more... > Parishes > Jefferson Davis Parish > Agriculture > Vegetable Gardening [Image: photo] Vegetable gardening is in full swing across southwest Louisiana. With the large variety of vegetables that are now planted, we are starting to see several different issues arising in the garden. Although the couple problems that we are starting to see (that will be discussed), neither one is detrimental in vegetable production if caught early on and treated properly. Spring Lawn Fertilizing [Image: Lawn] The best time to fertilize lawns is early to mid-April. Most people try to fertilize their lawns too early in the spring. Crane Flies, Caterpillars, and June Bugs [Image: Crane Fly] There are many ways to manage these nuisance creatures including several different chemicals. Always read and follow the label directions when using any pesticide. Rice Seed Midge, Leafminer and Aphids [Image: Rice Seed Midge Damage] We are finally getting some nice weather and rice planting has really picked up. It looks like we will have more water seeded planting this year due to the wet spring we have been experiencing.  more articles... Vegetable Garden Time! [Image: Tomatoes] Gardeners are preparing their gardens, deciding what vegetables to plant, and the shovels are coming out of storage. Early Season Pasture Weed Control and Management [Image: Bermuda grass] The winter of 2011-2012 has been one of the warmest in memory. It has also been one of the wettest in several years. This has made for much better cool season forage production than we normally experience. Gardening Season Has Begun [Image: Amaryllis] March marks the time when most gardeners begin to stir the soil and plant their warm season vegetables and flowers. Rice Seeding Dates [Image: Rice] Because environmental conditions are vary in different locations and years, the optimum seeding time is typically presented as a range of dates. Pecan Tree Care [Image: Pecan Trees] Many pecan trees that are growing in residential landscapes produce very few pecans due to improper care and improper fertilization. Here are tips for taking care of pecan trees so they will have maximum yield. Landscape Tips [Image: Liriope] LSU AgCenter county agent Allen Hogan discusses liriope ground cover along with tips on planting fruit and nut trees. Selecting the Right Shrubs for the Landscape [Image: Azaleas] With the wide variety of shrubs out on the market today, selecting the perfect shrub for your landscape can be an overwhelming task. Here are tips to help you make the right choice. Fertilizing and Pruning Fruit Trees [Image: Fig Tree] Now through February is the preferred time of year for fruit tree fertilization. LSU AgCenter Livestock Shows Scheduled [Image: Jersey] Information about the LSU AgCenter Livestock Shows; schedule for the Southwest District Livestock Show. Lawn and Garden Tips [Image: Stickers] WInter might not seem to be a good time for many things, but it is an opportune time to perform certain management tasks in the home lawn to provide for healthier, more attractive turf for next summer. Click for more information...