(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 10/06/06) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease. By the end of September or beginning of October, however, they reach the end of their growing season and begin to decline in appearance.

(For Release On Or After 10/13/06) I’m not a big fan of bringing in new soil and replacing the original soil in a garden bed. There are times, however, when it is necessary to purchase additional soil for the garden – especially when creating new raised beds or raising the grade of existing ones.

(For Release On Or After 10/20/06) When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 10/20/06) When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

(For Release On Or After 10/13/06) I’m not a big fan of bringing in new soil and replacing the original soil in a garden bed. There are times, however, when it is necessary to purchase additional soil for the garden – especially when creating new raised beds or raising the grade of existing ones.

(For Release On Or After 10/06/06) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease. By the end of September or beginning of October, however, they reach the end of their growing season and begin to decline in appearance.

(Distributed 10/31/06) Officials are seeking nominations for the next Louisiana Farmer of the Year through mid-December. Now in its 10th year, the annual award is intended to recognize the outstanding contributions made to Louisiana through agriculture.

(Distributed 10/23/06) Despite extremes in weather and a small decline in acreage over last year, an LSU AgCenter sweet potato expert predicts an average year for producers.

(Distributed 10/25/06) After taking a firsthand look at the needs of New Orleans, officials with investment banking firm Goldman Sachs decided to lend some helping hands plus cash to the recovery effort.

(Distributed 10/23/06) After nearly five years of hard times for sugarcane farmers, this year’s crop looks like it will be much better than the crops of the past few years, according to LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre.

(Distributed 10/10/06) Authorities are releasing a natural enemy of the pink hibiscus mealybug to try to bring this insect, which is a danger to both nursery and agricultural crops, under control, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said Tuesday (Oct. 10).

(Distributed 10/10/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy has issued a call for abstracts for its 2007 national forum on socioeconomic research in coastal systems. Set for May 20-23 in New Orleans, the conference is titled "Challenges of Natural Resource Economics and Policy."

(Distributed 10/10/06) Children across Louisiana will learn to be smart about their bodies again this year as a unique nutrition, health and fitness educational program comes to schools across the state. "Smart Bodies" is an interactive program designed to help prevent childhood obesity through classroom activities that teach children about healthy eating habits and physical exercise.

(Distributed 10/05/06) With 10 4-H’ers standing beside her at a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed a proclamation on Wednesday, Oct. 4, honoring National 4-H Week, which is being celebrated all over the country the week of Oct. 1-7.

(Distributed 10/06/06) Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.

(Distributed 10/31/06) Every November, the American Diabetes Association encourages the public to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. "Diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States and has no cure," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/26/06) Fall is not a time to do much to your Louisiana lawn – mow, remove fallen leaves and irrigate as needed. Warm-season grasses are slowing down and trying to go dormant. "We must let them do so," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/26/06) Fall is the time to plant sweat peas to enjoy colorful and delightfully scented cut flowers in spring, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/23/06) Many consumers are under the impression that federal legislation allows them to learn their credit scores. This is one of the myths circulating among the public about obtaining credit histories, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 10/13/06) A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but it could take a little more for the homework to get done, according to the experts. LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe says looking at the rewards and benefits can make homework time more productive.

(Distributed 10/11/06) The LSU AgCenter and other organizations are offering a program across the state designed to help consumers learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft.