Home > News Archive > 2003 > November > LSU AgCenter Nutrition Expert Tells What Makes Figs So Special (Distributed 10/24/2003) Figs are one of the earliest fruits cultivated in the United States. They are nutrient-dense, versatile and very easy to pack and transport, says LSU AgCenter nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu. Get It Growing: Plant Strawberries Now For Delicious Fruit Next Spring (For Release On Or After 11/14/2003) Fresh, ripe strawberries are a favorite with just about everybody, and now is a great time to plant them into your garden so they’ll be ready next spring. Get It Growing: Make Gardening A Healthy Activity (For Release On Or After 11/28/2003) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. But the strenuous activities also can cause problems. Sore muscles, aching backs, blisters and even sprains are common complaints of the weekend gardener. Get It Growing: Gardeners Sometimes Need To Know About Plants’ Sex Lives (For Release On Or After 11/21/03) Botany lessons often help gardeners understand some of the underlying reasons why plants behave the way they do. When growing a plant that is expected to produce fruit, knowing something about the reproductive workings of the plant is in the gardener’s best interest. Otherwise, you could be in for disappointment.  more articles... Get It Growing: Tropical Plants In Containers Need Protection From Winter Weather (For Release On Or After 11/07/03) Container-grown tender tropical plants commonly are placed outside for the summer – where they provide a beautiful addition to decks, patios and porches. But these plants will not withstand freezing temperatures and must be brought back inside the house for the winter. Like children going back to school, they generally are not too happy about it either. Fried Turkey Delicious When Safely Prepared, Says LSU AgCenter Nutritionist (Distributed 10/24/2003) One of South Louisiana’s favorite holiday dishes is deep-fried whole turkey. For a great-tasting bird, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers food safety and nutrition tips. LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Lists Best Ways to Thaw Turkey (Distributed 10/24/2003) Consumers have a choice between fresh and frozen turkeys when planning for Thanksgiving. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames explains the safe options of thawing a frozen bird. Enjoy Safe Thanksgiving Meal, Says LSU AgCenter Nutritionist (Distributed 10/24/2003) As American families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, cooks head to the kitchen to prepare bountiful meals. One item not on the grocery list, but that should be in the kitchen, is food safety, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Plan Holiday Spending to Avoid Seasonal Stress, Advises LSU AgCenter Family Economist [Image: headache] (Distributed 10/24/2003) It's that time of year when stores are luring holiday shoppers. But before you get caught up in the frenzy, LSU Agricultural Center home economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says you should take stock of how much money you have available for holiday spending. Flowering Cabbage and Kale Gaining in Popularity, Says LSU AgCenter Horticulturist [Image: cabbage] (Distributed 10/24/2003) Flowering kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. An alternative to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. Soft Drink Consumption Steadily Rises, Laments LSU AgCenter Nutritionist (Distributed 10/24/2003) Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Offers Fall Strategy for Lawn Weed Control (Distributed 10/24/2003) Fall is usually a time to let the turf slow down, toughen up and get ready for winter and dormancy. Don’t push extra growth or do anything to the grass that requires growth repair for the fix, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Lists Do’s and Don’ts of Tree Planting (Distributed 10/24/2003) Many landscape trees are planted from fall through the winter in Louisiana. "Homeowners need to be aware of some of the common mistakes made in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Examines Mushrooms Rings in Lawns [Image: fairy ring] (Distributed 10/24/2003) On cool, moist days, we may see mushrooms sprouting up or doughnut-like rings of dying or dark green grass developing on the lawn. These doughnuts are referred to as fairy rings, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. More...