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| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
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| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
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| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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. |
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| 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) |
| 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) |
| Evaluate Landscape During Summer's Heat (Audio 08/28/06) The hot summer helps define what plants we grow in our landscapes. This is a good time to evaluate your landscape and see what plants can tolerate the heat. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says if you have a plant that is doing well now, you've got a winner. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Take Cuttings To Propagate Plants (Audio 08/28/06) Late summer is a great time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. These cuttings can be rooted and used to propagate those plants. Then you can grow the resulting plants in other parts of your landscape or share them with family and friends. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Faded Flowers From Gingers And Cannas (Audio 08/28/06) Gingers and cannas add a tropical look to our landscapes. These two plants grow similarly -- with shoots that produce clusters of flowers. After those flowers fade, you can prune the shoots. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fertilize Lawns Before Fall Sets In (Audio 08/28/06) We fertilize lawn grasses to optimize growth. August is the last month Louisianans should apply fertilizer to our lawns, since we want growth of our grass to slow down in the fall as it prepares for winter. Fertilizing this time of year is optional, but if you do apply a fertilizer, apply it evenly over a freshly mowed lawn and water it in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plants And Gardeners Need To Avoid Heat Stress (Audio 08/21/06) When it is hot outside, gardeners need to avoid suffering from heat stress. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises gardeners to drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and try to work in the shade. Also, remember this is a stressful time for plants, and, therefore, a bad time to plant new trees or shrubs in the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Hardy Palms Thrive In Louisiana Landscapes (Audio 08/21/06) Even though palms are considered tropical plants, we can grow them successfully across the state. In North Louisiana, hardy palms are a fixture. Palms are easy to take care of, but gardeners should groom them as the fronds turn brown. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Colorful Ground Cover Works Well In Shady Areas (Audio 08/21/06) Ajuga is a great ground cover for Louisiana. There are different types of ajugas, but most of them have attractive foliage in shades of purple. They like shade but are prone to root problems in late summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Right Fish Are Beneficial In Aquatic Garden (Audio 08/21/06) Fish are a wonderful addition to an aquatic garden. They are part of the natural ecosystem and will eat mosquito larvae in the water. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns against using koi, however, since they tend to eat plants in an aquatic garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Roses Before They Bloom This Fall (Audio 08/21/06) We have a long growing season in Louisiana. Most gardeners pruned their roses around February. We can expect another flush of flowers in the fall, and now is a good time to prune your roses again before they bloom this time. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pears Harvest Peaks In August (Audio 08/14/06) Harvest season for pears peaks in August. To determine when to harvest pears look for a slight change in color. The fruit will turn from green to a more yellow color. It also will soften as it ripens. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Divide Louisiana Irises While They Are Dormant (Audio 08/14/06) In the months of August and September, Louisiana Irises and their hybrids are dormant. This makes it a great time to divide them and transplant them in other areas or share them with friends. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Butterfly Weed Attracts Monarch Butteflies To Gardens (Audio 08/14/06) Even though it has weed in the name, the butterfly weed is a wonderful plant for gardeners hoping to attract butterflies. The female monarch butterfly will lay her eggs only on members of the milkweed family. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch For Plants That Have Outgrown Their Containers (Audio 08/14/06) Many gardeners put their container plants outside during the summer. This allows the plants to grow more vigorously. Plants may outgrow their pots while outdoors. Look for roots at the soil surface or roots growing from drainage holes as indications of this problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Ferns Allow Gardeners To Work In The Shade (Audio 08/14/06) This is a great time of the year to work with fern plants. The weather is hot, but since ferns grow in the shade, dealing with ferns allows you to work in the shade. Evaluate the performance of your ferns and trim unattractive fronds. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Working During Evening Puts Gardeners At Risk Of Mosquito Bites (Audio 08/28/06) Anybody who spends time outside should be concerned about mosquitoes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill cautions to make sure you use a mosquito repellent whenever you are out in the yard or garden. Also, make sure you are not allowing mosquitoes to breed in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Eggplants And Peppers Can Produce Another Crop In Fall (Audio 08/07/06) Many gardeners planted eggplant and bell pepper transplants in their gardens during the spring. These plants do not perform well in the summer, but they will recover and be productive in the fall. So LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says gardeners should continue to take care of these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Drought Conditions Could Affect Pecan Trees (Audio 08/07/06) Pecan season is right around the corner, but you already need to focus attention on caring for the trees during August and September. If conditions are dry, you should irrigate. Drought stress causes trees to drop their pecans early. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
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| Coleus Grown For Colorful Foliage (Audio 08/07/06) Gardeners grow coleus for its beautiful, colorful foliage. Many of these plants are adapted to shade, but some prefer full sun. Check at your local gardening center for different varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Proper Watering Important During Dry Spells (Audio 08/07/06) Many areas of Louisiana were dry throughout much of the summer. Proper watering becomes very important during dry conditions. Mulch also helps conserve moisture. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch For White Flies And Spider Mites In Gardens (Audio 08/07/06) Two of the leading pests of vegetables and ornamentals are spider mites and white flies. Spider mites can be bad when the weather is hot and dry. White flies reproduce under a variety of weather conditions. Use a product such as Ultra-Fine Oil to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Transplant Fall Tomatoes This Month (Audio 07/31/06) The major crop of Louisiana tomatoes peaks in May and June. Since warm weather continues into fall, we can have a fall crop of tomatoes, too. If you want to do that, get transplants into the garden by the first week of September. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watch For Signs Of Chinch Bug Infestations (Audio 07/31/06) Chinch bugs are lawn pests that proliferate during hot, dry weather. St. Augustine grass is especially vulnerable to chinch bugs. Look for dry, straw-like appearance of the grass. Since these pests kill the grass, control is very important. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Pest Problems Common During Summer (Audio 07/31/06) Our long, hot, humid summers allow pest problems to get out of hand. Pests includes insects, diseases and weeds. When doing pest management, identify the pest problem and how to take care of it. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vegetables Remind Us Cool Season Is Around The Corner (Audio 07/31/06) August is still very hot, but you already can look forward to the cool season in your vegetable garden. Now is the time when we can plant seeds of cool-season vegetables, raise those seeds into transplants and look forward to planting them into our gardens in about six to eight weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Control Bedding Plants In Warm-season Gardens (Audio 07/31/06) We have a long growing season in Louisiana. Warm-season bedding plants have been growing for several months now, so they may be tall and overgrown. This is good time to trim them and shape up your garden for their later blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Webworms Cause Minimal Damage To Trees (Audio 07/24/06) While looking around your landscape this time of year you may notice webbing at the ends of branches on trees and shrubs. This is caused by webworms. The worms feed on the foliage of the branches and other parts of trees and shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Replace Fading Flowers With Summer Plants (Audio 07/24/06) Late July is a good time to evaluate your summer flower beds. Some annuals such as marigolds that were planted back in April may be tired and fading. You can replace them with great summer plants such as lantanas. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Lawns Languish Under Shade Of Trees (Audio 07/24/06) Shade trees in your landscape grow larger every year. Unfortunately, this has a detrimental effect on the lawn underneath the canopy of a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Bark Lice Aren't Harmful To Tree (Audio 07/24/06) During the summer and into the fall you may see a fine silvery web coating a tree. Under the webbing are insects called psocids. As alarming as it may appear, the psocids, commonly known as bark lice, are harmless. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fresh Herbs Great For Cooking (Audio 07/24/06) Some of the most popular things we grow in our gardens are culinary herbs. Heat-tolerant herbs should be abundant in your garden right now. Remember to harvest them and use them regularly in your cooking. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tools Help Gardeners Provide Plants With Adequate Water (Audio 07/17/06) Watering your plants is one of the most important things you can do for them. Rain does not always come when it is needed. Soaker hoses and sprinklers provide long, slow watering that plants and lawns need. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Herbicides, Mulch Provide Good Defense Against Weeds (Audio 07/17/06) Weeding a flower bed is a never-ending task, but a thick bed of mulch and the use of herbicides can keep you from having to weed too often. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tomato Production Decreases During Summer (Audio 07/17/06) Tomatoes don't like the intense heat of the middle to the late part of summer. The flowers on tomato plants drop during this period, and production decreases. Gardeners should not let this disappoint them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Old Blackberry Canes (Audio 07/17/06) Blackberries finish production in early summer. Now is the time to prune blackberry bushes. These plants produce two types of canes. Prune the old ones that produced fruit this year and leave the new canes alone. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners Enjoy Crape Myrtles' Long-lasting Blooms (Audio 07/17/06) Crape myrtles are popular summer-flowering trees. They have a long blooming period and can have two flower displays. Cutting off the fading flowers can encourage a second round of blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Avoid Using Saucers With Outdoor Container Plants (Audio 07/10/06) We put container plants in saucers to collect the water that flows from the drainage holes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends boosting outdoor container plants instead of using saucers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Hydgraneas After Flowers Fade (Audio 07/10/06) The hydrangea is a wonderful summer-flowering shrub that produces great flowers in shady areas. Hydrangeas are fading now, so it is a good time to prune them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
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| Maintaining Mower Helps Maintain Lawn (Audio 07/10/06) By the time we reach mid-summer many homeowners have done their share of mowing the lawn. Just remember that taking good care of your lawn mower is part of taking good care of your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Peach Trees Require Extra Care (Audio 07/10/06) The taste of a tree-ripened peach is delightful, but peaches are difficult to grow. Peach trees are very susceptible to insects, so they must be on a good spray schedule for insect control. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Proper Care Keeps Caladiums Colorful (Audio 07/10/07) Caladiums are a popular and reliable bedding plant for color in shady areas. The colorful part of the caladium is the foliage. To keep them looking great, they need proper watering. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Heat-tolerant Bedding Plants Keep Flower Beds Beautiful (Audio 07/03/06) With a careful choice of heat-tolerant bedding plants, flower gardens can stay beautiful throughout the summer despite the intense heat. You will still need to keep up with maintenance, though, so get out in the early morning or late evening hours. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Fig Trees Easy To Grow In Louisiana Landscapes (Audio 07/03/06) Many gardeners in Louisiana have fig trees. They are easy to grow, and their production is reliable. Harvest figs every day and use them for preserves or in a recipes. If you have problems with birds, try using netting over your trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Palms Grow Best When Planted During The Summer (Audio 07/03/06) Palm trees are wonderful in our landscapes. They create a great tropical look. Unlike other trees and shrubs, which should be planted during the fall and winter, palms should be planted during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant Heat-tolerant Vegetables In July (Audio 07/03/06) Despite the heat, there are still vegetables you can plant in your garden in July. Try things such as cantaloupe, okra and pumpkin. Gardeners also can start seeds of tomatoes and eggplants indoors or in flats. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant Summer Bulbs In May (Audio 05/15/06) May is a great month to plant summer bulbs into the landscape. Most of these bulbs are tropical or sub-tropical, and gardeners can find a variety of colors and sizes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about different types and what growing conditions they enjoy. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Vines Need Training In Landscape (Audio 06/26/06) Vines are wonderful plants for use in Louisiana landscapes. Vines can decorate walls, soften fences and create privacy. For vines to be effective in your landscape, however, they must be trained properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Several Methods Are Effective At Controlling Snails And Slugs (Audio 06/26/06) Snails and slugs are common pests in the landscape. You can tell the difference, because snails have shells and slugs don't. They are both nocturnal and cause holes in leaves and flowers. A sure sign that snails and slugs are causing damage is the silvery trail they leave on plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Heat-tolerant Tomatoes Can Withstand Summer Temperatures (Audio 06/26/06) In Louisiana, tomatoes continue to bloom into the summer. Unfortunately, however, once temperatures soar the pollen in the tomato flowers no longer is viable. Heat-tolerant varieties of tomatoes will allow you to have home-grown tomatoes during those hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Water Newly Planted Trees During Dry Periods (Audio 06/26/06) Trees that have been planted within the past year do not have a strong root system. Since the weather has been dry, it is necessary to water newly planted trees regularly. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says just turning on the sprinkler isn't effective. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Recycle Grass Clipping, Add To Compost Pile (Audio 06/05/06) Composting is a great way to recycle yard waste. During the summer, grass clippings dominate what goes into compost piles. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says grass clippings must be handled properly because they have a bad tendency to mat down and not allow oxygen in. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Aquatic Gardening Easy Even In Summer Heat (Audio 06/19/06) Finding the motivation to garden in the summer heat can be difficult, but adding plants to an aquatic garden is easy. You can add new plants simply by lowering potted plants into the water. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Elevate Container Plants To Avoid Decaying Your Deck (Audio 06/19/06) Container plants add beauty to porches, patios and decks. But gardeners need to be mindful of water collecting under flower pots on wooden surfaces. This can stain or decay wood. To avoid the problem, boost pots up with "pot feet" that can be found at nurseries or simply uses blocks or bricks. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Safe Pesticides Can Control Caterpillars (Audio 06/19/06) Caterpillars are a major pest of ornamentals and fruit and nut trees. These pests can be hard to find and control by hand, but there are pesticides that can control caterpillars and are safe to use. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Roses Need Less Fertilizer During Hot Summer Months (Audio 06/19/06) Rose flowers usually are smaller, fewer and of poorer quality during summer. Gardeners may think this means their roses need fertilizer, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says roses need less fertilizer during these stressful months. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Trees Can Survive Lightning Strikes (Audio 06/12/06) Trees are a valuable part of landscapes. When they get struck by lightning it can be upsetting. The good news is that even when a tree is struck it may not be dead and in need of being cut down. Take pictures of the situation and contact your homeowners insurance company. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Replace Petunias With Heat-tolerant Summer Plants (Audio 06/12/06) Petunias are a popular summer-flowering plant up North, but here in Louisiana petunias are starting to fade. If your petunias are "pooping out," replace them with some of the many good summer-flowering plants for our area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Suckers Leave Crape Myrtles Unsightly (Audio 06/12/06) Crape myrtles are among the most popular summer-flowering trees. But they have a bad habit of sending out sprouts or suckers from the base of the trunk. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says you must cut these off promptly. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
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| High Temperatures Make Gardening Difficult During Summer (Audio 06/12/06) Gardening activies do not stop during the summer, although high heat and humidity make gardening less pleasant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has some tips to make gardening safer and easier during the hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Gardenias After Flowers Fade (Audio 06/12/06) Gardenia flowers produce a wonderful fragrance that lasts througout May. Now that blooming has ended, it is time to prune them. The plants set their flower buds around late July, so pruning them later would remove next year's flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Check Trees Before Storm Approaches (Audio 06/05/06) Hurricane season has begun, and summer storms will become more common. Before a storm approaches it is a good idea to check your trees. Look for problems such as dead or low branches and trees with rotten trunks. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Lawns Demand Attention During Summer Months (Audio 06/05/06) Lawns demand the most care during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says don't remove more than one-third the length of the leaf blade when mowing grass. Removing more can weaken the grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Prune Once-blooming Roses Now (Audio 06/05/06) The roses we grow in our landscapes can be divided into two types: ever-blooming roses and once-blooming roses. Once-blooming roses put on a grand display of flowers in spring. Now is the time to prune these roses. This gives them time to establish new growth for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Lichens Not Harmful To Plants But May Be Clue They're Already Sick (Audio 06/05/06) Homeowners may find a strange, crusty, gray-green growth on the bark of trees and shrubs. Generally, these growths are lichens composed of fungi and algae. They do not harm plants, but they often grow on plants that already are sick. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Gardeners Have Options When Fertilizing Plants (Audio 05/29/06) Fertilizers add essential elements to plants. Gardeners can choose slow-release, soluble, granular or organic fertilizers. Each type requires different applications. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Tomatoes Ripen In Stages (Audio 05/29/06) Allowing tomatoes to ripen on the vine produces high-quality, delicious tomatoes. Sometimes it is necessary to harvest them before they ripen. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about the different stages of tomato growth and how to ripen them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Cleaning Pots Is A Necessary Gardening Chore (Audio 05/22/06) Cleaning flower pots is not a fun gardening chore, but it is a necessary one to keep container plants looking their best. Plastic pots are easy to clean. Terra cotta pots require more effort. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how best to clean both. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Heat-tolerant Greens Grow In Summer (Audio 05/22/06) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. There are a few heat-tolerant greens that will grow this time of the year, such as New Zealand spinach. You may not be able to find them in local nurseries, but they are available from seed companies. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plants Curb Algae Problems In Aquatic Gardens (Audio 05/22/06) Aquatic gardens have become popular additions to landscapes. During the summer, the water in an aquatic garden can become murky and experience algae growth. Submerged and floating plants can keep algae from taking over your pond. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Hydrangeas And Gardenias Popular In Early Summer Landcapes (Audio 05/22/06) Hydrangeas and gardenias are popular summer-flowering shrubs in Louisiana. You may see yellow leaves on gardenias this time of the year. These are old leaves and will drop soon. Another tip on these plants is not to prune hydrangeas or gardenias until after they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Crape Myrtles Come In Variety Of Colors, Sizes (Audio 05/22/06) The crape myrtle is a popular flowering tree. It begins flowering in June and comes in shades of red, pink, purple and white. When choosing one for your landscape, ask questions at the nursery about sizes and colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Irish Potatoes Almost Ready For Harvest (Audio 05/15/06) It is almost time to harvest Irish potatoes. They can be harvested now as small, new potatoes. If you want full-sized potatoes, leave them in the ground until the vines turn yellow. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the harvesting process. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Blackberries Ready For Harvest (Audio 05/15/06) Many people in Louisiana have grown up picking wild dewberries or blackberries. Blackberries are harvested this time of the year and can be grown in the home garden. The named varieties are more productive and produce larger and sweeter fruit than the wild varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Roses Susceptible To Black Spot (Audio 05/15/06) Black spot is the most destructive disease of roses in Louisiana. The spores that cause black spot are airborne and need a wet leaf to infect the rose. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says avoid overhead irrigation to water roses. Use soaker hoses instead. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Spanish Moss Won't Damage Trees (Audio 05/08/06) Many people wonder if Spanish moss is damaging their trees. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says no. Spanish moss is not a parasite, and it makes its own food. Control is not practical, but it can be removed by hand. For those who like the look of Spanish moss, however, It also can be added to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Landscapes Need More Water During Summer (Audio 05/08/06) Trees, shrubs and plants need plenty of watering as we move into summer. Trees should be watered slowly with the hose. Soaker hoses work well for watering shrubs and landscape plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Harvest Eggplants Before They Mature (Audio 05/08/06) Many of the vegetables we grow in our gardens actually are producing fruit. Eggplants are one such vegetable. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says to harvest the fruit of eggplants before they are mature. This will give you the quality you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Evaluate Lawn For Weed Control Needs (Audio 05/08/06) May is an excellent month to do a final evaluation for weed control on your lawn. Summer weeds are still young, and it is not too hot to use herbicides. There are several options such as spot treating or pulling weeds by hand. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
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| Watch For Buckeye Rot On Tomatoes (Audio 05/08/06) Tomatoes are the most popular home vegetable crop. Some tomatoes can suffer from a disease called buckeye rot. The disease spreads from the ground up the plant. If you see this disease developing,remove infected fruit and spray remaining tomatoes with a fungicide. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant Palms In Summertime (Audio 05/01/06) Trees usually are planted during cool weather, but palms are an exception. Palms prefer the heat and should be planted during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends hardy palms for our state, especially in North Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Watering Key In Establishing A New Lawn (Audio 05/01/06) May is a great time to establish a new lawn. After planting sod, water it daily for the first seven to 10 days. This helps the sod create a strong root system. Then mowing should begin when the lawn starts growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Caladiums Provide Great Color For Shady Areas (Audio 05/01/07) Caladiums are great for shady areas. They provide colorful foliage and grow quickly. Now is a great time to plant caladium tubers, which is the most economical way to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Colorful Bell Peppers Are Simply Mature Green Peppers (Audio 5/01/06) Most bell peppers start out green. If you leave them on the bush long enough, the peppers will change color as they ripen. Colorful bell peppers are not special cultivars but simply the mature versions of green bell peppers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
| Plant Heat-tolerant Vegetables In May (Audio 05/01/06) There are plenty of good vegetables that can go into the garden in May. Now is the time to focus on heat-tolerant vegetables. Collards, eggplants, okra and sweet potatoes are a few plants that can take hot Louisiana summers. (Runtime: 60 seconds) |
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