(Video 07/09/12) Hydrangeas usually require shade to grow well. But a newer version called Limelight hydrangea – which grows taller and provides more blooms than traditional hydrangeas – can grow in full sunlight. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill places this lesser-known hydrangea in the limelight. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 07/16/12) Encore azaleas are the only azaleas that flower in the spring, fall and summer. But don’t expect the Encore to display the full-scale blooms now that you see during the spring. It is normal to see some brown flowers mixed with sporadic color during the summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the importance of properly pruning azaleas at the right time to ensure the best blooms later. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 07/23/12) If you’re looking for plants that will grow well in your landscape, native plants can be a good choice. The gaura is a tough, native wildflower. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this graceful, low-maintenance perennial might work well in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 07/02/12) It’s not a good idea to plant most trees and shrubs during the summer. Tropical plants, like the strikingly beautiful hibiscus, are an exception. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the versatile uses of the hibiscus and gives tips on caring for this colorful plant. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 07/29/12) Figs are a popular fruit in Louisiana, and July is the time to purchase fig trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the best time to plant fig trees and what you can expect from them during the early years.(Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 07/30/12) A mild winter and early spring have led to pest problems. Many insects showed up early and in larger numbers. Look for signs of insect damage in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) Chinch bugs are leading insect pests that attack our lawns. A sign of injury is a brown section of the lawn where the grass is straw-like and grass blades are rolled up. Chinch bugs tend to be worse later in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) It is popular to plant tomatoes in spring, but gardeners can get a fall crop as well. Buy different types of tomatoes such as heat-tolerant and standard varieties for the best chance of success. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in August. Even though it is still really hot, we can plant cool-season vegetables alongside ones that prefer warmer conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) By late summer many plants have gone through a long growing season. Pruning these plants can help revive them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Lawn mushrooms can be a nuisance, and there isn't much you can do to get rid of them. You can gather them up and throw them away if they bother you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Even though it is hot outside, gardeners can stay busy this month tending to chrysanthemums, gladiolas, caladiums and coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) This is a good time of the year to take cuttings from woody shrubs. Try taking cuttings from azaleas, camellias and hollies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Most people plant flowers to enjoy the plants out in their landscapes. But cutting flowers and bringing them indoors is another way to enjoy them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Basil is a great herb to grow during summer. It is used widely in many cuisines. You can find different varieties of basil. Choose the type you like and plant it into a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Pumpkins are very heat-tolerant, and pumpkin seeds can be planted this time of the year. It they're planted now, you'll have pumpkins ready for Halloween. You'll need a lot of space to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) A number of spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned by mid-July. These plants set their flower buds in late summer, so pruning too late can remove their flowers. Prune only if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit in their home garden. One easy fruit to grow is blackberries. They do require pruning. Be sure to prune only canes that produced blackberries this year and leave the other canes alone. They will produce next year's crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) It's not unusual to see patches of webbing in trees during summer. This webbing is created by psocids or bark lice. They are harmless to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Having a shady yard can be a big plus in Louisiana's climate, but it can cause problems with lawns. You can mulch over areas of your lawn killed off by lack of sunlight or plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/12) If you'd like to reduce your cooling costs in your home, consider planting shade trees. Shade trees are best planted to the south, southwest or west of the home. Decide what you want now, but plant in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/27/12) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms. It is most often done to annuals and perennials, but it is also useful with some summer-flowering trees and shrubs.

(For Release On Or After 07/20/12) If you regularly read national gardening magazines and get a variety of gardening catalogs, you may have noticed that tropical-look landscaping is a trend that is gaining attention across the country these days.

(Audio 07/09/12) Leaf miners are tiny insects that feed on the inside of a plant's leaf. They can feed on a number of plants and are difficult to control. Try spinosad before the insects burrow into the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/12) Decks are a great place for outdoor gatherings, and container plants help liven them up. Water from plants can stain or rot the wood of a deck, so be sure to boost potted plants with pot feet, bricks or stones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/13/12) When it comes to vegetable gardening in Louisiana, gardeners should take advantage of our year-round growing season. Yes, even in the torrid depths of summer you can plant delicious, heat-tolerant vegetables to keep your garden productive.

(Audio 07/09/12) The intense heat takes its toll on our landscape. We can use heat-tolerant plants that can withstand the summer temperatures. Remember, these plants demand a lot of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/06/12) By midsummer, many adults are thinking of ways to provide something for children to do until school begins. Why not start a gardening project? You can introduce your youngsters to the joys of gardening and at the same time exercise their bodies and brains.

(Audio 07/09/12) Herbicides come in two basic categories, post-emergence or pre-emergence herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds occur. Spray it on a clean bed to keep weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Tomato production is likely slowing down in vegetable gardens around the state. Tomato plants don't produce well during the hottest time of the year. Pull out plants that are done, but remember you can plant tomato transplants later this month for fall production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Web worms are showing up in trees and shrubs. These caterpillars form webbing on the ends of branches and eat the foliage. They don't kill the branch, and they can be removed easily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Mowing is a big chore during summer months. It needs to be done regularly to keep the lawn healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Figs are ripe and ready to pick in July. If you have problem with birds pecking at your fruit, try netting around the tree. Water the tree regularly during dry weather and watch out for diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Summer temperatures are soaring, but work can still be done in the vegetable garden. Try to work early in the morning or late in the evening. Plant vegetables such as okra, cucumbers and southern peas this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)