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[Image: Penny Mac Hydrangea]Super Plant Penny Mac hydrangea reblooms throughout summer (Video 05/21/12) In Louisiana, hydrangeas typically bloom once – in May. But the Super Plant Penny Mac hydrangea keeps reblooming many times until the end of summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visits the Hammond Research Station and looks at the Penny Mac hydrangea – a reliable and beautiful plant for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:40) [Image: Dwarf Buddleia]Blue Chip buddleia blooms throughout summer (Video 05/28/12) Buddleia is also called butterfly bush because it attracts butterlflies. It’s a tough, flowering bush that comes in many sizes and colors. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the dwarf buddleia Blue Chip is a good choice for vibrant color and nice fragrance.(Runtime: 1:37) 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 are native to tropical areas do well in Louisiana's summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spanish moss doesn't hurt trees (Audio 05/14/12) People may wonder if Spanish moss can harm a tree, but the answer is no. Spanish moss is not a parasite. It lives on a tree but doesn't take anything away from a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) [Image: Check Plant Size]Check plant’s full grown size on label before purchase (Video 05/14/12) Looks can be deceiving. Plants that appear small in the nursery can take on much larger dimensions once they’re grown. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises consumers to check a plant’s full-grown size before assuming it’s the right fit for their landscape. (Runtime: 1:32) Hyacinth bean is a great flowering vine (Audio 05/14/12) Louisiana gardeners can use a number of annual flowering vines. One great vine is the hyacinth bean. It produces spikes of purple flowers in summer and fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) [Image: Fan Flower]Fan flower is colorful summer plant with a story to tell (Video 05/07/12) The fan flower is a heat-tolerant summer plant with beautiful flowers that come in various shades. This plant also has a tragic love story to tell as part of its folklore. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1:33) Don't prune young blackberry canes (Audio 05/14/12) True blackberries are producing fruit this month. Blackberry shoots live for two years. Young canes should be left alone when pruning to make sure you have another crop of blackberries next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare beds for warm-season plants (Audio 05/14/12) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of heat-tolerant bedding plants this time of the year. Pull out cool-season plants when they start to languish and prepare your beds for new plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Young trees need extra care (Audio 05/14/12) Many people planted trees during the fall and winter. These newly planted trees will need supplemental irrigation to get through their first summer in the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Hydrangeas, gardenias are great summer shrubs (Audio 05/07/12) Hydrangeas and gardenias are popular summer-flowering shrubs in Louisiana. Gardenias produce beautiful, fragrant flowers this time of the year. Hydrangeas put on a show of big bright flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Buckeye rot can affect tomato plants (Audio 05/07/12) Tomatoes are the most popular home vegetable grown in Louisiana, but they do have their share of problems. One common problem is buckeye rot. It will hit the largest tomatoes at the bottom of the vine. (Runtime: 60 seconds) For quick, healthy lawn use sod (Audio 05/07/12) The permanent lawn grasses we use in Louisiana are all warm-season grasses. They grow and thrive in the heat of summer. Now is a good time to plant a lawn. The best way to do this is with sod. Watering is critical for newly sodded lawn (Audio 05/07/12) When establishing a lawn with sod, it is important to care for the sod properly. Sod loses its roots when harvested, so watering is critical early on. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Layering is an easy way to propagate plants (For Release On Or After 05/25/12) Propagating plants means to create new plants from those you already have, and you can do that in many different ways. Planting seeds and rooting cuttings are two of the most common methods of propagation. But another technique, called layering, is useful in propagating a wide variety of ornamental plants. Brighten your garden with summer bulbs (For Release On Or After 05/18/12) Summer-flowering bulbs provide an excellent way to introduce colorful flowers, interesting foliage and even fragrance into the summer landscape. Most summer-flowering bulbs are native to tropical or subtropical climates and will reliably bloom here for many years. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 | Next -> Composting recycles yard waste (For Release On Or After 05/11/12) You can recycle yard waste back into the landscape through the process of composting, which benefits your garden, your budget and the environment. Compost is used primarily in bed preparation to improve the soil and can even be used in preparing potting mixes. Penny Mac hydrangea selected as La. Super Plant (For Release On Or After 05/04/12) Hydrangeas have a long tradition of use in shady Southern gardens. From late April through July, huge flower heads of light pink, pink, rosy red, lavender, light blue, bluish purple and blends of those colors as well as white appear above the rich green leaves. Harvest cool-season herbs while you can (Audio 04/30/12) As the weather gets warmer in May, many cool-season herbs start to languish. Harvest these herbs generously. Freeze or dry the extras and use them throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Give houseplants summer vacation (Audio 04/30/12) Many people use tropical plants as houseplants. These plants must be indoors during cold weather, but will thrive if placed outside during the summer. Gradually allow them to adjust to outdoor conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Palm trees like warm weather plantings (Audio 04/30/12) Most trees are best planted in the fall. The one exception is palm trees. Plant these while the weather is warm. Make sure the palm tree is hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant heat-tolerant vegetables this month (Audio 04/30/12) Summer is right around the corner, but there are still plenty of vegetables we can plant in our gardens. Plant heat-tolerant vegetables that can withstand our summer temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bell peppers change colors over time (Audio 04/30/12) You can find bell peppers in a variety of colors. Colored bell peppers are simply ripe green bell peppers. If you leave a green bell pepper on the plant, it will change colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Louisiana Super Plant Senorita Rosalita provides endless flowers (Video 04/16/12) Spider flowers are traditional summer annuals grown in the South. But they have tiny spines that can be unpleasant to handle. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new type of spider flower that has virtually no spines and even more beautiful flowers than the others. It’s the Senorita Rosalita, and it’s a tough, durable Louisiana Super Plant. (Runtime: 1:54) Louisiana Super Plant – BabyWing begonia (Video 04/09/12) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the BabyWing begonia – a Louisiana Super Plant that will provide nice color all the way through to October. (Runtime: 1:41) Watch for aphids on crape myrtles (Audio 04/23/12) Crape myrtles are the most popular small summer-flowering trees in Louisiana landscapes. They don't have a lot of insect or disease problems, but their major problem can be aphids. The aphids cause black sooty mold on the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Give spring-flowering bulbs final care (Audio 04/23/12) By this time of the year most of the spring-flowering bulbs are starting to fade. These bulbs require some after care. This allows them to bloom beautifully next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Penny Mac is outstanding hydrangea variety (Audio 04/23/12) Hydrangeas are a traditional Southern shrub. They bloom beautifully in partial shade. A great variety to try is the Penny Mac hydrangea, a spring 2012 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Container plants need fertilizer (Audio 04/23/12) Container plants embellish indoor and outdoor landscapes and environments. Because the plant's root system is limited in the container, it can be difficult for it to get the nutrients it needs. Make sure these plants have an adequate amount of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Powdery mildew can attack trees, vegetables, ornamentals (Audio 04/23/12) Powdery mildew is a common fungal infection that affects a wide variety of plants in our landscapes. The symptoms look like the name, and it is not hard to control. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Caladiums brighten shady areas (Audio 04/16/12) Caladiums are great plants for shady areas in your landscape. You can plant caladium tubers now for wonderful foliage all summer long. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Time to plant warm-season bedding plants (Audio 04/16/12) With the warm winter and spring in Louisiana, cool-season bedding plants are starting to fade a little early this year. Consider removing them and planting warm-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sharp blades make for better mowing (Audio 04/16/12) Lawn care kicks into high gear in April, and it's best to start with sharp mower blades. If you don't feel comfortable sharpening them yourself, take the mower to a lawn mower service company. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sod is best way to establish new lawns (Audio 04/16/12) Several types of grasses can work well in Louisiana lawns. Grasses such as St. Augustine and centipede like to grow in the heat. Now is a good time to establish a lawn, and solid sodding is the best way to do it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Senorita Rosalita cleome is a spring 2012 Super Plant (Audio 04/16/12) The cleome, Senorita Rosalita, is a spring 2012 Louisiana Super Plant. This cleome puts a new face on a traditional plant. It grows tall and blooms wonderfully throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Parsley hawthorn is excellent native tree (Video 04/02/12) Looking for a small tree that’s ideally adapted for your landscape? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a native Louisiana tree that’s extremely functional and adaptable. (Runtime: 1:34) <- Prev |  2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 | Next -> Fresh herbs are delicious, easy to grow (For Release On Or After 04/27/12) Interest in growing herbs has been rising over the years as Louisiana gardeners increasingly plant herbs in gardens, containers or in beds among existing plants. Especially popular are the culinary herbs used to flavor food. There is more to the cucumber family than cucumbers (For Release On Or After 04/20/12) Some of the most popular vegetables planted in Louisiana home vegetable gardens belong to the cucumber family, or Cucurbitaceae. Members of that family, which can be planted this month, include summer squash, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, cucuzzi, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa and, of course, cucumber. Senorita Rosalita cleome is a winner (For Release On Or After 04/13/12) A new cleome called Senorita Rosalita is a radical departure from the cleomes, or spider flowers, we have grown in the past. BabyWing begonia named Louisiana Super Plant (For Release On Or After 04/06/12) The genus Begonia is large and amazingly diverse with a mind-blowing number of species. There are even plant societies devoted to this fascinating group of plants. April is good time to fertilize lawns (Audio 04/09/12) Lawns can be fertilized in south Louisiana in late March or early April. In the rest of the state early to mid-April is the best time. Waiting helps the grass wake up. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Try Louisiana Super Plant BabyWing begonia (Audio 04/09/12) One of the three Louisiana Super Plants for spring is the BabyWing begonia. Its pink or white flowers bloom late spring until frost. It tolerates heat and prefers part sun to part shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep harvesting cool-season herbs (Audio 04/09/12) Gardeners may have cool-season herbs growing in their herb garden. The early spring could have negatively affected these plants, but you may still be getting a good harvest from them. Dry them or freeze them to use these herbs throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Stake tomato plants to avoid diseases (Audio 04/09/12) Tomatoes grow on sprawling vines that don't climb well. Gardeners can't let their tomatoes stay on the ground, so they must stake them or grow them in cages. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant tomatoes by mid-April (Audio 04/09/12) Louisiana gardeners should have their tomatoes in the ground by the middle of April. It is too late to plant seeds, but you find a variety of transplants that can do well in our climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Pick the right plants during season transition time (Audio 04/02/12) Late March and early April is a transition time in Louisiana landscapes. You will likely see both cool-season and warm-season bedding plants at the nursery this time of the year. Be sure to choose plants that will bloom for the length of time you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Watch for spider mites in flower, vegetable gardens (Audio 04/02/12) Warm and hot dry weather can favor the development of spider mites. These tiny insects attack a variety of ornamentals and vegetables. A horticulture oil or insecticidal soap can control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Enjoy Easter lilies now in your home, later in your garden (Audio 04/02/12) Easter lilies are great plants for the spring. They are fragrant and beautiful, but keep in mind that they are toxic to cats. You can save them and plant them into your garden after they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tips for pruning spring-flowering shrubs (Audio 04/02/12) Gardeners can prune spring-flowering shrubs and vines as soon as they finish flowering. Prune with a purpose, and try to preserve the natural shape of the shrub by using hand pruners and selective pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant vegetables early to lessen disease, insect problems (Audio 04/02/12) Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables during the month of April. Plant these vegetables as early as you can to avoid disease and insects that become a bigger problem as the weather warms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Draping your landscape with Spanish moss (Video 03/26/12) Spring is a time that conjures images of the pinks and purples of azaleas. Well, in this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how one misunderstood plant -- that happens to be gray -- can provide a striking enhancement to azaleas and trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 1:29) Plant some pretty petunias (Video 03/19/12) Are you ready for some brilliant colors? Well, you’ve got them with petunias. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that it’s important to plant those pretty petunias right now.(Runtime: 1:30) Banana shrub provides nice fragrance (Video 03/12/12) During the spring, it’s a great idea to stop and smell the flowers. And in this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the banana shrub might be one of the perfect plants to perk up those olfactory senses. (Runtime: 1:31) Service lawn mowers at beginning of spring (Audio 03/26/12) Lawns are waking up across the state, and it's time to take our mowers out. This is a good time to have your lawn mower serviced - have it checked out, have blades sharpened to make sure everything is in good working order. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant roses before they start blooming (Audio 03/26/12) Gardeners often wait until roses are in bloom to go to the nursery and buy them. Planting them while they are blooming is stressful to the plant. Plant them earlier to get the best results. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Soil additive can change hydrangea color (Audio 03/26/12) Hydrangeas are popular shrubs for shady areas. These plants are deciduous and soon will be sending out new leaves. You can manipulate the color of your hydrangeas by adding lime or aluminum sulfate, depending on what color you want, to the soil now and again in October. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 | Next -> Watch for thrips on spring roses (Audio 03/26/12) Thrips are tiny insects that invade the flower buds of roses and feed on the petals, causing damage. Controlling them is difficult because they are inside the flower, but there are two insecticides that can control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spring care of tropical plants (Audio 03/26/12) Louisiana gardeners across the state use tropical plants in their landscapes. They may not look their best right now. You can trim them back, but if you are considering new tropical plants, wait until April or May to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Deadhead flowers to keep plants attractive (Audio 03/19/12) Deadhead is an odd term gardeners use to talk about removing faded flowers from plants. This helps the plant look neat and can encourage additional flowering. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare for buck moth caterpillars (Audio 03/19/12) The buck moth caterpillar, typically found on live oaks, has black stinging spines on its body. Usually by late March you can see caterpillar masses in trees. If you've had problems with them in the past, consider having your trees sprayed. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Consider inspecting trees before buying house (Audio 03/19/12) Buyers typically have a home inspected before the purchase. It is a good idea to have an arborist inspect the trees on the property as well. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fruit trees should be on regular spray schedule (Audio 03/19/12) When it comes to spraying fruit trees, it's important to remember this has to be done preventively. Start a spray program well before problems show up. (Runtime: 60 seconds) General-purpose fertilizer can work for most plants (Audio 03/19/12) Your local nursery or garden center probably stocks many different types of fertilizers. You don't need a different fertilizer for each plant. A general-purpose fertilizer will work for most plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Choose correct transitional-season plants (Video 3/5/12) Now is a transitional time for plants. So when you visit your nursery, it’s important to ask some questions. Is this plant a cool-season annual, a warm-season annual, or is it a perennial? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1:36) Prepare beds for spring plantings (Audio 03/12/12) March and April are active months in the Louisiana landscape. Before you begin planting, make sure beds are prepared adequately. This includes removing weeds, turning the soil and spreading amendments such as organic matter and fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Brown patch can show up on lawns in spring (Audio 03/12/12) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is particularly vulnerable to the disease. Symptoms include a yellowish brown spot in the lawn that can enlarge rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fertilizing lawns can wait until April (Audio 03/12/12) Lawns are waking up early around the state, but that doesn't mean you should fertilize yet. Fertilizing too early will compromise the lawn's new root system. Wait until April to fertilize. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Divide perennials before new growth (Audio 03/12/12) Perennials can live from year to year in our landscapes. They can outgrow their area and may need to be divided. This should be done before they put on too much new growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Add new mulch over decaying mulch (Audio 03/12/12) Mulches are materials that are applied over the soil surface around flower beds, shrubs or vegetables. Organic mulches will decay over time, so this might be a good time to add new mulch to your gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fertilize shrubs during spring (Audio 03/05/12) March is a good month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. You don't have to fertilize shrubs that are in good condition, but consider fertilizing newly planted shrubs or ones that have low vigor. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Transplants must be made hardy before planting (Audio 03/05/12) Vegetable transplants purchased at nurseries this time of the year have been grown in greenhouses. They have led a sheltered life and must be toughened up before you can plant them out in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Vegetables are pollinated differently (Audio 03/05/12) Louisiana home gardeners plant many different vegetables during March and April. Some gardeners may wonder about pollination of their vegetables. Learn more in this Get It Growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spring bedding plants begin to peak (Audio 03/05/12) You may see plants like petunias and pansies blooming in flower beds and consider planting some this time of year. The best of those were planted in fall or winter, however. Beds planted with these flowers this month will never achieve the look of earlier planted beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Established perennials brighten landscapes (Audio 03/05/12) Perennials are grown for their beautiful foliage or flowers and can live for many years in our landscapes. This gives them an advantage over annuals. Look for perennials growing in gallon containers at nurseries. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Cucumber family provides many favorite vegetables (For Release On Or After 03/30/12) The cucumber family, properly known as the Cucurbitaceae (cu-cur-bit-A-cee-ee), provides a wide variety of vegetables popular for the spring, summer and fall home vegetable garden. Dealing with scale insects (For Release On Or After 03/23/12) Scale insects are one of the more common groups of insects that attack plants. You may find them feeding on trees, shrubs and even indoor plants. <- Prev |  4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 | Next -> Get a handle on landscape maintenance (For Release On Or After 03/16/12) I am often asked about low-maintenance landscaping. After a brief conversation, I get the feeling that what the person is actually looking for is a no-maintenance landscape. Unfortunately, if you are going to have a landscape with trees, a lawn, shrubs and flowers, maintenance is going to be involved. Use insecticides only when needed (For Release On Or After 03/09/12) Yard and garden pest problems will become more common as we move into the warmer summer months. Some gardeners still feel that they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens. Ground covers have many advantages (For Release On Or After 03/02/12) Lawns have their purpose in the landscape. They create a restful contrast to flowerbeds and other elements in the landscape. Lawns are also often needed for outdoor activities and are indispensable if you have kids. Use herbicides before weeds emerge (Audio 02/27/12) Herbicides are divided into two groups: pre-emergence and post-emergence. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds sprout. Early March is the ideal time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide over lawns and in flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Vegetable gardens get active in March (Audio 02/27/12) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. You can begin planting warm-season vegetables, especially in southern areas of the state. Tomatoes and peppers can be transplanted later in the month. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Stay on top of weeding (Audio 02/27/12) Cool-season weeds are active in lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens this time of the year. You don't want to allow these weeds to flower and set seeds. Get rid of them as best you can to keep them under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Save spring-flowering bulbs that will bloom again (Audio 02/27/12) Spring-flowering bulbs can add a lot to our landscapes. Many of these do not re-bloom well in our climate. These bulbs should be pulled up and discarded. Bulbs such as narcissus and daffodils will bloom again, however, and can be kept. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fertilize roses for best performance (Audio 02/27/12) This is a good time to fertilize roses. Roses that are fertilized perform better and produce larger, more attractive flowers. You generally can use an all-purpose fertilizer to get the job done. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ligularia is great shade-loving plant (Video 2/27/12) If you’re searching for a tough, shade-loving plant with nice shiny leaves, ligularia might be the plant for you. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good selection for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:35) Lemon-scented geranium has fragrance, repels mosquitoes (Video 2/20/12) There are hundreds of species of scented geraniums. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that has a nice lemon fragrance and the ability to keep mosquitoes away. (Runtime: 1:40) Fatshedera is unique shade-loving hybrid (Video 2/13/12) The cool season still offers more time to plant hardy plants into your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends an unusual hybrid plant that has a tropical look. (Runtime: 1:49) Fertilizer can last long time (Audio 02/20/12) If you've had a bag of fertilizer for a long time, and you are wondering if it is still good, chances are it is. Fertilizer doesn't lose its potency over time. It can, however, absorb moisture from the air if not sealed properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sunlight requirements for plants (Audio 02/20/12) Some plants prefer shade, others prefer full sun. Gardeners know that the amount of sunlight a plant needs to thrive must match its growing situation. (Runtime: 60 seconds) It's not too early to plant gladiolus (Audio 02/20/12) Gladiolus corms can be planted early in the year. Buy them in the nursery when they become available, and plant them in a sunny location. Stagger the planting to get the best results. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Divide perennials during dormancy (Audio 02/20/12) February is a good month to divide perennials. You may need to divide perennials when the clump has gotten too big or has lost vigor. It's best to do this when they are dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use organic matter for bed preparation (Audio 02/20/12) Organic matter recommended for use in gardening is generally derived from plant parts. It's important for bed preparation because it improves soil structure and drainage and releases nutrients into the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Watch for fire blight on plants (Audio 02/13/12) Fire blight is a rare bacterial disease that can affect plants in our landscapes. Pears and apples have problems with the disease. Some ornamentals such as Indian hawthorn also are susceptible. Control is difficult, so prune off any signs of this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare caladium tubers for spring planting (Audio 02/13/12/) Caladiums are great plants for shady areas. April is a good time to plant caladium tubers into your landscape. You can get a head start with your tubers by planting them in flats. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Trim ground covers in late winter (Audio 02/13/12) Ground covers are low-growing plants, such as monkey grass, used to cover large areas of a landscape. They are evergreen, but should be cut back from time to time. February and March are good times to do this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Transplant trees during winter dormancy (Audio 02/13/12) While we try to plant the right tree or shrub in the right location, sometimes they don't work in that area. The solution is transplanting. This is best done for hardy trees and shrubs during the winter when they are dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 | Next -> Take care of spring-flowering bulbs (Audio 02/13/12) Some of our spring-flowering bulbs actually bloom during the winter, but many wait until March and April. If a late freeze threatens, don't worry about their foliage, but you should cut any flowers that are blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Nemesia aromatica provides spectacular color (Video 2/6/12) If you search your local nurseries, you can find lesser known plants that add nice variety to your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the beautiful, but not well known, Nemesia can work well as a cool-season bedding plant or as a potted plant. (Runtime: 1:39) Swiss chard is multipurpose plant (Video 1/30/12) Plants can be grown for different reasons -- for instance, simply beautifying your landscape. Occasionally, though, we find plants that have dual uses. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of these multipurpose plants. (Runtime: 1:41) Plant ground covers in early spring (For Release On Or After 02/24/12) Using ground cover plantings in landscapes is becoming increasing popular. Areas planted with ground covers establish landscape effects that are impossible to create with grass – and generally require far less maintenance. Prune crape myrtles properly (For Release On Or After 02/17/12) Now is an appropriate time to prune summer-flowering trees and shrubs. This includes such trees as crape myrtles, vitex, pomegranate, mimosa, tung tree, elderberry and parkinsonia, and shrubs such as abelia, buddleia, althea, hibiscus, tibouchina, indigo, Turk’s cap, Confederate rose, oleander, fire bush, duranta, Mexican heather, buttonbush, and thryallis. It’s time to plant roses (For Release On Or After 02/10/12) Around the world, there is no better loved or more recognizable flower in the plant kingdom than the rose. It you are thinking about adding roses to your garden, here’s some information that will help you get them off to a good start. There’s still time to plant La. Super Plants (For Release On Or After 02/03/12) Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced three outstanding Louisiana Super Plant selections for Louisiana landscapes. If you haven’t planted them yet, February is an excellent time to add these beautiful plants to your gardens. Soil additive can change hydrangea color (Audio 02/06/12) The availability of aluminum ions in the soil dictates what color hydrangea flowers will be. You can change the flower color this month by either adding aluminum sulfate or lime. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant trees before summer starts (Audio 02/06/12) Louisiana celebrated Arbor Day last month, but February is still a good time to plant trees. Planting now allows trees to settle in and send out roots before summer starts. Hear more to learn how to plant a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant bare-root roses in February (Audio 02/06/12) Not many plants are sold with bare roots, but you can still find roses sold this way. They are highly perisable. You must plant bare-root roses this month while they are still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Properly prune fruit trees for best production (Audio 02/06/12) February is a good month to prune a variety of hardy fruit trees. It's important to remember that different types of trees are pruned differently. So learn how to properly prune the trees you have. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Some plants will provide color in shady spots (Audio 02/06/12) Louisiana gardeners looking to plant cool-season bedding plants in shady areas have a few options. Among plants that will take colder temperatures and less sunshine are cyclamen and primroses. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Pruning freeze damage on tropical plants (Audio 1/30/12) Tropical plants are popular across Louisiana, but cold weather can damage these plants. We grow both herbaceous and woody tropicals, and when you prune off any winter damage depends on what type of tropical plant you're dealing with. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep watch for indoor plant pests (Audio 01/30/12) Many people have plants indoors during winter. The lack of wind, rain and predatory insects can allow indoor pest problems to thrive. Spider mites often are found on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant hardy vegetables in February (Audio 01/30/12) February can be a cold month, but there are hardy vegetables that can be planted into the vegetable garden. Some things to consider planting include beets, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Try Swiss chard in your vegetable garden (Audio 01/30/12) Swiss chard is a great leafy vegetable. It is closely related to the beet but actually is grown for its foliage. Swiss chard is easy to grow and can be planted from seeds or transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Hardiness zones affect what you plant (Audio 01/30/12) The United States is divided into hardiness zones. Louisiana falls into zones 8 and 9. You can figure out what zone you garden in by how low your winter temperatures get. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Yaupon holly is tough native plant (Video 1/23/12) Many native Louisiana plants need special care to help them thrive. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good idea to plant yaupon holly – a tough native plant that doesn’t need pampering. (Runtime: 1:37) Gardeners can plant blooming camellia in winter (Audio 01/23/12) Camellias are beautiful shrubs that bloom in the winter. You can plant camellias now and see plants in bloom at nurseries or garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune everblooming roses in late winter (Audio 01/23/12) Everblooming roses need to be pruned back in late January or early February. Roses can still be blooming this time of the year, but you can cut those flowers and bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 | Next -> Pests can show up in winter gardens (Audio 01/23/12) Winter vegetables gardens have fewer problems with pests. You may still see caterpillars, aphids, slugs and snails in your gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Proper watering keeps indoor plants healthy (Audio 01/23/12) During the winter, we probably have more container plants inside our homes. These plants need proper watering to keep them healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Scales can thrive on indoor plants (Audio 01/23/12) Insect problems on indoor plants can become worse than problems outdoors. These indoor plant pest generally have no predatory pests or weather conditions to keep them under control. Scales can be particularly bad on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Color in Winter (Video 01/16/12) Winter creates visions of dead or dying plants. But that’s not the whole picture. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can grow plenty of colorful plants – even with colder weather. (Runtime: 1:32) Irish potatoes can keep vegetable gardens productive (Audio 01/16/12) Irish potatoes are a wonderful cool-season crop that can keep our vegetable gardens productive through late winter into spring. They are a nutritious vegetable and are easy to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fertilizer needs low during winter (Audio 01/16/12) Very few plants need to be fertilized during the winter season. Cool-season flowers and winter vegetables are two exceptions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Leafless shade trees easier to prune (Audio 01/16/12) January is a good time to prune plants such as shade trees. These trees are leafless now, and the advantages to pruning them now are a reduction in weight on the branches and an easier view of the structure of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Consider beets for vegetable garden (Audio 01/16/12) Beets are a nutritious root crop with edible foliage. They are direct-seeded into the vegetable garden and can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant trees for Arbor Day (Audio 01/16/12) With colder weather in January, gardeners may not want to work out in their yards. This month is the prime time to plant hardy trees and shrubs into landscapes. Arbor Day in Louisiana is celebrated on the third Friday in January. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Cyclamen blooms through winter and spring (Video 01/09/12) Certainly, not as many plants bloom during the winter as at other times. But the cyclamen is a popular winter-blooming plant that will keep its flowers through most of the spring as well. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take care of this spectacular winter bloomer. (Runtime: 1:38) Indoor plants need adequate light to thrive (Audio 01/09/12) A big challenge of growing plants inside is providing adequate light. Plants need light to create their food. Make sure plants are near windows. Cleaning windows can help plants get the light they need. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Parsley is useful to home cooks (Audio 01/09/12) Parsley is a useful herb for cooking or embellishing a plate. You can choose between curly or flat-leaf varieties. Now is a good time to plant parsley. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Growing transplants from seed (Audio 01/09/12) Most Louisiana vegetable gardeners buy transplants of eggplants, peppers and tomatoes in the spring. But you can grow transplants from seed this time of the year. They will need special care. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant cool-season Super Plants this month (Audio 01/09/12) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants through the month of March. Some plants will do better if planted now. Try cool-season Louisiana Super Plants such as Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tulips, hyacinth bulbs are ready for planting (Audio 01/09/12) Spring bulbs are typically planted in the fall. Tulips and hyacinth, however, are refrigerated until winter. Now is the time to get them out of the refrigerator and plant them in the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Consider planting spring-flowering trees (For Release On Or After 01/13/12) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana – a day we set aside to celebrate and appreciate the role living trees play in improving our lives and our environment. Many people plant trees to celebrate the occasion. Manage for nematodes in vegetable gardens (For Release On Or After 01/27/12) There is an invisible pest living in the soil of our vegetable gardens. For many Louisiana gardeners, high population levels of nematodes can reduce the vigor and productivity of their vegetable plants. It’s time to plant hedges (For Release On Or After 01/20/12) If you are considering planting a hedge, now is a great time to get it done. This allows the shrubs to take advantage of the less-stressful conditions during the cool season to get established in the landscape. Newly planted hardy shrubs will not be bothered by winter freezes. Take a look at the 2012 All-America Selections Winners (For Release On Or After 01/06/12) All-America Selections is a non-profit organization that tests newly developed seed-grown varieties of bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States. Duplicating conditions in the average home garden, the testing program is independent and unbiased. Sansevieria is nearly indestructible house plant (Video 01/02/12) Indoor plants can be very temperamental. That’s why some people choose fake plants that look real. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a real plant that, believe it or not, is almost as indestructible as a silk or plastic one. (Runtime: 1:36) <- Prev |  7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 | Next -> Take care of winter weeds before spring (Audio 01/02/12) Lawns don't require much care in the winter, but winter weeds may grow in a dormant lawn. You can take care of these on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Take care of cool-season bedding plants (Audio 01/02/12) Cool-season bedding plants brighten up the winter landscape. Plants like pansies and violas can be planted now. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Find roses at nurseries or online (Audio 01/02/12) Roses can be purchased in local garden centers, but more varieties are available online or through mail order catalogs. Plant them soon to give them the best start. (Runtime: 60 seconds) No need to save potted poinsettias (Audio 01/02/12) The poinsettia is the premier plant for decorating during the holidays. These plants are hard to grow in Louisiana, so it's best to compost these plants after the holidays. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant hardy vegetables in January (Audio 01/02/12) Louisiana vegetable gardens can remain active in January. The vegetables we plant must be able to tolerate the cold. Vegetables that fit in that category include root crops and leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Choosing the right potting soils (Video 12/26/11) Potted plants need the right kind of soil to help them grow to their full potential. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the right potting soil for your needs. (Runtime: 1:52) Caring for roses during winter (Video 12/19/11) What do you need to be doing for roses during the winter? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do and what not to do when caring for your roses. (Runtime: 1:38) Hyacinth bulbs are ready for planting (Audio 12/26/11) Knowledgeable gardeners refrigerated tulip and hyacinth bulbs back in fall. Now through early January is the time to plant those bulbs. You can force the hyacinth bulbs indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Christmas plants - save or discard? (Audio 12/26/11) If you used poinsettias, Christmas cactus or a living Christmas tree to decorate with during the holiday season, you may be wondering what to do with them. Some can be saved, others should be tossed. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bunching onions may be ready for harvest (Audio 12/26/11) Bunching onions and shallots were planted in late summer or early fall. These plants may be getting big enough to harvest now. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Know when to prune freeze damage on tropical plants (Audio 12/26/11) Most gardeners use tropical plants in their landscapes, so it typical to see freeze damage occur on them. It takes a few days for damage to appear, so wait to prune them. Woody tropical plants shouldn't be pruned until new growth appears in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Rose care in late winter (Audio 12/26/11) Gardeners may still have roses blooming during late December. Taking care of them this time of the year does not require a lot of effort. While they continue to bloom, deadhead them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Store garden chemicals properly during winter (Audio 12/19/11) Many of the gardening products such as water-based herbicides and insecticides can freeze if left outdoors during winter. Make sure you store them where this won't be an issue. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Apple trees can grow in La. (Audio 12/19/11) Apple is not a common fruit tree in Louisiana, but there are varieties that can be grown successfully in the state. Winter is a great time to plant apple and other hardy fruit trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners still have to deal with weeds in winter (Audio 12/19/11) In Louisiana, we still have weeds in the winter. The means gardeners will have to weed their flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Weed killers can be used on lawn weeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Don't get carried away by plants in gardening catalogues (Audio 12/19/11) Gardening catalogues arrive in the winter. They are full of beautiful photographs and great descriptions that can be tempting. Just make sure the plants or seeds you order are suitable for your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Find new life for leaves (Audio 12/19/11) Deciduous shade trees provide great shade in the summer while allowing the sun to shine through in winter. They do leave us with a blanket of leaves on our yard. Don't throw these leaves out, but rather use them as mulch or compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Camellias may need some care during winter (Audio 12/12/11) Louisiana gardeners are lucky to be able to grow camellias. These plants bloom during the winter when not much else does. Check for tea scale, and water them if we get a dry spell. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Give indoor plants proper care (Audio 12/1/2/11) Gardeners move many plants indoors for the winter. Taking care of these plants requires thought and effort. Remember, they need light and water. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Even evergreen leavess can change colors (Audio 12/12/11) Fall color isn't as common in Louisiana as in other parts of the country. Gardeners may be alarmed to see the leaves on evergreens change colors. This may be a reaction to cold weather, and not cause for concern. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 | Next -> Protect tender plants during freezes (Audio 12/12/11) Hard freezes can occur regularly in December. Tropical plants can be damaged if not protected during freezes. Covers, mulch and lights provide warmth for plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plants don't feel wind chill (Audio 12/12/11) Gardeners watch for freezes during the winter in an effort to protect tender plants. When wondering whether to take a plant indoors or cover it, look at the actual temperature, not the wind chill temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Proper care for poinsettias (Video 12/12/11) With colors ranging from dazzling red to creamy white, the poinsettia is maybe the most popular of all Christmas plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to best care for your poinsettias throughout the holiday season. (Runtime: 1:33) How to find the best Christmas tree (Video 12/5/11) Just because a Christmas tree looks good, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to find a fresh tree and how to properly maintain it so it lasts longer. (Runtime: 1:50) Store, repair garden equipment during winter months (Audio 12/05/11) Garden equipment such as lawn mowers may not be used much over the winter. Be sure to store this equipment properly. Also have items repaired during the off season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Cool-season plants add color to winter gardens (Audio 12/05/11) Gardeners can add cool-season bedding plants to their winter flower gardens. Plants such as pansies, snapdragons and dianthus enjoy cool days and colder nights. Try the 2011 fall Super Plant Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Holidays plant add festive touch to homes (Audio 12/05/11) We use a wide variety of plants to embellish our homes during the holidays. Pick healthy plants so they will last throughout the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tips for picking, caring for Christmas tree (Audio 12/05/11) Selecting a fresh, healthy Christmas tree and taking proper care of it will help it last throughout the holiday season. Christmas tree farms allow customers to cut down fresh trees. At a tree lot, look for healthy needles. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant cold-tolerant vegetables in December (Audio 12/05/11) Louisiana gardeners can still grow vegetables in December. Plant cold-hardy vegetables such as beets, cabbage and carrots. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Winter, early spring are good times to prune most trees, shrubs (For Release On Or After 12/30/11) Pruning is one gardening job that often neglected because gardeners are not exactly sure what to do. There is a great deal of confusion about how to prune, when to do it and even why pruning is done. Louisiana’s winter landscapes are different (For Release On Or After 12/23/11) I recently received a copy of a book called “The Garden in Winter.” Imagining what I would see inside, I opened the book, and the pictures were just what I had expected. Take care of winter garden chores (For Release On Or After 12/16/11) The pace of things tends to slow down a bit this time of year in the garden. Although we may continue to plant, prepare beds, harvest winter vegetables and enjoy cool-season flowers, most gardeners find this a more relaxed time of year. Forcing amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs (For Release On Or After 12/09/11) Paperwhite and amaryllis are two bulbs that are popular for forcing in Louisiana during the winter. Forcing bulbs means growing them to bloom earlier than they would under normal landscape conditions. Paperwhite bulbs and amaryllis bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them for bloom during the winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful. Care for tropical plants in landscapes (For Release On Or After 12/02/11) As cold winter weather begins to settle in over the state this month, we can expect freezing temperatures in the 20s and even occasionally the teens for the next few months. With cold weather comes concern for tropical plants in our landscapes. Pothos is tough tropical indoor plant (Video 11/28/11) Want interesting indoor greenery that’s not difficult to care for? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why a tough tropical plant called pothos is the perfect choice. (Runtime: 1:37) Swan columbine is tough, colorful Super Plant (Video 11/21/11) The saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” That slogan could apply to the obscure columbine. Not many Louisiana gardeners have ever heard of it. Until now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the Swan columbine is a great Louisiana Super Plant worthy of the spotlight. (Runtime: 1:30) Fall cleanup can keep landscape attractive (Audio 11/28/11) Landscapes can stay attractive throughout the winter. Your garden may need some grooming and maintenance this time of the year, such as removing old growth from summer perennials and bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Healthy tree starts with proper planting (Audio 11/28/11) The ideal time to plant trees in Louisiana is from November to March. To properly plant a tree, start by measuring the root ball. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Do not fertilize plants going dormant (Audio 11/28/11) Gardeners use fertilizer to provide nutrients to plants. Nitrogen helps to stimulate vigorous growth. Plants going dormant do not need fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Three fall Super Plants available for gardeners (Audio 11/28/11) Three outstanding plants have been named fall 2011 Super Plants. They include Belinda's Dream rose, Swan columbine and Redbor kale. Try these plants in your landscape this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 | Next -> Plant trees, shrubs in fall (Audio 11/28/11) Late November to early December is a good time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in our landscapes. These plants go through a root growth phase this time of the year, which helps establish them before they start growing foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Some insects stay active in winter gardens (Audio 11/21/11) Weeds, diseases and insects are fewer in the winter vegetable garden. Still, gardeners need to look out for pests such as aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Force paperwhites for winter blooms (Audio 11/21/11) Paperwhites are among the easiest spring-flowering bulbs to force to bloom for the winter in our homes. Bulbs are available loose or in kits. Following a few tips will help the plants grow and bloom beautifully. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare plants for move indoors (Audio 11/21/11) Tropical container plants can be damaged by winter freezes. Many gardeners move tender plants indoors this time of the year. Prepare the plant before the move by washing the plant off and getting it acclimated to lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Compost fallen leaves (Audio 11/21/11) Leaves are falling from decidious trees. Don't bag up leaves and throw them away. These leaves can be used for mulch or made into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can plant winter herbs in November (Audio 11/21/11) Many of the herbs Louisiana cooks enjoy are hardy and can be grown during the winter. All herbs need a sunny location and a well-drained bed or container. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lettuce is among the best fall vegetables (Video 11/7/11) If you’re craving hardy, home-grown vegetables like lettuce, you might consider planting a fall vegetable garden. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the vegetable section at a local nursery and explains how to select lettuce plants and how to properly pick them when you’re ready for your salad. (Runtime: 1:34) Plant fruit trees in fall (Audio 11/14/11) Fall is a great time to add hardy fruit trees to the landscape. Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of fruit trees and shrubs, but you must choose ones that are suitable for our climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Try Belinda's Dream rose for tough, beautiful roses (Audio 11/14/11) One of the most beautiful roses available for Louisiana gardeners is Belinda's Dream. This rose has the toughness of a Knock Out rose with flowers that look like hybrid tea roses. It's a fall 2011 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Swan columbine performs well in La. landscapes (Audio 11/14/11) Louisiana gardeners rarely grow columbines, but a new Louisiana Super Plant selection can change that. The Swan columbine is a beautiful plant that is more robust and has larger flowers than other columbines. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Amaryllis bulbs are not ready for outdoor planting (Audio 11/14/11) The amaryllis is a spring-blooming plant that is hardy in Louisiana. Bulbs are available but they should not be planted into the garden now. Pot them in a container, and force them to bloom indoors. Next year, bulbs treated that way this year can be planted into your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ornamental vegetable gets 'Super Plant' distinction (Audio 11/14/11) Redbor kale is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2011. This ornamental vegetable is beautiful and edible. Plant it this time of the year for an attractive tall plant in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Choosing colors for cool-season beds (Video 11/1/11) Now is a great time to plant cool-season flowers. But as you pick your plants at the nursery, don’t be confused by all the vibrant colors. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shares some important tips to help you choose the right colors for your cool-season flower beds. (Runtime: 1:41) Watch for tea scale on camellias (Audio 11/07/11) Camellias are beautiful shrubs that bloom during the winter when not much else is blooming. They can suffer from infestations of the insect tea scale. Symptoms include a white fuzzy appearance on the underside of the leaf. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare to plant cool-season bedding plants (Audio 11/07/11) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants in November. Many of these plants will provide color now and through the winter, then put on a beautiful display in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ryegrass keeps lawns green during winter (Audio 11/07/11) Lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown during the winter. If you want a green lawn over the next few months, plant ryegrass. A ryegrass lawn will require maintenance through the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can plant spring-flowering bulbs (Audio 11/07/11) November is a great month to plant spring bulbs in your landscapes. By now, the soil has had a chance to cool down from the summer. Check nurseries for these bulbs, and remember tulips and hyacinths need refrigeration before planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant lettuce in the fall vegetable garden (Audio 11/07/11) Lettuce harvested fresh from the garden has an outstanding flavor. Gardeners can grow lettuce this time of the year. Leafy lettuce and semi-heading varieties grow best in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Easy-care bush clover has nice fall flowers (Video 10/31/11) The relatively unknown bush clover is a drought-tolerant bush that blooms vibrant purple flowers throughout the fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that these low-maintenance plants are a great addition to any landscape. (Runtime: 1:39) Now is the time for planting hedges (For Release On Or After 11/25/11) If you are considering replanting a lost hedge, now is a great time to get the job done. A common part of landscapes, hedges generally are created by planting a row of shrubs or small trees. <- Prev |  10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 | Next -> Try growing edible flowers (For Release On Or After 11/18/11) Flowers are the delight of gardeners. Their beautiful colors, shapes and fragrances are the inspiration for gardening efforts by countless hobby horticulturists. There is more to flowers, however, than meets the eye – or the nose. Your taste buds can also appreciate the many edible flowers that we can grow. Harvest winter vegetables at the proper time (For Release On Or After 11/11 /11) The vegetables we grow in Louisiana during the cool season are some of the most delicious and nutritious that our home gardens can produce. Many of the vegetables we planted in late summer and early fall are ready to harvest – or will be soon. It is important to harvest vegetables at the proper stage for best results. Swan columbine named Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2011 (For Release On Or After 11/04/11) Louisiana gardeners seldom grow columbines (Aquilegia species and hybrids) in their flower gardens. This is likely due to unfamiliarity with columbines – there is no tradition of using columbines here in the Deep South – and lack of availability in local nurseries. Dianthus, foxgloves are outstanding plants for fall (Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners looking for fall bedding plants should consider two Louisiana Super Plants. The Amazon dianthus and Camelot foxglove were fall 2010 super plants, but they should be readily available at nurseries and garden centers again this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Falling leaves can be used as mulch (Audio 10/31/11) Many deciduous trees will start to drop leaves in November. Those leaves are valuable to gardeners. Consider raking them up and using them as mulch, and remember if you let them stay on the lawn, they can damage the grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Try Super Plants in fall garden (Audio 10/31/11) Louisiana Super Plants program promotes outstanding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Selections for this year include Belinda's Dream rose, Redbor kale and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep vegetable garden productive during winter (Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners can plant a number of cool-season vegetables into their vegetable gardens in November. Many popular vegetables such as leafy vegetables, root crops and cole crops can tolerate cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Even evergreen leaves can change colors (Audio 10/31/11) Leaves on evergreens can change colors and drop. Gardeners who notice yellowing leaves on their evergreens should not be concerned if the plant appears otherwise healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tough nandina makes great fall shrub (Video 10/24/11) The plant nandina is also called heavenly bamboo. It’s a tough, versatile shrub that can provide nice fall color. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains important differences among a number of nandina varieties. (Runtime: 1:41) Wildflowers bloom in fall (Audio 10/24/11) Louisiana wildflowers put on an outstanding display in the fall. Look around and notice what's out there - wonderful plants like the narrow-leaf sunflower and asters. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sedums are diverse, fall-blooming perennials (Video 10/17/11) If you’re looking for a plant that blooms during the fall every year, then sedums would be a dependable choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these tough plants come in different sizes and shapes. (Runtime: 1:38) Prepare beds before buying cool-season plants (Audio 10/24/11) Before you go to the nursery to purchase cool-season bedding plants, consider preparing your beds first. This way you'll only buy the plants needed to fill those beds. Think about a color scheme and how much mulch you will need to cover the beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Winterizing lawn is optional (Audio 10/24/11) In fall, you may hear about winterizing your lawn. This means applying the mineral nutrient potassium to the lawn. All plants need potassium, but winterizing the lawn is optional. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Inspect trees for summer storm damage (Audio 10/24/11) Storms and high winds are common in Louisiana in the summer. Trees in your landscape may have suffered broken limbs. This is a good time to inspect your trees that may have been damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Get fall color with chrysanthemums (Audio 10/24/11) Chrysanthemums symbolize the fall season in flower beds. They are triggered to bloom when the nights are long. You can find blooming plants available, but choose a plant with plenty of unopened buds so you can have a long season of color. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spring-flowering bulbs are available for planting (Audio 10/17/11) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries and garden centers. Most spring bulbs are planted in November or December. Hyacinth and tulip bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator and planted in late December or January. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Time to plant cool-season bedding plants (Audio 10/17/11) It's time to check your flower beds if your summer bedding plants are fading. Plant cool-season plants that will provide color through fall and winter and into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Dig up caladium tubers to save for next year (Audio 10/17/11) Caladiums have gone dormant by now. The tubers can be saved from year to year. Dig up your tubers this month, and let the foliage dry. Store them inside your home so they can survive through the winter. (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) Scale insects are hard to diagnose (Audio 10/17/11) Scale insects are difficult to diagnose on plants. Once they are visible, they have settled on the plant and never move again. They also protect themselves with a shell and don't really look like bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 | Next -> Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental you can eat (Video 10/10/11) Louisiana Super Plants are outstanding plants for landscapes throughout the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental plant as well as an edible vegetable. (Runtime: 1:38) Prepare container plants for move indoors (Audio 10/10/11) Gardeners often put their container plants outside for the summer. When winter approaches, move your plants to a shady location. This will prepare them for the move back inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Remember to water during fall dry spells (Audio 10/10/11) October brings relief from summer heat. It can be one of our drier months, too. But with cooler weather we may forget our plants still need water. If a dry spell occurs during the next few weeks, be sure to irrigate the plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fallen leaves can have new life in landscape (Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana deciduous trees drop most of their leaves in November and December. Plan now to use these leaves as mulch or to turn them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Winter herbs can be planted in October (Audio 10/10/11) Many of the herbs that Louisiana cooks enjoy using grow well in winter. Check local nurseries for transplants of popular herbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can plant strawberries now (Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana vegetable gardeners can plant strawberry plants in fall. If you want strawberries in spring, plant them soon. Look for Louisiana varieties at local garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs (For Release On Or After 10/28/11) We’ve become accustomed to running out and buying flats or pots of blooming bedding plants to create “instant flower gardens.” This last-minute approach, however, will simply not work when using spring-flowering bulbs in the landscape. If you want beautiful beds of daffodils, tulips or Dutch irises next spring, you should think about planting them now. Try growing delicious fall vegetables (For Release On Or After 10/21/11) Cooler mornings in October make it a joy to get out and work in the home vegetable garden. A number of delicious and nutritious vegetables will thrive in the coming cool season. Indeed, some of our favorite vegetables can only be grown in Louisiana from October through April. Redbor kale selected as a Louisiana Super Plant (For Release On Or After 10/14/11) Redbor kale is the first edible Louisiana Super Plants selection. It is an incredible multiuse annual for the cool-season flower or vegetable garden. Although perfectly edible, it is so attractive it is being promoted as an ornamental for planting in flowerbeds. Belinda’s Dream rose selected as 2011 Louisiana Super Plant (For Release On Or After 10/7/11) Belinda’s Dream rose is the first Louisiana Super Plant selection to be announced for the fall 2011 season. With beautiful flowers, excellent disease resistance and a bushy growth habit, it well deserves the recognition. Sweet peas provide color, fragrance in home garden (Audio 10/03/11) Cool-season bedding plants offer beautiful color. Sweet peas also offer wonderful fragrance. Sweet pea seeds can be found at gardening centers, and the plants need something to climb on while growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spruce up your home with natural decorations (Audio 10/03/11) Look around and you may notice beautiful things in nature you can use to decorate your home. Leaves and seed pods can be made into wreathes and arrangements that will stay attractive throughout fall and into the holiday season. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Brown patch can attack lawns in fall (Audio 10/03/11) As the weather cools in October, lawns begin growing more slowly. But you still have to watch out for lawn diseases such as brown patch. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Roses begin second blooming season (Audio 10/03/11) Roses begin blooming beautifully in October. This month can be dry, so water them if we have dry spells. Also, deadhead roses to keep them attractive and to show off the new growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Vegetable gardens transition to cool season (Audio 10/03/11) October is a good time to start planting cool-season vegetables. Gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Purple leaves make Delta Jazz crape myrtles unique (Video 10/3/11) There are many different types of crape myrtles scattered across Louisiana lawns and landscapes. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the new Delta Jazz has a notable feature not found on other crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1:39) 2012 Get It Growing Calendar Order Form 2012 Get It Growing Calendar Order Form Get It Growing Calendar Call for Entries Promote your gardening photographs by entering the LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Gardening Calendar competition. Submit your eye-popping images of Louisiana flowers, fruits, vegetables, gardens, trees, etc. for all months of the year. Find out more by reading the 2013 Get It Growing Calendar call for entries information included along with the form for entering your photos. 2012 Get It Growing Calendar The LSU AgCenter's 2012 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar offers beautiful photos of Louisiana plants, flowers and garden scenes accompanied by monthly gardening tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. It also includes a special feature on soil testing, information on Louisiana Super Plants and a how-to section on taking a soil sample. Super Plant Belinda’s Dream rose easy to grow (Video 9/26/11) Are you afraid to grow roses because you heard it was difficult? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains there’s no need to have any fear about growing Belinda’s Dream roses. They’re the latest Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 1:35) <- Prev |  12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 | Next -> Grooming can keep summer plants attractive into fall (Audio 09/26/11) Summer-blooming bulbs are popular in Louisiana landscapes. By this time of the year some of them are fading. Trim away old leaves and cut back stalks to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Growing garlic is easy (Audio 09/26/11) Garlic is a staple in Louisiana cooking. Gardeners can have a steady supply by growing it themselves in their winter gardens. Growing garlic does require patience. Harvest will occur in late April or May. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Divide iris before their growing season starts (Audio 09/26/11) Louisiana iris are wonderful perennials grown in the state. Their growing season starts in October, so now is a good time to dig up and divide these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Evaluate beds as gardens transition into fall (Audio 09/26/11) Gardeners who planted warm-season bedding plants in May, may see these plants fading this month. You can evaluate your plants and start planning your fall beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Evaluate shade needs in landscapes (Audio 09/26/11) It's still hot in September, so now is still a good time to see where you may need shade in your landscape. Shade trees can reduce energy bills and make outdoor spaces more pleasant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Choose best herbs for your garden (Video 9/19/11) Some herbs are hardy, and you can plant them during cold months with no problem. Others are less tolerant of the cold and should be planted now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill helps you choose the best garden herbs for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:37) Azalea lace bugs feed on underside of azalea leaves (Audio 09/19/11) The azalea lace bug is a common insect pest that attacks azaleas. The symptom is tiny white specks on the upper surface of the leaf. Turn over the leaf and look for dark spots. Gardeners have several insecticides available to control lace bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Container plants may need repotting (Audio 09/19/11) By the end of summer, plants growing in containers may have outgrown those containers. Consider repotting them if they appear pot-bound. Choose a new container about 2 to 4 inches larger than the container a plant is growing in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Recycle landscape waste with composting (Audio 09/19/11) Many gardeners throw away the organic waste generated by their landscapes. Grass clippings, leaves and small twigs can be recycled through composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Caladium tubers can be saved year to year (Audio 09/19/11) Caladiums are valuable bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. Many gardeners dig up the caladiums before winter and replant the tubers the following year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fall azaleas bloom beautifully this time of year (Audio 09/19/11) For generations, spring was the prime blooming season for azaleas. But since breeders have developed plants that will bloom in the fall as well as the spring, you can enjoy their beauty this time of year, too. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use appropriate insecticides on vegetable, fruit plants (Video 9/12/11) Bugs have been multiplying during the summer. In most cases, you’ll have to use some type of insecticides to protect your vegetable and fruit plants. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, it’s important to use the safest, most appropriate insecticides for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:39) Landscapes still need water during dry conditions this time of year (Audio 09/12/11) The weather in September can by dry, and October tends to be our driest month of the year. Gardeners may be tempted to water less frequently as the weather cools, but if conditions are dry, watering still will be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plants begin preparations for winter (Audio 09/12/11) Days are getting shorter, and fall is around the corner. While it can still be warm here this time of the year, plants need to prepare for winter. This means it's getting too late to prune many plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mulch keeps weeds under control (Audio 09/12/11) Louisiana gardeners rely on mulch to help control weeds. Mulches will break down over time, so it may be time to refresh the mulch around beds, trees and shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Horiculturist offers tips for late summer lawn care (Audio 09/12/11) Seasons are beginning to change, but lawns haven't slowed down yet. If the weather remains dry and hot during the month, you may notice chinch bug damage in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare beds for fall plantings (Audio 09/12/11) Summer's intense heat begins to dissipate in September, allowing gardeners more time in their yards. This is a good time to prepare beds for fall vegetables and cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Desert Rose is a tough, artistic container plant (Video 09/05/11) The desert rose – as the name suggests – is a tough, hardy plant. It doesn’t need much water in the summer, produces beautiful flowers and has an interesting sculpture-looking trunk. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this unique container plant that looks like a miniature tree. (Runtime: 1:41) Curtail fertilizing trees, shrubs, lawns (Audio 09/05/11) While it still feels like summer in September, plants are preparing for fall and winter. This means gardeners should be cautious about fertilizing certain plants and lawns that need to be hardy heading into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Breaking branches are normal on pecan trees (Audio 09/05/11) The load of pecan nuts on trees may be fairly heavy in September. As trees get older, the branches get longer and may snap from the weight of the pecans. It is normal even for healthy branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 | Next -> Mushrooms, slime molds are unslightly, not harmful (Audio 09/05/11) Wet and hot conditions in late summer can cause mushrooms to pop up in lawns. These can be a nuisance, but they don't hurt our lawns. Homeowners also may notice slime mold on their grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can plant shallots, green onions in September (Audio 09/05/11) Shallots and green onions are popular and easy to grow in home gardens. Growing them does require patience, however. If you plant them now, you won't harvest until spring. You can plant these vegetables using sets. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Protect trees during construction (Audio 09/05/11) Mature trees are a valuable part of any property. When building a new home or renovating on a lot with trees, make sure to protect the trees from construction damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lawns require fall care (For Release On Or After 09/30/11) Lawn care definitely changes as the weather begins to cool, and by October the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, centipede, Bermuda and zoysia begins to slow down. As a result, now is not a good time to do anything that would disrupt or damage the turf such as filling, aerification or dethatching. You can save your own seeds (For Release On Or After 09/23/11) Many summer-blooming annuals, perennials and vegetables are setting seeds now, and you can harvest the seeds, store them and then grow a new crop of plants for your garden next year. This can be fun, save a little money and allow you to share seed with gardening friends. How to deal with storm-damaged trees (For Release On Or After 09/16 /11) September is one of our most active months for tropical storms and hurricanes. Although parishes in the southern portion of the state are most vulnerable, these powerful storms can and do produce high winds and heavy rains as they move north. And tropical storms aren’t all we have to worry about. Violent summer storms can produce high winds and tornados as well. How to choose a fertilizer (For Release On Or After 09/09/11) One of the most common questions I receive from gardeners is, “What kind of fertilizer should I use?” The gardeners generally assume there must be an easy answer for this if they just tell me what kind of plant they are growing. September is time to prune and fertilize (For Release On Or After 09/02/11) In late summer gardeners need to think about two important points of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This time of year is the latest we should fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape. Now is also the time to prune many shrubs, cut back overgrown tropicals and trim some bedding plants. Alice Dupont mandevilla is colorful climbing vine (Video 8/29/11) On this edition of Get It Growing, we look at a climbing vine that displays a wonderful profusion of large, colorful flowers. It’s the Alice Dupont mandevilla, and it blooms abundantly during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on growing this graceful, colorful, trellis vine. (Runtime: 1:33) Transplants need to toughen up before planting (Audio 08/29/11) Transplants have been coddled at the nursery and aren't ready to go straight into the garden. You need to harden them off first by gradually exposing them to more sunlight and less water. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Vegetable gardens starting transition toward cool season (Audio 08/29/11) Home vegetable gardens are very active in September. Gardeners can grow a mix of warm-season and cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Evaluate landscape plants in late summer (Audio 08/29/11) Late August is a stressful time of the year in our landscapes, but it also is a good time to walk around and evaluate how plants performed throughout the summer. What you learn will help you make planting decisions for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Recycle grass clippings (Audio 08/29/11) Homeowners have several options for their grass clippings. One is to keep them on the lawn. This should only be done if you mow frequently. Another is to bag the clippings and use them in a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Coleus provide colorful foliage in landscapes (Audio 08/29/11) Coleus are among those plants grown not for their flowers but for their colorful foliage. Many coleus varieties are adapted for full sun, but one variety must be grown in the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Beautiful Texas Red Star hibiscus well adapted for soggy areas (Video 08/22/11) Many plants don’t perform well in poorly drained areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that will not only thrive in soggy areas, but will also grow to towering heights while showing off giant, beautiful blooms. (Runtime: 1:31) Ever-blooming roses need pruning during late summer (Audio 08/22/11) Gardeners growing ever-blooming roses in their landscapes should prune plants in late August or early September. The pruning provides a chance to shape plants before the roses bloom again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ajuga is great ground cover (Audio 08/22/11) Ajuga is a ground cover that has purple-tinted leaves. It is low-growing and loves the shade. Although it can be prone to fungal infection, certain varieties have better disease resistance than others. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant, groom palms in summer (Audio 08/22/11) Palms can grow across the state, and summer is an ideal time to plant them. To maintain palms, prune old fronds that have turned brown. You also can prune off flower clusters. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Wrap up lawn fertilizer applications in August (Audio 08/22/11) August is the last month to fertilize Louisiana lawns. Lawn fertilizers will work for several months. By October, we need our lawns to slow down and prepare for winter. No matter when you do it, fertilizing is an option not a necessity. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Create balanced ecosystem with aquatic garden (Audio 08/22/11) Aquatic features are great in landscapes. They are easy to add and not too difficult to maintain. Those with existing aquatic gardens should make sure the ponds stays clean and has a balanced ecosystem. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 | Next -> Choosing Plants for the Shade (Video 8/15/11) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime: 1:26) Avoid the sun; work in the shade with ferns (Audio 08/15/11) Ferns are great plants for shady areas in landscapes. Gardeners looking to work in the shade during the hot months or other times of the year will enjoy having ferns. Trim out any dead fronds, and make sure they have adequate mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Check pears for signs of ripening (Audio 08/15/11) In Louisiana, pears ripen in August and September. Signs that the fruit are ripening include a change of color. They may also soften slightly. Don't let them get too soft. Pears ripen better off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant milkweed to attract butterflies (Audio 08/15/11) Milkweed is a perfect plant for attracting monarch butterflies to your garden. It blooms all summer long and is a robust plant. But remember you can't spray insecticides on the milkweed because pesticides can harm caterpillars that will become butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can divide La. iris this month (Audio 08/15/11) For most plants, the hottest time of the year is not the time to divide them. But Louisiana iris are dormant now, and it is the perfect time to dig them up and divide any large clumps. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Repot plants too big for their containers (Audio 08/15/11) After a summer of vigorous growth outside, a container plant may have outgrown its pot. Signs of a pot-bound plant include roots growing out of the drainage hole or roots on the surface of the soil. Repot a plant to a larger container if you see these issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Persian shield grows tall, has striking foliage (Video 08/08/11) Flowers are not the only way to achieve beautiful color in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a dependable, tall-growing plant with beautifully colored foliage. (Runtime: 1:28) Maintain eggplants, pepper plants for fall crop (Audio 08/08/11) Eggplants and bell peppers are important in Louisiana cuisine, and gardeners may still have these vegetables in their gardens. If the plants are kept in good shape, they'll produce another crop when the weather begins to cool. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Watch out for problems with pecan trees (Audio 08/08/11) Pecans are forming and growing on pecan trees. Dry conditions could cause pecans to drop prematurely, and the heavy weight of pecans could cause branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Take care of coleus (Audio 08/08/11) The colorful foliage of coleus works well in the summer flower garden. To take care of these plants this time of the year, cut off their flowers to allow them to grow more foliage. Fertilizer will help them grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Trim or wrap hanging plants to keep them attractive (Audio 08/08/11) Hanging baskets allow people a different perspective on plants. If you have plants that have overgrown their baskets, trim them back. For trailing plants that have grown too long, wrap the plants back up in their pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Small insects can cause big damage on plants (Audio 08/08/11) Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plants. Because they are hard to see, they can build up a large population before gardeners realize it. White flies also are small insects. Both spider mites and white flies attack a wide variety of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune roses now for beautiful fall flowers (For Release On Or After 08/26/11) We are fortunate that everblooming roses produce two really great seasons of bloom in Louisiana. The first outstanding season occurs in spring and early summer from April to early June. Roses continue to bloom through the summer, but the flowers produced in mid- to late summer generally don’t have the quality of the flowers produced earlier. Gardening and the Internet (For Release On Or After 08/19/11) Reading garden books has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and I still keep my most useful references close at hand. But I have to admit that more and more I find myself doing research on my computer. The amount of information on the Internet about gardening is nothing short of awesome. Here’s how to grow bromeliads from ‘pups’ (For Release On Or After 08/12/11) Bromeliads are a wonderful group of tropical or semi-tropical plants that are very popular container plants. Because they are easy to grow, colorful and stay in bloom for a long time, they are also commonly used by florist as gift plants. As a result, even people who are not familiar with bromeliads sometimes find themselves the owner of a plant they do not know how to grow. Here’s how to root cuttings (For Release On Or After 08/05/11) When gardeners get together and someone compliments a plant, it’s not unusual for the admirer to be offered a “piece” to take home and root. Sharing plants is one of the pleasures of gardening. Getting that piece – or cutting – to survive and grow into a new plant is the challenge. Caladiums are reliable with proper care (Video 08/1/11) If you haven’t already planted your caladiums a few months ago, you can still find a great variety of them in your local nurseries at this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the proper way to care for this highly reliable summer plant. (Runtime: 1:23) Gardeners should try fall tomatoes (Audio 08/01/11) Gardeners can get a good fall tomato harvest. Local nurseries will have tomato transplants that can be planted into well-prepared beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep chinch bugs from destroying your lawn (Audio 08/01/11) Chinch bugs are tiny insects that attack and kill grass. They are worse during late summer and like hot, dry conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Identify pest problem before treating for it (Audio 08/01/11) Insects and other pests have had all summer to build up their populations and become problems. When controlling an insect pest, disease problem or weed issue, it's always best to identify what you are dealing with before you start trying to treat it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 | Next -> Prune bedding plants to keep flower beds attractive (Audio 08/01/11) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. Bedding plants planted back in the spring may be taller than expected and need some pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds) August signals transition in vegetable garden (Audio 08/01/11) August begins a transitional time in home vegetable gardens in Louisiana. Gardeners can plant fall crops that enjoy warmer weather as well as cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Peperomia plants make a comeback (Video 07/25/11) Some once-popular plants have faded from common use today. But occasionally one of those plants will make its way back into marketplaces and landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of these comeback kids. Some people call them “pepperoni plants.” (Runtime: 1:39) Mushrooms are nuisance in lawns (Audio 07/25/11) Mushrooms can pop up in landscapes from time to time. Wet weather can encourage mushroom growth. They are a nuisance and are harmful to lawns and plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Propagate shrubs with semi-hardwood cuttings (Audio 07/25/11) Cuttings this time of the year are semi-hardwood cuttings. Gardeners can propagate their shrubs with cuttings now. Listen to learn how. (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) Signs of bark lice are not cause for alarm (Audio 07/25/11) Bark lice form webbing on tree trunks and branches. While it may look alarming, these insects do not harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Basil is great summer herb (Audio 07/25/11) Basil is a popular herb in the home garden. Gardeners who planted basil during the spring have been enjoying a wonderful harvest. When a basil plant starts blooming, that signals the end of its season. But you still can plant another crop of basil to enjoy for the rest of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) New blackberry canes will produce next year's crop (Audio 07/18/11) July is a good time to prune old blackberry canes. Be careful not to prune any new canes, however, because those are the ones that will produce berries next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Pruning crape myrtle flowers encourages blooming (Audio 07/18/11) Crape myrtles bloom beautifully through early summer. Gardeners with crape myrtles can prune off fading flowers to encourage additional blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Provide caladiums with summer care (Audio 07/18/11) Caladiums are excellent plants for shady areas. Taking care of them in the summer will keep them healthy and happy into fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune gardenias, hydrangeas before they set flowers (Audio 07/18/11) Gardeners who haven't pruned their gardenias or hydrangeas are running out of time. Late July is the latest to prune these shrubs before they set next year's flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fresh figs available during July (Audio 07/18/11) Louisiana figs peak during the month of July. Harvesting the ripe figs daily will yield the best fruit and keep predators from getting to the figs first. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Combine plants in containers for nice effect (Video 7/18/11) Plants in containers or pots help liven up patio areas. Rather than just putting one type of plant in the container, you can use plant combinations. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides ideas for combining container plants for very nice effects. (Runtime: 1:37) Fireworks gomphrenas explode with color (Video 7/11/11) Compact flowering bedding plants are typical in summer flower gardens. But taller, wilder looking flowering plants are coming back to the garden landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new plant that fills spaces with color, while exerting its freedom to grow up and out. (Runtime: 1:34) Pot feet keep container plants from damaging decks (Audio 07/11/11) Container plants can add life to a deck or patio. If you have a wooden deck, though, container plants can cause problems. Use pot feet to boost up container plants so water doesn't ruin your deck. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lawn grasses don't thrive in shady spots (Audio 07/11/11) Many of the lawn grasses grown in Louisiana can't hold up against the shade of a large tree. If you have a shady spot in your yard, consider planting a ground cover in that area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Leaf miners leave trails on leaves (Audio 7/11/11) Leaf miners are common insects on a wide variety of ornamental plants and vegetables. The tiny insects feed between the layers of leaf cells. Leaf miners can be controlled with an insecticide. (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) Mulch, herbicides are good defense against weeds (Audio 07/11/11) Weeding work is never done, but there are things gardeners can do to suppress weed growth. A good mulch and using a pre-emergence herbicide can help you cut back weeding. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 | Next -> Daisies of Summer (Video 07/04/11) You can find all types of daisies at your local nurseries now. They’re known for their colorful and distinctive flowers. But don't think that just because you’ve seen one daisy, yo've seen them all. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to these diverse and prolific summer flowers. (Runtime: 1:34) Shade trees can lower electricity bills (Audio 07/04/11) Shade trees provide beauty in the landscape -- and they also can decrease cooling costs. Consider planting a shade tree this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tomato quality decreases as temperatures rise (Audio 07/04/11) Tomatoes generally don't like our summer heat, so during July tomato plants aren't producing as well as there were earlier in the season. If you are seeing low quality, pull the plants out and plant something else. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Webworms do little damage to trees (Audio 07/04/11) Webworms are small caterpillars that form colonies and spin webs on the branches of trees, particularly pecans. They feed on foliage but are relatively harmless to the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mowing regularly keeps lawn healthy (Audio 07/04/11) When it comes to lawn care this time of the year, the most important thing is mowing. Mowing regularly and at the right height will keep grass healthy and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners can plant heat-tolerant vegetables in July (Audio 07/04/11) July in Louisiana is hot, and many vegetable gardeners take a break during this month. For those who still want to work in their gardens, there are heat-tolerant vegetables that can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Training vines enhances their beauty (For Release On Or After 07/29/11) No other group of plants can be used to create the effects that vines do in the landscape. They can soften and link architectural structures such as pergolas, arbors, buildings, fences and arches to the gardens around them. Vines can be used to provide shade, privacy, flowers, ground covers, edible or attractive fruit, fragrance and food for wildlife. It would be hard to imagine a well-planted landscape without the use of vines somewhere. You can have happy houseplants (For Release On Or After 07/22/11) Whether we admit it or not, heat and humidity this time of year make gardening outside less enjoyable. I have to confess to retreating into the coolness of my air-conditioned home and spending less time in the garden now that midsummer has arrived. But when I don’t spend as much time in my outside garden, I can turn to my collection of indoor plants to keep me happy. July isn’t too late for bedding plants (For Release On Or After 07/15/11) If you want to boost the color in your landscape, nurseries still have a good selection of colorful bedding plants that will thrive in whatever heat the summer throws at them. They come in a variety of heights, textures and colors and are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations. Don’t let poison ivy get you (For Release On Or After 07/08/11) I recently came across some poison ivy as I was working in an out-of-the-way area of my landscape. Poison ivy is abundant in urban, suburban and rural landscapes. I keep a sharp eye out for this plant because I’m quite allergic, and I promptly and ruthlessly deal with any as soon as I see it. Lawns require summer care (For Release On Or After 07/01/11) Lawns and the people who maintain them face a number of issues in mid- to late summer. A variety of lawn-care activities and pest problems need to be dealt with this time of the year. Not too hot for tropicals (Video 6/27/11) Because of excessively hot, sticky Louisiana temperatures, we tend to feel sorry for plants because they’re constantly being sizzled. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some plants that actually love the brutal heat and humidity and thrive in it. (Runtime- 1:39) Plant palms during summer months (Audio 06/27/11) Summer is the best time to plant palms in Louisiana. Palms can be grown around the state, but some are more susceptible to freezes, which are more likely in the northern part of the state. When deciding what type of palm to plant, consider size and hardiness. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Summer bedding plants are ready for garden (Audio 06/27/11) Gardeners who planted petunias back in the spring may need to replace them soon. Nurseries have a wide selection of heat-tolerant bedding plants this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Everblooming roses lose vigor in summer (Audio 06/27/11) Everblooming roses will continue to bloom through the summer, but they don't perform best in the heat. Gardeners will notice fewer, less vigorous roses over the next few months. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Threat of knees need not dissuade people from planting baldcypress (Audio 06/27/11) The baldcypress is Louisiana's state tree. The trees are popular around the state, but knees can pop up when the tree is planted in poorly drained soils. Homeowners can remove the knees when they appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mexican tarragon takes heat (Audio 06/27/11) A great herb for summer is Mexican tarragon. This herb, which is similar to French tarragon, tolerates Louisiana's summer heat. The plant is related to the marigold and will produce wonderful flowers in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use rain gauges (Video 6/20/11) After drought-like conditions for much of the year some areas of the state finally have been receiving rainfall. But are these thunderstorms providing enough moisture for our plants and landscapes? Maybe not. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take the guesswork out of that part of lawn and plant care. (Runtime 1:39) Take precautions when gardening during summer (Audio 06/20/11) Gardening this time of the year presents challenges. Gardeners need to protect themselves from the heat. Gardening in the morning and in the shade and drinking plenty of fluids make gardening during the summer more tolerable. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bark lice won't harm tree (Audio 06/20/11) Patches of silvery webbing on tree trunks may look alarming, but it's generally harmless. Bark lice feeding on organic matter on the tree usually are what create such webbing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Serena angelonia does not need pampering (Audio 06/20/11) The Serena series of angelonia is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for spring 2011. The plant is drought resistant and blooms well in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Traps, baits help control snails, slugs (Audio 06/20/11) Snails and slugs can chew holes in the leaves of our plants. Other insects do this as well, so you need to confirm which pest is causing problems. As for snails and slugs, they cause their damage at night, but they can be controlled with baits or traps. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Butterfly pentas singled out as La. Super Plant (Audio 06/20/11) Butterfly pentas are outstanding summer bedding plants. They come in a wide array of colors, produce flowers all summer long and attract butterflies. This plant also is a Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Drought-tolerant euphorbia enhances beauty of other flowers (Video 6/13/11) Some plants work well at accentuating other plants in flower gardens or flower pots. Euphorbia is one of those plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this beautiful, drought-tolerant plant enhances flowers in the landscape, much like a spray completes a floral arrangement. (Runtime: 1:47) Gardeners with once-blooming roses should prepare to prune them (Audio 06/13/11) Many of the roses Louisiana gardeners use in their landscapes are everblooming roses. These flowers bloom in the spring, summer and fall. Once-blooming roses will bloom only one time during the year in spring and early summer. Midsummer is the time to prune them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Organic spray controls caterpillars (Audio 06/13/11) Caterpillars are common pests in our landscapes. Gardeners can control caterpillars organically on flowers and vegetables using a naturally occurring bacterium. This bacterium does not harm other animals or people. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lightning can kill trees (Audio 06/13/11) Some trees will survive a lightning strike, but lightning can kill a tree. After a tree is struck by lightning, wait a few weeks to look for signs that the tree might be dead or damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare landscapes for summer storms (Audio 06/13/11) Hurricane season started June 1, and homeowners should prepare their property. Check trees for dead or decaying wood and be ready to secure container plants, outside furniture and other outdoor objects in the case of heavy wind. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Color Guard yucca – hardy in drought (Video 6/6/11) Record drought conditions are having an adverse effect on Louisiana yards and gardens. Not many plants are designed to withstand such harsh moisture deprivation. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why Color Guard yucca is a good, drought-tolerant plant for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:34) Prune gardenias when blooms fade (Audio 06/13/11) Gardenias are fragrant shrubs that bloom in May and June. After they finish flowering, gardeners can prune these shrubs. Waiting too long could jeopardize next year's blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lichens won't harm plants (Audio 06/06/11) Lichens are odd, but they are not harmful to the plants they grow on. Lichens are a symbiotic organism composed of an alga and a fungus. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Soluble fertilizers deliver boost to plants (Audio 06/06/11) Plants are in active growth during the summer and may need extra nutrients from fertilizers. Soluble fertilizers allow plants to absorb the nutrients immediately, providing a quick boost to plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Young trees require extra water (Audio 06/06/11) Gardeners with new or young trees need to water these trees properly during summer. A lawn sprinkler won't adequately water a new tree. Hear more to learn about how to water a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Container plants need water regularly during summer months (Audio 06/06/11) Many Louisiana gardeners use container plants. During summer these plants can dry out quickly. Plants in small pots, ones that are root bound and plants in clay pots all dry out quickly. Make sure to water them thoroughly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Too much shade means lawn problems (For Release On Or After 06/24/11) Often, the things people plant first in new landscapes are the lawn and shade trees. As time goes on, however, sun-loving lawn grasses and shade trees don’t go together particularly well. These colorful plants take the heat (For Release On Or After 06/17/11) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer. Summer bedding plants come in a variety of heights, textures and colors, and they are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations. Summer storms and hurricanes are coming: check your trees (For Release On Or After 06/10/11) Violent thunderstorms can occur around the state during the summer, and in south Louisiana high winds from hurricanes are a real concern. That means it’s an excellent time to take a look at trees in your landscape. Although they add immeasurably to our home grounds, trees with problems can be a liability during storms. Proper watering is important during dry weather (For Release On Or After 06/03/11) Dry weather has been common around the state since spring started, and most of us have received less than the typical amount of rain this year. We don’t know how much rain will fall this summer, but we can be fairly certain that there will be at least some periods of hot, dry weather when we will need to water our landscapes. Grass clippings make great compost (Audio 05/30/11) Composting has many benefits. It recycles landscape waste, and the compost you make is a wonderful material to add to garden beds or to use as top dressing. Grass clippings are the primary organic material we get from our landscapes this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Summer vegetables can stand up to heat (Audio 05/30/11) The intense heat of summer arrives in June. Despite the heat, gardeners can still plant vegetables into their gardens. Consider planting cantaloupes, eggplants, peanuts and pumpkins. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Ripen tomatoes indoors to avoid bird, insect damage (Audio 05/30/11) Vine-ripened tomatoes provide wonderful flavor to summer salads and sandwiches, but often birds or insects will attack them before you can harvest them. Gardeners can harvest tomatoes at different stages and allow them to ripen indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Hibiscus provide tropical flowers in summer gardens (Audio 05/30/11) The tropical hibiscus is a wonderful, colorful plant for summer landscapes. Gardeners can grow them in the ground or in containers. In the northern part of the state, hibiscus are more at risk of being killed by freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Rose of Sharon ‘Aphrodite’ blooms bigger, lasts longer (Video 5/30/11) If you’re looking for a large shrub with many big, colorful flowers, the Rose of Sharon ‘Aphrodite’ may be what you’re looking for. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar is a better selection than most other Rose of Sharon plants. (Runtime: 1:39) Irish potatoes are ready for harvest (Audio 05/23/11) Irish potatos are great to grow in the vegetable garden. If you planted seed pieces back in February, the potatoes should be ready to harvest soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Black spot affects roses (Audio 05/23/11) Black spot is the most destructive fungal disease that affects roses in Louisiana. Hybrid teas and grandiflora are highly susceptible to the disease and require a regular spray regimen to prevent it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Spanish moss is not harmful to trees (Audio 05/23/11) Spanish moss does not damage the trees it grows in. It is not parasitic on the tree. It's a green plant, and it photosynthesizes all the food it needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Replace cool-season bedding plants (Audio 05/23/11) Most cool-season bedding plants won't make it past the month of May. When they start to languish, replace them with warm-season bedding plants. Before you go to the nursery, however, have an idea of what you want to use. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Homegrown blackberries are plump, sweet (Audio 05/23/11) Blackberries are productive fruiting plants and easy to grow around your home. Backyard blackberry varieties produce larger and sweeter berries than the wild variety. (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) 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) Snow Princess: pretty name, tough plant (Video 11/22/10) If you’re looking for a cool-season bedding plant that blooms nicely most of the year, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a suggestion. The Snow Princess is a beautiful plant, but as you’ll learn on this edition of Get It Growing, you won’t need a magic wand to keep it alive. (Runtime: 1:39) Camelot foxglove excellent fall choice (Video 11/08/10) Louisiana Super Plants are beautiful plants chosen by the LSU AgCenter as superior ornamentals for Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the most recent fall Super Plants. It’s called Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 1:43) 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) Tropical plant can handle La. winters (Video 09/13/10) You can maintain a tropical look in your landscape well into fall with the beautiful Pride of Barbados plant. But LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises you’d better plant them now. (Runtime: 1:35) 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) 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) <- Prev |  19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> 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) Hanging baskets lift up flowers (Video 06/08/09) Beautiful flowering plants in a landscape can catch your attention. But they don’t necessarily have to be planted in the ground to provide beauty and fragrance. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages gardeners to take plants higher than ground level, while bringing flowers closer to the senses. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds) Plant cool-season garden in February (Video 02/18/08) Now is the time to get some of your flowering plants into their flower beds. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some good choices of hardy annuals for your cool-season garden. (Runtime 1 minute, 33 seconds) Soil Additions Change Hydrangea Colors (Audio 10/15/07) Gardeners can manipulate the color of their hydrangeas by making an addition to the soil this month. Acid soils produce blue plants and alkaline soils produce pink flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Wisteria Vines Can Take Years To Bloom (Audio 10/15/07) Wisteria is an outstanding flowering vine for Louisiana landscapes. It spreads easily, so be sure to keep it under control. A common problem with wisteria is that it can take several years to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Try A Persimmon Tree In Your Home Landscape (Audio 10/08/07) Persimmon trees are easy to grow in Louisiana landscapes. This fruit tree produces seedless fruit and doesn't need pollination. The fruit of most varieties must be soft before it can be eaten. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare Plants For The Move Indoors (Audio 10/08/07) Many gardeners move their houseplants outside during the summer. As the weather cools, tropical plants will have to come back indoors. Before making the move, they need to acclimate to low-light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Saving Seeds Can Be Rewarding (Audio 10/08/07) Save the seeds from plants such as annuals and perennials, and don't harvest the seeds too early. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant Strawberries The Month For A Spring Harvest (Audio 10/08/07) Harvest season for strawberries is in the spring, but now is the time to plant them in your garden. Make sure the beds are well-prepared and raised. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sweet Peas Add Color And Fragrance To The Landscape (Audio 10/07/08) Sweet peas are outstanding flowering vines. Their color and fragrance make a great addition to our landscape. Sweet peas will bloom in the spring, but now is the time to plant the vines. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Unique Lily Requires Patience (Video 10/01/07) Lycoris radiata goes by a variety of common names: Hurricane lily, spider lily and naked ladies. This plant requires patience because it may take three years to start blooming. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds) Look For Fall Decorations In Your Landscape (Audio 10/01/07) We start thinking of the holidays this time of the year. There are a lot items in nature that can decorate up your home for fall. Look for things such as seed pods, dried flower heads and pine cones. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Rose Enthusiasts Can Expect A Fall Display This Month (Audio 10/01/07) Roses in Louisiana bloom beautifully in October and November. If your roses were pruned back in August or September, there is not much pruning needed now. You will need to deadhead your roses after they fade. This keeps the rose bush looking fresh and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners Have Many Options When Planting Vegetables This Month (Audio 10/01/07) Many great vegetables can be planted this time of the year. Transplants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are available at local nurseries. Root crops can be direct-seeded into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fresh-grown Herbs Can Spice Up Your Cooking (Audio 10/01/07) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of herbs in their gardens this time of the year. A few plants provide a big harvest, so there is no need to plant more than you can use. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Brown Patch Can Be A Problem In The Fall (Audio 10/01/07) Brown patch is a fungal infection that affects lawn grasses, especially St. Augustine. It likes cool, mild and damp weather conditions. Watch for discolored areas in the lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Garlic From The Garden Can Enhance Favorite Dishes (Audio 09/24/07) Garlic is critical to Louisiana cuisine. It is easy to grow, and now is the time to plant it. Choose a well-prepared bed in a sunny area with good drainage. Garlic can be planted through the month of October and into early November. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Divide Louisiana Irises Before They Began Growing Again (Audio 09/24/07) Louisiana irises are dormant during the months of August, September and early October. If you have irises that need to be divided, get that done soon. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Make Plans For Fall Tree Plantings (Audio 09/24/07) It is still too hot to plant trees, but planting season is right around the corner. Now is a good time to look around for needed shade in your lawn and make plans for fall plantings. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant Cole Crops In Your Garden This Month (Video 09/24/07) Mid-to-late September is a great time to plant cole crops into your vegetable garden. Cole crops are the group of vegetables closely related to cabbage. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds) Azalea Lace Bugs Can Damage Azalea Plants (Audio 09/24/07) Azalea lace bugs are small flying insects that live on the underside of the leaves. Small white spots on the leaf indicate an infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Composting Makes Use Of Organic Material (Audio 09/17/07) Louisiana gardeners can compost every bit of organic debris their landscapes create. This includes leaves in the fall and grass clippings in the summer. Gardeners can create their own compost pile using simple materials. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Repot Plants Outgrowing Their Containers (Audio 09/17/07) Many gardeners move container plants outside for the summer. After a summer of abundant growth outdoors, plants may have outgrown their containers. Look for roots growing out of drainage holes or showing up on the soil. These plants will benefit from being repotted into a larger container. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Store Caladium Tubers For The Winter (Audio 09/17/07) Caladiums are a wonderful shade-tolerant summer bedding plant. They are reaching the end of their growing season, and gardeners should dig up the tubers before all the foliage falls off. The tubers need to be dried and stored in paper bags or cardboard boxes inside during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners Can Plant Fall-blooming Azaleas While They Bloom (Audio 09/17/07) Many types of azaleas will bloom in late summer and fall. Encore azaleas were bred in Louisiana, are well-adapted to our growing conditions and bloom without fail in the fall. This is a good time to plant them into your landscape, and you can pick out your plants while they are in bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep Landscape Well-watered If Fall Is Dry (Audio 09/17/07) September and October are transitional times in Louisiana landscapes. Days become milder, and summer rain showers began to slow down. This means watering will likely be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plumbago's Blue Flowers Are Prized In The Landscape (Video 09/17/07) Blue flowers are relatively rare in the plant world. That’s why plumbago's blue flowers are so precious. Plumbago is an outstanding workhorse in the summer landscape. It’s actually a shrubby-looking plant, but when you examine at the stems, you’ll see they’re very green and herbaceous. (Runtime: 1 minutre, 30 seconds) Mulch Is A Valuable Tool In The Fight Against Weeds (Audio 09/10/07) Mulches are a valuable gardening tool for reducing weeds in beds. It is important to remember that mulch must be thick to work properly. If your mulch is looking thin, add another layer on top of the existing mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds) September Weather Encourages Chinch Bug Damage (Audio 09/10/07) In September, it is still pretty hot. Combining that with dry weather can cause an increase in chinch bug activity. These insects attack lawn grasses and prefer St. Augustine grass. They create circular brown areas and will kill the grass where they feed. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Selectively This Time Of The Year (Audio 09/10/07) As we move into September, we must be careful about what we prune in our landscapes. Winter and spring-flowering shrubs have set their flower buds, so pruning will remove these flowers. Also, pruning too late can keep shrubs or tree branches from hardening off before winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bed Preparation Is An Important Step Before Fall Planting (Audio 09/10/07) Vegetable and flower beds are active parts of our landscape. Right now, gardeners may need to do some bed preparation before planting fall crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Finish Fertilizing In Early Fall To Avoid Damage To Plants (Audio 09/10/07) The weather can remain quite warm throughout September, but we are reaching the end of the growing period. This means you have to be careful with late-season fertilizer applications. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Heavy Pecan Crop Makes Branches Vulnerable To Breaks (Audio 09/03/07) Pecan trees tend to "alternate bear," which means they will produce a large crop one year followed by a small crop or no crop the next year. A large crop can lead to breaking branches because of pecan's brittle wood. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant Green Onions In Your Fall Garden (Audio 09/03/07) Green onions are an important part of Louisiana cuisine. This is a great time of the year to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fungal Organisms Are Common In Lawn Grasses (Audio 09/03/07) A variety of fungal organisms live and grow in our lawns. Some are relatively harmless. Others can be very damaging and cause problems in hot, dry weather. Fungicides can prevent some of this damage from occurring. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Make Plan For Existing Trees Before Construction (Audio 09/03/07) Mature trees are a valuable part of the home landscape. When building on a lot with existing trees, make plans to keep them from being damaged by construction. (Runtime: 60 seconds) September Is A Transitional Month In The Vegetable Garden (Audio 09/03/07) A variety of both warm-season and cool-season vegetables can be planted in September. Transplants of tomatoes and bell peppers can be planted early in the month. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Stressed Leaves Are Normal This Time Of Year (Video 09/10/07) You might have noticed tree leaves that look diseased or sickly recently. What’s the problem and what should you do? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to handle the situation in this segment of Get it Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds) <- Prev |  21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Mexican Oregano Is A Great Herb With Beautiful Flowers (Video 09/03/07) Many Louisiana gardeners like to grow culinary herbs. Mexican oregano is a good herb for our area. It generally grows in the drier climate of south Texas and northern mexico, but does remarkably well in Louisiana. Make sure this plant gets very good drainage. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds) Make Room For New Growth On Gingers And Cannas (Audio 08/27/07) Pruning Gingers and cannas can be tricky. Once a shoot has flowered it will not flower again. Gardeners can prune these shoots back down to the ground and make room for new shoots that will sprout up later. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use Milkweed To Attract Monarchs (Video 08/27/07) Some plants are great for attracting beautiful insects – like butterflies. In this Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a plant that not only attracts Monarch butterflies but also serves as a type of nursery for their young. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds) Transplants Need To Be Hardened Before Going Into The Garden (Audio 08/27/07) The young transplants gardeners buy at local nurseries have been raised under perfect conditions in greenhouses. As a result, transplants may need to be hardened off first before being planted in the garden.(Runtime: 60 seconds) Large Caterpillar Populations Can Damage Plants (Audio 08/27/07) Caterpillars are one of the leading pests that attack plants in our landscapes. Their damage usually can be tolerated, but populations of these pests can be high at the end of summer. Monitor their damage and apply pesticides if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners Can Boost Their Lawns Now With One Final Application Of Fertilizer (Audio 08/27/07) The end of August or the first week of September is the last time this year to apply nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn. You do not want to encourage vigorous growth into the fall, because that makes the grass less hardy going into the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare Roses For Fall Blooming (Audio 08/27/07) Roses have their share of problems during the summer, but if we wait through it, we can expect a good blooming season in the fall. Evaluate your roses now. Prune them, if they need it, to prepare them for fall blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Take Advantage Of Shade-loving Plants During The Hot Times (Video 08/20/07) It’s been extremely hot lately, making it uncomfortable to go outside and work in the garden. The good news is that it feels a little better in the shade. With that in mind, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a beautiful shade-loving plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds) Heat Is Hard On People And Plants (Audio 08/20/07) Heat stress is terrible this time of the year. The weather is just as hard on our plants as it is on us, so we should avoid planting trees and shrubs now. Wait until the weather cools down in October before trying to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Palms To Keep Them Attractive (Audio 08/20/07) Part of the pruning is to remove unattractive faded fronds from the lower part of the palm's head. This becomes more difficult as the palm grows taller. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mosquito Protection Is Important For Gardeners (Audio 08/20/07) This time of the year, gardeners tend to work in the early morning or early evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Gardeners should protect themselves with mosquito repellant or clothing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mowing Frequently Eliminates The Need To Bag Grass Clippings (Audio 08/20/07) Bagging grass clippings is not necessary if you mow frequently. If you don't, however, bagging the clippings can keep your yard healthy and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Balanced Ecosystem Keeps Ponds Healthy (Audio 08/20/07) Aquatic gardens are popular in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners can have problems keeping their ponds looking healthy. One striking issue is green water. A balanced ecosystem can stop green water from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Horticulturist Offers Advice On Determining When A Pear Is Ripe (Audio 08/13/07) We start looking for pears to ripen on our trees in August. They will start to change color, with a red blush appearing on the fruit. You also might notice the fruit soften or drop out of the tree. If that happens before they're ripe, you can ripen them off the tree for fresh eating. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Repot Plants That Have Outgrown Their Containers (Audio 08/13/07) Many gardeners grow plants in containers. Container plants growing outdoors may need to be repotted after vigorous growth during the summer. You can see wilting and stunted growth on a plant that has outgrown its container. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fern Plantings Allow Gardeners To Work In The Shade (Audio 08/13/07) When it's hot outside, gardeners need to look for jobs that can be done in the shade. Ferns work great in shady areas, and this time of the year they may have unattractive fronds that need tending. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Louisiana Irises Are Dormant, Ready For Dividing (Audio 08/13/07) The Louisiana Iris becomes dormant in the months of August and September. Then they begin active growth again in October. That means now is a great time to divide and transplant these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Milkweed Attracts Migrating Monarch Butterflies (Audio 08/12/07) Louisiana gardeners can plant milkweed or butterfly weed for migrating monarch butterflies. Monarchs lay eggs on the butterfly weed. Although these plants may have other insect problems, remember that using insecticides on them will harm the butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Add Warm-season Bedding Plants For Color In Your Garden (Video 08/13/07) Despite the intense heat this time of the year, you can still add warm-season bedding plants to your landscape to provide that great color we all crave. Stop by your local nursery or garden center, and you’ll find they have a wide selection of wonderful plants in just about every height and color you can imagine. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds) Horticulturist Offers Watering Tips For Late Summer (Audio 08/06/07) In these hot days of late summer our plants dry out quickly. Watering correctly will keep plants healthy. Mulching plants also helps conserve water, but overwatering can cause root rot. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Coleus Offers Beautiful Foliage In Shady Areas (Audio 08/06/07) Coleus is a great bedding plant. It has beautiful foliage in a variety of colors. Coleus can be grown in the sun or the shade, but most prefer some shade. Just make sure you choose a variety suitable for the sunlight situation your coleus plants will be growing in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Check Landscape For Spider Mite And White Fly Infestations (Audio 08/06/07) Two of the most difficult insects to deal with in the home landscape are spider mites and white flies. Spider mites are tiny and difficult to see. White flies are small and white, and the young white flies are attached to the underside of the leaves they infest. Both of these insects feed on the sap of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Hardy Hibiscus Produces Beautiful Flowers (Video 08/06/07) Want a flower the size of a dinner plate that will bloom beautifully all summer long? In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some popular hibiscus varieties you can find at your local nursery this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds) Gardeners Can Have A Fall Tomato Crop (Audio 07/30/07) Louisiana vegetable gardeners can plant a wonderful crop of fall tomatoes. We need to get the transplants planted this month in North Louisiana. South Louisiana gardeners can wait until September to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare Vegetable Garden For Cooler Temperatures (Audio 07/30/07) Vegetables we plant in August reflect the fact that summer will end soon. Crops like broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi can be seeded now. There also are other cool-season vegetables you can plant into your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Chinch Bugs Could Be Causing Lawn Damage (Audio 07/30/07) During hot summer days, especially if the weather is dry, chinch bugs can proliferate in area lawns and cause plenty of damage. Symptoms include patches of grass that are brown and dead. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Get Palms Planted Now (Audio 07/30/07) Palms can be planted all over the state. They need to be planted during warm weather, and August is the last month to plant them. Be sure to plant palms that are hardy enough for the area you live in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prepare Vegetable Garden For Cooler Temperatures (Audio 07/30/07) Vegetables we plant in August reflect the fact that summer will end soon. Crops like broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi can be seeded now. There also are other cool-season vegetables you can plant into your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Keep Summer Bedding Plants Attractive (Audio 07/30/07) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. The bedding plants we planted in April and May have been growing for a long time and may be tall and leggy at this point. It is too early to pull them out and plant cool-season bedding plants, but you can cut back these plants.(Runtime: 60 seconds) Tropical Plant Combines Beauty and Fragrance (Video 07/30/07) Louisiana gardeners love two things in their landscapes – great fragrances and wonderful tropical plants. The Harlequin Glory Bower or “Clerodendrum tricotomum” offers both of those. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds) Aphids Common Pests Of Crape Myrtles (Video 07/23/07) Ever wonder why crape myrtles seem to always mist on your head? Well, it’s not water. The moisture actually is coming from aphids. In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you how to control aphids on your crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds) Plant Basil For End-Of-Summer Production (Audio 07/23/07) Basil is a heat-tolerant herb that grows well in Louisiana during the summer. You can find basil plants at your local nursery to plant into your garden. If you already have some growing, harvest regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Use Cut Flowers To Enliven The Indoors (Audio 07/23/07) Cutting flowers from the garden is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Cut flowers in the late afternoon, cutting them on a slant. Put them in a bucket of water until you are ready to arrange them. Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Gardenias And Hydrangeas Before Flower Buds Set (Audio 07/23/07) Gardenias and hydrangeas are great summer-blooming shrubs. Since they must be pruned before they set their flower buds, this is the best time to prune them. If you wait too late to do this task, you may take off some of the plant's future flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Blackberry Canes That Produced Fruit This Year (Audio 07/23/07) Blackberries can be easy to grow and productive in the home garden. This is a good time to prune your blackberry plants. The canes that produced fruit this summer can be cut back. But leave the new canes alone. They will produce for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Fig Production Peaks In July (Audio 07/23/07) July generally is fig month in Louisiana -- although the age of the tree or weather conditions can affect fig production. Once picked figs won't keep long, so enjoy them right away or use them in preserves. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Summer Takes A Toll On Annual Bedding Plants (Audio 07/16/07) Annual bedding plants can suffer during the heat of summer. Keep in mind that watering too often won't help the plant and could encourage root rot. Watering deeply and thoroughly two or three times a week should do the job. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Boost Flower Pots On Wooden Decks (Audio 07/16/07) Louisiana gardeners grow many plants in containers. Flower pots on wooden decks or porches could damage the surface as a result of water collecting on the wood. The best solution is to boost the pots up with pot feet or bricks. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Weed Less Often; Mulch And Use Herbicides (Audio 07/16/07) Weeding can be a constant chore for gardeners. Mulching and using herbicides can help home gardeners face such chores less often. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ligularias Work Well In Shady Areas (Video 07/16/07) You won’t find leopard plants growing in African savannahs. But you can find them growing in Louisiana landscapes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about the ligularia in this Get It Growing edition. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds) <- Prev |  23 - 24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Try Ground Covers Under Shade Trees (Audio 07/16/07) Shade trees have many benefits in the home landscape, but there is one downside. As these trees grow larger, the grass beneath them can suffer. Ground covers can tolerate the shade, so shade-loving ground covers like monkey grass and liriope are good choices under large trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Leaf Miner Is Hard To Control, But It's Not Impossible (Audio 07/16/07) The leaf miner is a common pest of ornamentals and vegetables. The larvae of leaf miners cause the damage to the plants. These pests feed on cells within the layers of the leaf, making it difficult to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Shade Trees Can Reduce Energy Costs (Audio 07/09/07) Energy bills can spike during the summer months. Planting shade trees in appropriate places in your yard can help keep cooling costs down. While this is not the right time to plant trees, it is a good time to evaluate your shade needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Tomato Production Slows In July (Audio 07/09/07) May through June is the peak harvest time for most tomatoes in Louisiana gardens. You may still have tomato flowers now, but with the intense heat of mid-summer, those flowers are less likely to set fruit. On the other hand, Roma tomatoes and other heat-tolerant tomatoes do well in the summertime. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Webworms Cause Minor Damage To Trees (Audio 07/09/07) Webworms are small caterpillars that feed on the foliage of a variety of trees. They get their name because they create web-like structures at the end of branches -- enclosing the foliage. They feed on the foliage, but the damage they do generally is minimal. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mowing Frequently Keeps Lawn Healthy (Audio 07/09/07) This is our lawn-care season. Mowing frequently and regularly will help keep your lawn healthy. Other lawn chores include fertilizing, keeping mower blades sharpened and watering regularly, if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant Vegetables That Can Withstand Summer Heat (Audio 07/09/07) Despite the heat, July can be an active time in the vegetable garden. We can remove some of the plants that we planted in the spring and replace them with heat-tolerant vegetables such as cucumbers and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Webworms Cause Minor Damage To Trees (Video 07/09/07) One of the most common insect pests that attack trees in Louisiana during the summer are caterpillars called webworms. These caterpillars occur all through the summer, and they form webs at the ends of the branches, but their actual damage to trees is relatively minor. (Runtime: 1 minute, 25 seconds) Container Plants Need Frequent Watering During Summer (Audio 07/02/07) Louisiana gardeners grow many plants in containers. This time of the year these plants need plenty of watering, especially if they are in a sunny location. Repotting plants into larger containers can help you cut down on the amount of watering you need to do. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ornamental Grasses Have Many Positive Traits (Audio 07/02/07) There are many beautiful ornamental grasses that can be used as decorative borders. They are drought tolerant and have good insect and disease resistance. Gardeners can find a wide variety of ornamental grasses at gardening centers -- with at least one that will fill their needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant Palms During Summer Months (Audio 07/02/07) Palm trees can be grown all over Louisiana. If you want to add a palm to your landscape, now is the time to plant them. Homeowners in North Louisiana should choose hardy palms for their climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Horticulturist Explains A Method To Remove Cypress Knees (Audio 07/02/07) The bald cypress is Louisiana's state tree. It makes a great addition to the landscape, but gardeners can have a problem with cypress knees. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to remove knees that might pop up. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Hydrangeas and Gardenias Immediately After Blooming (Audio 07/02/07) Hydrangeas and gardenias bloom in the early summer. Although most of the summer-flowering shrubs we grow in our landscapes bloom on new growth, hydrangeas and gardenias set their flower buds in late summer. When the plants finish flowering, prune them quickly so as not to cut off next year's flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plan Ahead For A Beautiful Container Garden (Video 07/02/07) Container gardens full of beautiful plants are all the rage these days. When using an outdoor container, make sure it’s nice and large to fit into the scale of the outdoors. When choosing the plants, make sure they look good together. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds) Crocosmia Is An Easy-to-grow Summer-flowering Bulb (Video 06/25/07) Many gardeners are painting their summer landscapes with the sweeping colors of beautiful flowers. Gardeners can use a perennial flowering plant that’s not only colorful but also easy to grow in sun or shade – and resistant to major diseases and insects. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds) Summer Bedding Plants Brighten Louisiana Landscapes (Audio 06/25/07) Despite the intense heat of summer, you can continue to plant colorful bedding plants to brighten your summer beds. Be sure to keep them well watered when they are newly planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Leave Gladiolas Foliage Intact Afer Blooming (Audio 06/25/07) Gladiolas bulbs are planted in Louisiana landscapes to provide beautiful spikes of flowers in many colors. Once a gladiola finishes blooming, you should cut off the faded flower but leave all the foliage intact so it can provide food for the bulb. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Soluble Fertilizers Can Add A Boost Of Nutrients For Plants (Audio 06/25/07) Fertilizers are products that add essential minerals and nutrients to the soil. Soluble fertilizers are dissolved in water and applied as a liquid to plants. They provide immediate nutrients to plants, but they do have drawbacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mexican Tarragon Can Replace French Variety During Summer (Audio 06/25/07) Tarragon is an herb that is popular in poultry dishes. French tarragon is the classic variety, but it won't grow in Louisiana during the summer. Cooks and gardeners can substitute Mexican tarragon to overcome that obstacle. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Pre-emergence Herbicides Can Stop Weeds From Occurring (Audio 06/25/07) Weeding work is never done, but there are ways to suppress weeds. Mulch is one way to keep weeds down. A pre-emergence herbicide also can prevent weeds from taking over beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  24 - 25 - 26 | Next -> Summer Is Good Time To Add Plants To Your Aquatic Garden (Audio 06/18/07) Summer is an excellent time to add plants to an aquatic garden. Plants in good-sized pots can simply be placed into the pond. There are no holes to dig or beds to prepare. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Profusion Zinnias Stand Up To Louisiana's Summers (Audio 06/18/07) Zinnias provide bright colors in the garden and make great cut flowers. Although many zinnias perform poorly during the summer months, Profusion zinnias can stand up to Louisiana's heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Drop In Rose Production Stems From Heat Stress (Audio 06/18/07) During the intense heat of summer rose blooms are fewer, smaller and poorer in quality. Heat stress causes the drop in production. Even though it may seem like roses could use fertilizer, now is not the time to apply fertilizer to your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Pull Up Petunias When They Start To Languish (Audio 06/18/07) Petunias are a popular summer bedding plant up north, but these plants generally tend to fade in Louisiana's summer heat. Wave petunias, however, will tolerate more heat than most varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Take Precautions When Gardening In The Heat (Audio 06/18/07) High temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous heat index. It's important to take care of yourself when you garden this time of the year. Garden early in the morning or late in the evening and follow the shade around. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Looking For Fruit Or Privacy? Gardeners Have Options With Elaeagnus (Video 06/18/07) The Elaeagnus plant, also known as the Gumi, provides delicious fruit for the making of jelly. But the plant also can be used to create an excellent sound barrier or privacy barrier along the edge of your property. In this week’s Get It Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out that the species to buy depends on which of those benefits you prefer. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds) Don't Worry About Webbing From Bark Lice (Audio 06/11/07) You may notice fine silvery webbing appearing on the bark of trees during the summer. These webs are made by tiny insects called bark lice or psocids. While it looks alarming, these insects won't harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Prune Roses When They Finish Blooming (Audio 06/11/07) Most of the roses in our gardens today are everblooming roses. But some gardeners still grow once-blooming roses. When these roses finish flowering, it is time to prune them. Just study each plant carefully to decide how to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners Can Stop Suckers On Crape Myrtles (Audio 06/11/07) In horticulture the term sucker is used to describe a strong sprout growing from the base of a tree or the tree's root system. Crape myrtles commonly produce suckers. But there is a way to get rid of these growths. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Check Trees Before A Storm Approaches (Audio 06/11/07) June ushers in hurricane season in Louisiana, and strong thunderstorms also are common during the summer months. To prepare your yard for potential storms, check for weaknesses or dead branches in trees. Also, plan what objects need to be picked up in your yard if you know a storm is approaching. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Gardeners Can Harvest Onion Crops In June (Audio 06/11/07) Home gardeners can grow a number of vegetables from the onion family. These crops are planted in fall and harvested this time of the year. Pull the onion, shallot or garlic bulb out of the ground and let it dry in the sun a few days. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Azaleas Can Show Signs Of Iron Deficiency (Video 06/11/07) Just like people, plants can lack the necessary minerals to lead a healthy life. Azaleas are one of the most popular shrubs in Louisiana landscapes. They like an acid-type soil. If they’re grown in alkaline soils, they have problems getting the iron they need out of the soil, and this leads to a disease called iron chlorosis. (Runtime: 1 minutes, 30 seconds) Duranta Is A Tropical Plant That Offers Cold-hardiness (Video 06/04/07) Many tropical plants do quite well in Louisiana’s subtropical climate. In this week’s Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to a tropical plant that is gaining in popularity and offers a degree of cold-hardiness many tropical plants do not have. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds) Composted Yard Waste Can Be Reused In Gardens (Audio 06/04/07) Creating a compost pile is a great way to recycle yard waste. Fallen leaves and grass clippings can be turned into valuable material that can be used in garden bed preparation or as top dressing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Lichens Are Not Harmful To Trees (Audio 06/04/07) Gardeners may notice poorly-performing plants with grayish-green growths on them. These growths, called lichens, often are blamed for harming trees or shrubs. Lichens are not parasites, but they often live on trees that are already unhealthy. Gardeners Can Ripen Homegrown Tomatoes Indoors (Audio 06/04/07) A vine-ripened tomato freshly picked from the garden can be a real treat. But harvesting tomatoes at the perfect time is not always possible. If they still need it when you pick them, you can ripen tomatoes indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mowing Often Keeps Lawn Healthy (Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Mowing Often Keeps Lawn Healthy (Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Vegetables Planted In June Must Be Able To Tolerate The Heat (Audio 06/04/07) The vegetables we plant in Louisiana this time of the year have to be able to take the intense heat throughout the summer. We can plant a variety of vegetables such as canteloupe, eggplant and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Work To Preserve Trees During Construction (Audio 05/27/08) If you will be building or doing any sort of construction on land with existing trees, plan carefully to preserve the trees, if possible. Consulting with an arborist can determine which trees are healthy and how they can be protected. (Runtime: 60 seconds) <- Prev |  25 - 26 | Next -> <- Prev |  26 | Next ->