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   Get It Growing
 Home>News Archive>2014>November>Get It Growing>
Don’t fertilize most plants in fall
(Audio 11/24/14) Nearly everything in your landscape is going dormant for the winter and no longer needs to be fertilized. This includes your lawn, trees, shrubs and most herbaceous perennials. Only fertilize those plants that will grow during the wintertime. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Treat winter insects
(Audio 11/24/14) Because of Louisiana’s mild winters, expect to see insects throughout the winter season. Common insects found on bedding plants and vegetables in the winter include aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs. Listen to learn how to treat winter insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Grow paperwhite bulbs in containers
(Audio 11/24/14) Gardeners often grow paperwhite bulbs in containers for their first year. Plant the bulbs in potting soil with proper drainage. The bulbs should not be touching each other, and the tops of the bulbs should be exposed at the surface. Place in a shady location until they begin to sprout. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Moving plants inside the home
(Audio 11/24/14) It is almost time to move house plants back inside the house. Before moving them inside, place the plants in a shaded location for a couple of weeks and allow them to adjust to lower light conditions. Check for insects before moving them into your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Plant hardy fruit trees in winter
(Audio 11/24/14) Fall and winter are the perfect time to plant hardy fruit trees into your landscape. Planting these trees while they are dormant will lessen the transplant shock. Listen to learn which hardy plants will not be bothered by the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Use combination container plants for patios and porches
Flower Pot
(Video 11/24/14) Growing multiple plants in large containers continues to be popular for patios and porches. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to select – or create – combination container plants that will survive and provide beauty for several seasons.
Cool-season shade plants offer nice colors
Shade plants
(Video 11/17/14) Most cool-season bedding plants like full sun. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out some beautiful shade-loving plants that work great during the cooler months of fall.
Use falling leaves for mulch
(Audio 11/17/14) Do not waste leaves that fall from shade trees this time of year. Save money by putting down two inches of leaves, and then putting your favorite mulch on top of the leaves. Create a compost bin to store leaves through the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant fall herbs
(Audio 11/17/14) A wide variety of herbs are cold-hardy and may be planted during this time of the year. Herbs planted in the fall will be far more productive than herbs planted in the spring. Listen to learn which herbs enjoy being planted in fall and winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
When to harvest broccoli
(Audio 11/17/14) Do not harvest broccoli according to the size of the head. Instead, look at the flower buds in the head. When the largest flower buds are the size of a kitchen match, it is time to harvest the broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Grow amaryllis bulbs in containers
(Audio 11/17/14) Amaryllis bulbs are easy to grow inside, but are also beautiful garden plants. Grow the bulbs in containers on a sunny window sill and water regularly. Around April, you may move the plant into a sunny location in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant ornamental vegetables in your garden
(Audio 11/17/14) Ornamental cabbage and ornamental kale can brighten your garden during fall and winter. These vegetable plants will produce a variety of colorful leaves in the heart of the plant. Buy young plants from your local nursery and fertilize generously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Treat tea scale on camellias
(Audio 11/10/14) Camellias come from the tea family. The leading insect pest of camellias is known as the tea scale. Symptoms include a white fuzzy material on the back of the leaf and yellow blotches on the upper surface of the leaf. Listen to learn how to treat the tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Colorful cool-season bedding plants
(Audio 11/10/14) Louisiana gardeners tend to focus on spring flower beds, but cool-season bedding plants can be just as colorful throughout the winter. Replace warm-season bedding plants with cool-season plants such as pansies, violas, and snapdragons. (Runtime: 60 seconds)