(For Release On Or After 01/30/04)If we Louisiana gardeners used only plants that are hardy in our area, we would never have to cover them or be worried about them when it freezes.

(Distributed January 2004) Louisiana's "green industry" continues to be one of the leading economic players among the state's agricultural commodities, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. It trails only forestry.

(Distributed January 2004) In January and February, outdoor gardening is at a low to nonexistent rate in most homes. "Why not clean up the yard in preparation for spring gardening?" asks LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2004) The New Year ushers in new rose varieties and winners of the All-America Rose Selection, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed January 2004) With the beginning of the year comes a new start at vegetable gardening. In January, you may already have at least 20 crops growing in the garden from last fall, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2004) Aquatic exercise is one of the fastest growing segments of the fitness industry, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, who advocates exercise with a proper diet for a healthy lifestyle.

(Distributed January 2004) Young and mature adults, ages 18-44, who get type 2 diabetes are 14 times more likely to have a heart attack and up to 30 times more likely to have a stroke than their peers without diabetes. "The heart-attack rate is especially alarming," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2004) Eating raw or undercooked eggs is an invitation for foodborne illness. The same is true for lightly cooked eggs and egg dishes, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2004) "You don’t want food poisoning as your memento of the Mardi Gras season," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. By following some simple practices, you can enjoy the festivities without suffering from foodborne illnesses.

(Distributed January 2004) With winter here, garden produce may not look so good. The cold may bring out off-colors because of a different concentration of pigments in the plants, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.