more... > Parishes > Livingston > Agriculture & Natural Resources > Sweet Potato Time Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Curing is of utmost importance in bringing out the sweetness of any sweet potato. Poinsettias Weekly news article form LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe says many people will keep their poinsettias from year to year but are usually disappointed when Christmas arrives and the plants lack the color they expected. Mustard Greens easy to grow Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Mustard greens are a fall favorite of gardeners. They are easy to grow and can be ready to harvest in just 35-50 days after planting Fall Garden It is not too late to plant a fall garden.  more articles... Cooler Air Hints at Fall Gardening Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. A big consideration for fall planting is harvesting the produce before you get a frost that will kill the plant material. Get Ready to Plant Pumpkins for Halloween Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. The Fourth of July makes many of us think about watermelons, but it should also remind us that it is time to begin planning for pumpkins to be ready by Halloween. Summer Weeding Time Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. The only way to keep weeds out is constant control. The oldest method of weed control, which is still very effective, is by cultivation. Watermelons Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Most people who buy watermelons know that you should either thump or slap the melon to listen for the correct sound -- indicating whether it is ripe or not. The trouble with thumping and slapping is that it takes practice to know what you are listening for. Delayed Hurricane Damage to Mature Trees Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. I have had a number of calls from around the parish from people who are losing mature trees for no apparent reason. Fungal diseases may plague figs Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Figs grow well, but they are shallow rooted and require mulch to help conserve moisture. Do's and Dont's for Watering Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter count agent Kenny Sharpe. The rule to irrigation is to never put the plants to bed wet.. In other words, if at all possible, irrigate so that the sun will dry the plants' foliage before nightfall. Tomatoes Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Fresh tomatoes are making their debut. Last week we talked about early blight and how to control those leaf spots. This week I have encountered a multitude of other tomato problems. Gardenias Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Gardenias are a summer-blooming evergreen shrub that is an old Southern garden favorite. Gardenias are in bloom now, and their fragrance permeates the air around them. Care for Azaleas and Hydrangeas Weekly news article from LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. Azalea leaf gall is showing up in several places. This is a fungal disease that is unattractive. Another problem is lace bugs. Hydrangeas are in bloom. The traditional hydrangea are either pink or blue and sometimes both. They have the unique capacity to change flower color based on the soil pH.