|
|
| Plants provide leafy greens during summer (Audio 05/20/13) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. Most of the leafy greens we use are grown in winter. If you are looking for greens in summer, you can try Malabar and New Zealand spinach or amaranth. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Clean pots keep container plants attractive (Audio 05/20/13) If you grow plants in containers, you will need to clean these pots from time to time. Plastic pots are easy to clean, but terra cotta pots may need a little more help. Listen to learn how to properly clean your pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant summer bulbs for beautiful blooms (Audio 05/20/13) Late May is a good time to plant summer bulbs. Some to consider include calla lilies, canna, caladiums and gingers. Look for them in local nurseries and garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Spray schedule can control black spot on roses (Audio 05/20/13) Black spot is the leading fungal disease on roses in Louisiana. Some of the roses we use are more tolerant to black spot. Hybrid teas and grandifloras can be put on a regular spray schedule to control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Spanish moss won't hurt trees (Audio 05/20/13) Spanish moss is associated with Louisiana - often seen hanging from the branches of live oaks or cypress trees. It does not hurt the trees it grows on. It makes its own food through photosynthesis. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Harvest Irish potatoes in late May (Audio 05/13/13) It is too late to plant Irish potatoes, but gardeners can get ready to harvest them. When the plants turn yellow and start to die off, that is the time you will get mature potatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Try spring Super Plants in your landscape (Audio 05/13/13) The Bandana series lantana and the Little Ruby alternanthera are great summer bedding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Both also are Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2013. Consider planting them in May. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cool-season plants will fade as weather warms (Audio 05/13/13) Gardeners planted cool-season bedding plants back in the fall. These are flowers that like cold nights and cool days, so they will start fading soon. Pull them out when this happens and put in some warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Young trees need water during summer (Audio 05/13/13) Newly planted trees will need special care their first summer in the ground. Pay close attention to watering young trees during drier periods. Hear more to learn good techniques for watering trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Proper care keeps hydrangeas, gardenias in good shape (Audio 05/13/13) Hydrangeas and gardenias put on their best show in May. You may see a few yellow leaves on them, but this isn't of concern. You can shape them up after they bloom, and be sure to give hydrangeas water during summer dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Treat lawn weeds before weather heats up (Audio 05/06/13) The warmer the weather gets, the less effective lawn herbicides become. If you need to treat your lawn for weeds, do it soon to get the best control. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Buckeye rot can damage tomatoes (Audio 05/06/13) Several diseases can infect tomato plants, and buckeye rot is one of the worst. This disease causes lesions on the tomato itself. Discard any fruit that has evidence of buckeye rot and spray your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Aphrodite althea offers reliable summer blooms (Audio 05/06/13) The Aphrodite althea is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for spring 2013. This plant can be used as a large shrub or small tree. It is related to hibiscus and has wonderful large flowers that bloom throughout summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Houseplants need time outside (Audio 05/06/13) Houseplants that have spent the winter indoors could use some time outside. Make the move gradual by first putting them in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Harvest cool-season herbs while production is still good (Audio 05/06/13) Cooking with home-grown herbs is a great way to add flavor to your food. If you have cool-season herbs growing in your yard, harvest them before they give way to the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Caladiums thrive in shade (Audio 04/29/13) Caladiums allow gardeners to work in the shade during summer. These plants grow from tubers and can be planted in May and June. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners can still plant roses in May (Audio 04/29/13) It is not too late to add roses to your landscape. Plant roses into well-prepared beds enriched with organic matter. Remember, roses enjoy full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant heat-tolerant vegetables in May (Audio 04/29/13) Gardeners can begin planting more heat-tolerant vegetables in May. The temperatures will be hot as the vegetables develop. Listen to learn what vegetables can be planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Green bell peppers will ripen to other colors (Audio 04/29/13) Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. You may see bell peppers in red, yellow and orange. These are simply green bell peppers that have stayed on the plant long enough to fully ripen. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Yellow leaves are not a concern on evergreen plants (Audio 04/29/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of evergreen shrubs and trees in their landscapes. Even though evergreen plants never drop all their leaves at once, it is important to know that leaves do get old, will turn yellow and drop off the plant. Generally this is nothing to worry about. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 | Next -> |
|
| Gardeners can plant warm-season herbs in April (Audio 04/22/13) When planting herbs in April, gardeners should focus on heat-tolerant herbs. Basil is one to consider planting. Harvest herbs you planted in fall because they will start to languish as the weather warms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Mulch has many benefits (Audio 04/22/13) Mulching offers many benefits to flower beds and vegetable gardens. A good layer of mulch suppresses weeds, helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Container plants need more water, fertilizer (Audio 04/22/13) Plants growing in containers have special needs. They have to be in potting soil. They also need frequent watering and fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Bring plants outdoors for summer (Audio 04/22/13) Many of the plants we grow in containers are tropicals. If you brought plants inside for the winter, now is the time to move them back outdoors. Make the transition slowly to help the plants adjust to greater light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control aphids on crape myrtles (Audio 04/22/13) Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They bloom beautifully throughout the summer. The leading insect pest of crape myrtles is the crape myrtle aphid. They are sucking insects that create honeydew on the trees, creating a sooty mold. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Super Plants offer warm-season color (Audio 04/15/13) Summer bedding plants are ready to go into the garden. Nurseries are full of great selections. Consider planting spring Super Plants to brighten your landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Frequent mowing keeps lawns healthy (Audio 04/15/13) Lawn care kicks into high gear as the weather warms. If you didn't have your blades sharpened before putting the mower away for the winter, consider having them sharpened now. This will keep the turf healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Caladiums are ready for planting (Audio 04/15/13) April is a good time to plant caladiums. These plants are wonderful in shady locations. There are some varieties that will work in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant lawns during warm season (Audio 04/15/13) There are four main lawn grasses used in Louisiana. These grasses love the heat and grow well during summer. If you are thinking of planting a new lawn, do it is as the weather warms up. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Bandana lantana: funny name, but Super Plant (Audio 04/15/13) Lantanas provide reliable color in Louisiana landscapes. They typically grow rather large, but a new series called Bandana lantana produce mounding plants covered in flowers. They are drought-tolerant and attractive to butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Super Plant has attractive foliage (Audio 04/08/13) Little Ruby alternanthera is a low-growing plant grown for its beautiful foliage. Its deep burgundy, purplish foliage stays lovely all summer long. It also is a spring 2013 Super Plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilizers can increase lawn vigor (Audio 04/08/13) In Louisiana, we can begin fertilizing lawns in the last week of March, and this can continue into May. It is a great idea to fertilize lawns that are low in vigor and need a deeper color. Gardeners can use a weed-and-feed to also control weeds in the yard while fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Re-blooming spring bulbs need proper care (Audio 04/08/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of spring-flowering bulbs. Some of the bulbs will come back and re-bloom year after year, while others don't re-bloom well. Learn how to care for ones that do bloom again and again. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Insects become more active in spring (Audio 04/08/13) The warm weather of spring brings out more pests in our landscapes. Insecticides may be necessary to control insects on vegetable plants. Make sure you know what kind of insects you have so can best control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tomato transplants are ready for planting (Audio 04/08/13) With warmer weather in April, gardeners can plant tomatoes in any area of the state. When selecting tomato transplants, decide what type of tomatoes you want. You can choose from many different varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Sapsuckers cause holes, but not much damage on trees (Audio 04/01/13) Sapsuckers are birds related to woodpeckers. They have strong beaks they use to peck holes into the trunks of trees. They are after sap in the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Easter lilies can transition from home into garden (Audio 04/01/13) Easter was early this year, but you may still have Easter lilies. You can plant these in a flower bed where they will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune spring-flowering shrubs when flowers fade (Audio 04/01/13) Many spring-flowering shrubs have been blooming during the past month and will continue to bloom into April and early May. The best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you could disrupt next year's blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| April is busy time in vegetable garden (Audio 04/01/13) We can count on warmer weather during the month of April. Gardeners can start planting transplants of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. Hear more to learn about other vegetables ready for planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant roses before blooming begins (Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners often wait until roses are in bloom to head out to nurseries to purchase plants. Planting is stressful for a plant, so it's best done before it starts blooming. Late March is a good time to plant roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 | Next -> |
|
| Tropicals are popular in Louisiana landscapes (Audio 03/24/13) Louisiana gardeners use many types of tropical plants in their landscapes. They may have been damaged by freezes this winter, so you can trim them back. Wait until April or May to plant new ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Thrips can damage spring roses (Audio 03/24/13) Thrips are tiny insects that invade the flower buds of roses. As the bud opens, the flower may appear burned on the edges. Some buds may never fully open. Systemic insecticides can help control thrips. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Deadheading keeps plants attractive, in bloom (Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners use the term deadhead when talking about removing faded flowers from their plants. This keeps the plants looking attractive, and also prevents the plant from setting seed - which encourages more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Look for buck moth caterpillar masses in oak trees (Audio 3/24/13) The buck moth caterpillar, found primarily on live oaks, has black stinging spines. Usually by late March, you can see caterpillar masses up in trees. A tree service can spray the trees before the caterpillars descend. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Consider tree inspection before buying home (Audio 03/18/14) Prospective homebuyers often have their home inspected before purchasing it. It's a good idea to have the trees on the property inspected as well. Consider having a licensed arborist check the trees for potential problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Put fruit trees on preventative spray program (Audio 03/18/14) Fruit trees must be sprayed preventively for insects and diseases. If you wait until they are already infested, it's too late to spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| General-purpose fertilizers will feed most plants (Audio 03/18/13) Gardeners may get overwhelmed by the many options of fertilizers available. Remember you don't need a different fertilizer for each plant. Consider getting a general-purpose fertilizer to feed most plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Brown patch can develop on lawns during cool, moist periods (Audio 03/18/13) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is the most susceptible, but the fungus also attacks centipede grass. It gets started when the weather is cool and moist. Hear more to learn about the symptoms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't rush to fertilize lawns (Audio 03/18/13) Louisiana lawns start to wake up in March. Often home gardeners want to fertilize their lawns early. The grass is best left alone and not stimulated while it is greening up. Wait until April to fertilize with any general-purpose lawn fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Digging up, dividing perennials is early spring task (Audio 03/11/13) Perennials live from year to year in our landscapes. Their clumps will grow larger and larger and may eventually need to be divided. Get this done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilize shrubs in March (Audio 03/11/13) March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. You don't have to fertilize them if they don't appear to need it. Newly planted shrubs or ones with low vigor can benefit from an application of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Toughen up transplants prior to planting (Audio 03/11/13) Vegetable transplants purchased from nurseries have been pampered in greenhouses. Outdoor conditions can be stressful for them. They need to be hardened off before planting them into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pollination is important for some vegetables (Audio 03/11/13) Louisiana home gardeners plant lots of vegetables in March and April. Pollination is an issue for some vegetables. Some are self-pollinating. Others have to be pollinated by bees or insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cool-season bedding plants hit their peak in spring (Audio 03/11/13) You may notice flower beds filled with beautiful cool-season bedding plants. These plants peak around late March and April. The best beds were planted in the fall. So if you want these flowers, plant them as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant perennials for years of color (Audio 03/05/13) Perennials are colorful plants grown for their colorful flowers or foliage. They can brighten our landscapes and live for many years. Gardeners can find established perennials grown in large containers at nursery centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep cool-season weeds from flowering (Audio 03/05/13) Cool-season weeds are actively growing in lawns and flower beds this time of the year. As the weather warms, these weeds can explode in growth. Make sure they don't flower and set seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tending to spring-flowering bulbs (Audio 03/05/13) Spring-flowering bulbs can add a lot to gardens. Many of these bulbs do not bloom again well or at all. These bulbs should be pulled out of the garden and composted. For the ones that do, such as daffodils and narcissus, leave them in place. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control weeds with pre-emergence herbicides before they appear (Audio 03/05/13) Gardeners can use pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before they show up. Early March is the ideal time to use these herbicides to prevent weeds from popping up. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vegetable gardeners turn to warm-season fare (Audio 03/05/13) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. We can begin planting warm-season vegetables in many areas of the state. Gardeners do need to watch out for late freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Terms describe light needs of plants (Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners use a variety of terms to describe the different amounts of light plants need to grow and be healthy. Hear more to learn the differences of full sun, part sun, part shade and full shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 | Next -> |
|
| Divide dormant perennials before spring starts (Audio 02/25/13) Perennials are wonderful plants that live for many years in our gardens. Many of these plants are dormant this time of the year, making it a great time to divide them. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Sweet corn can tolerate late February planting (Audio 02/25/13) Gardeners may not think about planting warm-season vegetables in the month of February. They can, however, plant sweet corn as early as the last week of February. Planting early helps minimize problems with pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilizers will stay potent from year to year (Audio 02/25/13) Fertilizers provide nutrients to plants to help them grow. Gardeners may have fertilizers left over from previous seasons. That is still good to use. Fertilizers will stay potent indefinitely. Just be sure to store it properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Trim ground covers to encourage new growth (Audio 02/25/13) Ground covers are a popular part of Louisiana landscapes. We want evergreen ground covers, but sometimes they can have old foliage that needs to be trimmed back. This encourages the plant to grow new foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Spring bulbs are starting to bloom (Audio 02/18/13) Spring bulbs are up and growing. Some, like paperwhites, are already blooming. The foliage of spring bulbs is hardy, but if we get a freeze, the flowers can be damaged. Consider cutting them to bring indoors if a freeze is likely (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Transplant with care to help plant thrive (Audio 02/18/13) Transplanting a tree or shrub may be desirable or necessary sometimes. Gardeners thinking about moving the plant should do it now while the plants are dormant. Doing it correctly will help the plant succeed in its new location. (Runtime: 60 seconds |
| Extend gladiolus blooms with interval plantings (Audio 02/18/13) Gladioluses are beautiful in the flower garden. The flowers don't last long, so you can get a longer blooming season if you do several plantings in two-week intervals. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare beds during dry spells (Audio 02/18/13) A lot of gardeners like to prepare their beds before it is time to plant flowers or vegetables. Our weather can be rainy in late winter, and this makes it hard to work the soil. Make sure your soil isn't too wet when you prepare beds, or you could damage the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant a tree in later winter (Audio 02/18/13) Late winter is a great time to plant trees and shrubs into your landscape. It is easy to plant a tree, but you have to do it properly. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Alter soil pH to change hydrangea color (Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can alter the color of their hydrangeas by applying additives to the soil this month. Lime can turn blue hydrangeas pink, and aluminum sulfate can change pink hydrangeas into blue ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilize shade trees in February (Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners can fertilize shade trees in February. Large mature trees don't require fertilization, but trees in the first five to 10 years can use that boost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't wait to plant bare-root roses (Audio 02/11/13) Gardeners interested in planting bare-root roses need to do so soon. Bare-root roses are more vulnerable than container roses, which can be planted throughout the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Boost shady areas with colorful bedding plants (Audio 02/11/13) Shady areas can get a boost with cool-season color. Plants such as cyclamen, forget-me-nots and foxgloves can thrive in the shade. For areas with part shade, consider pansies and violas. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune fruit trees properly for best production (Audio 02/11/13) February is a good month to prune fruit trees. How you prune the trees can affect the harvest. Do some research before you prune to make sure you get the best production from your tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune tropical plants when damage is evident (Audio 02/04/13) The winter has been mild in Louisiana, but we have had a few frosts that could have damaged tropical plants. You can prune damage off herbaceous tropical plants such as gingers and elephant ears. Wait to prune woody damage until the plants start to sprout in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch for spider mites on indoor plants (Audio 02/04/13) Spider mites can be a problem on houseplants in the winter. These tiny insects are hard to spot, but listen to learn symptoms of spider mite damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Consider planting Swiss chard in your vegetable garden (Audio 02/04/13) Swiss chard is a wonderful vegetable that hasn't reached the popularity in the home garden as many other vegetables. It's nutritious, delicious and even beautiful in the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune roses by mid-February (Audio 02/04/13) Take care of roses that need pruning early this month. Roses that bloom throughout the year may need to be cut back to encourage new blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cold-season vegetables still preferable for February garden (Audio 02/04/13) February isn't always frost-free, so gardeners can't yet plant spring vegetables. Anyone looking to put new vegetables into their gardens should plant cold-tolerant vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Improve light conditions inside for indoor plants (Audio 01/28/13) Light is a plant's food, so it is critical for the plant to grow and thrive. If you have indoor plants this winter, make sure they are near a window where they can get plenty of light. Clean windows or prune plants to let more light in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 | Next -> |
|
| Prepare beds for spring planting (Audio 01/28/13) There will be plenty to do in the garden in late March and April, so take time now to prepare beds. If adding beds or planting into existing beds, turn soil and add organic matter. (Runtime: 60 econds) |
| Plant ground covers during cool season (Audio 01/28/13) If you can't find things to do in the landscape, consider planting ground covers. These plants establish well during cooler months. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Everblooming roses need pruning in late winter (Audio 01/28/13) Late January is a good time to prune everblooming roses. How far back you cut the roses depends on much their size needs to be controlled. Remember, pruning helps them bloom better. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Get bare-root roses in ground soon (Audio 01/28/13) Gardeners typically buy roses growing in containers, but garden centers do have bare-root roses. These plants are perishable and must be planted this month or next. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Avoid pruning spring-flowering plants (Audio 01/21/13) Gardeners should avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees this time of the year. These plants have already set their flower buds, so pruning now would remove flowers. This includes plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas and gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Camellias are in bloom, ready for planting (Audio 01/21/13) Camellias are in bloom right now. It is great to see their flowers in the dead of winter. January is a good time to plant them. Because the plants are blooming, you can see which color you prefer to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't forget to water container plants (Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Winter pests are active in vegetable gardens (Audio 01/21/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow vegetables year round. While gardeners will see fewer problems in the garden in winter, pest problems can still pop up. Keep the garden mulched and weeded. Also look out for caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't forget to water container plants (Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Seed potatoes can go into gardens in winter (Audio 01/21/13) Despite the name Irish potatoes, potatoes are actually native to South America. They are a cool-season crop. Gardeners can plant seed potatoes now into a well-drained, sunny location. Be patient. It may take a while to see growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Use common sense when fertilizing (Audio 01/14/13) When it comes to fertilizing, common sense can dictate when to do it. The best time to fertilize a plant is early in its season. When plants are dormant, don't fertilize them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Winter is a good time for pruning (Audio 01/14/13) Winter is a good time to prune a wide variety of plants in your landscape. Deciduous shade trees are leafless, allowing you to see the structure of the tree more clearly. You do not want to prune spring-flowering shrubs now. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch out for mealy bugs on houseplants (Audio 01/14/13) Gardeners may have a lot of plants inside their homes during winter. This can lead to pest problems. Look out for mealy bugs - cottony white bugs that suck sap out of plants. Control them with a horticulture oil or houseplant insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep vegetable garden growing with beets, Swiss chard (Audio 01/14/13) Swiss chard and beets are two of the vegetables that gardeners can plant in January. Beets are grown for their roots, while Swiss chard is grown for its leaves. Remember, beets need to be spaced properly to make a nice root. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant a tree for Arbor Day (Audio 01/14/13) The winter months are the ideal time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. In our state, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January. If you are considering planting shade trees or decorative trees, do it for Arbor Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Rye grass keeps lawns green in winter (Audio 01/07/13) Rye grass is a cool-season temporary grass. It allows homeowners to have a green lawn during the winter. It must be maintained, which includes mowing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant parsley for a good harvest in spring (Audio 01/07/13) Fall-planted parsley performs better than the herb planted in winter. That doesn't mean you can't plant parsley transplants now. Wait for a mild spell to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Time to grow tomato transplants (Audio 01/07/13) It takes about six to eight weeks to raise tomato transplants. If you plan to grow your own transplants, you may want to start soon. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cool-season bedding plants bloom best from early plantings (Audio 01/07/13) To get the best blooms, plant foxgloves, holly hocks and delphinium by early February. Also, consider planting the Super Plant Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners can plant chilled tulips, hyacinth bulbs (Audio 01/07/13) Gardeners planted most of their spring-flowering bulbs in fall. Two notable exceptions are tulips and hyacinth. These bulbs need to be chilled before they can be planted into the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 | Next -> |
|
| Control lawn weeds during winter (Audio 12/31/12) Weed control is still necessary during winter. Cool-season weeds can withstand Louisiana's relatively mild winters. Lawn weeds are more obvious this time of the year, so consider controlling them with broadleaf weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Take care of cool-season plants (Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| What to do with holiday plants (Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep the garden active with cold-tolerant vegetables (Audio 12/31/12) January is usually the coldest month of the year in Louisiana. Vegetables planted this month must be able to withstand the cold. Some root crops and leafy vegetables can be direct seeded. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners can plant roses in midwinter (Audio 12/31/12) Nurseries and garden centers are stocking roses that Louisiana gardeners can plant this time of the year. If mail-ordering roses, you need to get them in as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Time to plant chilled tulips, hyacinth bulbs (Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep holiday cactus all year (Audio 12/24/12) After the holidays, people wonder what to do with the plants they used to decorate their homes. Poinsettias are not easy to grow in the landscape, so they should be discarded. Keep your holiday cactus because it will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Make time to harvest winter vegetables (Audio 12/24/12) There is nothing like fresh food from the garden. This time of year can be busy, but don't forget to harvest vegetables that are growing in your garden. Listen more to hear how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Freeze-damaged tropical plants will need pruning (Audio 12/24/12) Tropical plants can be damaged during winter freezes. You will need to prune freeze damage. Prune the herbaceous tropical plants, such as gingers, soon after the damage occurs. Wait to prune woody tropicals until spring when new growth would start to appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Roses still bloom in winter (Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Protect tropical plants from freezes (Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana gardeners must protect their tropical plants during freezing weather. Container plants can be brought inside. Plants in the ground can be mulched or covered. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Force amaryllis bulbs indoors in winter, plant outside in spring (Audio 12/17/12) Amaryllis is a wonderful spring-flowering bulb. The bulbs are dried by growers for shipping, making them ready to bloom around Christmas. Pot them indoors now, and save the bulbs for planting in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant pecan trees in winter (Audio 12/17/12) Pecans are popular in holiday baking. The holiday season also is a good time to plant pecan trees. Pecan trees grow large, and the wood is brittle. Be sure not to plant them close to homes or structures. Also, choose the right variety for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Winter still bring weeds to our landscapes (Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Seed catalogs offer many plants (Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Reuse leaves in the landscape (Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Camellias color the winter landscape (Audio 12/10/12) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow camellias. They are wonderful winter-blooming shrubs. Winter also is a great time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Store seeds for later use (Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plants don't feel wind chill (Audio 12/10/12) Freezing temperatures can damage some of the tender plants used in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners must remember they need to look at the real temperature, not the wind chill, while determining when to protect plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Some evergreens have winter color (Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> |
|
| Properly store garden tools, chemicals for winter (Audio 12/03/12) Winter gardening activites don't really stop, but they do slow down. You can put away lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Make sure you store these tools properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Super Plants offer cool-season color (Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't neglect holiday plants (Audio 12/03/12) Plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses brighten our homes during the holidays. Make sure you take care of these plants to get the most out of them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Picking the perfect Christmas tree (Audio 12/03/12) When buying a real Christmas tree, make sure you are buying the freshest available. Check the tree's needles and fragrance. Also, consider getting a tree from a choose-and-cut tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vegetable gardens stay productive during cool season (Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch for winter pests (Audio 11/26/12) While gardeners don't see as many insects on plants during winter, they are still out there. Vegetables and cool-season plants can attract pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs. |
| Cool season is good time for planting (Audio 11/26/12) The soil in Louisiana typically stays warm during winter, so you can plant a number of plants this time of year. Tropical plants are the exception; they should be planted during warm weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep gardens neat during winter (Audio 11/26/12) Make sure your landscape stays attractive during winter. Clean off dead growth from summer plants, mulch beds and add cool-season color. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Put away the fertilizer for fall (Audio 11/26/12) Fall is not the best time to fertilize plants in the landscape. Most plants are going dormant for the winter. Fertilizing them now could hurt them. A few exceptions are cool-season bedding plants, vegetables and Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fall is tree planting time (Audio 11/26/12) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in the landscape. Planted now, trees have time to settle in before the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant paperwhites for holiday flowers (Audio 11/19/12) Bulbs of paperwhite narcissus are available at garden centers. They are easy to grow this time of the year. You can force the bulbs in containers. The containers should be placed outside in a cool, sunny location until they began to bloom, then you can bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare plants for move indoors (Audio 11/19/12) Many people move houseplants outside for the summer. Now that it is getting cooler you may want to prepare your plants for a move back indoors. They are used to light outside, so you need to get them ready for lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Use fallen leaves as mulch or compost (Audio 11/19/12) Leaves are valuable in the garden as a mulch or compost. To compost them, you can make a bin out of fencing material and wire and dump your leaves in it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant herbs in fall for best production (Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| For the freshest fruit, plant a fruit tree (Audio 11/19/12) November through February is the best time to plant hardy fruit trees. Choosing the right tree is critical. You need to plant a variety suited for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tips for growing, harvesting broccoli (Audio 11/12/12) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable. If you space your plants too close together, you won't get nice-sized florets. Also harvest the broccoli when the flower buds on the head are the size of a kitchen match. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Grow amaryllis indoors now, outside in spring (Audio 11/12/12) Amaryllis bulbs are available this time of the year. It is popular to grow them in containers for the holidays. They grown in landscapes in Louisiana, but you must wait until spring to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Ornamental vegetables can enhance the vegetable garden (Audio 11/12/12) Gardeners can plant ornamental vegetables that can be grown simply for how beautiful they are. Curley parsley, kale and Swiss chard are a few to consider. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Protect summer-flowering bulbs (Audio 11/12/12) Summer-flowering bulbs are going dormant this time of the year. This is a good time to trim them back. Mulch over their rhizomes to protect them from the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch for tea scale on camellias (Audio 11/12/12) Camellias are relatively easy to grow, providing wonderful flowers through the winter. One problem with camellias is the tea scale insect. It gets on the underside of leaves and can be controlled with a horticulture oils or a systemic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> |
|
| Plant herbs in fall for best production (Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant in November for color through cool seaon (Audio 11/05/12) Wherever you live in Louisiana, you can plant cool-season bedding plants that will bloom through fall, winter and spring. Some cool-season bedding plants to consider include pansies, violas and dianthus. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Two Super Plants do well in shady areas (Audio 11/05/12) Most cool-season bedding plants enjoy growing in full sun to part shade. If you have a shady area, consider planting Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. Both are Louisiana Super Plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners can plant spring bulbs in November (Audio 11/05/12) November is a great month to plant spring bulbs in your landscape. By this month the soil temperature has had a chance to cool. Check your nursery for bulbs. But remember, tulips and hyacinths need to chill before planting later in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Grow your own lettuce for the freshest salads (Audio 11/05/12) Lettuce is best fresh from the garden. You can grow it in your garden by direct-seeding or by planting transplants. Listen to learn more about growing lettuce. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Chrysanthemums are indispensable flowers for fall (Audio 11/05/12) Chrysanthemums are beautiful part of the fall landscape. They are great planted into the landscape or used in containers. Choose plants with plenty of unopened blooms so you will have longer-lasting flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Evergreen sweetbay magnolia gets La. Super Plant distinction (Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners looking to plant an evergreen tree should consider the evergreen sweetbay magnolia. The tree is native to the state and is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2012. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Don't leave leaves on lawns (Audio 10/25/12) In November leaves start falling from deciduous trees. Don't leave thick layers of leaves on your lawn or ground covers. You can pick up fallen leaves with a bag attachment on a mower and use the leaves for mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare to harvest fall tomatoes (Audio 10/29/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a crop of fall tomatoes. It's too late to plant them this season if you didn't do that already, but those who did grow a crop should harvest their tomatoes before a frost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Yellowing leaves should not cause concern (Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners may notice yellow leaves on their evergreens. Sometimes this can indicate a problem, but this time of the year it is likely old leaves dying and then falling off the plant. This is natural part of the plant's lifecycle. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Oil sprays can control scale insects (Audio 10/22/12) Scales are common insects are a wide variety of ornamental plants. They don't move much on plants and protect themselves under a waxy coating, so you may not notice them. Scales can be controlled with horticulture oils. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Wildflowers on display in fall (Audio 10/22/12) If you look around this time of the year you may notice native wildflowers coming into bloom. You can find a variety of flowers. If you find some you like, plant your own wildflower meadow. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Sorbet viola is reliable cool-season bedding plant (Audio 10/22/12) Gardeners transitioning their bedding plants may want to plant the hardy Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola. It is considered the best viola out there. Look for Louisiana Super Plant displays at garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Louisiana lawns can survive without winterizers (Audio 10/22/12) Winterizers are advertised this time of the year, but they are optional here in Louisiana. If you do winterize, chose one with low nitrogen. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Shade trees need shaping up after summer storms (Audio 10/22/12) Shade trees may need some care after a long summer. Trees that were affected by Hurricane Isaac may need pruning. Call a licensed arborist to help tackle this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Time to plant spring-flowering bulbs (Audio10/15/12) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries this time of the year. October until early December is a good time to plant most bulbs. Tulips and hyacinth need to be refrigerated and planted early next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Super Plant Sorbet viola is outstanding cool-season bedding plant (Audio10/15/12) In October, gardeners can start transitioning their flower beds to cool-season plants. Look at nurseries or garden centers for the Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola. |
| Store caladium tubers for fresh foliage next year (Audio 10/15/12) Caladiums are a great bedding plant for shady areas. Gardeners can dig caladium tubers this time of the year and store them for next year. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Alter hydrangea color with soil additivies (Audio 10/15/12) Hydrangeas are popular shrubs for shady areas. They are deciduous, dropping their leaves in winter. You can change the color of your hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to your soil in October and again in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Conversation Piece azalea named La. Super Plant (Audio 10/15/12) Gardeners can have beautiful blooming azaleas in fall. The Encore azaleas will bloom over multiple seasons. The Robin Hill azalea, Conversation Piece, has been designated a Louisiana Super Plant and will bloom in spring and fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> |
|
| Persimmons ripen in fall (Audio 10/08/12) Persimmons start changing color in September, but they become ripe in October. Some will be ripe while the fruit is crisp, others must be soft before they can be eaten. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare tropical plants for move indoors (Audio 10/08/12) Tropical plants that spent the summer outdoors need to get ready for winter. Light conditions are lower indoors so prepare them by moving them to a shady location for a month or so before taking them inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Save seeds from warm-season annuals (Audio 10/08/12) Many of the annual flowers that are grown during the summer set viable seeds. Gardeners can collect these seeds, store them during the winter, and then plant them out next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| It's time to plant cool-season herbs (Audio 10/08/12) Many herbs can be planted in Louisiana in the fall. A few herb plants will generally provide all that you need. Consider planting dill, fennel, thyme and oregano. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant now for spring strawberries (Audio 10/08/12) Spring is strawberry season in Louisiana. But if you want those berries next year, you need to plant them soon in a well-drained, sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant sweet peas now for spring blooms (Audio 10/01/12) Sweet peas are a cool-season annual vine that can be planted in the fall. They bloom in March and April and have a wonderful fragrance and beautiful colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Find fall decoration outdoors (Audio 10/01/12) Find decoration inspiration in nature. Seed pods, acorns and pine cones can all be used to decorate your home. Look around outside to find what could make your inside more beautiful. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fungicides can control brown patch (Audio 10/01/12) Brown patch is a fungal disease that is common on Louisiana lawns, particularly St. Augustine. Brown patch likes mild and moist conditions. A lawn fungicide can control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vegetable garden is ready for fall (Audio 10/01/12) In October, the vegetable garden transitions to cool-season vegetables. This month gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Get roses ready for fall blooming (Audio 10/01/12) Fall is a big blooming period for Louisiana roses. Keep your rose bushes in good shape to get a grand floral display this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant or divide iris while dormant (Audio 09/24/12) Louisiana iris are wonderful perennials. They produce beautiful flowers in spring, but can be divided and planted in early fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep tree roots safe during construction (Audio 09/24/12) The majority of a tree's root system is located in the upper 12 inches of the soil. The roots extend beyond the tree's branches, making them vulnerable to damage. An arborist should examine trees before construction takes place around them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Shade trees help keep it cool (Audio 09/24/12) During summer, shade trees are like outdoor air conditioning - providing a little relief from the heat. Well-placed shade trees in your landscape also can keep your home cooler. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Growing garlic takes patience (Audio 09/24/12) Garlic is popular in Louisiana cuisine and is easy to grow, but it does take a long time. Garlic that is planted in fall will be ready for harvest in late May or early June. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Evaluate summer bedding plants (Audio 09/24/12) Only reliable bedding plants can survive a Louisiana summer. This is good time to evaluate your beds, and if you see plants still doing well consider planting them again next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Caladium tubers can be saved from year to year (Audio 09/17/12) Caladiums begin to slow down in late September or early October. Caladiums make tubers, and they can be dug up and saved for planting next year. Don't wait until the foliage falls off to remove them from your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch for azalea lace bugs (Audio 09/17/12) A common insect on azaleas is the azalea lace bug. These live on the underside of the leaf and will cause white speck on the top of the leaf. You can control them with horticulture oil spray or certain insecticides. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Licensed arborist can handle damaged trees (Audio 09/10/12) If you are considering hiring a professional to deal with wind-damaged trees in your landscape, be sure to get a licensed arborist. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to find one. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Wind-damaged trees may need professional help (Audio 09/10/12) Trees in your landscape may have sustained damage from high winds during Hurricane Isaac. Consider hiring an arborist to help you care for these trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Discard flood-damaged food crops (Audio 09/10/12) Hurricane Isaac may have damaged food crops in our landscapes. Any fruits, vegetables or herbs that were flooded should be discarded. Fruits and nuts may have been blown to the ground, and many will not ripen once off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> |
|
| Brighten fall landscapes with azaleas (Audio 09/10/12) Azaleas are common in Louisiana during spring, but fall-blooming azaleas are gaining popularity. Most notable among fall azaleas are Encore and Robin Hill. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Late summer weather can bring mushrooms, slime mold (Audio 09/17/12) Wet and hot weather can cause mushrooms and slime mold to pop up in our yards. These are a nuisance, but they won't hurt the lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Thick mulch layer keeps weeds away (Audio 09/17/12) Mulches have many benefits. They keep weeds under control, moderate soil temperatures and conserve soil moisture. A thick layer is necessary for it to do its job. If your mulch has decayed during summer, add new mulch to your beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prep beds before planting (Audio 09/10/12) A flower or vegetable garden bed needs proper preparation before putting in new plants. Add organic matter and fertilizer to make sure the next crop is successful. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilizing not necessary for many plants in September (Audio 09/03/12) September is late in the growing season for many plants, so any fertilizing must be done judiciously. Plants need to slow down and get ready for winter. Fertilizing now will stimulate the plant and could cause damage later in winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Healthy crop could cause breaks on pecan trees (Audio 09/03/12) If we have a good pecan crop, we could have problems with breaking limbs. Pecan trees have brittle wood and the weight of the pecans on the branches could cause them to snap. For this reason, never locate pecan trees close to buildings. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune with caution in fall (Audio 09/03/12) We need to be cautious when pruning this time of the year. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs have already set their flower buds, and pruning could reduce their floral display. Also, don't wait too late to prune. The plants need time to harden off before winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| September is busy month in vegetable garden (Audio 09/03/12) September is a big month in the vegetable garden. Gardeners can begin planting cool-season vegetables and still plant warm-season ones, such as tomato and eggplant transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Use sod to establish lawn (Audio 09/03/12) It's not too late to establish a lawn in September. You also can repair lawn damage. To get the best results, use sod. Make sure the area is graded, and water it regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Not all fungi damage lawns (Audio 08/27/12) Fungal diseases are common problems that can attack and damage our grass. Slime mold and mushrooms are fungi, but are not detrimental to our lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Shallots, green onions are not the same thing (Audio 08/27/12) Louisiana gardeners tend to call both shallots and green onions, green onions. They are different plants. Shallots produce large bulbs and green onions never make large bulbs, but rather multiply. They can be planted using sets this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep grass clippings out of trash (Audio 08/27/12) We have several options when it comes to grass clippings, and throwing them away should never be one of them. They can be recycled back into the lawns if you mow regularly or bagged and used as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gingers, cannas made need pruning (Audio 08/27/12) Gingers and cannas are popular tropical plants in Louisiana landscapes. They perform well through summer and may need pruning late in the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Protect houseplants from insect pests (Audio 08/27/12) Plants inside homes are not protected from insects. There are no naturally occurring predators indoors, and temperatures are mild, so pest problems can spread rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare roses for fall blooming (Audio 08/20/12) August is a good time to get roses ready for fall blooming. Gardener should prune their roses back. Roses also should be fertilized and watered regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Palms can thrive in La. landscapes (Audio 08/20/12) We are lucky in Louisiana to grow palms in our landscape. Palms are easy to care for. They need fertilizer in spring, some grooming from time to time and not much else. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Put away fertilizer after August (Audio 08/20/12) We fertilize lawns to make them a deep green and encourage growth. August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We need lawns to slow down in fall to make them hardy as they head into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Use ajuga sparingly (Audio 08/20/12) Ajuga can make a nice ground cover. It has beautiful leaves, and certain types make lovely flowers, but ajuga can be prone to fungal issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Add plants to aquatic features (Audio 08/20/12) Aquatic features can add a cooling effect to our landscapes. You can add plants to your garden this time of the year. Also consider adding fish if you don't already have some. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant ferns in shady areas (Audio 08/13/12) If you have shady areas in your landscape, consider planting ferns. You can add them during summer. Also, you can evaluate existing ferns and do some grooming this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> |
|
| Pears ripen best off the tree (Audio 08/13/12) Pears are one of the easier homegrown fruit trees that we plant in our landscapes. If you have pears, learn the proper way to harvest and ripen them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Divide La. iris while they are dormant (Audio 08/13/12) Louisiana iris are native to our state and popular in local landscapes. These plants are dormant now, making it a good time to dig them up and divide them if their clump is overgrown. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant milkweed to attract butterflies (Audio 08/13/12) Butterfly weed or milkweed is very attractive to many butterflies. The monarch butterfly only lay its eggs on species of milkweed. If you have aphids on your plants, don't spray them because you might kill monarch butterfly eggs or caterpillars. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Potbound plants need bigger containers (Audio 08/13/12) By the end of summer potted plants may have outgrown their containers. When this happens plants become "potbound" and may not thrive. Replant these plants into bigger containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watering is critical for young trees (Audio 08/06/12) Young trees need proper care. A good way to water a tree is to put holes on the bottom of a plastic bucket, fill it with water a few times a week and set it by the tree. Also keep grass away from young trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Eggplants, bell peppers will produce fall crop (Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners can plant transplants of eggplants and bell peppers for a fall crop. If you still have plants from the spring, maintain them and they can produce again when the weather cools down. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Grow coleus for colorful foliage (Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners grow coleus for their beautiful foliage. These plants can produce flowers, but they should be pinched off. It's not too late to plant coleus, and you find varieties that grow well in sunny or shady locations. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plants' water needs are high during hot, dry periods (Audio 08/06/12) Watering plants is important during dry summer periods. Check container plants often and walk your landscape looking for signs of drought stress. Irrigate deeply and thoroughly a few times a week rather than a little daily. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Oils can control mites, flies (Audio 08/06/12) Spider mites and white flies often appear in larger numbers during late summer. These pests can damage a variety of plants but can be controlled with oil sprays. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Chinch bugs are common lawn problem (Audio 07/30/12) Chinch bugs are leading insect pests that attack our lawns. A sign of injury is a brown section of the lawn where the grass is straw-like and grass blades are rolled up. Chinch bugs tend to be worse later in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant tomatoes for fall crop (Audio 07/30/12) It is popular to plant tomatoes in spring, but gardeners can get a fall crop as well. Buy different types of tomatoes such as heat-tolerant and standard varieties for the best chance of success. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vegetable gardeners have options in August (Audio 07/30/12) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in August. Even though it is still really hot, we can plant cool-season vegetables alongside ones that prefer warmer conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Insects are more abundant this summer (Audio 07/30/12) A mild winter and early spring have led to pest problems. Many insects showed up early and in larger numbers. Look for signs of insect damage in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune overgrown plants in late summer (Audio 07/30/12) By late summer many plants have gone through a long growing season. Pruning these plants can help revive them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| It's difficult to rid lawns of mushrooms (Audio 07/23/12) Lawn mushrooms can be a nuisance, and there isn't much you can do to get rid of them. You can gather them up and throw them away if they bother you. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardening chores for July (Audio 07/23/12) Even though it is hot outside, gardeners can stay busy this month tending to chrysanthemums, gladiolas, caladiums and coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cuttings create new plants (Audio 07/23/12) This is a good time of the year to take cuttings from woody shrubs. Try taking cuttings from azaleas, camellias and hollies. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Bring flowers indoors with cuttings (Audio 07/23/12) Most people plant flowers to enjoy the plants out in their landscapes. But cutting flowers and bringing them indoors is another way to enjoy them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Basil grows beautifully during summer (Audio 07/23/12) Basil is a great herb to grow during summer. It is used widely in many cuisines. You can find different varieties of basil. Choose the type you like and plant it into a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Blackberries are easy to grow (Audio 07/16/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit in their home garden. One easy fruit to grow is blackberries. They do require pruning. Be sure to prune only canes that produced blackberries this year and leave the other canes alone. They will produce next year's crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 |
|
| Bark lice won't harm trees (Audio 07/16/12) It's not unusual to see patches of webbing in trees during summer. This webbing is created by psocids or bark lice. They are harmless to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant pumpkins now for Halloween (Audio 07/16/12) Pumpkins are very heat-tolerant, and pumpkin seeds can be planted this time of the year. It they're planted now, you'll have pumpkins ready for Halloween. You'll need a lot of space to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune shrubs before flower buds set (Audio 07/16/12) A number of spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned by mid-July. These plants set their flower buds in late summer, so pruning too late can remove their flowers. Prune only if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Options for shady lawns (Audio 07/16/12) Having a shady yard can be a big plus in Louisiana's climate, but it can cause problems with lawns. You can mulch over areas of your lawn killed off by lack of sunlight or plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Organic insecticide can control leaf miners (Audio 07/09/12) Leaf miners are tiny insects that feed on the inside of a plant's leaf. They can feed on a number of plants and are difficult to control. Try spinosad before the insects burrow into the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pot feet protect wooden decks (Audio 07/09/12) Decks are a great place for outdoor gatherings, and container plants help liven them up. Water from plants can stain or rot the wood of a deck, so be sure to boost potted plants with pot feet, bricks or stones. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Summer bedding plants need water (Audio 07/09/12) The intense heat takes its toll on our landscape. We can use heat-tolerant plants that can withstand the summer temperatures. Remember, these plants demand a lot of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Shade trees can reduce cooling costs (Audio 07/09/12) If you'd like to reduce your cooling costs in your home, consider planting shade trees. Shade trees are best planted to the south, southwest or west of the home. Decide what you want now, but plant in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tomato plants finish production (Audio 07/02/12) Tomato production is likely slowing down in vegetable gardens around the state. Tomato plants don't produce well during the hottest time of the year. Pull out plants that are done, but remember you can plant tomato transplants later this month for fall production. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| It's fig time in La. (Audio 07/02/12) Figs are ripe and ready to pick in July. If you have problem with birds pecking at your fruit, try netting around the tree. Water the tree regularly during dry weather and watch out for diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Web worms infestations are common this year (Audio 07/02/12) Web worms are showing up in trees and shrubs. These caterpillars form webbing on the ends of branches and eat the foliage. They don't kill the branch, and they can be removed easily. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Keep lawn healthy with regular mowing (Audio 07/02/12) Mowing is a big chore during summer months. It needs to be done regularly to keep the lawn healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant vegetables that can take heat in July (Audio 07/02/12) Summer temperatures are soaring, but work can still be done in the vegetable garden. Try to work early in the morning or late in the evening. Plant vegetables such as okra, cucumbers and southern peas this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Newly planted trees require supplemental watering (Audio 06/18/12) Many people plant trees during the winter season and into spring. When the temperatures rise, these trees are going to need supplemental watering. Here are some tips for watering newly planted trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant pentas to brighten flower bed (Audio 06/18/12) Just about everyone loves a colorful flower bed in the summer. Pentas are wonderful, reliable plants that come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Hear more about planting pentas in your flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Mexican tarragon grows well during summer (Audio 06/18/12) While French tarragon will not grow properly through Louisiana’s hot summers, Mexican tarragon could serve as a substitute. This relative of marigolds has a rich flavor and grows beautifully in full sun. Learn more about planting Mexican tarragon in your herb garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Remove cypress knees that pop up in your lawn (Audio 06/18/12) Most baldcypress trees that are planted in the landscape don’t usually produce knees. If your cypress does produce knees, this can be a nuisance when they come up in the lawn. While cypress knees in a flower bed appear picturesque, it is beneficial to eliminate the ones that appear in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Choose heat-tolerant petunia varieties (Audio 06/18/12) Petunias produce beautifully while the weather is relatively mild in the spring. It is not unusual for these spring-planted petunias to begin to languish during the intense heat of summer. If you are planning to plant petunias for the summer, be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control population of caterpillars in landscape (Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Trees are susceptible to lightning strikes (Audio 06/11/12) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 |
|
| Pruning gardenias encourages new growth for next season (Audio 06/11/12) Gardenias are popular in Louisiana gardens and are known for their amazing fragrance. When gardenias finish their blooming season in June, it is time for gardeners to begin pruning if necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider pruning your gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prepare your landscape for hurricane season (Audio 06/04/12) Hurricane season begins in June. High winds from these storms can cause damage to landscapes, and gardeners should be aware of this and prepare their landscapes accordingly. Hear about how you can properly prepare your yard for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Lichens grow more vigorously on struggling plants (Audio 06/04/12) Lichens are a crusty, grayish growth found on tree branches, statues and fences. Gardeners are often concerned that this growth is damaging the plant. Learn more about lichen growth in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control suckers in your landscape (Audio 06/04/12) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous shoot originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them properly to prevent a stub from sprouting again and producing more suckers than before. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Slime mold can benefit lawns (Audio 06/04/12) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune once-blooming roses in June (Audio 06/04/12) Now is the time for gardeners to start pruning their once-blooming rose bushes. These roses are just finishing their blooming season, and by pruning them now, the plant will produce vigorous new growth. This new growth will produce flowers for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Properly maintain summer lawns (Audio 05/28/12) Taking care of your lawn is an important part of maintaining a landscape during the summer. Hear more about the aspects of summer lawn care such as mowing, fertilizing and watering. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant vegetables that tolerate high temperatures (Audio 05/28/12) A number of summer vegetables can withstand Louisiana's summer heat and keep your vegetable garden productive. Listen for a list of vegetables that will grow successfully in your garden this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Container plants require extra watering during summer (Audio 05/28/12) Containers allow us to grow plants in areas like decks, which normally could not support plant growth. Container plants exposed to a lot of sunlight need to be watered frequently during the summer to prevent them from drying out. Here are some tips on watering container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Harvest ripe home-grown tomatoes (Audio 05/28/12) Louisiana gardeners can obtain wonderful vine-ripened fruit from their tomato plants. When harvesting tomatoes in your yard, leave them on the vine until they are ripe and ready to eat. If you are having trouble with insects or birds, however, you can harvest your tomatoes early. Learn more about harvesting home-grown tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Add grass clippings to compost pile (Audio 05/28/12) Recycling the organic waste that your yard creates is one of the best things you can do when creating compost. Fallen leaves and grass clippings are a large portion of compost, especially during summer when mowing becomes a more frequent activity. Learn more about summer composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch for aphids on crape myrtles (Audio 05/21/12) Louisiana gardeners are lucky to be able to grow crape myrtles. These flowering trees do not have a lot of problems. The one nuisance is the crape myrtle aphid. Control is possible with a tree-and-shrub insect spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Flower pots need regular cleanings (Audio 05/21/12) Growing plants in containers allows gardeners to have plants on decks or indoors. The containers may need to be cleaned from time to time. Plastic pots and terra cotta pots are cleaned differently. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Black spot can infest roses (Audio 05/21/12) If you grow roses in Louisiana, you've probably had black spot. Roses are highly susceptible to this disease. It can be controlled with weekly spraying. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Grow less common greens during summer (Audio 05/21/12) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cooking. Many greens such as turnip or collards won't grow during the summer. Swiss chard and few others are good substitutes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pick summer bulbs that fit your landscape needs (Audio 05/21/12) Gardeners use a variety of summer bulbs in their landscapes. Most of the bulbs that are native to tropical areas do well in Louisiana's summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Soil addition can change hydrangea color (Audio 10/17/11) Gardeners can change the color of their hydrangeas this month by applying lime or aluminum sulfate. Hydrangeas provide beautiful blooms during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cut flowers brighten our homes (Audio 07/25/11) Flowers from the garden should be brought indoors. Cutting flowers allows you to enjoy the flowers more and beautifies your living areas. Cut your flowers during the coolest part of the day and keep them in water. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Heat-tolerant bedding plants will thrive in summer (Audio 07/11/11) Many bedding plants gardeners planted in the spring are starting to lose their vigor. You can replace these plants with heat-tolerant plants such as zinnias. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Evaluate cool-season bedding plants (Audio 04/25/11) April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. If these plants were planted back in the fall, they should be hitting their stride now. This time of the year is not a good time to plant cool-season plants, but you can make evaluations about what worked in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 13 - 14 - 15 |
|
| Spider mites can thrive on houseplants (Audio 01/31/11) Plants growing indoors can be prone to pest problems. Spider mites are tiny pests that can thrive on houseplants. Know the symptoms of spider mites and how to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Camellias may need care during winter (Radio News 12/13/10) Camellias bloom beautifully throughout the winter months. If Louisiana has a dry spell during winter, you may want to irrigate your camellias. Freezes can damage open blooms but generally won't hurt buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant cool-season bedding plants for winter color (Audio 11/29/10) Louisiana gardeners use cool-season bedding plants to add color to our flower gardens during winter. Plants such as dianthus, pansies and violas will bloom from fall into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Spider mites damage vegetables and ornamentals (Audio 04/05/10) Spider mites are a type of pest that is barely visible to the naked eye. They attack and damage plants such as roses, palms, eggplants and many other vegetables and ornamentals. Find out what symptoms to be aware of when checking for spider mite infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Trim unattractive Louisiana iris foliage (Audio 08/09/10) Louisiana iris is a popular herbaceous perennial that is native to Louisiana. These iris grow profusely during the spring, but become unattractive during late summer. This indicates their dormancy. Hear more about Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Evaluate bedding plants to make planting decisions for next year (Audio 09/20/10) Only the most reliable bedding plants can survive a Louisiana summer. This is a great time of year to evaluate your bedding plants and deternune which ones performed well and which ones you may or may not want to plant again. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Heavy pecan load can result in broken limbs (Audio 09/06/10) It looks like this could be a good year for pecans in Louisiana. Someimes, though, the weight of pecans can cause problems for the trees. Pecan trees have brittle wood, and limbs can snap and break from the heavy nuts. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Handle snail and slug damage in your landscape (Audio 06/25/12) Frequent summer rainfall makes the weather humid and damp. Snails and slugs love this type of weather, and they are likely to come out and feed on your plants. Deal with snails and slugs by setting out beer traps or using iron phosphate baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant insect-free profusion zinnias (Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana gardeners welcome flowering plants that are able to withstand the intense heat of summer. Profusion zinnias are a hybrid group of zinnias that are insect-free. They grow very well during the summer. Hear more about growing zinnias in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pre-emergence herbicide helps prevent weed development (Audio 06/25/12) Gardeners should practice weed control in Louisiana beds during the summer. Regardless of how you weed, chances are the weeds will grow back. Try using mulch as a defense against weeds, and you also may want to apply a pre-emergence herbicide to prevent weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Summer heat keeps tomatoes from pollinating (Audio 06/25/12) If you have tomatoes planted in your vegetable garden, by this time of the year you should be harvesting many fresh red tomatoes. You may notice some of the flowers that the plant produces will begin to fall off due to high temperatures and lack of pollination. If you want to harvest tomatoes well into the summer, be sure to plant heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fig trees need water for fruit to ripen (Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana figs will soon begin to ripen. It is important to make sure fig trees are receiving a sufficient amount of water. To prevent birds from feeding on your figs, purchase bird netting from your local nursery. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Boost container plants on wooden decks (Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control population of caterpillars in landscape (Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Boost container plants on wooden decks (Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Be careful while gardening in summer heat (Audio 06/11/12) Louisiana gardeners who spend long periods of time outside in their gardens should take precautions to protect themselves from summer’s heat. Hear more about drinking plenty of fluids, gardening in the shade and other helpful tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Many fruit and nut trees prosper in Louisiana (Audio 11/23/09) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit. Now is a great time to plant fruit and nut trees to allow time for establishment. Learn more about the many kinds of fruit trees that can be grown successfully in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Save seeds for future plantings (Audio 10/12/09) Gardeners can save seeds their plants produce. Although it's not a good idea to try to grow woody plants from their seeds, annual and perennials are wonderful plants to save seeds from. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Create your own compost (Audio 09/21/09) Many gardeners simply discard the organic waste they clean out of their yards. Composting items such as grass clippings and leaves could be beneficial for future bed preparations. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Try reusing caladium tubers (Audio 09/21/09) Caladiums may not need to be replanted each year even though they become dormant during winter months. The tubers could be reused to produce more caladiums the following year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| <- Prev | 14 - 15 |
|
| Garden Chores Continue Into Winter (Audio 12/5/05) With our mild winters, there usually is something we can do in our gardens all year. When planting, pruning and routine chores slow down in the winter, there are other chores gardeners can do. |
| <- Prev | 15 |
|
|
|
|