(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)

(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)

(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)

(TV News 12/07/09) Pecans play a big role in holiday meals in Louisiana, but this fall the crop is scarce in some areas of the state. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports the effects of Hurricane Gustav will be felt in some pecan-producing parishes for several years. (Runtime: 1:17)

(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)

(TV News 12/28/09) A proposed ban on raw oysters harvested during warm months would have hurt an already fragile oyster industry in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:48)

(TV News 12/14/09) The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is more than just the holidays – it’s citrus season in Louisiana, and this year consumer can have their fill. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:43)

(TV News 12/21/09) Plants can play a featured role in holiday decorations, but you can’t put them on display and then ignore them. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports these plants need care throughout the holiday season. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 12/25/09) Camellias are part of our Southern gardening heritage. A few well-placed specimens will brighten up your landscape during the winter when few other shrubs are blooming.

(Distributed 12/23/09) RAYVILLE, La. – Area farmers can hear about the latest in research designed to help grow profitable crops during the 2010 Northeast Louisiana Crop Forum slated for Jan. 19 at the Rayville Civic Center.

(Distributed 12/23/09) WEST MONROE, La. – Information about different agricultural commodities grown in Louisiana will be featured in Ag Alley, a group of exhibits coordinated by the LSU AgCenter at the 28th annual Ag Expo Jan. 15-16.

(Distributed 12/18/09) Hurricanes marred agriculture production in 2008. In 2009, it was rain – and plenty of it – that created challenges for Louisiana farmers.

(Distributed 12/18/09) Farmers getting ready for the 2010 rice growing season can get advice and the latest information at seven meetings being held in January, all featuring experts from the LSU AgCenter. The first will be Jan. 5 at the community center in Welsh starting at 8 a.m.

(Distributed 12/18/09) Many landscape trees are planted from fall through the winter in Louisiana. Homeowners need to be aware of some of the common mistakes made in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees.

(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)

(Distributed 12/17/09) A Claiborne Parish teacher and her school have won the first Promising Practices Award in Louisiana, an honor created by the LSU AgCenter 4-H program to recognize educators who emphasize character education with their students. Dana Smith, a Haynesville Junior/Senior High School teacher, coordinates an annual training to teach teen teams from Claiborne Parish schools about the importance of ethical, social and academic growth through character education.

(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)

(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)

(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)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Each new year many people resolve to be healthier. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says start 2010 with a plan that will help you make healthful choices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Many people use container plants to embellish decks and patios, but some of these plants must come indoors for the winter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet warns the soils of these plants are good dwelling places for a variety of insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Small insects can invade our pantries -- particularly this time of year when many people store extra items such as cake mixes, flour and other foods for holiday parties. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says to be careful of what you buy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Parents facing military deployment should prepare their children for the absence. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents can start by helping children express their feelings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(Distributed 12/17/09) For more than 15 years, Dr. Zhijun Liu with the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources has been investigating plants for medicinal properties. He started by looking at plants that traditionally have been used as folk remedies to treat diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

(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)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Some holiday foods and drinks such as cream pies and eggnog traditionally call for raw eggs. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says recipes can be adapted to use cooked eggs instead of raw eggs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/15/09) Many doting grandparents (and others) have established family traditions of giving U.S. savings bonds as holiday gifts. Gifts of bonds help grandchildren save for the future and teach them about investing at the same time according to LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker.

(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)

(Radio News 12/21/09) Plants can play a featured role in holiday decorations. If you invested in plants to use in your holiday decor, don’t neglect them as the season wears on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) LSU AgCenter nutritionist suggests sneaking in ways to move more this holiday season. Dr. Beth Reames says adding exercise to your schedule can keep you from gaining holiday weight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) What do you do with that cluster of poinsettias, the decorated living Christmas tree or the holiday cactus you got as a gift after the holidays? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has the answers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) Many families have established the tradition of giving gift bonds as Christmas presents. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says the bonds can come with a lesson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) The popularity of gift cards as Christmas gifts continue to increase each year. While they are a great option, purchasers should be aware of risks and costs associated with gift cards. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/15/09) NEW ORLEANS – LSU AgCenter representatives gave their perspectives on the 2009 growing season in Louisiana and the upcoming year during the 2009 USA Rice Outlook Conference held in New Orleans Dec. 9-11.

(Radio News 12/21/09) If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker has a few tips to keep you from overspending. First make a plan, then shop with a set amount of cash in an envelope. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/11/09) A shaky economy and uncertainty about the future create a period of transition, according to Diane Scimeca, LSU AgCenter healthy homes coordinator.

(Distributed 12/14/09) The malicious people who spread viruses and malware to computers worldwide are getting evermore sneaky. One of the latest techniques is to infect your computer through advertisements on Web sites. “Be particularly cautious with ads on Web sites,” said Davis Dautreuil, a technical support specialist with the LSU AgCenter. “Even ads on news and social networking sites can be a problem.”

(Distributed 12/14/09) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter recognized six individuals, three teams of faculty members and two staff members for outstanding service and exemplary performance of their duties during ceremonies here Monday (Dec. 14).

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(Distributed 12/11/09) Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for the late fall through early spring months. They go by the scientific names of Camellia sasanqua.

(Distributed 12/10/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar can be a great holiday gift for gardeners and others who enjoy beautiful plants, flowers, gardens and landscapes. The 2010 edition of the calendar is on sale now and provides a variety of helpful information tailored to Louisiana gardeners, as well as those who simply enjoy looking at garden scenes or learning more about plants.

(Distributed 12/04/09) CALHOUN, La. – A host of topics important to current and future forest landowners will be featured at a forestry forum Jan. 16 starting at 8 a.m. at the LSU AgCenter Calhoun Research Station.

(Distributed 12/09/09) The LSU AgCenter has received the go-ahead from the Board of Regents to begin establishing the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing. “This has moved us a step forward in our efforts to boost the biofuels business in the state,” said John Russin, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor and institute director.

(Distributed 12/09/09) When people were asked what they wanted to receive this year, gift cards was the clear winner, according to an LSU AgCenter family economist.

(Radio News 12/14/09) Holidays are an exciting time with a new baby, but the festivities can be stressful for infants and toddlers. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents should be aware of their baby’s temperament during holiday activities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/08/09) Eleven 4-H members and one adult volunteer were honored at the Louisiana 4-H Educational Awards Trip banquet at the LSU’s Lod Cook Conference Center Nov. 24.

(Radio News 12/14/09) Children of divorced or separated parents could have a difficult time during the holidays. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents need to be sensitive to their children’s needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) It takes several years for a new pecan tree to come into production. LSU AgCenter country agent in Pointe Coupee Parish Miles Brashier says growers have planted new trees in recent years and are replacing lost or damaged trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Children can be good holiday helpers in the kitchen says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is a great way to teach youngsters about nutrition and food safety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/08/09) If you’re planning to spend time at the mall this holiday season, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers some tips to help you prevent overeating while you’re out and about.

(Distributed 12/08/09) Children enjoy being holiday helpers. This holiday season, let your children share in planning and preparing food for these special occasions, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames

(Distributed 12/07/09) Walking in a winter wonderland abundant with holiday sights, sounds, and smells can seduce shoppers to spend dangerously.

(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)

(Audio 12/07/09) A Christmas tree usually is the focal part of holiday decorations. The best place to find the freshest trees is at your local Christmas tree farm. Learn what to look for when purchasing your tree this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/09) Tomatoes planted in August and September can continue to produce through mid-December. Find out what to do with your tomatoes before an impending freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/09) Many Louisianans use a variety of different plants to decorate for the holidays. One blooming holiday favorite is the poinsettia. Listen for how to choose and care for these wonderful holiday plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/09) In Louisiana, our gardens do not go completely dormant during the winter months. There are various cool-season bedding plants that can be used to give our winter landscape a splash of color. Learn why it is beneficial to plant dianthus and others during this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Research shows that average weight gain during the holidays is a pound. While that doesn’t sound like much, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says there is some bad news. That pound tends to stay around, and the weight can accumulate over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Jeff Smith owns the Farmers Feed Mill in New Roads. He also grows and buys pecans. This year pecan movement is slow after Hurricane Gustav destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Fruit glistens on rows of trees at Ben Becnel’s citrus orchard in Plaquemines Parish. This is a good year for citrus in the area. Becnel has battled numerous storms in recent years, but he is still managing to produce an excellent crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance fruit tree should try citrus. LSU AgCenter county agent Alan Vaughn says growers can have a productive citrus tree in any area of the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/04/09) If you’re one of the many Americans who face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight, the good news is that although many people gain weight from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Radio News 12/07/09) The state will have an average pecan crop this year in spite of a dismal crop in parts of south Louisiana. Pointe Coupee Parish typically produces around 3-4 million pounds of pecans a year, according to Miles Brashier, LSU AgCenter county agent. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/04/09) Physical activity is important all year, but it can be especially helpful during the holidays when you may be eating more than usual, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 12/4/09) Fall through spring is when most folks add new plants to their landscape. This is the best time of year for planting trees, shrubs and ground covers, but it is also a time to be cautious about creating problems that could bring termites into your home.

(Distributed 12/03/09) Make sure your holiday treats containing eggs – such as eggnog, cream pies and similar dishes – are safe to eat, LSU AgCenter experts warn.

(Distributed 12/03/09) Christmas tree and holiday decoration shopping has started, and an LSU AgCenter expert has some guidelines for buying poinsettias.

(Distributed 12/01/09) The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA or FACT ACT) requires each of the credit bureaus to provide you with a free copy of your credit report each year. The big three bureaus have set up a central source where you can get your free annual credit report, according to Dr. Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter family economics specialist.

(Distributed 11/30/09) The LSU AgCenter will host the 2010 Agricultural Outlook Conference Jan. 21 in Alexandria. Designed to continue addressing the current issues facing the state’s farmers, agribusinesses and others, the theme of the conference is “Keeping Louisiana’s Agriculture Competitive.”

(For Release On Or After 12/25/09) The oak has become a part of American culture more than many other types of trees. Oaks are a symbol of strength and durability. “Strong as an oak” is a common comparison.

(For Release On Or After 12/18/09) A common misconception is that orchids are difficult to grow. In fact, orchids are tough, resilient plants, and most are not that challenging if you just learn what growing conditions they prefer.

(For Release On Or After 12/11/09) November through February is the best time to plant pecan trees. But before you decide to add a pecan tree to your landscape, you have some things to consider.

(For Release On Or After 12/04/09) When it comes to Christmas trees, there are two basic choices – living or artificial. Although artificial trees have their place, and manufactures are producing some startlingly realistic versions, I’m going to focus on the living types.