(Distributed January 2006) At the start of the year, several new varieties of ornamental plants debut. Winning rose varieties are among the most anticipated.

(Distributed January 2006) Louisiana’s relatively mild winters and its Mardi Gras season keep most folks from singing the blues after the Christmas holidays. Yet, often packed away with the holiday decorations is the interest in volunteer activities.

(Distributed January 2006) Snapdragons are one of the popular cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana. They provide nice landscape color from February through April, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed January 2006) To get the most out of a garden, you can extend the growing season by sheltering plants from cold weather in winter and early spring, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) Pruning shears are an important tool for most homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals. They are useful for trimming trees and shrubs and for harvesting fruits, vegetables and flowers.

(Distributed January 2006) Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common.

(Distributed January 2006) Although manufacturers are doing their part to reduce corrosion of lawn and garden equipment, how well you maintain your tools will determine their useful life.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s not easy becoming an ex-smoker if you’re a woman. Women are less successful in quitting smoking than men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed January 2006) A New Year’s resolution for many Americans is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many Americans are unable to keep that resolution.

(Distributed January 2006) January in Louisiana is rather bleak, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says we still can enjoy a fair amount of gardening.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s time to start some of Louisiana’s favorite vegetables from seed, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Tomato seeds are planted seven to nine weeks before the anticipated time of transplanting to the garden, according to Koske, who also says eggplant and bell pepper seeds should be planted about eight to 10 weeks before transplanting.

(Distributed January 2006) Recent clinical trials and ongoing studies have emphasized the importance of physical activity or combined physical activity and improved diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

(Distributed January 2006) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize that no matter the source – whether carbohydrate, fat or protein – calories do count when it comes to weight management.

(Distributed January 2006) As 2006 begins, well-meaning people will write or at least compile a mental list of New Year’s resolutions. A number of the resolutions may be repeated from last year’s list, which was quickly discarded when, at last, it became impossible to keep.

(Distributed January 2006) We’ve heard it many times that a healthy diet should include plenty fruits and vegetables. Also, variety is very important to get all the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana. Interest in mayhaws has been building over the last 20 years, and these plants are now managed in fruit orchards around the state.

(Distributed January 2006) Mid-spring through summer is the best time for sodding, but dormant-season sodding can be successful, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting dormant grass is simply riskier.

(Distributed February 2006) The 4-H livestock show season is upon us and offers an opportunity for the showcasing of the youth exhibitors and their animals. Parish shows are the first step of the journey followed by the district and state shows.

(Distributed February 2006) Take advantage of the fact that this year Valentine’s Day occurs a couple of weeks before Mardi Gras and share your heart with others. That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed February 2006) February is American Heart Month. Women throughout America will again "Go Red for Women" by wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s No. 1 killer.

(Distributed February 2006) Getting the right start in the spring is especially important for a productive garden, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2006) February is the best time to prune most fruit trees in Louisiana. The coldest part of winter is usually over, and trees will soon be growing and can heal pruning injuries.

(Distributed February 2006) February is American Heart Month. Women throughout America will again "Go Red for Women" by wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s No. 1 killer.

(Distributed February 2006) Louisiana gardeners are getting "itchy green thumbs" about now, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. They want to jump-start their spring gardens.

(Distributed February 2006) The answer to the hungry question, "Is it Done Yet?" is the basis of a national campaign to encourage the use of food thermometers when preparing meat, poultry and egg dishes, to prevent foodborne illness.

(Distributed February 2006) February and March signal the beginning of spring in many parts of Louisiana – at least in terms of home landscape activities.

(Distributed February 2006) February starts the Louisiana vegetable gardening season. This is especially true for the southern parishes.

(Distributed February 2006) Snap beans are adapted to a wide range of soils in Louisiana and make an excellent crop for the home garden. Their freshness is a real treat at the dinner table.

(Distributed February 2006) Don’t let food poisoning be a 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 February 2006) Millions of Americans are on the latest fad diets to lose weight. The problem is, most of these diets don’t provide lasting results, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed February 2006) March is National Nutrition Month and is sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. This year’s theme is "Step Up to Nutrition & Health."

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) Although manufacturers are doing their part to reduce corrosion of lawn and garden equipment, how well you maintain your tools will determine their useful life.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) To get the most out of a garden, you can extend the growing season by sheltering plants from cold weather in winter and early spring, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2006) A New Year’s resolution for many Americans is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many Americans are unable to keep that resolution.

(Distributed January 2006) Pruning shears are an important tool for most homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals. They are useful for trimming trees and shrubs and for harvesting fruits, vegetables and flowers.

(Distributed January 2006) We’ve heard it many times that a healthy diet should include plenty fruits and vegetables. Also, variety is very important to get all the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

(Distributed January 2006) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize that no matter the source – whether carbohydrate, fat or protein – calories do count when it comes to weight management.

(Distributed January 2006) Recent clinical trials and ongoing studies have emphasized the importance of physical activity or combined physical activity and improved diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s not easy becoming an ex-smoker if you’re a woman. Women are less successful in quitting smoking than men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed January 2006) January in Louisiana is rather bleak, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says we still can enjoy a fair amount of gardening.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) At the start of the year, several new varieties of ornamental plants debut. Winning rose varieties are among the most anticipated.

(Distributed January 2006) Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) As 2006 begins, well-meaning people will write or at least compile a mental list of New Year’s resolutions. A number of the resolutions may be repeated from last year’s list, which was quickly discarded when, at last, it became impossible to keep.

(Distributed January 2006) Snapdragons are one of the popular cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana. They provide nice landscape color from February through April, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed January 2006) Mid-spring through summer is the best time for sodding, but dormant-season sodding can be successful, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting dormant grass is simply riskier.

(Distributed January 2006) Louisiana’s relatively mild winters and its Mardi Gras season keep most folks from singing the blues after the Christmas holidays. Yet, often packed away with the holiday decorations is the interest in volunteer activities.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s time to start some of Louisiana’s favorite vegetables from seed, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Tomato seeds are planted seven to nine weeks before the anticipated time of transplanting to the garden, according to Koske, who also says eggplant and bell pepper seeds should be planted about eight to 10 weeks before transplanting.

(Distributed January 2006) Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana. Interest in mayhaws has been building over the last 20 years, and these plants are now managed in fruit orchards around the state.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.