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Cool-season Vegetables
Grow assorted cool-season vegetables in Louisiana gardens
(Video 12/14/09) With the cool season upon us, it’s a great time to plant vegetables like leafy greens or crispy carrots. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill mentions various vegetables you can plant and explains the right way to pick broccoli. (Runtime: 1:50)
Paper Whites
Display a different holiday plant this season
(Video 12/21/09) The poinsettia easily is the most popular Christmas season plant, but another beautiful holiday plant that is less known is the paperwhite. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for paperwhites early in their growth – by properly planting the bulbs. (Runtime: 1:57)
Brown Patch
Hinder brown patch growth in your lawn
(Video 12/07/09) Do you see brown patches in your lawn? Cold weather may not be causing that; it may be disease. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do and what not to do when you notice brown patch disease is affecting your lawn. (Runtime: 1:36)
Rex Begonia
Purchase Rex begonias for beautiful holiday color
(Video 12/28/09) Wax begonias are a popular plant used during the summer, but their beautiful cousins, Rex begonias, can be purchased now to be used as indoor plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to properly care for these colorful plants with a funny name. (Runtime: 1:39)
Consider a Christmas cactus for the holidays
(Audio 12/28/09) There are many plants used as decorations for the holidays, such as Christmas trees and poinsettias. Another popularly used plant is the Christmas cactus -- and these plants can last for many years with proper care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Properly prune tropical plants after freeze
(Audio 12/28/09) Many Louisiana gardeners plant tropical plants in their landscapes, but those plants may become damaged during the winter. Listen to the guidelines for what to prune from damaged plants after a major freeze and when it would be best to prune. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Winter-planted roses bloom well in spring
(Audio 12/28/09) Whether you are planning to plant shade trees, shrubs, hedges or small flowering trees, winter is the best time of year to add hardy trees and shrubs to the landscape. Learn about the advantages of planting shrubs, such as roses, during the winter months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Foliage adds color to landscape during winter
(Audio 12/28/09) Many trees, even some evergreens, experience a change in the color of their foliage during the cold season. This allows us to experience some beautiful colors, such as yellow, orange and red, in our winter landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Take precautions when storing gardening chemicals
(Audio 12/21/09) Most gardeners use various forms of pesticides or fertilizers in their gardens and landscapes. Even though most solid forms of these chemicals will be safe through the winter, liquid chemicals could potentially freeze. Be sure to store your gardening chemicals in a safe and controlled environment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Fallen leaves can benefit landscape
(Audio 12/21/09) Fallen leaves should not be considered common trash because they can be very beneficial in landscapes. Find out about the many advantages creating mulch or compost will provide for your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Refrain from discarding extra seeds
(Audio 12/21/09) Gardeners often find themselves with leftover seeds after planting the necessary amount in a given area. Here are a few ideas for what to do with your extra seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Pot amaryllis prior to adding to landscape
(Audio 12/21/09) Amaryllis bulbs become readily available this time of year in local nurseries, but gardeners should not plant these bulbs directly into their landscapes. Learn about the most effective way for growing amaryllis. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs
(Audio 12/28/09) If you were among those who have been chilling tulip and hyacinth bulbs since late November, now through early January is the best time to plant them in your landscape. These bulbs usually look best when planted in groups rather than in a row. Listen for more tips on how to plant these bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Camellias call for winter care
(Audio 12/21/09) Camellias are considered one of Louisiana’s most stunning flowering shrubs during the winter. These shrubs can produce beautiful full flowers with the right amount of proper care. Learn the best ways to take care of your camellias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Low-chill apples can prosper during winter in Louisiana
(Audio 12/14/09) Some may not believe apples can be grown in Louisiana because of our mild winters, but low-chill apple varieties can be successful. Learn which varieties of apples will produce well without undergoing very cold temperatures during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Cold weather fails to extinguish all weeds
(Audio 12/14/09) Cool-season weeds still grow during the winter in Louisiana, so gardeners even have to weed their flowerbeds and lawns this time of year. To cut down on the work, it is a good idea to use mulch or weed killers in the winter landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Tropical plants require protection during winter
(Audio 12/14/09) Most of the plants in Louisiana landscapes will not be damaged by mild winter temperatures, but tropical plants are more susceptible to cold temperatures. Here are some options for how to protect tropical plants during the winter months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Wind chill not considered detrimental to plants
(Audio 12/14/09) Gardeners are sometimes confused by which winter temperatures will cause their tropical plants to become damaged or frozen. The so-called wind chill is not something gardeners should be particularly concerned about -- although covering some plants to protect them from windburn could be beneficial. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Keep gardening tools in safe condition
(Audio 12/14/09) With gardening activities slowing down, it's a good time of year to repair any damaged lawn and gardening tools. It's also important for gardening tools and equipment to be stored safely and correctly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Vegetables succeed during cool season in Louisiana
(Audio 12/07/09) The cold really starts to set in during December in Louisiana, but that does not mean it is too cold to plant vegetables. There is a great selection of hardy vegetables that will flourish during the mild winter weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
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