they are hard to see. They are particularly bad in the spring during warm, dry weather.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Educational programs for gardeners are plentiful in the spring. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages novices and experienced gardeners to take advantage of garden shows and educational opportunities.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

April is one of the busiest months for planting in the home vegetable garden in Louisiana. Many of the outstanding spring and summer vegetables should be planted this month.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you can remove next year's flower buds.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Plants must receive the proper amount of light so they can thrive. Plants can adapt ,within reason. But make sure you plant in the right place.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

By late February the spring flowering bulbs that were planted last fall are well into their growth. The foliage of these plants is very cold hardy and should be of no concern.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Perennials are very popular in Louisiana. Dividing perennials helps them propagate. You should divide perennials before the end of March.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Adding organic matter to your bed can be done in a variety of ways. Organic matter is generally derived from plant parts that have been allowed to decay, but you could also use other sources of organic matter, such as compost, manure or grass clippings.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

If you plant your caladium tubers indoors in late February or early March, by the time April is here they will have sprouted and will create more color in your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can clip back ground covers now before new growth appears. This is done to remove unattractive foliage from the plants and also rejuvenate them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

There may be times when you want to move a young tree in your landscape. If you do make sure that you finish while it is inactive.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The United States is divided up into hardiness zones that are based on the average lowest winter temperatures that occur in an area. You can't be sure which hardiness zone you garden in just by looking at a map.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is a good idea to finish your tree planting before March. Planting now allows trees a chance to become established in this cool weather before the hot summer days arrive.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Decorative ponds and water gardens are not uncommon in today's landscapes. Late winter or early sping are good times to clean these because the plants and fish are not very active.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

February is your last opportunity to plant bare-root roses. These are the roses you will see that have their roots encased in a plastic cylinder.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

This is a great time of year to plant gladiolas. This is because gladiolas do not bloom very well when the summer gets very hot.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Colorful bedding plants are great during the summer, but during the cool season these plants will not grow. It is too cold and they are prone to freeze damage.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit trees in their home orchards. It is very important to prune these trees properly.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

To grow Irish potatoes you need a well prepared bed and a location with full sun. They are a productive crop and not very difficult to maintain.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

One of the most common types of pest that threaten indoor plants is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny bugs that you can only see with a magnifying glass.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

By this time in the winter season, most of our tropical plants have sustained some damage due to the cold weather. There are some rules to follow when pruning back these damaged plants.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is a good idea to prune back roses around this time of the year. You can prune your roses back as early as the last week of January.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many cool-season root crops and some leafy vegetables can be planted in February. Some of them include beets, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Ground covers are excellent for areas where grass does not grow well. Choose good hardy ground covers that will do well in our warm climate.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

An advantage of preparing beds ahead of time is that it allows the bed to mellow out.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana gardeners do two major prunings to their everblooming roses.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in early December at the latest. They should add wonderful color to your winter landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Any plants that bloom from the months of February through April have already set their flower buds. Any pruning during this time of year would remove those flower buds.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

An added bonus of planting camellias is that they bloom during the winter. Planting them now would produce an immediate burst of color in your landscape.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

When you water an indoor plant depends on how fast the soil dries out. You want to water the plant thoroughly.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Indoor plants are prone to a variety of pests, and mealy bugs are one of the most common types.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Fertilizers can be stored for later use if they are in a place where they will not absorb moisture. It's very important to seal your fertilizers in air-tight containers.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can plant Irish potatoes in your vegetable garden from about mid-January through February. They will be ready to harvest in April or May and will be delicious.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

January is a great time to prune a variety of plants in your landscape. Its easy to prune dormant shrubs and leafless trees.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Beets and Swiss chard are essentially the same vegetable. We eat the roots of beets and the foliage of Swiss chard.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

We can continue to plant trees and shrubs all through Louisiana's mild winter season. Planting early allows these plants to get some root growth and become established before the intense heat of summer arrives.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Parsley is available and used in two varieties as both a garnish and an ingredient in cooking. You can begin growing your own parsely transplants around this time.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

Gardeners that overseed their lawns with ryegrass are rewarded with a beautiful green yard over the winter; however, they also must maintain their growing lawn.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

You can start your own transplants indoors this time of year. You can use either a large window or fluorescent light.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants. You should also actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants that you have already planted.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

Cool-season weeds grow actively from January through February. If you feel the need to eradicate those weeds, then you can use a herbicide on a mild day.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

Now that the holidays are over you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some should be kept, and others should be discarded.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

You can plant a number of vegetables in January. They vary from a number of root crops to a few leafy greens.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

One of the most popular plants for decorating our homes during this season is the holiday cactus. Even after the holidays, they are beautiful plants for your home.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Most fall color begins in early November and will last into December. Fall color is more vivid in the northern part of the state where you will notice shades of purple, orange and bright red.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

When ordering seeds from a gardening catalog, it is tempting to order too many seeds or seeds that may not grow well in Louisiana. When planting new vegetables you should try new cultivars.
(runtime: 00:00:30)

Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have those roses, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Keep and maintain your holiday cactus year round.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

These Plants may be damaged during the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Enjoy these winter flowers, but beware they may be damaged by a freeze.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You will notice evergreen plants changing color around this time. These are old leaves dying off.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Many mail-order companies send out their catalogs in the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Garden chemicals should be stored properly during the winter to avoid spills or freezes.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

You can plant camelias this time of year and find them alreay in bloom.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Leftover seeds can be stored for the next planting season.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

It is important to rake or mulch these leaves so your lawn stays healthy.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Cool-season grasses will keep your lawn green through the winter
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Choose cultivars that will tolerate the mild winters in Louisiana.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The mild winter has its drawbacks.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Wind chill is how cold it feels to us based on how fast the wind is blowing and what the temperature is.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

During the winter, gardening activities slow down.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

There are a variety of ways to protect your tropical plants through the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Evergreens and cool-season plants need tending during the winter.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Cool-season bedding plants can be planted through the winter, but it becomes harder for them to get established.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The freshest Christmas trees can be found at choose-and-cut tree farms.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

The poinsettia and Christmas cactus are popular plants this time of the year. Gill explains how to care for them.
(runtime: 00:00:60)

Louisiana has mild winters, but we still get freezing temperatures from time to time. The vegetables we grow this time of the year must be hardy enough to withstand some cold weather.
(runtime: 00:00:60)