4-H Livestock Show and Sale – January 24, 2009
4-H exhibitors showed their 4-H livestock animals on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center.
Following the show, the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce sponsored the sale of the animals in the Civic Center Arena, which was preceded by a buyer’s luncheon at noon in the Civic Center Meeting Room.
This sale helps support the kids involved with livestock projects as they learn responsibility, leadership skills and marketing avenues.
Animals to be sold this year included three market goats, five market lambs and 17 market hogs.
4-H members also will show their animals at the District 4-H Livestock Show February 5-7, and, if they qualify, the State Show is February 15-22 depending on species of animals shown.
The 4-H members thank previous buyers and look forward to the support again this year.
Tree Planting Time
Now is the ideal time to plant landscape trees in the yard. The reason for this time is most plants are dormant this time of year and less likely to suffer as much from transplant shock.
Tree Selection
The one most important factor in tree selection is to plant the right tree in the right location. Select a tree that will mature at the appropriate size for the location planted. We have this information on tree heights and widths at maturity.
Choose a tree that is adapted to our area. Be cautious about planting near overhead power lines. Consider sidewalks, patios, driveways, house slabs and other paved surfaces that may be damaged by the roots of large trees. Locate large trees at least 20-30 feet from paved surfaces and your house slabs.
Irish Potato Planting
Now also is the time to plant Irish potatoes in the garden. Fertilize the area with 7-8 pounds of a complete fertilizer or 4-5 pounds of 8-24-24 per 100 feet of row before planting. Side-dress with 1 pint of ammonium nitrate when plants are 8 inches tall.
Rose Care
January and February are ideal months for gardeners to plan, prepare and plant roses.
Sunlight and drainage are two key environmental conditions in growing roses. Select a well-drained area that receives at least six hours but preferably eight to 10 hours of sunlight daily and is not near large trees or hedges.
Lawn Care
Warm-season turfgrasses may show signs of green-up in late February. Do not push turfgrass growth with fertilizer at this time. Fertilizer applied too early will feed winter weeds, and fertilizer applied to heavily will result in lush growth that is more susceptible to injury from late frosts or brown patch disease.
We generally recommend waiting to apply fertilizers about the second week in April after the lawn has been mowed at least once.
Farmers markets are both still open in Terrebonne and Lafourche with fresh, locally grown vegetables.
Question
I heard about some new dwarf crape myrtles. What are the varieties?
Answer
The Razzle Dazzle dwarf crape myrtles are a new series of crape myrtles developed by world-renowned horticulturist and breeder Dr. Michael A. Dirr. These new varieties mature at 4 feet and some are available in Louisiana.
Varieties in the series include:
- Cherry Dazzle (cherry red flowers).
- Snow Dazzle (white blooms).
- Dazzle Me Pink (pink blooms).
- Raspberry Dazzle (raspberry red blooms).
If you have any questions or need more information, please give me a call at 985-873-6495. My email is bjoffrion@agcenter.lsu.edu or visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com.