more... > Parishes > St. Landry > ANR > Recommended Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards [Image: Pecans] Pecan variety recommendations for yards and small, unmanaged plantings. Louisiana Home Orchard [Image: Home Orchard] Growing your own fruit can be profitable and satisfying, and many fruit trees can add beauty to your landscape. But you can't expect to grow quality fruit without caring for the plants. This publication explains how your success will depend largely on variety selection, soil management, pruning, fertilization, pest control and other cultural practices. Horticulture Hints [Image: Veggies] This is a quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. Soil Sampling, Potting Mix Sampling, Water Testing & Plant Analysis [Image: Soil Sample] The LSU AgCenter tests soil, potting mixes, water and plants for farmers and home gardeners. These samples are tested and evaluated for nutrients and minerals in the soil, along with the soil pH, and the results are customized for whatever crop or plant that is to be grown.  more articles... Roses-Selection, Planting and Care [Image: Rose Guide] It would be hard to find a flower more universally loved than the rose. Over humanity’s long history with this plant, the rose has found its way into our gardens, cuisine, medicine, art and cultures. It is easier than ever to find undemanding, reliable roses that will enhance your landscape. This publication will help you decide what types of roses to grow, as well as explain how to plant and take care of them. Bedding Plants for Louisiana Landscapes [Image: Bedding Plants] In addition to flowers, bedding plants may be grown for their colorful foliage or interesting forms or textures. With proper selection, they can be used to provide color throughout the year. Use this publication to help you with bedding plant selection and proper care. Postharvest Handling of Sweet Potatoes [Image: Postharvest Sweet Potatoes] This comprehensive publication covers the importance of harvesting techniques, as well as curing and storage conditions, that will promote quality and extend the storage life of sweet potatoes. It also includes information on packing line sanitation, product safety, certification standards and USDA grade standards for sweet potatoes. (Produced by North Carolina State University and the LSU AgCenter -- PDF Format Only) Dogwoods [Image: Dogwoods] The flowering dogwood (Cornusflorida) is native to much of the eastern United States. Dogwood is a very versatile ornamental tree. This publication includes information on plant selection, watering, fertilization, disease and pest control for dogwoods. Native Tree Growing Guide for Louisiana [Image: Live Oak] The selection, planting and care of urban trees in Louisiana. Includes full-page poster of native landscape trees, their leaves, tree height and spread comparisons. 16 pages. Crape Myrtles for Louisiana Landscapes [Image: Crape Myrtles] This publication includes information on the planting, fertilization, pruning, failure to flower, insects and diseases and varieties of crape myrtles. Shade Trees Help Beat the Heat [Image: Shade Trees] Energy bills soar right along with temperatures, but shade trees in your landscape can help you keep cooler while lowering your utility bills. Homeowners Guide for Fertilizing Pecan Trees in Louisiana [Image: Pecan Fertilization] The most important cultural practice the homeowner with pecan trees needs to consider is proper fertilization. This publication includes information and guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees. Sweet Potato News [Image: Sweet Potato News] Louisiana Sweet Potato News aims to update and inform all who are associated with or interested in Louisiana sweet potatoes. Nemotode Management in Louisiana Sweet Potato Production [Image: Nematode Management] Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. Click for more information...