(Video 06/29/09) For landscape color during the summer months most Louisiana gardeners plant hot weather bedding plants. But, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you how to sustain beautiful summer color -- with a vine. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 06/03/09) If a hurricane is forming or looks as though it may be headed our way, experts say there are a variety of actions you can take to help protect your family and property. “If you’ve got a family disaster plan, that’s the time to pull it out and start following it,” says Pat Skinner of the LSU AgCenter. “And, even if you don’t have a family disaster plan, there are still plenty of things you can do!”

(Distributed 06/26/09) Hollies are right behind azaleas, gardenias, camellias, sasanquas and Indian hawthorns in popularity among evergreen shrubs, and they may even be more popular than some of those.

(Distributed 06/19/09) Crape myrtles continue to be one of the most widely used landscape trees in the southeastern United States.

(Distributed 06/12/09) Summer is here, and that means butterfly gardening season is upon us. Bedding plants and herbaceous perennials are in full bloom attracting butterflies to our home landscapes.

(Distributed 06/05/09) Coleus have long been a summer favorite for Louisiana landscapes. Many old varieties are still with us, but many new ones have sparked renewed interest in this old southern favorite.

(Distributed 06/03/09) The Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences presented its highest award along with others at its annual conference in Lafayette May 6. New officers also were chosen.

(TV News 06/29/09) Blueberries are little berries with big health benefits -- and they are in season now. Louisiana has its share of blueberry growers, and the quality of this year’s crop is as high as its nutrition content. (Runtime: 56)

(TV News 06/22/09) Louisiana residents have lived through several major hurricanes in the past few years but some still neglect making adequate preparations for storm season. LSU AgCenter experts explain what you should be doing now to ensure you are ready if a storm heads your way. (Runtime: 1:37)

(TV News 06/15/09) If you haven’t treated your yard for fire ants, it’s not too late. April and October are the ideal times to treat with growth regulators, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says you can still get good results in June. (Runtime: 1 minute, 22 seconds)

(TV News 06/08/09) Two insects have rice growers scouting their fields. An LSU AgCenter rice entomologist reports that a common insect in rice has a large population this year and an uncommon rice insect has damaged two fields. (Runtime: 1 minute, 36 seconds)

(TV News 06/01/09) Late-planted sugarcane, a return of rust and sugar imports are causing concern for many Louisiana sugarcane farmers. As the cane grows taller across south Louisiana, farmers are seeing some problems, according to LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 1 minute, 55 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) A devalued peso could lead to a million tons of Mexican sugar coming into the United States. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says that amount would be much more than Louisiana’s sugar industry expected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Some children experience homesickness when they are away from home during the summer. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents must be careful when dealing with or anticipating homesickness.

(Radio News 06/01/09) An important part of parenting is providing guidance to your child. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White says parents need to provide a safe and loving environment where children can learn and grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Parents need to have realistic, research-supported expectations about what their children can do and accomplish at a particular age or stage in life, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White. She says expecting too much too soon can have a negative affect on a child. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Summer camps provide fun and educational experiences for youngsters, and parents have many options when choosing where to send their children. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser has advice for picking the right camp. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) The rice water weevil is a major pest of rice, and the population this year appears as large as ever. Researchers aren’t sure what caused the increase in weevils, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel says the damage is already noticeable in some fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) An insect not seen in Louisiana rice fields in more than two decades has damaged two fields. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel says the grape colaspis is a problem in rice in Arkansas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) If you haven’t treated your yard for fire ants, it’s not too late. April and October are the ideal time to treat, but you can still get good results in June, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) Individuals looking for extensive control of fire ants should look for growth regulators, says an LSU AgCenter entomologist. Dr. Dale Pollet says these baits work by sterilizing the ants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) Every child needs an advocate – someone who is on their side, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Pine colaspis beetles may be feeding on your pine and cypress trees. Dr. Dale Pollet, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter, says these golden beetles are foliage feeders. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) It is not unusual this time of the year to notice a large mass of tiny insects on the bark of certain trees. These are psocids or bark lice, explains LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet, who says they won't harm trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Most children are naturally inquisitive and when a storm is approaching your child may have many questions. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says you should be prepared to answer these questions before they are asked. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Babies are like sponges, soaking in new things every day. Parents can provide babies and young children with the motivation to learn. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Each June Father’s Day highlights the important roles dads play in children's lives. LSU AgCenter family and child development associate Courtney Pitts says fathers need to be involved throughout their children's lives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Hurricanes generally are less frequent during the early part of the summer storm season, but now still is a good time to prepare for potential storms, says LSU AgCenter disaster programs coordinator Pat Skinner. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Gathering important supplies before a disaster occurs is important. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker recommends putting together a "grab and go" box. She says this box should include items such as backup copies of important computer files, negatives of treasured photographs and keys to the safe deposit box. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Blueberries have big health benefits, and they are in season now. Louisiana has its share of blueberry growers, and the quality of this year’s crop is as high as its nutrition content. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Blueberries are brimming with nutrients and flavor, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Home gardeners can have fresh, delicious and nutritious blueberries right outside of their doors. Blueberries are a great fruit crop for the home landscape, says LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Keep it clean when cooking or eating outdoors, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. No one wants a picnic or cookout spoiled by foodborne illness. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) When a hurricane hits, residents in its path may have to live without water or electricity for a while. LSU AgCenter disaster programs coordinator Pat Skinner says Louisiana residents need to be prepared for primitive living conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) 4-H’ers pledge to live healthfully, and the LSU AgCenter is helping youngsters keep that pledge. From Smart Bodies to Smart Choices, the LSU AgCenter has a variety of programs that teach children about healthy living, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) The LSU AgCenter Pecan Research-Extension Station in Shreveport will not be affected by the latest alignment of Interstate 69 in southern Caddo Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Dr. Patrick Colyer, the LSU AgCenter's Northwest Region director, says this is great news. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/01/09) Although many people like to avoid pesticides, sometimes that’s the only way to control pest problems on plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the safest pesticides that are right for the job. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Video 06/08/09) Beautiful flowering plants in a landscape can catch your attention. But they don’t necessarily have to be planted in the ground to provide beauty and fragrance. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages gardeners to take plants higher than ground level, while bringing flowers closer to the senses. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Video 06/015/09) Do you neglect some of your gardening work during the summer because it’s just too hot? Well, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a plant suggestion that will get you out of the sun and into the shade. (Runtime: 1 minute, 35 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) In June, gardeners are harvesting a bountiful amount of vegetables. They also can plant vegetables this month, but these vegetables must be tolerant of the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Louisiana gardeners can start picking ripe tomatoes as early as late May, but by June the crop is really starting to mature. Gardeners may want to harvest their tomatoes early to avoid pest problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Containers allow us to have plants where they would not otherwise grow. During the summer, these plants have to be watered often, which can cause nutrients to leach out. A slow-release fertilizer will give container plants the boosts they need throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Gardeners can become concerned about lichens growing on the bark of trees -- especially trees that are doing poorly. But these growths are self-sufficient and don't harm the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/01/09) Mowing is the biggest lawn chore during the summer months. To keep your lawn looking attractive, you should mow every five to seven days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Gardenia plants add a wonderful fragrance to southern landscapes. Pruning these plants requires some thought. The buds set the year before they open. Pruning has to be done right after they finish blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Fallen leaves and grass clippings are ideal materials for compost piles. In June, you probably have plenty of grass clippings. Use a bag attachment on a mower to collect the clippings for composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Caterpillars are major pests on many of our ornamentals, vegetables and fruit and nut trees. Hand-picking the caterpillars is a safe way to control them but may not be practical. Gardeners can use organic sprays to control caterpillars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Louisiana gardeners should be concerned about summer storms, especially hurricanes. Check trees now to determine if they need attention before a storm hits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/08/09) Large, mature shade trees are the most valuable and irreplaceable part of out landscape. Lightening strikes are common in the summertime, and lightening can kill a tree. If a tree is struck and it is still green a month later, it likely survived the strike. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Louisiana gardeners primarily grow everblooming roses, but some gardeners grow once-blooming roses. These plants that bloom once a year should be pruned in summer after they have finished blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Container plants are great on porches, decks and patios, but water from these pots can damage wooden surfaces. Boosting container plants will keep the wood dry and safe. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Gardeners are always looking for plants that are easy to grow and will thrive in Louisiana's summer heat. Pentas are a good plant for this time of the year. They come in a variety of shades and bloom all summer long. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) If you planted a tree within the past year, make sure that tree gets plenty of water this summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a good way to ensure new trees get adequate moisture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/15/09) Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees. One problem with crape myrtles is suckers. Pruning the suckers and using a sprout inhibitor on them can keep them away for up to a year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) The baldcypress is the state tree of Louisiana. Cypress trees tend to produce knees in swampy conditions. This usually is not an issue in well-drained landscapes, but sometimes knees can form. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) Many herbs don't care for the intense heat of summer. One herb gardeners can grow this time of the year is Mexican tarragon. It is related to marigolds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) By now many gardeners have been harvesting tomatoes. A variety of problems can arise with tomato plants, and by late June production may be shutting down because of the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/22/09) Snails and slugs thrive in our hot and humid summer weather. They chew holes in leaves and attack low-growing plants. Gardeners have several options to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Lawn care is in high gear this time of the year, and homeowners should be mowing regularly. Another lawn chore includes watering when drought stress occurs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) The intense heat we have in Louisiana during July doesn't mean we can't plant vegetables into our gardens. A number of vegetables actually grow well and even thrive in our summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) The highest quality tomatoes come out of Louisiana gardens in late May and early June. In July, the intense heat takes its toll on the plants and the fruit they produce. Tomato production will drop off this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) Web worms are small, fuzzy caterpillars that feed on the foliage of a variety of trees. They create a web tent, and while they may not look nice, they do not harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/09) This time of the year it is easy to evaluate where you may need shade in your lawn and landscape. You also may want to consider providing shade for your house. This can cut energy costs. Make a plan to plant shade trees during the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/12/09) Educators who want to learn how to teach high school students about money management may take free workshops from the LSU AgCenter during July.

(Distributed 06/30/09) DOYLINE, La. – Scientists with the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are combining their efforts in an attempt to control giant salvinia – a noxious aquatic weed that is spreading across Lake Bisteneau in northwest Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/30/09) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station is celebrating a century of operation this year, making it the oldest facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

(Distributed 06/05/09) Agricultural producers aspiring to be Louisiana Master Farmers can choose among 11 events scheduled for 2009 to help them meet the requirements for the program, according to Donna Morgan, LSU AgCenter agent in Alexandria, La.

(Distributed 06/24/09) CROWLEY, La. – This year’s field day on July 1 at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station will cap the centennial celebration of the facility’s existence. “This is a celebration of the past 100 years, and we’re going to have more of a historical perspective,” said Dr. Steve Linscombe, the station’s director. “Farmers and the general public will get a glimpse of how far agriculture in southwest Louisiana has advanced since 1909.”

(Distributed 06/25/09) Nearly 100 youth from across the country will converge at the Wildwood Resort on Toledo Bend in Zwolle July 19-23 for the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program. Sixteen teams of six are expected from as far as Maryland, Wisconsin and Utah, according to Paul Morris, LSU AgCenter county agent in Sabine Parish and co-chair of the event.

(Distributed 06/26/09) BATON ROUGE – Louisiana youth took home honors as state contest winners and alternates as the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University concluded Thursday night (June 25) on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/25/09) Winners of 2009 4-H scholarships were among those honored during ceremonies at the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University June 23-25 in Baton Rouge. The young adults from across Louisiana were honored at an awards banquet June 23 and at an assembly June 24 on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/25/09) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Normally, people think of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) as a problem for humans, but there’s one that’s emerged in the past few years as a problem for cattle in Louisiana. It’s called trichomoniasis, or trich, for short. LSU AgCenter scientists offered ideas for managing this disease among cattle as well as more productive and efficient ways to raise forage for cattle at the Red River Research Station field day on June 18.

(Distributed 06/25/09) The LSU AgCenter now is offering several of its highest-quality publications for sale through its online store. The move is part of an effort to be able to continue offering expanded publications to clientele who prefer a printed format while also balancing the limited funds available for printing.

(Distributed 06/24/09) The LSU AgCenter honored 12 adults Tuesday evening (June 24) for their service to the Louisiana 4-H youth development program. Among those honored were four 4-H alumni, two school system administrators, two LSU AgCenter faculty members, two secretaries from AgCenter offices and two volunteer leaders who were honored for their outstanding service to 4-H.

(Distributed 06/23/09) ST. JOSEPH, La. – So far, the chief crops in northeast Louisiana – cotton, corn and soybeans – are looking good, but they need rain, said Don Boquet, an LSU AgCenter cotton specialist at the Northeast Research Station and one of the speakers at the station’s annual field day June 17.

(Distributed 06/24/09) Organizers expect 600 youth from across Louisiana to compete in the 40th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 6-11 in West Monroe.

(Distributed 06/22/09) Briefings on agricultural issues and farm visits highlighted a study tour to Santa Barbara County, Calif., June 8-12, for the current class in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program.

(Distributed 06/19/09) CROWLEY, La. – The current hot, dry weather could reduce the amount of fungicides needed for this year’s rice crop, an LSU AgCenter plant pathologist said at the Acadia Parish rice field day Thursday (June 18).

(Distributed 06/22/09) The LSU AgCenter is offering a series of educational programs across the state, beginning July 21, to help people get into the agritourism business. Agritourism is a business venture on a working farm, ranch or agricultural enterprise that offers educational and fun experiences for visitors while generating supplemental income for the owner, according to Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter community rural development agent.

(Distributed 06/17/09) The current spate of dry weather approaching drought conditions has Louisiana farmers in a bind, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/10/09) Finding solutions to the low prices producers receive for their milk will a topic of discussion at this year’s St. Helena/Tangipahoa Dairy Day June 11 at Henry Capdeboscq Jr.’s dairy farm near Husser.

(Distributed 06/17/09) Twenty members of the LSU AgCenter Communications and Information Technology staffs were honored at the annual conference of the Association for Communication Excellence, an international professional organization, which was held June 6-10 in Des Moines, Iowa.

BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 200 people learned how to update their homes and make them safer during hurricane season at the Hurricanes, Homes and Yards event at the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse on June 13. LaHouse is an educational and demonstration center built as a residential home near the Alex Box Baseball Stadium on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/12/09) This Father's Day, let your father know how much you care by helping him choose and eat a healthy diet.

(Distributed 06/08/09) Your plans for a storm or other disaster need to include what you’ll do about any pets and livestock you own, as well as all the other measures to protect your family and property. LSU AgCenter experts say to make your plans early, so you can put them into play the minute a potential disaster threatens.

(Distributed 06/05/09) Asian soybean rust has been found in a soybean sentinel plot maintained by agricultural consultant Blaine Viator in St. Martin Parish near Coteau, according to LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Clayton Hollier.

(Distributed 06/04/09) LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil recently took over as the leader of a national policy group for the nation’s land-grant universities. Coreil was appointed chair of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy for 2008-09.

(Distributed 06/04/09) SCOTT, La. – The Louisiana County Agents Association honored five LSU AgCenter extension employees with awards at the organization’s annual convention Tuesday (June 2).

(Distributed 06/04/09) HAYNESVILLE, La. – Jannah Loyd has found that things she learned in 4-H have helped her with the life skills she needs to face Down syndrome.

(Distributed 06/03/09) A regional conference focusing on enhancing current tourism resources and creating new ones in rural areas will be held Aug. 11-13 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, La.

(Distributed 06/02/09) Power outages often accompany summer storms, but there are steps you can take before a storm to give the food in your refrigerator or freezer a little more time. “After a disaster, electrical power may be disrupted for hours, sometimes days,” says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. “There are things you can do to prepare for an outage which may extend the life of foods in your refrigerator or freezer.”

(Distributed 06/02/09) Twelve new members of the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame will be inducted at the grand opening of the Louisiana 4-H Museum in Mansura from 2-4 p.m. on July 18.

(Distributed 06/02/09) A review of new sugarcane varieties and field tours on weed control, insect management and disease management will be featured at the annual sugarcane field day July 15 at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.

(Distributed 06/01/08) It’s no surprise that experts say hurricane season is a time for planning. Making the appropriate arrangements and having good emergency plans can reduce damage to your home, help you cope during the storm and help you recover more easily after the storm, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/01/09) BATON ROUGE – Participants in 4-H are known for their prize-winning animals and giving back to their communities through ambitious service projects. But at 4-H University, these students will compete in contests ranging from computer simulation to sports broadcasting.

(For Release On Or After 06/26/09) When I’m asked about what should be done in the garden this time of year, I generally reply, “As little as possible.” The period from late June to mid-September is the most stressful time of the year for gardeners and their plants.

(For Release On Or After 06/05/09) June is the peak month for harvesting early summer vegetables. One reason people grow their own vegetables is the outstanding quality of freshly harvested produce. Harvesting at the right stage, however, is essential to getting the best quality vegetables from your garden.

(For Release On Or After 06/12/09) Summer-flowering vines can be used to provide color, fragrance and interest to Louisiana landscapes. They also can provide screening and even shade if they are allowed to cover an overhead structure. Indeed, no other group of plants can provide the same effects as vines.

(For Release On Or After 06/19/09) If you picked dewberries or blackberries from the wild as a child (or adult) and miss those wonderful shiny, black fruit bursting with sweet juice, you’ll be glad to know blackberries are easy-to-grow and productive in the home garden.