(Video News 03/26/13) The LSU AgCenter is one of several organizations supporting small farms established in urban settings. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited urban farms in New Orleans that are bringing locally-grown, fresh food to city dwellers. (Runtime: 2:27)

(Video 03/25/13) At this time you can plant many different types of vegetables. Tomatoes are among the favorites. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to look for when selecting tomato transplants from the nursery. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 03/28/13) NEW ORLEANS, La. – More than 200 economists, sociologists and government policymakers brought ideas and lively discussion about ecosystem services and valuation to the “Big Easy” during the 4th National Forum on Socioeconomic Research in Coastal Systems on March 24-26.

(Distributed 03/28/13) HAMMOND, La. – In Louisiana, we are ideally located to grow many plants that are adapted to more tropical and semi-tropical climates. This is especially true south of Interstate 10 and Interstate 12.

(Distributed 03/26/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H youth development program has received a $1.5 million, three-year grant to continue a wetlands-based curriculum aimed at students and teachers in grades fourth through 12th. This is the third time the AgCenter has received a grant for this program, which has been in operation since 2007.

(Distributed 03/25/13) DELCAMBRE, La. – Experts from the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant met with area shrimpers to help them become more efficient, learn new technology and comply with federal fishing regulations. “We are talking about efficiency and quality,” said Thomas Hymel, extension agent.

(Audio 03/25/13) Lots of eggs will get boiled, dyed, hid and hunted this Easter. Denise Holston-West says we must remember that hard cooked eggs are perishable, and eggs should not be allowed to sit out all day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/25/13) Store shelves and children’s baskets overflow with candy at Easter time. Parents may be mindful of not going overboard with candy, but inevitably children will get candy. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West said some of the sweet treats could be replaced with toys.

(Distributed 03/22/13) NEW ORLEANS, La. – New Orleans is famous for its food. Fried seafood, rich gumbos and spicy etouffees are some of the city’s staples. But healthier fare is making its mark on the city’s landscape in the form of urban farms.

(Distributed 03/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – Gardeners have long desired flowers that are low-maintenance in their landscape. But they also want these flowers to last spring through fall.

(Distributed 03/12/13) LSU AgCenter will conduct a wheat and oat field day on April 17 at the Macon Ridge Research Station south of Winnsboro, La.

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners often wait until roses are in bloom to head out to nurseries to purchase plants. Planting is stressful for a plant, so it's best done before it starts blooming. Late March is a good time to plant roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Thrips are tiny insects that invade the flower buds of roses. As the bud opens, the flower may appear burned on the edges. Some buds may never fully open. Systemic insecticides can help control thrips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Dan Hayes, an assistant professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has been awarded a $400,000 Career Award grant from the National Science Foundation.

(Audio 03/20/13) Corn planting has started across the state. Frequent rains in recent months have farmers behind schedule, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers will plant as much as they can while the corn-planting window is open. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 3/24/13) The buck moth caterpillar, found primarily on live oaks, has black stinging spines. Usually by late March, you can see caterpillar masses up in trees. A tree service can spray the trees before the caterpillars descend. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/20/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Farmers sowed the first seeds of spring with corn going into the ground early in March. Wet weather delayed the start of planting, according to LSU AgCenter corn specialist, Ronnie Levy, but once drier conditions moved in, farmers planted a lot of corn in a short time.

(Audio 03/24/13) Louisiana gardeners use many types of tropical plants in their landscapes. They may have been damaged by freezes this winter, so you can trim them back. Wait until April or May to plant new ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/13) Gardeners use the term deadhead when talking about removing faded flowers from their plants. This keeps the plants looking attractive, and also prevents the plant from setting seed - which encourages more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/18/13) CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter research funded by Louisiana rice farmers’ checkoff funds led to federal approval of a bird repellent, AV-1011, that prevents birds from eating rice seed once it is planted.

(Distributed 03/18/13) CLINTON, La. – How best to deal with feral hogs and an overview of the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) problem in white-tailed deer were featured at the LSU AgCenter Wildlife Field Day at the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station on March 16.

(Distributed 03/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Sometimes calories aren’t the same. They’re a measure of energy in foods, but calories in some foods are more easily transferred into the body than calories in other foods, said Richard Mattes, professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University.

(Distributed 03/15/13) The LSU AgCenter brings the “magic” of agriculture to the Parker Coliseum April 22-28 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Audio News 03/14/13) Farmers are sowing the first seeds of spring. Corn is going into the ground, but wet weather has delayed planting, according to LSU AgCenter corn specialist Ronnie Levy.

(Audio 03/18/14) Prospective homebuyers often have their home inspected before purchasing it. It's a good idea to have the trees on the property inspected as well. Consider having a licensed arborist check the trees for potential problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/14) Fruit trees must be sprayed preventively for insects and diseases. If you wait until they are already infested, it's too late to spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/15/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The director of the Louisiana Forestry Association told foresters at a March 12 conference that several industries are planning to locate in Louisiana that would use wood to make biofuels and fertilizers.

(Distributed 03/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – March is the time when home gardeners get seriously engaged in planting and enjoying the spring season. Many gardeners continue to use roses in landscapes across Louisiana. In addition to the popular Knock Out varieties, people frequently plant All-America Rose Selection (AARS) winners.

(Video News 03/07/13) To control insects, farmers also need to control weeds. Spring plantings are starting, and it’s best to begin with a field that has few insects around it. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story.

(Audio 03/18/13) Gardeners may get overwhelmed by the many options of fertilizers available. Remember you don't need a different fertilizer for each plant. Consider getting a general-purpose fertilizer to feed most plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is the most susceptible, but the fungus also attacks centipede grass. It gets started when the weather is cool and moist. Hear more to learn about the symptoms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/18/13) Louisiana lawns start to wake up in March. Often home gardeners want to fertilize their lawns early. The grass is best left alone and not stimulated while it is greening up. Wait until April to fertilize with any general-purpose lawn fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale earlier this year, according to Master Gardener Donna Montgomery.

(Audio News 03/12/13) Weeds that grow wild on the edges of fields are not an issue from a weed management standpoint. But in those weeds lurk insects, and if farmers don’t control those weeds, the insects will make their way onto their crops. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 03/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter researcher has received two grants totaling $400,000 to study water and soil contamination in southwest Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/12/13) JEANERETTE, La. – More than 125 people from 19 parishes attended the Acadiana Cattle Producers Field Day March 9 at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station with presentations on cattle and forage research.

(Audio News 03/11/13) During March’s National Nutrition Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionists emphasize the importance of serving children a nutrient-dense diet. Quincy Cheek, a family and consumer science agent with the LSU AgCenter, says children can consume plenty of empty calories often in the form of soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 03/18/13) Animals often eat plants, but rarely does the opposite happen. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores some interesting carnivorous plants that flip the food web around by actually eating insects and bugs. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 03/11/13) If you’re looking for transitional plants that can survive remaining freezes but also stand tough during hot weather, calibrachoa would be a good choice. They’re not petunias, but these hardy perennials look a lot like petunias. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why calibrachoa is a good choice to plant in your garden now. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Distributed 03/11/13) “Are your neighbors healthy?” Karen Overstreet asks. Creating a healthful neighborhood may be the secret to your own healthy lifestyle, according to the program leader for food and consumer sciences in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – New varieties from the Encore azalea group are coming this spring. Many of the Encore azaleas now have improved cold hardiness (normally not a problem in Louisiana), sun tolerance and lacebug resistance. Encore azaleas bloom three seasons – spring, summer and fall.

(Distributed 03/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has developed a mobile Web application, also known as an app, that will allow soybean farmers to easily identify weed, insect and disease problems in their fields by just grabbing their smartphones.

(Audio News 03/07/13) Louisiana’s wet winter has caused problems for farmers preparing to plant. Ridding fields of weeds is usually a task farmers do a month or so before planting, but wet weather has hampered those efforts, according to LSU AgCenter weed scientist Jim Griffin. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 03/07/13) WELSH, La. – Making an internet connection in rural areas requires some research, but viable options are available. That was the message at the Connect My Louisiana Southwest Summit held recently (March 5) organized by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. –Two professors in the LSU AgCenter Department of Entomology were recognized at the 87th annual meeting of the Southeastern Branch Entomological Society of America in Baton Rouge on March 5.

(Video News 03/07/13) Louisiana farmers are preparing to plant their spring crops, but heavy rains throughout the winter have delayed weed removal and could postpone planting. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Audio 03/11/13) March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. You don't have to fertilize them if they don't appear to need it. Newly planted shrubs or ones with low vigor can benefit from an application of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) Perennials live from year to year in our landscapes. Their clumps will grow larger and larger and may eventually need to be divided. Get this done in early spring while the plant is still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/13) CLINTON, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering a prescribed burning workshop with burner certification for timber landowners on April 3-5 at the Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station. The workshop will begin 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. each day.

(Audio 03/11/13) Vegetable transplants purchased from nurseries have been pampered in greenhouses. Outdoor conditions can be stressful for them. They need to be hardened off before planting them into the garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) Louisiana home gardeners plant lots of vegetables in March and April. Pollination is an issue for some vegetables. Some are self-pollinating. Others have to be pollinated by bees or insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/11/13) You may notice flower beds filled with beautiful cool-season bedding plants. These plants peak around late March and April. The best beds were planted in the fall. So if you want these flowers, plant them as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s winter has been warmer and wetter than normal. This has been hard on the state’s wheat crop, which is midway through its growing season.

(Distributed 03/05/13) HOUMA, La. – Area shrimpers learned about new equipment being required on their boats and the best ways to comply and become more efficient at the Louisiana Seafood Summit Feb. 27-March 1 organized by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.

(Audio News 03/05/13) Louisiana’s winter has been warmer and wetter than normal. This has been hard on the state’s wheat crop, which is midway through its growing season. Wheat doesn’t like wet conditions, but LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Ed Twidwell says wheat that was planted properly seems to surviving the rain. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 03/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nationally known New Orleans restaurateur John Besh will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Louisiana Food Processors Conference on March 13-14 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/01/13) CROWLEY, La. – A warm winter apparently has allowed blast disease to survive on rice plants that lived through this winter’s warmer-than-usual temperatures. Many farmers reported blast outbreaks in their fields last year that affected yield and grain quality.

(Distributed 03/01/13) Nutritionists are encouraging people to eat right, your way, every day as a part of March’s National Nutrition Month.

(Distributed 03/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – The 2013 gardening season sees five new bedding plants named All-America Selection winners. These include Profusion Double Deep Salmon zinnia, Profusion Double Hot Cherry zinnia, Pinto Premium White to Rose geranium, Cheyenne Spirit echinacea (purple coneflower) and South Pacific Scarlet canna.

(Distributed 03/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Harper Armstrong, of Bastrop, a farmer for the past 47 years in Morehouse Parish, has been selected as the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 03/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A variety of LSU AgCenter and Mississippi State University scientists and specialists will present ways to improve livestock nutrition programs at a forage and feed field day at the AgCenter Southeast Research Station in Franklinton on April 5.

(Audio News 03/01/13) LSU AgCenter nutritionists are encouraging people to eat right, your way, every day as a part of March’s National Nutrition Month. Quincy Cheek, an LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent, says eating right doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Audio 03/05/13) Spring-flowering bulbs can add a lot to gardens. Many of these bulbs do not bloom again well or at all. These bulbs should be pulled out of the garden and composted. For the ones that do, such as daffodils and narcissus, leave them in place. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Gardeners can use pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before they show up. Early March is the ideal time to use these herbicides to prevent weeds from popping up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Perennials are colorful plants grown for their colorful flowers or foliage. They can brighten our landscapes and live for many years. Gardeners can find established perennials grown in large containers at nursery centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) Cool-season weeds are actively growing in lawns and flower beds this time of the year. As the weather warms, these weeds can explode in growth. Make sure they don't flower and set seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/05/13) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. We can begin planting warm-season vegetables in many areas of the state. Gardeners do need to watch out for late freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/04/13) Now is a great time to plant vegetables like broccoli and cabbage in your garden. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a crucial, but sometimes overlooked part of vegetable production — harvesting at the right time. (Runtime: 1:49)

(For Release On Or After 03/29/13) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain about gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations.

(For Release On Or After 03/22/13) Louisiana gardeners begin to plant spring and early summer vegetables this month. Watch the last freeze date in your area and be prepared to cover or protect tender plants in case of an unusually late freeze.

(For Release On Or After 03/15/13) Visions of delicious homegrown vegetables can become a reality with some planning and a willingness to put in the time and work that planting and caring for a garden require.

(For Release On Or After 03/01/13) When it comes to gardening, knowing the sunlight conditions in different areas of your landscape is critical to success. If you should plant a shrub you just bought in partial shade, do you know where partial shade exists in your landscape?

(For Release On Or After 03/08/13) If you have a thick layer of gunk on the bottom of a small decorative pond or aquatic garden, it’s a good idea to clean it out early this month. Generally, you should clean out smaller aquatic gardens about once a year and larger ones every few years.