(Video 4/19/10) During spring, you can purchase many bulb plants at your local nurseries. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a perennial bulb that reliably comes back again and again with beautiful flowers. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 4/12/10) When you visit your local nursery, you’ll see lots of bright, colorful flowers to choose from. But what you might not notice are some wonderful plants that have not displayed their blooms yet. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the advantage of planting perennials. (Runtime: 1:31)

(TV News 4/12/10) Louisiana corn farmers have finished planting the 2010 crop. Weather early in March had the state's corn farmers worried they wouldn’t get their crops in the ground during the optimal planting time. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that ideal weather conditions over two weeks gave some farmers opportunities to plant corn -- and other farmers are preparing to plant soybeans. (Runtime: 1:39)

(TV News 04/26/10) Rice plants are starting to emerge in some areas of the Louisiana. Farmers got somewhat of a late start in planting this year's crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:48)

(TV News 4/19/10) Purchasing a home can be an intimidating process. The LSU AgCenter is assisting families with the steps to homeownership. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with two homeowners who have benefited from the program. (Runtime: 1:59)

(TV News 04/05/10) Most people know foods such as spinach and broccoli are good for them, but grocery stores have many healthful options consumers may not have considered. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 4/26/10) Colorful Louisiana irises are blooming beautifully across the state. Now also is a great time to plant them. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides tips on growing this popular spring flower. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Audio 04/05/10) Gardeners should be careful when selecting bedding plants this time of the year. Nurseries carry both cool-season and warm-season bedding plants. Be sure to purchase bedding plants that will provide color for you even through the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/26/10) Orchids are wonderful flowering plants with a moderate cost that are becoming more readily available all the time. They are popularly given as gifts, but they are not your ordinary houseplants. Orchids are potted in special orchid mixes and require proper watering. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/23/10) Now is a great time to add summer bulbs to your gardens. Most summer-flowering bulbs are native to tropical and subtropical climates and will reliably bloom in Louisiana for many years. Summer bulbs are those that bloom roughly from May through September.

(Audio 04/12/10) Permanent lawn grasses grow best during the warm season which makes spring a prime grass planting season. Solid sodding is the preferred method when trying to establish a lawn. Hear more about the advantages of solid sodding a new lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/09/10) This time of the year always seems to inspire a frenzy of gardening activity. People flock to nurseries, and trees, shrubs, ground covers, tropicals, perennials and bedding plants are sold by the truckloads. In the frantic rush to plant something in the landscape, however, don’t forget that the more thought you put into your planting decisions, the more satisfactory your results are likely to be.

(Audio 04/05/10) Spider mites are a type of pest that is barely visible to the naked eye. They attack and damage plants such as roses, palms, eggplants and many other vegetables and ornamentals. Find out what symptoms to be aware of when checking for spider mite infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/19/10) Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a fine, white, powdery covering on the leaves of many different kinds of plants. Powdery mildew fungus is most troublesome when the weather is dry, humid and warm. Find out which plants are most commonly affected by powdery mildew. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/02/10) Fragrance is a plant’s way of touching us without physical contact. Like many things we enjoy in nature, the perfume is not really intended for us – but it seems like it is, anyway. If you love fragrant plants in the garden, you will be thrilled with our native honeysuckle azalea.

(Audio 04/19/10) Longer days and warmer weather this time of the year will encourage growth in many plants growing in containers. In order to keep soil from container plants nutritious, it is important to use fertilizer. Learn the best types of fertilizer to use for container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/12/10) Most herbs grow better during cooler weather and tend to fade away as temperatures rise. Here is a list of herbs that need to be harvested generously over the next few weeks before the heat of summer arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/26/10) The redbud is an outstanding native spring-flowering tree used to brighten landscapes. Redbuds can be found at your local nursery or garden center. It is best to plant them before the heat of summer arrives. Listen for details about the conditions required for optimal redbud growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/05/10) In Louisiana, gardening education begins during springtime. Garden shows, symposiums, demonstrations and lectures are planned to teach people more about gardening. Learn more about how to utilize these educational programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/26/10) Many people move their indoor plants outside during the summer. Outdoor conditions are much better than those indoors, and this move can help rejuvenate plants and make them grow better. Hear more about how to revitalize container plants with a move outdoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/12/10) Flowering perennials are available in nurseries this time of the year. These colorful plants brighten the landscape and live for many years. Check your local nursery if you are interested in planting flowering perennials in your landscape this spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/19/10) Gardeners should consider several aspects of lawn care this time of the year. You may want to fertilize your lawn or practice weed control. You also are going to have to mow your lawn much more frequently. Hear how to keep your mower blades sharpened and how to control your weeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/05/10) Tomatoes are probably the most popularly grown vegetable in home gardens. Tomatoes normally grow on vines, and without support, they would simply flop over leading to fruit rot. Support your tomatoes using stakes or cages. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/26/10) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of spring-flowering bulbs in their landscapes. Right after flowering ends, especially if seed pods are forming, you should cut off the old flower stalks. Learn more about caring for spring-flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/05/10) April is a great time to get tomatoes planted into your garden to make sure they come into production before temperatures get too high. Learn what to look for when purchasing tomato transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/19/10) In Louisiana, it is safe to begin planting summer bedding plants during April. In order to ensure that these plants produce for us throughout the summer, it is important to prepare the bed well. Here are some instructions on how to properly prepare for these summer bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/26/10) Spring rains and milder temperatures often encourage mushroom growth in lawns and flower beds. The mushroom-producing fungus lives in the ground year-round but only produces mushrooms when weather conditions are ideal. Find out what you should do if mushrooms pop up in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/19/10) Caladium is a colorful bedding plant that is wonderful for occupying shady areas in the landscape. Be sure to put a good amount of organic matter into the soil where you will be planting your caladiums in order to maximize your results. Learn how to plant caladium tubers this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/12/10) April is the perfect time to put out the first application of lawn fertilizer in Louisiana, Although lawn fertilization is optional, it can help to reinvigorate lawns or even make them a darker shade of green. Listen to the proper way to apply fertilizer to your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/16/10) Landscape design combines art and science to create a functional, attractive landscape that meets the needs of the family and complements the home and other structures.

(For Release On Or After 04/30/10) Daylilies are coming into bloom now, and gardeners would be hard pressed to find a plant that provides so many colorful flowers for so little effort. Available in an amazing variety of colors, shapes and sizes, you can find daylilies to fit virtually every taste and garden situation.

(Audio 04/12/10) Louisiana has its share of pest problems. As the weather becomes warmer, the pests and plant diseases will only seem to multiply. When dealing with these problems, it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis so these issues can be dealt with appropriately. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/06/10) The Bonne Terre Garden Fair will be held May 1 at the Terrebonne Association of Retarded Citizens (TARC) facility at No. 1 McCord Road at the Houma Airbase from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(Distributed 04/07/10) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a stroll through the gardens at the Hammond Research Station Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. until noon.

(Distributed 04/07/10) The latest research-based information on raising small ruminants – sheep and goats – will be presented at two consecutive events – a continuing education session for extension agents and veterinarians on April 23 and a field day for producers on April 24. The events will both be at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, according to Ken McMillin, LSU AgCenter professor of meat science.

(Distributed 04/06/10) Louisiana farmers started the 2010 rice-planting season with caution, worried that wet fields might require more planting in water this year. But fields dried out, temperatures have warmed and farmers responded by jumping in their tractors and drill-seeding much of their crop.

(Distributed 04/13/10) There are pros and cons in nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners, but one thing is for sure – the American Dietetic Association says diet quality suffers when a person consumes nutritive sweeteners in excess of 25 percent of total energy.

(Distributed 04/16/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse has many benefits, an LSU AgCenter researcher told people attending an adult learning series at Sci-Port Discovery Center April 15.

(Distributed 04/28/10) The 13th annual Louisiana 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament presented by Cameron Communications was held at Gray Plantation in Lake Charles April 8. Twenty-eight teams from across the state participated in the event benefiting the Louisiana 4-H program. Proceeds support youth across the state through summer camps, educational trips and scholarships.

(Distributed 04/22/10) Dr. Paul Coreil, vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and director of its Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service recently was honored with the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors Award for Excellence in Leadership. Coreil received the honor during the association’s meeting April 6-8 in Oklahoma City.

(Distributed 04/28/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – Current forest products along with other plants that can be used to produce plant-based alternative fuels can have a significant effect on Louisiana’s economy, according to a host of speakers at a recent two-day conference April 22-23.

(Distributed 04/27/10) POLLOCK, La. – A special overnight camp for 100 military kids using an Earth Day theme was held at Camp Grant Walker on April 17-18. This camp is one in a series of events across the state to help military families stay connected, said Kathleen Schexnayder, coordinator of the Louisiana Operation Military Kids program in the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development Department.

(Distributed 04/29/10) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold its landscape horticulture field day for horticulture industry professionals May 13.

(Distributed 04/09/10) Research scientists in every area of oats – from plant breeding and pathology to cereal chemistry, nutrition and molecular genetics – will be in Baton Rouge to attend the American Oat Worker Conference April 17-21.

(Distributed 04/12/10) David Boethel, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for research and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, has been awarded the 2010 Excellence in Leadership Award by the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors.

(Distributed 04/05/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – An LSU AgCenter weed specialist says managing an invasive aquatic weed known as salvinia by erecting a floating fence on a narrow point of Cross Lake may only be a short-term solution to stopping the fast-growing plant from clogging the waterway, threatening the water supply and harming fish.

(Distributed 04/15/10) The LSU AgCenter will give the public a chance to view the roles agriculture plays in their daily lives when it hosts its annual AgMagic event April 19-25 at the Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/23/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – Research scientists in every area of oats – from plant breeding and pathology to cereal chemistry, nutrition and molecular genetics – recently met in Baton Rouge for three days of meetings that covered all aspects of science, production, product development and marketing of oats.

(News Release 04/12/10) The South Louisiana Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association recently donated $1,500 to the LSU AgCenter to help offset the cost of annual field days.

(Distributed 04/29/10) A popular landscape plant, sago palm, can be fatal to pets, and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has seen an unusual number of dogs sickened after eating it.

(Distributed 04/20/10) “To repair your credit report, you’ll need to avoid overspending and cut expenses, clean up your credit file, open a bank account and try to avoid credit repair companies,” Linda Williams said at a recent money management workshop.

(Distributed 04/29/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – The LSU AgCenter Pecan Research-Extension Station will host an educational field day Thursday, May 20, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Activities will include an orchard tour at 9:30. Topics will include weevil activity, effects of crop thinning, phylloxera and orchard sprayer calibration.

(Distributed 04/12/10) For the fourth year in a row, students in fourth through 12th grades across the state will study and celebrate Louisiana’s wetlands during Youth Wetlands Week, which this year is April 19-23.

(Distributed 04/27/10) WINNSBORO, La. – Louisiana farmers planted 150,000 acres of wheat in fall 2009 compared with 210,000 the previous year, LSU AgCenter extension agronomist Ed Twidwell told farmers and industry representatives at the annual wheat and oat field day held at the AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station April 26.

(Distributed 04/01/10) WINNSBORO, La. – The LSU AgCenter has scheduled the annual wheat and oat field day for April 26 at the Macon Ridge Research Station here.

(Distributed 04/06/10) Springtime losses in fish ponds are common across the Southeast, and especially in Louisiana. These losses can be the result of oxygen problems, common diseases or a combination of causes.

(Distributed 04/01/10) Whether you like them boiled, fried or in a stew, crawfish are a Louisiana favorite. And for the next few months, crawfish can be found on dinner tables and in backyard boils across the state. Some common myths surround crawfish, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 04/13/10) After the winter freezes that delayed the early crop, it’s now time to enjoy Louisiana strawberries.

(Distributed 04/12/10) For many gardeners, spring brings visions of bountiful harvests of fresh, homegrown vegetables. This vision can become a reality with a little planning and some work.

(Distributed 04/01/10) Many Louisiana gardeners enjoy a summer landscape that includes caladiums. These are one of the most popular plants to fill shady gardens, and they thrive in the heat and humidity common in summer.

(Distributed 04/07/10) The new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (Credit CARD) Act means consumers need to stay knowledgeable, according to LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Ginger Boutwell.

(Distributed 04/23/10) You don’t have to visit Hawaii to get high-quality pineapples harvested at the peak of ripeness. It is entirely possible to raise your own sweet, juicy, plant-ripened pineapples without a trip to the islands.

(Distributed 04/29/10) Goldsturm rudbeckia is an outstanding perennial that was recognized by the Perennial Plant Association as the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year. It was chosen as a Louisiana Select plant in 2000 by the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association and the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/21/10) As the end of another school year draws near, parents need to plan for what to do with the kids during the summer. Summer camps are often the answer, but LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser says parents should ask many questions when deciding on a camp.

(Distributed 04/16/10) Many of our favorite vegetables are planted into the spring garden now for production later in spring and in early summer. For many of these vegetables, planting in April helps ensure abundant production before the intense heat of mid-summer and when we have fewer insect and disease problems.

(Radio News 04/05/10) With spring here, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says fruits and vegetables are more abundant. But some families still have a hard time working them into their diets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/12/10) Farmers are making planting decisions now. The number of acres devoted to cotton production have declined dramatically in recent years, and LSU AgCenter feed grain and cotton specialist Dr. John Kruse says farmers are not yet committing to the crop again this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) The sounds of lamps, cows and pigs were competing with the sounds of hundreds of youngsters wandering through Parker Coliseum last week. Both animals and children were there for AgMagic, the LSU AgCenter’s interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. The children, like Brock Thibodeaux from the Good Shepherd Montessori School, were having fun while learning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) If you want ripe tomatoes picked from your backyard, now is the time to plant them. If you’ve never planted a garden, why not start one now? When finding a spot to locate a garden, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot says most vegetables need six to eight hours of sunlight a day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/12/10) As the end of another school year draws near, parents often have one question – what to do with the kids this summer? Summer camps are often the answer, LSU AgCenter family life expert Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should choose wisely. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/05/10) Today’s supermarkets offer an overwhelming amount of choices, which can make it hard for someone trying to eat healthfully. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames takes us through a grocery store to point out foods you may not be eating -- but should be. A stroll down the spice aisle reveals a superstar on the shelves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/12/10) The LSU AgCenter is sponsoring Youth Wetlands Week April 19-23. The LSU AgCenter developed a wetland education curriculum aimed at fourth to twelfth graders says Ashley Mullens, Youth Wetlands Week program director. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/12/10) Corn farmers have finished planting their 2010 crop. Weather early last month had farmers worried that they would not get their crop in the ground during the optimal planting time, but LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist Dr. John Kruse says farmers got a break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) Louisiana farmers have planted a good portion of the state’s rice crop, but not quite in the time frame they would have liked. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says Louisiana's cold and damp winter and early spring delayed planting by about two to three weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Parents considering sending their child to an overnight camp should adequately prepare their child before the start of camp. LSU AgCenter family life expert Dr. Diane Sasser advises parents to talk to their child about the camp and their expectations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Potential homebuyers can learn about equity, government assistance that may be available and avoiding predatory lending in the LSU AgCenter’s homebuyer education program. LSU AgCenter family resource management agent Cynthia Richard says the program helps individuals and families navigate the process of buying a home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/05/10) Larry Fontenot is a versatile farmer. He grows soybeans and milo and works with cattle in Evangeline Parish. But it’s sweet potatoes that receive the bulk of his time and attention. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) A growing population of crane flies and other insects last month is leading to more pest problems this month, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/05/10) Many taxpayers are awaiting their refunds. If you fall into that group, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says before you run out and spend it on something else, consider paying off consumer debt. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/12/10) Farmers typically start planting Louisiana’s soybean crop in April. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says because fertilizer prices are up and soybeans don’t require it, some farmers may plant soybeans instead of other crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/05/10) After several years in San Diego, the allure of the land was calling Kevin Berken home. The Berken family has been farming in Jefferson Davis Parish for four generations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) On a quite block in Lake Charles, a bouquet of charming homes in shades of yellow, green, pale pink and white have sprung up. The houses, nicknamed “Katrina Cottages,” are part of plan to offer affordable housing to families affected by the 2005 hurricanes. Nicole Miller is the executive director of Project Build a Future, a partner in the project. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Attending the LSU AgCenter’s homebuyer education classes was worth $10,000 to Bethany Walker. Taking the course made her eligible for assistance with the purchase of her first home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) Rice growers have faced some tough years recently. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says while production costs like fuel, fertilizer and electricity have come down from the profit-cutting highs of a few years ago, they are still relatively high. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) About 100 youngsters participated in an Earth Day-themed overnight camp at LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center. The event was part of Operation: Military Kids, a program aimed at helping military personnel and their families meet and get to know others who are having similar experiences. (Runtime: 60 seconds)