more... > Agriculture & Natural Resources > General Horticulture > How to Take Soil Samples [Image: Taking soil samples] General information on gathering soil and plant samples to be tested at the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory. Organic Initiative [Image: Vegetables] According to new data released by USDA's Agriculture Census, organic food sales have tripled since 2002. This guide discusses assistance programs available to Louisiana farmers who are certified organic producers or are transitioning to organic farming. Newer Home Vegetable Cultivars for 2009 [Image: veggies] To our Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide, please add these new possibilities for 2009. Avoid common tree-planting mistakes (Distributed 10/24/08) Fall through winter is the recommended tree-planting season in Louisiana. Often, poor tree performance in residential, commercial and municipal landscapes can be traced to improper planting techniques, but common mistakes in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees can be avoided by following easy guidelines.  more articles... Baldcypress and relatives are naturals for Louisiana landscapes [Image: baldcypress tree] (Distributed 10/01/08) Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) is Louisiana’s state tree, and it is one of our featured trees at LaHouse on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. As one of our most distinguished native trees, it is one of the top five tree species planted in Louisiana landscapes. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Southern Blight [Image: southern blight] Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of the disease known as southern blight. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide [Image: Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide] Use this guide to plant a successful vegetable garden. The information has been developed after considerable research and practical experience. Sweet Potato News [Image: sweet potato news] Louisiana Sweet Potato News aims to update and inform all those associated with or interested in Louisiana sweet potatoes. Among the topics featured in this newsletter are such items as crop profiles, information related to various aspects of sweet potato production, the latest details on insect, weed and disease management, and current industry news and events. Horticulture Hints Newsletter [Image: Horticulture Hints] A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.