(Video 02/01/10) Many yards look brown and dead after cold temperatures damaged tropical plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that although people are upset with dead or dying tropicals, it’s important for them to find the right balance of tropicals and hardy plants when planting in their landscapes. (Runtime: 1:44)

(TV News 07/19/10) Cloudy days could mean lower yields for the state’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers will have to wait and see how the weather will affect this year’s crop (Runtime: 1:30)

(Video 08/16/10) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Video 03/08/2010) Even though milder weather is approaching for Louisiana, occasional freezes still make it tricky to know what flowers to plant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers a good, dependable option. (Runtime: 1:26)

(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 11/29/10) If you like herbs, fall is a great time to get them planted. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests some of the herbal plants best known for their zesty culinary contributions. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Video 08/23/10) Hurricane Katrina brought horrible destruction to the New Orleans area. But the storm also helped create something unique in that same place. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a hybrid plant called Katrina Iris. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 06/28/10) A popular plant for producing colorful flowers throughout the summer is the impatiens. These traditional impatiens only grow in shady areas. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new, bigger impatiens, which prefers direct sunlight over shade. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video 02/22/10) It’s a beautiful flowering plant with a name that sounds like a color. We’re talking about the plant fuchsia. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the diversity of color and style, as well as proper care for this lovely plant. (Runtime: 1:34)

(TV News 11/29/10) About a dozen high school students are spending a year immersed in agriculture. The students are participating in the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:35)

(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)

(Video 07/26/10) Blue flowers can add a cool touch to hot summer gardens, but are all flowers that may be called blue truly blue? In reality, relatively few flowers in nature actually are blue. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill is in search of some of those true-blue flowers. (Runtime: 1:45)

(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 02/22/10) Poultry producers are still struggling to rebound after the closing, and then reopening of a processing facility in Northeast Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited with a grower who has watched chickens return to his houses but his paycheck drop. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Video 12/27/10) Pansies are a popular choice for planting in cool-season flower beds, and now there’s a new pansy that spreads and grows more plentifully than all other pansies -- making it an economical choice. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the Plentifall pansy. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Video 09/06/10) Now is a good time to select and plant basil, a popular herb native to Asia. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses different types of herbs for different needs –and how to care for them. (Runtime: 1:50 seconds)

(TV News 03/22/10) Louisiana’s wheat crop, which was planted in the fall, is having a tough year. Wheat prefers dry weather, but fall and winter here have been anything but dry. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talked with a specialist about how the crop is fairing. (Runtime: 1:12)

(Video News 12/13/10) Holidays can be hard on anyone trying to maintain a healthy weight. Following a few tips from this LSU AgCenter nutrition program can help you get by and not be deprived. (Runtime: 1:47)

(TV News 06/21/10) Sweet potato growers are hopeful that this year will be better than the last two. Growers are planting their crop, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that acreage will remain stable. (Runtime: 1:19)

(Video 10/25/10) Fall is a great time to plant fruit trees throughout Louisiana. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses the importance of choosing the right fruit trees for your area – and providing them with the proper care. (Runtime: 1:35)

(TV News 03/15/10) Cold, wet weather has kept farmers out of their fields. Fields that were rutted up during last year’s wet harvest still need to be repaired, but farmers can’t get enough dry days to get the work done. (Runtime: 1:26)

(Video 06/14/10) The baldcypress tree is, for the most part, insect- and disease-free here in Louisiana. But it’s not without some problems. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do about spider mites on your baldcypress. (Runtime: 1:39)

(TV News 5/3/10) 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? LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with a horticulturist about how to get started. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Video 05/10/10) The Knock Out rose is a fabulous, low-maintenance rose that produces beautiful flowers for a sizeable period of time. But if you want similar features in your roses, you don’t have to limit yourself to Knock Outs. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out other roses that are just as good as the Knock Out rose. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 12/20/10) Both novice and veteran gardeners look forward to the 2011 season for growing beautiful plants, fruits and vegetables. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a resource that can help you throughout the year. The proceeds from the Get It Growing Calendar also support horticultural research. (Runtime: 1:28)

(Audio 11/01/10) Found in the bayous and estuaries of coastal Louisiana, the cocahoe minnow is a prized marine bait fish used for fishing in coastal waters. These minnows usually are caught from the wild, but their population isn’t consistent. The LSU AgCenter's Aquaculture Research Station conducted a cocahoe minnow workshop to discuss the fish and the possibility of farm-raising them. (Runtime: 1:46)

(Video 10/18/10) The Louisiana Super Plant program promotes select plants proven to grow extremely well in all parts of the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a beautiful, multicolored “super” plant that attracts butterflies from far and wide. It’s called Amazon dianthus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/19/10) Common wax begonias are beautiful in the landscape, but they’re kind of small. If you’re looking for a begonia with bigger flowers and leaves, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends trying dragon wing begonias on this segment of Get It Growing.(Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 01/18/10) Hard freezes have affected many plants throughout the state. Now, after the damage has been done, what can you do? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do with your cold-damaged tropicals. (Runtime: 1:49)

(TV News 11/22/10) Ideal weather during the 2010 harvest season helped Louisiana sweet potato farmers get their crop in just in time for Thanksgiving. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that this year's crop may help some farmers to stay in business after devastating seasons the past two years. (Runtime: 1:33)

(TV News 07/05/10) Louisiana’s corn crop is past the tassel stage. Some farmers have seen diseases on their corn. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has more. (Runtime: 1:34)

(TV News 08/16/10) The summer 4-H camp, Marsh Maneuvers, typically takes high school students into Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. This year, participants also learned first-hand about oil spill response. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 2:01)

(Video 09/27/10) Although it’s not yet time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, now is the ideal time for selecting them. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to look for and what to keep in mind when selecting and planting flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Audio 11/01/10) The Louisiana Super Plant program promotes tough and beautiful plants proven to grow extremely well in all parts of the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the beautiful shrub, ShiShi Gashira camellia. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 03/29/10) Spring is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to plant colorful flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests planting an evergreen vine with beautiful yellow flowers and a fragrant scent. (Runtime: 1:21)

(TV News 01/11/10) Hurricanes marred agriculture production in 2008. In 2009, it was simply rain and plenty of it. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that damage to several crops was severe. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video 5/3/10) You may have found the perfect-looking little plants to put into your flower beds. But if you’re not careful, those plants can lead to headaches. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns about the importance of checking how tall a plant will grow before you buy it. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video 11/08/10) Louisiana Super Plants are beautiful plants chosen by the LSU AgCenter as superior ornamentals for Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the most recent fall Super Plants. It’s called Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 1:43)

(TV News 09/06/10) Anyone with an agricultural product to sell has a new way to market it. The LSU AgCenter has launched the new website MarketMaker to help sellers reach potential buyers. (Runtime: 1:43)

(TV 10/11/10) An invasive species is clogging waterways from Illinois to Louisiana. Asian carp are a nuisance and a danger, but they could be dinner. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:53)

(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)

(Video 04/05/10) Sculpting plants to look a certain way is called topiary. These plants can serve well to accent formal gardens. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides some key tidbits on topiary and its special demands. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video News 10/04/10) A new LSU AgCenter program is aimed at helping consumers and nurseries buy and sell the best plants for Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tells us about Louisiana Super Plants. (Runtime: 1:32)

(TV News 01/04/10) Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest usually begins to wind down as the year ends, but heavy rains in early and late fall delayed harvest and cut sugar yields. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:49)

(TV News 05/10/10) The red rose is the quintessential flower. But at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center in Baton Rouge, reds compete with whites, yellows, corals and pinks. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the extensive rose gardens at the center and has this report. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 11/15/10) Black is not a color you typically think about for flowers. When you visit your nursery, however, you will find you do have various choices of beautiful flowers in that unique color. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns, you want to make certain you use them correctly in your landscape. (Runtime: 1:52)

(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)

(Video 10/04/10) Chrysanthemums are popular fall plants, and you can find them at nurseries now. But is one mum as good as another? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the types of mums and best care practices for these reliable producers of fall color. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 05/31/10) If you weren’t fortunate enough to get a hydrangea plant for Mother’s Day, it’s not too late to get to your nursery and pick some up. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the types of hydrangea and how to care for them. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 01/11/10) Maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthfully. Growing your own fruit can help you toward that end. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains now is a great time to plant blueberry bushes – which produce some of the most healthful fruit around. (Runtime: 1:49)

(TV News 09/13/10) Oil is no longer leaking into the Gulf, but the problems facing Louisiana’s seafood industry continue. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a crab meat processor in Slidell who says seafood availability and public perception are hurting his business. (Runtime: 1:51)

(Video 08/02/10) Louisiana’s summer heat can force many gardeners to minimize their outdoor gardening efforts. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can stay cool and comfortable growing ivy indoors. (Runtime: 1:41)

(TV News 01/18/10) The hard freeze that settled in for several days across the state froze lakes, burst pipes and damaged plants. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that strawberries producers and nursery owners were both hurt by the cold weather. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video 09/06/10) Now is a good time to select and plant basil, a popular herb native to Asia. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses different types of herbs for different needs –and how to care for them. (Runtime: 1:50)

(TV News 09/27/10) Louisiana farmers are harvesting this year's cotton crop with cautious optimism. After several years of dismal harvests, farmers are finally taking in a good crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:39)

(TV News 10/25/10) Hurricanes and heavy rains affected Louisiana sugarcane harvests in recent years. But this year the harvest has been free and clear of problems. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:27)

(TV News 06/14/10) Oil threatens wildlife and plants that live in Louisiana's marshes. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with a plant and a fisheries specialist about the spill and what it could mean for the fragile ecosystem and fishing communities. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video 11/08/10) Pecans are a fall favorite, filling pies and topping sweet potato casseroles. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that this year’s crop is late, but with a little rain, can rebound. (Runtime: 1:43)

(TV News 08/30/10) Heavy rains fell across Louisiana recently -- halting the harvest of rice and the planting of sugarcane. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard takes a look at how the weather is affecting those two crops. (Runtime: 1:19)

(TV 12/20/10) Down in the southeastern tip of the state, the citrus industry continues -- despite hardships in the form of hurricanes and freezes. With the crop in season, LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Video 07/05/10) During the heat of summer, flowers obviously need to be well-watered to keep them alive and attractive. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a hardy plant that is drought tolerant, while also maintaining its color throughout the entire summer. (Runtime: 1:37)

(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 11/22/10) If you’re looking for a cool-season bedding plant that blooms nicely most of the year, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a suggestion. The Snow Princess is a beautiful plant, but as you’ll learn on this edition of Get It Growing, you won’t need a magic wand to keep it alive. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 02/08/10) It’s a delicate plant, but beautiful and diverse -- coming in leaf colors of green, purple, silver and burgundy. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the world of the lovely cane begonia on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Video 05/24/10) If you want color in your summer garden, you don’t necessarily need bright flowers. Yes, you heard right. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how some summer plants have foliage that display beautiful colors. (Runtime: 1:42)

(TV News 03/29/10) Cold weather clung to Louisiana this winter which kept strawberries out of the markets. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that as the weather warms, the crop is picking up and consumers can get their fix of this springtime favorite. (Runtime: 1:08)

(TV News 06/07/10) Farmers have finished harvesting the state’s wheat crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that yields are varied and prices could be better. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video 08/30/10) The weather is still hot, but now is a good time to plant fall tomatoes. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends some good tomato varieties and explains how to plant them. (Runtime: 1:42)

(TV News 08/09/10) Late planting of the state’s cotton crop puts it at risk, reports LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard. Dry weather delayed the planting and also affected some of Louisiana’s corn crop. (Runtime: 1:28)

(Video 12/6/10) Even though it’s getting colder, fall is a great time to plant vegetables. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about growing, harvesting and caring for asparagus. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 06/21/10) Hosta is a genus of plants that can produce nice, green foliage in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some advice on the best ways to grow hosta plants. (Runtime: 1:29)

(TV News 08/23/10) Herbicide-resistant weeds have been a problem for farmers in other states for several years. Now it appears the problem may be in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Video 03/15/10) October through March is the best time to plant hardy trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill helps you meet your deadline by providing tips for selecting the best trees. (Runtime: 1:37)

(TV News 06/28/10) They may be small, but blueberries pack a nutritious punch. Louisiana blueberries are available at farmers’ markets, grocery stores and at pick-your-own orchards this time of the year. (Runtime: 1:51)

(TV News 05/24/10) Dry conditions threaten cotton acreage. More growers were interested in planting cotton this year, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that many haven’t been able to. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video News 12/06/10) Farmers planted Louisiana’s wheat crop last month, and they doubled the number of acres compared to what was planted across the state last year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports.(Runtime: 1:31)

(TV News 05/31/10) LSU AgCenter food scientists are working on ways to get youngsters to consume more fruits and vegetables. Their efforts started with a little experiment. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:49)

(TV News 10/18/10) LSU AgCenter 4-H and nutrition agents are teaming up to help youngsters live healthfully. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a club meeting where good health was on the menu. (Runtime: 1:24)

(Video 12/13/10) A popular adage says eating cabbage on New Year’s Day will bring you prosperity. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU horticulturist Dan Gill won’t promise any get-rich schemes from cabbage consumption, but he will give you some tips on growing and harvesting this nutritious vegetable -- so you can enjoy it throughout the new year.(Runtime: 1:50)

(TV News 02/15/10) Rows and rows of pigs, sheep and chickens line the exhibition halls of the Lamar-Dixon Expo center. Crowds of animals and youngsters gather every year for LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. This will be the 75th year for the state livestock show, and even though the name says livestock, the event really is more about helping young people develop life skills than it is the about the animals. (Runtime: 1:29)

(TV News 01/18/10) Really cold days are more rare in Louisiana than really hot ones, but both types can show how inefficient our homes are. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with a housing expert about making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. (Runtime: 1:38)

(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)

(TV News 03/01/10) Crawfish farmers have been working their ponds but coming up with few crawfish. A colder-than-average winter is to blame, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard said warmer days could remedy this situation. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Video 03/22/10) At local nurseries now, you’ll find a family of beautiful tropical plants that grow well as houseplants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you different types of bromeliads and explains how to care for them. (Runtime: 1:52)

(TV News 09/20/10) One variety dominates Louisiana’s sweet potato industry, but that doesn’t mean researchers aren’t trying to find improved varieties. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the AgCenter’s sweet potato breeding efforts. (Runtime: 1:37)

(08/02/10) Louisiana’s cold winter delayed early growth on the state’s sugarcane crop, but it also helped eliminate diseases such as rust that caused problems in last year’s crop. Since then, the warm spring and summer have allowed plant growth to catch up. (Runtime: 1:24)

(Video 05/17/10) Southern magnolia trees are an integral part of many Louisiana landscapes, and they’re beginning to bloom throughout the state at this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses whether or not you should be concerned about dying, yellow leaves on your magnolia trees. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Video 06/07/10) Maybe you’ve planted sweet corn and you’re looking forward to picking some nice, juicy ears. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some tips for both growing and picking your sweet corn. (Runtime: 1:49)

(TV News 11/15/10) A set of poultry demonstration houses will help growers raise chickens more efficiently. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the houses to learn more about the research taking place in them. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 08/09/10) During summer, many Louisiana gardeners grow the beautiful, flowering shrub oleander. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the dwarf oleander makes a great container plant for colorfully accenting your landscape. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video 09/13/10) You can maintain a tropical look in your landscape well into fall with the beautiful Pride of Barbados plant. But LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises you’d better plant them now. (Runtime: 1:35)

(TV News 05/17/10) Fort Pike, which guards an island near New Orleans, dates back to the Seminole Wars of 1830. The fort survived several wars but was vulnerable to Hurricane Katrina. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that a group of students are using trees to re-fortify the area. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Video 09/20/10) Gardeners work long, hard hours to keep their flowers colorful and beautiful. But what if you could keep your plants full of color all year long – with practically no effort? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can have both scenarios come true. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 01/04/10) After the Christmas holidays, what do you do with the seasonal plants you’ve used? Throw them out or keep them? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can keep and care for some of these holiday plants. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 03/01/10) Often there’s confusion about the best time to fertilize your lawn and the appropriate time to control weeds. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the differences between the two processes and the best way to accomplish those goals. (Runtime: 1:38)

(TV News 07/12/10) Louisianans love crawfish, but fresh crawfish is only available during a certain window of time. LSU AgCenter researchers are working on an alternative crawfish species that could open that window a little wider. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video 07/12/10) No trees show off more bright, flowery colors during the summer than crape myrtles. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some advice for selecting and growing these beautiful and popular landscape trees. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Video 02/15/10) Not all palm plants are created equal. Because of the unusual cold this year, some palms are looking brown and dried up, while others are green and healthy looking. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the differences among popular palms and how to care for them. (Runtime: 1:37)

(TV News 12/27/10) Louisiana dairy farmers have had a difficult time in recent years, receiving low prices for their milk while paying high prices for the food, fuel and fertilizer needed to raise their animals. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that the financial situation is improving for farmers, and dairy researchers are working to make dairy operations more efficient. (Runtime: 1:26)

(TV News 03/08/2010) More and more menus are advertising sweet potato French fries. This growing favorite will be the focus of a new facility in northeast Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:48)

What’s a tough, beautiful plant that grows well in Louisiana landscapes? It's a “super” plant. The Louisiana Super Plant program, funded by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and administered by the LSU AgCenter, promotes select plants proven to grow extremely well in all parts of the state. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 06/07/10) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous chute originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them off properly to prevent a stub from sprouting again and producing more suckers than before. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/24/10) A free Internet marketing tool offered by the LSU AgCenter for Louisiana agriculture-related businesses provides an avenue to increase opportunities to buy and sell locally produced food. John Westra, LSU AgCenter economist, said the MarketMaker website is like a sign that says, "We are open for business."

(Distributed 01/28/11) Many new gardenia and loropetalum varieties have been introduced to the marketplace over the past few years. Older gardenia varieties are still great plants for us, but the newer varieties offer uniqueness in flowering and repeat bloom tendencies and sometimes have better landscape adaptability. The new loropetalums have unique burgundy-to-purplish foliage color throughout the year.

(Distributed 01/28/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Jefferson Parish office will hold an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

(Audio 01/11/10) Tropical plants are often moved indoors during the cold winter weather. Gardeners should remember that although these plants are being protected from the cold, they still require a substantial amount of light. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/10) Gardeners who plan to raise transplants for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants should purchase seeds during January. Listen for several conditions necessary for raising successful transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/10) Plants that are kept indoors require some simple care from their owners. Learn the correct way to most effectively water your indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/10) Arbor Day is the day set aside to celebrate trees, and people often plant trees as part of their celebrations. Arbor Day varies from state to state because of the climate and growing conditions in various locations. Find out more about Arbor Day in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/10) Although pruning is necessary for some plants, there is some pruning that gardeners should avoid. For example, gardeners should refrain from trimming spring-flowering shrubs this time of the year to ensure the maximum amount of blossoms. Learn more about what not to prune. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/15/10) Arbor Day is celebrated in Louisiana each year on the third Friday in January. This date is set aside to encourage people to plant trees.

(Audio 01/04/10) Many gardeners may not think January is a good time to grow vegetables. In reality, there are some vegetables that can only be grown during the cooler months in Louisiana. Learn which vegetables develop best during our mild winters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/10) Indoor plants can embellish our homes and even refresh our air, but tese plants can harbor insects such as the mealy bug. Hear about symptoms related to a mealy bug infestation on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/10) Ground covers are low-growing evergreens that spread to fill in spaces in the landscape. Be sure to plant ground covers that are well adapted to the conditions of the location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/10) If you are interested in old-fashioned plants that look great in cottage-style gardens, you should try planting foxgloves, delphinium or holly hock. Hear more to learn tricks for success with these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/10) Winter is a good time to prune many of your landscape plants and not interfere with their blooming seasons. Hear more about trimming the various plants in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/10) Parsley is a popular herb in many Louisiana recipes. Whether you prefer flat leaf or curly leaf parsley, transplants for either are available at your local nursery and can be planted into your garden for everyday use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/10) Although garden pests are more active during the summer months than they are in the winter, gardeners should be aware of a few insects. Caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs can be a nuisance in vegetable gardens during the winter, and should be dealt with appropriately. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/04/10) Holiday plants are popular as decorations during the Christmas season. Holiday cactuses, Christmas trees and poinsettias are wonderful additions during the holidays, but what do you do when the season is over. Listen for LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill's advice on that topic. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/22/10) It’s been called both picturesque and spooky, but whatever you think of it, Spanish moss draping live oaks and bald cypress trees contributes a lot to the look of Louisiana.

(Audio 01/04/10) Cool-season bedding plants do a wonderful job of brightening winter landscapes. While it is not too late to plant them in your yard, these cool-season plants require attention. Hear more about ways to care for winter bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/01/10) All-America Selections is a nonprofit organization that tests newly developed seed-grown varieties of bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States. Duplicating conditions in the average home garden, the testing program is independent and unbiased.

(Audio 01/25/10) January is an excellent time for planting camellias because it allows them to settle into their new environment without much stress. Visit your local nursery to purchase the specific camellias you want for your landscape, and be sure to plant them in a suitable location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/10) Irish potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in Louisiana during the winter. Learn how to grow this wonderful vegetable in your own garden for easily available and delicious potatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/10) While some common fungicides and insecticides lose their potency over time after being opened, fertilizers maintain their effectiveness as long as they are stored properly. Learn the conditions under which your fertilizers should be kept. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/04/10) Most lawns are dormant over the winter months, so they turn a brown or tan color. The bright or dark green color of cool-season weeds is particularly noticeable against these lawns. Although winter is not the prime time for weed control, it is practical to begin now instead of waiting for the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/10) Most spring-flowering bulbs should have been planted in the fall, but tulips and hyacinth require special treatment before planting. If your tulip and hyacinth bulbs have been chilling in a refrigerator, early January is the best time to get them planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/04/10) Roses are considered one of the hardiest of shrubs planted into Louisiana landscapes. While roses are widely grown during the spring, it is wise to plant bushes now during the winter months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/08/10) Cool days and chilly nights are just the kind of weather lettuce enjoys. Lettuce is a vegetable that is easy to grow, delicious and so attractive any gardener should include – whether in with a vegetable garden, flower garden or even container garden on a balcony.

(For Release On Or After 01/29/10) At the beginning of a new year it’s tempting to look back on the previous year and think of ways to do things better. A worthy goal for gardeners is to keep better records of their gardening activities.

(Distributed 01/19/10) Recent cold weather in south Louisiana will cause this year’s strawberry crop to come in a little later, but the damage is not as bad as the industry first believed, LSU AgCenter experts say.

(Distributed 01/25/10) Ag Adventures, an educational experience in agriculture for third- through fifth-graders, will be held Feb. 23-24 at the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center in Delhi.

(Distributed 01/14/10) The LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will offer a class on ways to improve residential landscape on February 6, 13, 20 and 27 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/22/10) LAKE CHARLES, La. – Rice farmers and a Lake Charles rice mill are donating rice for Haitians to eat after the massive earthquake hit last week. The Louisiana Rice Growers Association (LRGA) has agreed to buy two tons of rice, and Farmer’s Rice Mill is donating five tons in addition to providing a 10 percent match to any other rice donated for the cause.

Photo gallery of Master Farmers recognized at a luncheon during the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts Annual meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge on Jan. 14.

(Distributed 01/04/10) Although the new year just arrived, Louisiana photographers only have until the end of the month to submit photos for the LSU AgCenter’s 2011 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The deadline for all submissions is Jan. 29. Those photos then will be reviewed for potential use in next year’s calendar.

(Distributed 01/05/10) A roaring fire in the fireplace may sound like the perfect escape from the bitter cold weather in Louisiana. But while a fireplace can offer ambiance, it won’t raise the temperature much in your home, and it could raise your energy costs, says Claudette Reichel, LSU AgCenter housing specialist.

(01/15/10) WEST MONROE, La. – More than 1,800 first and fourth graders from seven northeast Louisiana parishes heard about agriculture commodities at Ag Alley in special showings Jan. 13-14 at Ag Expo.

(Distributed 01/15/10) BATON ROUGE – A group of 23 Louisiana farmers, including one married couple, recently attained the status of master farmer – a title that means they have not only learned the latest in conservation practices, but they are implementing them on their farms.

(Distributed 01/26/10) POLLOCK, La. – One hundred campers from across Louisiana gathered around their sewing machines to create several items at the annual 4-H Fashion Camp Jan. 23-24.

(Distributed 01/15/10) Master Farmers were recoginized at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge on Jan. 14, 2010.

(Distributed 01/20/10) BATON ROUGE – Youth from across Louisiana are preparing to compete in the 75th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show next month at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 01/12/10) Twenty-five men and women from across Louisiana began a two-year venture in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program when they attended their first class last week (Jan. 5-7) in Baton Rouge. Established in 1988, the Ag Leadership Program provides educational opportunities for potential leaders involved with agriculture and agribusiness in Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/07/10) Well-below-average temperatures in January will influence the crawfish harvest significantly, according to LSU AgCenter researcher Ray McClain. “Catch is related to water temperature. Cold weather cuts down on the catch, and extended cold weather negatively affects the growth rates of crawfish,” he said.

(Distributed 01/25/10) The public can learn the latest about the greenhouse tomato industry at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station’s 14th annual greenhouse tomato seminar Feb. 26 in Bossier City.

(Distributed 01/29/10) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers attending the 2010 joint annual meeting of the Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association heard an optimistic report from a Washington, D.C., agriculture journalist recently (Jan. 26).

(Distributed 01/21/10) RAYVILLE, La. – Farmers learned ways to improve the quality and yield potential of cotton from LSU AgCenter experts at the Northeast Louisiana Crop Forum Jan. 19. Each year, scientists evaluate cotton varieties and publish guidelines for cotton production practices associated with planting time and variety selection, said Donald Boquet, agronomist.

(Distributed 01/29/10) BUNKIE, La. – Rice farmers could be facing challenges in the marketplace this year, but the outlook is countered by positive news, an LSU AgCenter economist advised them.

(Distributed 01/28/10) The LSU AgCenter has scheduled training sessions across the state to certify contractors, painters and others who perform renovation projects that disturb lead-based paint in housing and other child-occupied facilities built before 1978.

(Distributed 01/26/10) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Your soil is alive, and you need to feed it, Dr. Grace Peterson, an LSU AgCenter agent, said at the monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery session held at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station Jan. 20.

(Distributed 01/15/10) Sugarcane growers are nearing the end of the harvest season with the last mill set to shut down around Jan. 16.

(Distributed 1/15/10) Photos and caption for Master Farmers recognized in Baton Rouge at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Jan. 14, 2010

(Distributed 02/01/10) A home remodeling project – and your investment in it – can do much more than update your surroundings. It can make your home a healthier place to live and breathe, according to Claudette Reichel, LSU AgCenter housing specialist.

(Distributed 01/11/10) “Selecting the right plant for the right place” is a frequently mentioned phrase in many of our home horticulture educational presentations. How very important it is. When planning new landscape areas or renovating old landscape areas, you need to consider many factors, including gardening style.

(Distributed 01/05/10) You can avoid a frozen pipe crisis and all of the misery that comes with it – being without water while on a plumber’s long waiting list and thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, floors and furniture – by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

(Distributed 01/04/10) If one of your New Year goals is to lose weight, choose a plan that helps you make healthy lifestyle changes instead of following the latest diet craze, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 01/27/10) During February, the American Heart Association wants people to Go Red for Women and call attention to the need for women to take charge of their heart health. On Feb. 5, women across America are to wear something red as part of the National Wear Red Day, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist.

(Distributed 01/06/10) Horses need help to get through the coming freezing weather, according to LSU AgCenter equine agent Howard J. Cormier. Horse owners need to make plans to protect the animals from a possible deadly combination of extreme cold and rain.

(Distributed 01/29/10) Landscape beds, parking lots and construction activities around trees are all possible without harming the trees if you understand where the tree roots are and what they need to survive. Louisiana celebrated Arbor Day earlier in January, and now is a good time of the year to be reminded about tree care in landscape beds, parking lots and construction sites.

(Distributed 01/01/10) Cool-season bedding plants continue to be popular in Louisiana. Most home gardeners do more warm-weather flower gardening than cool-weather flower gardening, but we all need to realize we have many, great, cool-season flowers that will do well in our climate from mid-fall through late spring.

(Distributed 01/15/10) Mulching is a great sustainable landscape practice when done correctly. The new year is a good time to review the use of mulch in the landscape and how to apply it properly to achieve the maximum benefit.

(Distributed 01/25/10) Iron chlorosis is a common and sometimes serious problem in landscape plants across Louisiana.

(Radio News 01/18/10) Covers blanketed rows of strawberries on Eric Morrow’s farm in Pontchatoula. The covers can make a 4 to 6 degree difference in the temperature around the plants, but they couldn’t offer enough protection from several nights in the twenties and teens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) Despite a dismal two years for many Louisiana farmers, an LSU AgCenter economist is optimistic heading into 2010. Dr. Kurt Guidry says agricultural producers could see more profits in the new year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/18/09) Strawberry acreage in Louisiana has declined in recent years although new varieties and techniques have increased strawberry production. This year the state's growers planted just 300 acres, but Dr. Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station, says the industry is still strong. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) The holidays are over, and the decorations have come down, but LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed says your Christmas tree still has some value to it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) Louisiana’s oyster industry is still struggling to recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Oyster fisherman George Barisich lost boats in the storm and saw his business nearly wiped out. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Altering cultivation practices can help farmers sequester carbon dioxide. Kevin Norton, Louisiana’s director of the Natural Resource Conservation Service, says farmers have started adopting cultivation practices that help store carbon dioxide in the soil rather than releasing it into the environment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Scissors were cutting and sewing machines were stitching at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center where 100 4-H’ers gathered for the 4-H fashion camp. 4-H fashion board member Tiera Harris of Claiborne Parish helped plan camp activities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Weather hasn’t been kind to Louisiana farmers recently, but an LSU economist predicts farmers may have better luck with the economy in 2010. Dek Terrell spoke to farmers at the LSU AgCenter’s AgOutlook Conference and said he expects the U.S. gross domestic product to grow in the coming year and the recession to end. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) Tax planning and preparation aren't just activities for April. They should be a year-round process, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker, who says you should always be on the lookout for ways to save on your taxes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Record-setting rainfall in Louisiana during the late fall and early winter can be attributed to El Niño, a weather pattern marked by warmer-than-normal waters in the Pacific Ocean. With El Niño conditions persisting, LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes says farmers may have to brace for more rain this spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Overall, Tod Hibbard is glad to be raising chickens again. His houses sat empty for months after Pilgrim’s Pride closed its poultry processing facility in Farmerville. He is now growing chickens for Foster Farms, but his houses aren’t as full as they used to be. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) Bitter cold temperatures swept into Louisiana recently, and if you found your heating system working overtime and your energy bill skyrocketing, you may want to find areas where air may be leaking into your home, says LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Rain caused problems for sugarcane growers at the start of harvest season. Farmers got a break in November, but as the end of this year's harvest draws nearer, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says December rains led to even more troubles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) You can have your king cake and eat it too. Just do it moderation, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy, who adds that along with moderation comes balance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/18/10) While a roaring fire in the fireplace may sound like the perfect escape from the cold, if you really want to warm your home efficiently, LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says to put down the matches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) If you’re looking for ways to save money this winter, try cutting your energy costs. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel has some tips that start with advice about curbing air leakage in your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Poultry producers are still struggling to rebound after the closing and then reopening of a processing facility in Northeast Louisiana. The facility has been running for several months, but LSU AgCenter county agent Matt Stephens says it’s not running at capacity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) The Food and Drug Administration has backed off a proposed ban that would have restricted the sale of untreated, warm-water, raw oysters during the months of May through October. The state currently has only a few facilities equipped to treat oysters with either high-pressure or low-temperature pasteurization. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Crowds of animals and youngsters gather every year for LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, and this year with be the 75th for the state livestock show. LSU AgCenter livestock show manager Dwayne Nunez said the first shows were much smaller than then ones today. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/25/10) If you pipes survived the recent freezing temperatures, remember to protect them from any additional cold weather we may get this year. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says homeowners often remember to protect pipes outdoors but forget about other ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/18/10) Temperatures that fell into the teens across most of Louisiana had nursery owners scrambling to protect their plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Cooler evenings become more frequent this time of year. A roaring fireplace can add warmth and ambiance to your home, but you can also bring in unwanted pests when you bring in the firewood, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) The heart is in focus during February, not only because of Valentine’s Day, but also because this month the American Heart Association calls attention to the threat of heart disease. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a healthful diet can guard against a heart attack.

(Radio News 02/01/10) Agricultural activities are sources of methane and nitrous oxide. LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes says agricultural industries should be proactive in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions before regulations force them to do so.

(Radio News 02/15/10) Every February, cows, goats, rabbits, pigs and poultry – accompanied by the youngsters responsible for them – come together from every corner of the state for the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. Even though livestock has always been in the event’s name, it is more about helping young people develop life skills than it is the about the animals, according to LSU AgCenter livestock show manager Dwayne Nunez. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/18/10) If you didn’t take tender plants indoors during the recent cold spell, you can expect to see damage to them. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

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(Radio News 01/25/10) The public is invited to stroll through the camellias at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research station located on Old Covington Road in Hammond. The Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners are sponsoring annual camellia stroll on February 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) 2009 was another challenging year for Louisiana farmers. The persistence of rain during fall harvest season caused significant damage to several crops. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says fields of sweet potatoes, cotton and soybeans did not get harvested because of poor quality. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) With the recent talk of banning the sale of untreated oysters during the summer months, an LSU AgCenter food scientist says irradiating oysters could kill the potentially harmful pathogens. Dr. Lucina Lampila says irradiated food is nothing to fear. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Five years ago, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Ray Schneider discovered Asian soybean rust on a research soybean plot in Baton Rouge. This discovery, the first of the disease in the United States, set off an alert across the country. Experts were assembled, and a plan of action to manage the disease was put into place. (Runtime: 1:30 seconds)

(Audio 02/15/10) Although most spring-flowering bulbs wait to bloom in the spring, some of Louisiana’s bulbs blossom during the wintertime. While watering and fertilizing the beds of these bulbs is often unnecessary, gardeners should keep the flower beds mulched. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/22/10) Regardless of whether you are trying to increase growth, decrease growth or reinvigorate your perennials, dividing these plants is a wonderful solution. Gardeners who are planning to divide perennials in their landscape should consider doing so during their dormancy throughout the month of February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/15/10) Ground covers are low-growing plants used to cover large areas of our landscape. Now is a good time to refurbish ground cover areas before new growth beings in late winter and early spring. Listen to hear which tools and methods work best for tidying up ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/01/10) Pruning roses this time of the year benefits the plant by controlling its size, making the bush shapelier and encouraging more flower growth. Learn which varieties of roses require heavier pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/05/10) Early February is an excellent time to cut back roses growing in your landscape. Hybrid tea and grandiflora roses, in particular, should be pruned around this time every year. Otherwise, these roses tend to become leggy, less vigorous and unattractive and do not bloom as well.

(Audio 02/08/10) Some gardeners are not aware that there are a number of beautiful cool-season bedding plants that can thrive in shady locations. Learn which bedding plants are the most shade-tolerant while surviving winter temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/19/10) The tall flower spikes of gladiolus add elegance to the flower garden. Derived from species native to South Africa, the modern hybrid gladiolus grows from a corm and has been a favorite of Southern gardeners for generations.

(Audio 02/01/10) Louisiana experienced below freezing temperatures in early January which damaged tropical plants. Some tropicals should be cut back to the ground, while some should only be pruned mildly or sometimes not at all. Hear more to decide action to take with your tropical plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/12/10) February weather often includes heavy and frequent rain, which reminds us that Louisiana has a relatively wet climate. Periods of drought certainly do occur, especially during the hot months of summer. But it is important for gardeners to realize that plant selection and the gardening techniques we use are largely influenced by the generous amount of annual rainfall we receive.

(Audio 02/22/10) Many people find themselves wondering if their fertilizer from several years ago is still viable for the upcoming season. Generally speaking, fertilizer does not lose its potency as long as it has been protected from moisture in the air. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/22/10) Fire blight is a rare bacterial disease that targets plants in the landscape. Plants within the rose family are particularly susceptible to fire blight along with some fruit trees and ornamentals. Learn when and where to look for fire blight symptoms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/08/10) Many people know that hydrangeas can change color, but most do not understand what causes this color change. Different pH levels and the availability of aluminum ions in the soil cause the plant to produce different color blossoms. Discover which factors determine which hydrangea colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/08/10) Louisiana gardeners grow a variety of fruit trees in their landscapes. February is a good time to prune these, but different fruit trees require different types of pruning. Hear more about how you can obtain information on pruning fruit trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/08/10) Louisiana celebrates Arbor Day in January, but February also is a great time to plant new trees in your landscape. Planting trees this time of the year allows the plant to settle into its environment before the heat of spring and summer. Here are some tips on how to properly plant a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/22/10) Some gardeners may think it is too early in the year to plant gladiola corms. Due to the short blooming season of gladiolas, however, planting them earlier can prolong the time we have to enjoy them. Learn how to plant gladiolas to yield maximum results. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/22/10) Some plants like to grow in full sun while others refuse to grow in any sunlight whatsoever. One important concept for gardeners to understand is matching a plant’s light requirements to the amount of light it receives. Hear more about what is considered full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/08/10) Although bare-root plants are not typically found anymore, gardeners can still purchase bare-root roses. These must be planted before the end of February while they are still dormant to ensure the best quality roses. Listen to hear more conditions required for successfully growing bare-root roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/15/10) Caladium is a brightly colored plant popularly grown in shady areas of a landscape. Most gardeners purchase caladium tubers around April, but preparing tubers in flats even earlier gives caladiums an advantage. Learn how to get a head start on planting caladiums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/26/10) Although our lawns are still dormant this month, you can begin now to plan your strategy to have an attractive, healthy lawn this summer. Since the grass is still dormant, most lawns look relatively bad, so don’t judge yours too harshly at this point.

(Audio 02/01/10) Although it is encouraged to move potted plants indoors during the cold winter months, people should be wary of the pests these plants may bring with them. Learn how to prevent indoor pests, such as spider mites, from spreading and causing damage to your plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/01/10) Cold freezes are still a probable threat in Louisiana during February, but there are a number of winter vegetables that will survive the cold weather. Start planting cold-tolerant vegetables in your garden now to produce delicious food for the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/15/10) Organic matter is generally derived from plant parts, such as weeds, sawdust, wood shavings or chips. One of the best organic materials is compost, which has been allowed to decay. Discover the benefits your flowerbeds can experience from added organic material. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/01/10) Although Swiss chard is an unconventional vegetable, it is very productive and easy to grow. This member of the beet family is more popularly grown for its delicious foliage rather than its root. Hear about some great ways to plant and cook Swiss chard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/15/10) Despite our best efforts to accurately plant things in a suitable environment, sometimes that environment hinders the plants success. The solution is transplanting. Learn more about transplanting in order to help your plants thrive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/22/10) GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 75th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc Feb. 13-20 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/26/10) The theme for National Nutrition Month this March is Nutrition From the Ground Up, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/11/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a seminar for commercial fruit and vegetable growers Saturday, Mar. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Caddo Parish extension office, 2408 E. 70th St. in Shreveport.

(Distributed 02/03/10) Clayton Hollier, professor of plant pathology in the LSU AgCenter Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Friends of Southern IPM Thursday, Jan. 21, during the Ag Outlook conference at Alexandria.

(Distributed 02/08/10) CALHOUN, La. – Louisiana forest landowners heard about ways to improve timber, wildlife and product value from their lands at an LSU AgCenter forum recently.

(Distributed 02/25/10) DELHI, La. – Ag Adventures, an educational experience in agriculture, attracted nearly 800 students Feb. 23-24 to the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center here.

HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station and Tangipahoa Master Gardeners will host a stroll through the W. F. “Hody” Wilson Camellia Garden at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, from 1-4 p.m.

(Distributed 02/19/10) A safe food supply doesn’t just happen, as 28 people could tell you after attending a three-day training session on Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points, commonly called HACCP, at the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/26/10) BENTON, La. – The No. 1 yard tree problem is damage caused by construction of new houses, according to Ricky Kilpatrick, LSU AgCenter agent in Bossier Parish.

(Distributed 02/10/10) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is offering storytelling programs for youngsters age 3 on up on the first and third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. each month, according to Rose Anne St. Romain, the director. On Feb. 20, the program theme will be “Favorite Things” and will include St. Romain’s dramatization of “The Old Woman and Her Pet.”

(Distributed 02/03/10) ALEXANDRIA, La. – El Niño is back, and Louisiana farmers – especially those in the southern part of the state – could be looking at a wet planting season, according to Jay Grymes, LSU AgCenter climatologist.

(Distributed 02/15/10) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association inducted Dr. Ben Legendre, LSU AgCenter sugarcane scientist, into the Agricultural Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual conference recently (Feb. 10-12).

(Distributed 02/23/10) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 20) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 75th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

(Distributed 02/26/10) BILOXI, Miss. – Dr. Eric Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, received the Distinguished Research and Education Award on Wednesday (Feb. 24) at an international rice conference held by the Rice Technical Working Group.

(Distributed 02/26/10) The 26th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum will be held Thursday, March 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Financial Plaza in Shreveport.

(Distributed 02/26/10) The LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute will present its annual sugar processing short course May 20-21 in Savannah, Ga.

(Distributed 02/09/10) WELSH, La. – U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany praised the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station for its innovations that could make U.S. products more competitive.

(Distributed 02/11/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – The sixth annual Louisiana Food Processors Conference is scheduled for March 17-18 at the Energy, Coast and Environment Building on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/11/10) With the specter of increasing foreclosures looming over the Baton Rouge area as a result of the downturn in the economy, a group of local nonprofits and their community development partners are joining together to help keep people in their homes.

(Distributed 02/22/10) New insect pest, plant disease and weed management guides for 2010 are now available from the LSU AgCenter. The price for the guides is $12 each plus 9 percent tax; shipping is free. The guides can be ordered online at www.lsuagcenter.com/onlinestore or by phoning 225-578-2263.

(Distributed 02/02/10) Abner Hammond, professor of entomology at the LSU AgCenter, has been honored with the 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award from the National Sweet Potato Research Council. This award is given for long-term and distinguished service to the sweet potato industry. Hammond specializes in management of sweet potato insect pests, especially the sweet potato weevil.

(Distributed 02/10/10) Camellia enthusiasts are invited to “Camellia Morning and Tutorium at Burden” on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/20/10) The LSU AgCenter honored an outstanding volunteer leader and five 4-H and FFA members Saturday (Feb. 20) for their work with youth livestock projects. Sponsored by the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and Louisiana FFA, the annual awards were presented as part of the 75th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.

(Distributed 02/08/10) LAKE CHARLES, La. – More than 800 children learned about animals and the origins of their food recently (Feb. 3-4) at Ag Adventures held in conjunction with the LSU AgCenter’s Southwest Regional Livestock Show.

(Distributed 02/18/10) The LSU AgCenter has been named 2009 Conservation Communicator of the Year in the 46th annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Recognition Program. This is one of several awards given by the Governor’s Office to top conservation organizations and individuals. The awards and presentation event are conducted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

(Distributed 02/03/10) You can show your Valentine how much you care by surprising her or him with a special treat – luscious red fruit, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/10/10) Landscape shrub roses like the popular Knock Out varieties are all the rage in the rose world right now, but Louisiana homeowners have a number of other great landscape shrub roses to consider, according to an LSU AgCenter horticulturist.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Palm trees have gained increased interest in Louisiana home landscapes over the past few years, and this resurgence mainly can be attributed to the lack of severely cold weather over the past 20 years, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed 02/11/10) Growing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for home gardeners. A major problem in the enjoyment of landscape roses is disease – primarily blackspot and powdery mildew – brought on by our environmental conditions. Heat and humidity have an adverse affect on many rose varieties that we grow in Louisiana.

(Distributed 02/19/10) February and March signal the beginning of spring in many parts of Louisiana – at least when it comes to getting things done in the home landscape.

(Distributed 02/05/10) Flowering trees add considerable color and beauty to our landscapes during the late winter and early spring months. Many of these trees that flower at this time of the year can be considered low maintenance compared to the amount of joy we get from them.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Until recently, many home gardeners didn’t know much about the multi-season blooming potential of some of the newer azalea varieties.

(Distributed 02/25/10) A significant number of fruit trees and similar plants do well in Louisiana, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist David Himelrick. They include fig, citrus, blueberry, pawpaw, pomegranate and persimmon.

(Distributed 02/26/10) Pruning is one of the activities that many home gardeners have questions about. When to prune? How to prune? Why prune?

(Distributed 02/25/10) Roses are one of our most popular ornamental plants, and home gardeners need to learn more about how to care for them, according to a horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Tomatoes are a Louisiana gardener’s favorite. Full of vitamins and lycopene, tomatoes are a healthy addition to any meal.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Easy Does It is the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) winner – the only winner – for 2010.

(Distributed 02/05/10) Don’t let unsafe food masquerade at your Mardi Gras celebration. Food that hasn’t been prepared following recommended food safety guidelines usually appears safe because it looks smells and tastes fine, but eating it may lead to food-borne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Radio News 02/08/10) Love is in the air in February, and children learn about love and relationships from their parents and guardians. It is important for parents, whether together or not, to model a healthy, respectful relationship because it will serve as a guide for a child’s future relationship says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) You may know how and when to plant your pansies and petunias, but do you stretch before heading into the garden? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says while experienced gardeners know what to do in their landscapes, they may not take care of themselves as well as they take care of their flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) West Carroll farmer William Stutts began his farming career when he was still in high school. He used an FFA grant to get started. That was 34 years ago. He has seen many changes in those years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 02/08/10) Weather hasn’t been kind to farmers recently, but an LSU economist predicts that farmers may have better luck with the economy this year. Dek Terrell spoke to farmers at the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Outlook Conference and said he expects the U.S. gross domestic product to grow in the coming year and the recession to end. (Runtime: 1:12)

(Radio News 02/22/10) In the last-minute rush to get tax returns completed, taxpayers often make mistakes. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker warns about common mistakes you can avoid. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) Frigid temperatures last month may have killed some of your plants, but it probably didn’t kill many insects. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says most insects are very capable of protecting themselves by hibernating or finding protected areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) Parents can help their children become good decision makers by giving them proper boundaries says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) After a wet and cold winter, gardeners are anxious to get back into their yards. Even though temperatures have stayed fairly cold, some gardeners may have started spring gardening activities already. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says gardeners can busy themselves with several tasks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 02/01/10) Farmers are at the mercy of the weather, and the past few years, it hasn’t been kind to them. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at weather projections for 2010 and what farmers can do to help the environment. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Radio News 02/08/10) At the beginning of a new year many adults resolve to exercise more. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents should include their children in their healthy goals. She suggests finding ways to get kids to move more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) Parents who want their children to eat healthier, need to eat healthy themselves. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West said parents must prepare meals with healthful foods and give their youngsters good options for snacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/04/10) The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Master Gardeners of St. Tammany Parish are in final preparation mode for the two-day spring garden show that will be held March 20-21 at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington.

(Audio 03/01/10) Rose bushes were pruned back last month, and now it is time to get those roses blooming by using fertilizer. Another wise option would be to apply a special rose food containing an insecticide to decrease the number of pests on your bushes. Listen for more information on how to encourage growth on rose bushes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/15/10) Mirliton is a popularly grown vegetable, especially in south Louisiana. This unusual vegetable requires a well-prepared climbing area, such as a trellis or fence, that will receive lots of sunlight. Learn more about planting and growing mirliton. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/01/10) Weed control is an important aspect of gardening and lawn care this time of the year. Learn about some effective methods that reduce the appearance of weeds in your landscape and garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/22/10) Many people who are considering buying a home have the house properly inspected before putting an offer on it. This allows people to make sure they are buying a structurally sound house with no major problems. While going through that process, people should remember to have the trees surrounding the home inspected, as well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/12/10) Perk up your ears… of sweet corn, that is. Corn harvested from the home garden and cooked within minutes is considered one of life’s great treats by those lucky enough to have enjoyed it – and now is the time to plant it.

(Audio 03/29/10) The best time to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs is when they just finish flowering. Be sure to prune only what is necessary. Find out some of the trees and shrubs that should be pruned this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/29/10) Now is a good time to clean out your water garden if it needs cleaning. Check for accumulated gunk at the bottom of your pond, and remove all plants and fish before cleaning. Learn more about the water garden cleaning process in this advice. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/05/10) I take great satisfaction in telling gardeners about all the many plants that will thrive in our state. These plants are excellent choices for your landscapes and gardens because they have proven records of thriving in our climate. But there are also many plants that will not do well here.

(Audio 03/01/10) Many areas of Louisiana have troubles related to the buck moth caterpillar. This insect lays its eggs primarily in oak trees, which stay there through the winter, and they begin to hatch in February. Be on the lookout for infestation in trees and learn how to control these pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/22/10) If you are growing fruit trees in your landscape, be sure you are spraying them properly. Some fruit trees need to be sprayed more frequently than others to be successful, such as peaches, apples, plums and pears. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/15/10) Many gardeners are wondering whether or not to remove old mulch prior to adding new mulch to their gardens this time of the year. Gardeners should leave the old mulch, which allows the organic matter in the mulch to enrich the soil while saving time and money for the gardener. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/08/10) Right now there is a luscious display of flowers, including pansies, all around Louisiana. This wonderful exhibit may tempt gardeners to purchase and plant pansies in their own landscape now. Learn more about why that may not be the best option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/22/10) Spring is here, and lawns are waking up. As your lawn begins to turn green again, watch out for brown patch infestation. Listen for what to look for and how to treat your lawn for brown patch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/08/10) Regardless of whether they are grown for the roots, leaves, seeds, stem or fruit, all of these parts are consumed as vegetables. The vegetables discussed in this segment must be properly pollinated in order to produce well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/22/10) Tomatoes are one of the most popular and easily grown vegetables in the home garden. Now is a good time to get your tomato transplants planted so your crop will begin producing before the intense heat of summer. Learn more about which type of transplants produce the best tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/29/10) We expect our rose bushes to grow vigorously and produce many beautiful flowers. To allow this to happen, fertilizing your rose bushes this month is a great idea. Hear which types of fertilizers will work best for your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/15/10) Perennials are great for adding bright, attractive colors in our landscapes. One of the greatest advantages of planting perennials is their ability to produce year after year. Gardeners should pay attention to overcrowding of perennials, however, and should transplant when necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/19/10) Your landscape is there to be enjoyed by you and your family. It’s the setting for your home and provides a space for outdoor activities. Lawn areas offer a wonderful place for kids to play, barbeques, family get-togethers and parties on decks and patios. If your family includes pets, your landscape will likely be used by them as well.

(Audio 03/08/10) Many shrubs are beginning to wake up and grow, so March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in your landscape. Hear more about what type of products to use when choosing a fertilizer for your shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/01/10) March is a wonderful month for planting in the vegetable garden. Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables grown this time of the year in Louisiana. Gardeners have a better chance of avoiding potential problems with their tomato crop if they plant early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/08/10) Many of the transplants purchased from nurseries have been grown in greenhouses and are not prepared for life in a real garden. Gardeners should harden their plants before putting them into the landscape. Learn how to transition your plants into tolerating bed life. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/08/10) Perennials brighten our landscapes and live for many years. This lifespan provides an advantage over annuals which must be replaced each year. Check your local nursery for a variety of perennials in several different sizes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/01/10) Many spring-flowering bulbs begin to bloom in March. It is wise to take notes on successes and failures in your landscape to help you make decisions about what to plant next fall. Hear more about what to document, and learn which bulbs are annuals and which are perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/22/10) Easter lilies are a beautiful plant popularly used in celebrating the Easter season. Don’t discard your Easter lilies. Find out how to plant them into your landscape, and they will keep producing for many years to come. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/15/10) Most weeds growing in lawns this time of the year are cool-season weeds and will not survive much longer. If you would like to get rid of cool-season weeds and prevent them from popping up next year, you can apply a weed killer that is safe to use on your type of grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/15/10) The spring months allow for a lot of activity in the landscape. All new vegetables, bedding plants and shrubs need to be planted into well-prepared beds for maximum performance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/29/10) April has some of the finest weather Louisiana experiences all year. Now is a wonderful time to get in your vegetable garden and begin planting. Hear which vegetables are best to grow this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/29/10) March through early April is a good time to get gladiolas bulbs planted into gardens. Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing gladiolas corms and how to care for this tall, stately flower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/26/10) With the introduction and more common use of alternate-season-blooming azaleas, such as the increasingly popular Encore azaleas, it’s not unusual to see azaleas blooming during late summer, fall and winter. Even so, March through April is still the time when azaleas really strut their stuff.

(Distributed 03/26/10) BELLE ROSE, La. – First-grade students at Belle Rose Primary School in Assumption Parish are learning why it’s important to eat more fruits and vegetables through a hands-on project at their school.

(Distributed 03/30/10) LSU AgCenter scientists have produced calves from Angus bull semen that has been frozen for more than 40 years. Some of the calves were sired by semen collected and frozen from bulls in the late 1960s, said Robert Godke, a professor of reproductive physiology at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/15/10) Louisiana agriculture contributed $8.3 billion to the state’s economy in 2009, which was the lowest contribution since 2002 and down from $9.5 billion in 2008, according to the latest figures compiled by the LSU AgCenter in its annual Ag Summary, which was released on March 15.

(Distributed 03/03/10) CROWLEY, La. – Controlling insects that prey on rice crops was the focus of an LSU AgCenter workshop Monday (March 1).

(Distributed 03/05/10)The Eighth Annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show will be March 27-28 at Parker Coliseum on Highland Road on the LSU campus from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 03/15/10) The LSU AgCenter has announced a conference on wood-based biofuels, biomass and bioenergy for utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, forest land managers and owners, pulp and paper industry professionals and policymakers April 22-23 in Baton Rouge.

(News Release Distributed 03/01/10) With the grip of winter temperatures beginning to moderate, this year’s Hammond Spring Garden Day event on March 13 will give gardeners a chance to get out and enjoy a day in the garden.

(Distributed 03/01/10) William Stutts put his first crop in the ground when he was a junior in high school. The year was 1977, and that crop comprised some 100 acres. Now, 33 years later, Stutts farms more than 1,300 acres in West Carroll Parish, and he does it exceptionally well. So well, he was named the 2010 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 03/08/10)This year’s Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will be March 27-28 in the Burton Coliseum on the corner of Gauthier Road and Gulf Hwy. in Lake Charles.

(Distributed 03/30/10) The annual state conference for the Louisiana Master Gardeners will be held in West Monroe from April 29 to May 1 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

(Distributed 03/12/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – Persist for the long run and remain aware of what is happening in the short run to be productive in the end LSU AgCenter forester Ricky Kilpatrick told forest landowners at the 26th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum here March 11.

(Distributed 03/23/10) ROSEPINE, La. – Cattle producers will be able to pick up new ideas on feeding their herds at the LSU AgCenter beef and forage field day May 6 at the Rosepine Research Station.

(Distributed 03/23/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU University Laboratory School and the LSU AgCenter have formed a partnership to establish a model school garden to promote the educational, social and health benefits of gardening.

(Distributed 03/23/10) The LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic, an event focused on teaching young people about the role of agriculture in their daily lives, will be presented April 19-25 at Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge. AgMagic provides an opportunity for children and adults to understand that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the complex agricultural system. It also shows them the important connections among agriculture, the environment and their lives.

(Distributed 03/01/10) CROWLEY, La. – Crawfish farmers and consumers can get a weekly snapshot of what is happening in the crawfish market with a Web log produced by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/22/10) With the median age of the nation’s farmers becoming older each year, the LSU AgCenter has implemented a program to get younger people involved in the agricultural industry.

(Distributed 03/10/10) TALLULAH, La. – More north Louisiana farmers are switching to rice instead of corn, soybeans and cotton. Garrett Marsh of Tallulah grew his first rice crop last year. “I was here to get a refresher,” he said of a rice growing clinic here on March 4 sponsored by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/03/10) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse requires attention to detail, said Dr. H.Y. Hanna, a researcher in charge of the greenhouse tomato project at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station. A record crowd of 94 attended Hanna’s 14th annual four-hour Greenhouse Tomato Seminar on Feb. 26.

(Distributed 03/03/10) A quick way to test for salmonella in vegetable fields may be in the offing if research by an LSU AgCenter scientist proves its worth.

(Distributed 03/01/10) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Making decisions and managing conflict before your death is the best gift you can give to your family – and it makes sure your wishes are carried out, said LSU AgCenter agent Terry Foster.

(Distributed 03/22/10) Participants in Louisiana Master Farmer Program may have financial assistance available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement conservation practices on their land.

(Distributed 03/23/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s W. A. Callegari Environmental Center will host a one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make your own biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil April 28.

(Distributed 03/25/10) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Tensas Parish study circles will be turning talk into action following the results of a project focused on turning the tide on poverty, which was presented to the Tensas Revitalization Alliance March 23.

(Distributed 03/24/10) BOSSIER CITY, La. – If you can grow vegetables, you can grow cut flowers, an LSU AgCenter horticulture agent said at the monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery program at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station March 23.

(Distributed 03/23/10) BATON ROUGE, La. – Foods that are marketed with claims of health benefits in addition to nutritional value need proof of efficacy, a human nutrition expert told the Louisiana Food Processors Conference March 18.

(Distributed 03/04/10) The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Master Gardeners of St. Tammany Parish are in final preparation mode for the two-day spring garden show that will be held March 20-21 at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington.

(Distributed 03/15/10) The New Orleans 2010 Spring Garden Show will be at the City Park Botanical Garden April 10-11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 03/31/10) MERRYVILLE, La. – A tree from Down Under could help provide rural Louisiana landowners with additional cash by putting idle property to work. LSU AgCenter scientists are involved in a joint research project with Texas A&M University to find the best growing methods for eucalyptus on land normally used for cutover pine forests and on idle pasture and farmland.

(Distributed 03/03/10) After extended periods of low temperatures this year, many Louisianians are concerned freezes may have killed the palm trees in their landscapes. But they’ll have to wait a while to know for sure, according to an LSU AgCenter horticulturist.

(Distributed 03/19/10) The LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center will present two workshops to help livestock producers harvest and market their meat in April.

(Distributed 03/08/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – A panel of small business managers at the LSU AgCenter’s Market Gardening Seminar on March 6 said their customers like to buy locally grown produce and flowers and would welcome more local suppliers.

(Distributed 03/30/10) On April 1, the National 4-H Council will kick off the 4-H Give2Vote Challenge, a fundraising campaign that will involve texting on mobile phones as a way to contribute to state 4-H programs, including Louisiana’s, according to Eric Eskew, executive director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation.

(Distributed 03/12/10) A new college scholarship is available for north and central Louisiana 4-H’ers through a $20,000 donation from Hilda D. Williams and her children, Rosy Williams Bromell, Vickie Williams Phelps and Donald Vardaman Williams.

(Distributed 3/11/10) Tractor Supply stores in Louisiana have joined with the LSU AgCenter as part of a national fundraising campaign to support local 4-H programs.

(Distributed 03/08/10) A goal of sustainable landscaping is to reduce the amount of maintenance our landscapes require. But reduce does not mean eliminate. You can make choices, however, that will reduce the amount of work it takes to maintain your landscape.

(Distributed 03/25/10) Easter is second to Halloween as the most important candy-eating occasion of the year. A 2009 Nielsen survey reported that consumers were expected to buy more than 120 million pounds of candy in the week leading up to Easter.

(Distributed 03/12/10) Pest problems will become more common as we move into the warmer summer months. Some gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens.

(Distributed 03/22/10) Americans dye about 180 million eggs every Easter season. The eggs may look like decorations, but they are a perishable food and must be treated that way, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/09/10) Tuesday, March 23, is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to call attention to the risk of developing this disease. Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter extension nutritionist, wants to call people’s attention to their eating habits and how they can affect the chance for developing diabetes.

(Distributed 03/19/10) Aquatic gardens and water features are important parts of sustainable landscapes. Water provides for the needs of birds and other wildlife that live in our yards. The sight and sound of water also add to the overall beauty and enjoyment of our yards and gardens.

(Distributed 03/25/10) The cucumber family, properly known as the Cucurbitaceae (cu-cur-bit-A-cee-ee), provides a wide variety of vegetables popular for the spring, summer and fall home vegetable garden. Members of the cucumber family (often called “cucurbits”) that can be planted now and into April include summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, mirliton (in south Louisiana), pumpkin, gourd, cucuzzi, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa and, of course, cucumber.

(Distributed 03/16/10) People are still trying to figure out what the new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (Credit CARD) Act of 2009, which went into effect in February, means to their pocketbooks. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker says the act should help with financial management because consumers should have a clearer picture of their credit.

(Radio News 03/01/10) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain. St. Romain will present a program on making memories from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. each of those days that's designed to get adults and children sharing stories. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/15/10) Gardeners can find inspiration, garden supplies and educational presentations at a host of spring garden shows happening around Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) Once a facility under construction near Delhi is completed later this year, thousands of tons of sweet potatoes will enter it and be processed into sweet potato French fries. Doug Beyer, manager for the ConAgra’s Lamb Weston plant, says the facility will open in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) Water temperatures dictate what type of bait crawfish producers use for their traps. Cold water temperatures generally mean more expensive baits, says LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/22/10) Farmers who may not be able to get their corn planted in time because of wet, cold weather are looking at other options. LSU AgCenter County Agent Rob Ferguson says Louisiana could see an increase in cotton acres. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/15/10) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages you to build your nutritional health from the ground up during National Nutrition Month. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, the month raises awareness of nutrition issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/22/10) The Credit CARD Act of 2009 has a provision that could encourage consumers to pay off their credit card debt sooner. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says each statement will have a box showing you important information about paying off your balance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/29/10) Cold, wet weather temporarily stunted the state’s strawberry plants in January and February, causing a delay in this year's harvest. Warmer, drier conditions are starting to move into Louisiana, which means consumers should see more freshly grown strawberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) Every inch of the Louisiana 4-H Museum has a story. 4-H has been helping Louisiana young people develop their full potential for more than 100 years, and the museum tells of that proud history. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) Thousands of youngsters gathered during February at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales for the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. Many come to the annual show with the chance of taking home a state championship or other honor; others come just for the fun of it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/22/10) A large number of crane flies are active this time of the year. These giant flies and their larva can be a nuisance explains LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/22/10) LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell is concerned about the disease stripe rust. Conditions have been ideal for the development of the disease on Louisiana’s wheat crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/15/10) The American Diabetes Association sponsors Diabetes Alert Day on March 23. While that brings attention to the topic, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says people should be aware of the symptoms of diabetes and watch for them all year long. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/15/10) Farmers have a saying that wheat doesn’t like wet feet, but the plant has stayed damp for most of its growing season in Louisiana this year. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says that is causing problems for the wheat crop in some areas of the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) The slow start to the crawfish harvest could pick up when the weather warms. The cold winter has kept the catch down but it hasn’t hurt of killed the crawfish in ponds, according to LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/29/10) Schools and students across Louisiana are preparing for another round of spring testing. This can cause anxiety in children. LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser says parents can help calm their children’s nerves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/22/10) The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure or CARD Act of 2009 is intended to protect consumers from abusive fees, penalties and interest rate increases. Most provisions of the act went into effect in February. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it will make credit card companies communicate better with consumers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on ways to make harvesting crawfish easier and less expensive. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire is experimenting with different harvesting schedules and baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/15/10) Mild, sunny days were in short supply this winter. Temperatures rarely made it above the 50s, and rain has been frequent. The situation has made it difficult for farmers, like J.K. Bordelon, who are trying to prepare their fields for spring planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) A new sweet potato processing facility that Lamb Weston is building in northeast Louisiana will benefit the surrounding communities and Louisiana’s sweet potato industry. Doug Beyer is the plant's manager. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) During crawfish season, consumers always have an eye out for big crawfish filled with succulent meat. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire says big ones may be hard to find right now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/29/10) The LSU AgCenter’s interactive, educational journey through Louisiana agriculture returns to Parker Coliseum on LSU’s campus April 19-25. LSU AgCenter marketing director Elma Sue McCallum says families visiting AgMagic can learn about the many facets of Louisiana agriculture and how it affects their everyday lives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/29/10) Dying and decorating Easter eggs is a tradition in many homes. But since eggs are perishable, follow food safety precautions when using them. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames explains how to cook eggs for dying. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/29/10) As the weather gets warmer, more and more children head outdoors. LSU AgCenter family development expect, Dr. Diane Sasser cautions this is a time parents need to be more aware of their children’s safety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) A quick glance around the show barn and you realize this isn’t your great-grandfather’s livestock show. Sure, the sounds are the same, and so are the smells, but when the participants aren’t showing, many are playing games on their smart phones or listening to their music players. A lot has changed since the LSU AgCenter livestock show started in 1936, but youngsters still learn important traits like responsibility, sportsmanship and even patience. (Runtime: 1:25)

(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)

(Audio 05/03/10) Louisiana gardeners have the luxury of keeping their vegetable gardens in full production at all times of the year. During May, gardeners can harvest different vegetables. Be sure to choose heat-tolerant vegetables for summer production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/10/10) May is a great time of the year to plant a new lawn or to evaluate the condition of your existing grass. Sod is a good choice for doing repair work or planting a new lawn. Learn more about the advantages of solid sodding. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/03/10) Most of the herbs that Louisiana gardeners grow do not particularly enjoy the heat of summer. As the temperatures begin to peak, it is important to generously harvest your herbs now before their production diminishes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/03/10) Caladiums are one of the most outstanding plants for color in shady areas of the landscape. Caladiums are hardy and are not prone to insect problems. Here are some tips for planting caladiums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/31/10) Recycling the organic waste that your yard creates is one of the best things you can do when creating compost. Fallen leaves and grass clippings are a large portion of compost especially during the summer when mowing becomes a more frequent activity. Learn more about summer composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/24/10) Black spot is the most common fungal disease that damages rose bushes. Gardeners should choose rose varieties that are less susceptible to black spot or spray their susceptible varieties regularly. Listen for more about common symptoms of black spot disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/31/10) A number of summer vegetables can withstand Louisiana's summer heat and keep your vegetable garden productive. Listen for a list of vegetables that will grow successfully in your garden this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/31/10) Containers allow us to grow plants in areas like decks, which normally could not support plant growth. Container plants exposed to a lot of sunlight need to be watered frequently during the summer to prevent them from drying out. Here are some tips on watering container plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/03/10) Most people are not aware that several of the vegetables we grow are actually producing fruit. For example, eggplants and bell peppers are both the fruit of the plant. When harvesting eggplants, you do not want to allow the fruit to ripen before collecting it. Learn more about harvesting eggplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/28/10) The high temperatures that will be with us from now until October take their toll in the vegetable garden. Tomatoes set fewer fruit, and snap beans produce poor-quality beans.

(Audio 05/24/10) Aquatic gardens have become very popular around Louisiana, but as the temperatures increase and the days get warmer, the water turns green due to algae growth. Avoid using chemicals to control the balance of the garden. Here are some options to help keep your aquatic garden from turning green. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/24/10) Growing plants in containers is a common practice. The two most popular materials for pots are clay or plastic. Keeping these pots clean enhances the appearance of the plant growing in them. Here are some tips on cleaning your containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/03/10) Many people move their tropical plants indoors during winter and move them back outdoors for summer. May is a good time to get these plants back outdoors while temperatures are still relatively mild. Hear about appropriate light conditions for these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/10/10) As the temperatures rise, we cannot use many of the weed control products in our landscape. It is important to practice weed control now while the weather is still cool enough. Hear about some of the best weed control products to use in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/21/10) A number of misconceptions surround how we prepare soils for planting. Sometimes the advice may sound reasonable, but it may not provide the benefits you expect.

(Audio 05/31/10) Louisiana gardeners can obtain wonderful vine-ripened fruit from their tomato plants. When harvesting tomatoes in your yard, leave them on the vine until they are ripe and ready to eat. If you are having trouble with insects or birds, however, you can harvest your tomatoes early. Learn more about harvesting home-grown tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/17/10) Spanish moss is a plant that makes its own food through photosynthesis. It gets the water and minerals it needs through rainfall. This plant is not a parasite and does not damage the tree in which it is growing. Listen to learn more about Spanish moss. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/17/10) Many Louisiana landscapes have young trees and shrubs trying to establish themselves during this time of the year. Louisiana gardeners should be aware that these new plants may require supplemental irrigation during the summer in order to be successful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/24/10) Summer bulbs can brighten and enrich our landscapes. Most summer bulbs like good drainage, but some will tolerate damp conditions. In this case, consider planting calla lilies, cannas and Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/14/10) With flower clusters like fluffy balls of cotton candy, hydrangeas are among the most popular summer-flowering shrubs for shady gardens. From now through July, huge flower heads of pink, blue and blends of those two colors appear above the rich green leaves.

(Audio 05/31/10) Taking care of your lawn is an important part of maintaining a landscape during the summer. Hear more about the aspects of summer lawn care such as mowing, fertilizing and watering. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/07/10) I’ve heard it said (and even said so myself in earlier years) that spring is short in Louisiana, with weather rapidly transitioning from winter to summer. But this really isn’t accurate.

(Audio 05/10/10) Many Louisiana gardeners plant new lawns around the summer. Solid sodding is the preferred method for establishing a new lawn. Hear about the solid sodding process and about caring for a new lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/17/10) As the temperatures get warmer, gardeners may notice that their cool-season bedding plants are begin to fade. Don’t wait too long to replace these old, tired plants with fresh, new summer bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/10/10) Hydrangeas and gardenias are two of the most popular summer plants. They bloom wonderfully in Louisiana around this time of the year. Do not be alarmed if you notice some of the leaves turning yellow on your gardenias. Also, learn how to make your hydrangeas bloom a different color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/17/10) Irish potatoes are a popular vegetable to plant in spring gardens. If you are one of the many Louisiana gardeners with Irish potatoes growing in your garden right now, it is time to think about harvesting. Learn the indicators that mean your potatoes are ready to be harvested. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/17/10) Many people who have grown up in Louisiana have fond memories of harvesting blackberries or dewberries from the wild. Blackberries can be grown in your own backyard garden and will produce more blackberries with higher quality fruit than the wild types. Hear more about growing blackberries in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/10/10) If you have planted tomatoes, early May is about the time when you will begin to see your first green tomatoes reach full size. Often we see the lower fruit developing brown or discolored. This is called buckeye rot. Listen for information on how to control buckeye rot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/24/10) Unlike most other trees, palm trees like the heat and should be planted during the summer. If you are considering planting palms in your landscape, now is a wonderful time to do so. Be sure that you choose palms that are hardy. Learn more about planting palms in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/10/10) ABBEVILLE, La. – This spring has the LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist scratching his head, but he is sure the cold, wet winter has slowed the beginning stages of this year’s crop.

(Distributed 05/17/10) As part of its Healthy Homes educational program, the LSU AgCenter will conduct a Lead Certified Renovator training class June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock, La. The center is 15 miles north of Alexandria on U.S. 165.

(Distributed 05/03/10) The LSU AgCenter is implementing an online quality assurance and ethics training program for 4-H and FFA members and their families who are interested in participating in its youth livestock projects. The complete certification program will be available for 4-H and FFA members and their families later this summer and will be required for the 2011 show season.

(Distributed 05/25/10) BOSSIER CITY, La. – A virtual Louisiana farm tour for families looking for summer activities was featured at a Lunch and Ag Discovery session held May 25 at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station here.

(Distributed 05/06/10) Teachers and students in the LSU College of Agriculture received awards from the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society at a recent annual ceremony and banquet (May 4). The top award went to Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, food science professor, who was named the Distinguished Achievement in Agriculture Award winner. He conducts research on seafood technology and byproduct use at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/06/10) Louisiana sugarcane farmers will have a new sugarcane variety this fall with the release of L 03-371 from the LSU AgCenter and others on May 5.

(Distributed 05/19/10) The third annual short course for landscape management professionals will be June 18-19 at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/31/10) A new program promoting Louisiana landscape materials was one of the highlights at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station annual landscape horticulture field day May 13.

(Distributed 05/19/10) Whether wild or farmed, Louisiana crawfish are harvested from freshwater habitats, well away from coastal areas. As a result, the potential for problems related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is nonexistent for this popular seafood product, and no spill-related effects are anticipated, said Greg Lutz, an aquaculture specialist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/28/10) DELCAMBRE, La. – A new program to link consumers with commercial fishers is under way at the Port of Delcambre. Buyers can find out on the website, www.portofdelcambre.com, when a boat is headed to the dock with seafood.

(Distributed 05/24/10) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse) will hold a sustainable vegetable and landscape field day Friday, June 11, in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/17/10) GRAND CANE, La. – Approximately 600 4-H’ers tested their skills, decision making and endurance on the shooting range May 7-9 at the state shooting sports competition.

(Distributed 05/21/10) The LSU AgCenter recently recognized the Lake Forest Elementary Charter School in New Orleans as the state’s first School of Character.

(Distributed 05/31/10) Louisiana Master Farmer Program participants can attend any of a series of field days throughout Louisiana this year to meet one of three requirements to be certified.

(Distributed 05/04/10) WEST MONROE, La. – Perennials are flowers and shrubs that live for two years or longer and are hardy enough to survive winter, non-woody and able to tolerate heat, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill told the Louisiana Master Gardeners at their state conference April 30.

(Distributed 05/21/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – Controlling insects is essential for profitable pecan production, Mike Hall, an LSU AgCenter entomologist, told pecan growers at the LSU AgCenter’s Pecan Research and Extension Station field day May 20.

(Distributed 05/27/10) Rice farmers who see their crop starting to show bronzing on the leaves should consider a dose of zinc, an LSU AgCenter agronomist advised. Dustin Harrell made his remarks at a field day in Evangeline Parish on Tuesday (May 25) and on Wednesday (May 26) in Jefferson Davis Parish.

(Distributed 05/10/10) ROSEPINE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers at a recent Rosepine Research Station field day (May 5) gave cattle producers several ideas for using forages to feed their herds.

(Distributed 05/04/10) WEST MONROE, La. – Louisiana Master Gardeners were encouraged to photograph their work to share with future generations by the keynote speaker at the organization’s state conference here April 29-May 1.

(Distributed 05/04/10) Scientists at the LSU AgCenter recently confirmed the presence of late blight on tomatoes in home gardens in Terrebonne, Lafayette, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes. Symptoms include black lesions on stems and petioles, blackening of the fruit, and dark, dead areas on the foliage.

(Distributed 05/05/10) WEST MONROE, La. – Gardeners can save seeds to cut costs and maintain heirloom varieties, Denyse Cummins, LSU AgCenter horticulturist, told the Louisiana Master Gardener Convention here April 30.

(Distributed 05/10/10) The LSU AgCenter will conduct rice field days in Evangeline and Jefferson Davis parishes in May.

(Distributed 05/25/10) Are you ready for a hurricane? LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel offers a 20-question quiz to help you determine just how prepared you are.

(Distributed 05/14/10) Coleus are one of our summer favorites for Louisiana landscapes. Coleus come in old varieties and new varieties. Some do well in shade and others do well in sun. There are coleus propagated from seed and coleus that are only propagated by stem cuttings.

(Distributed 05/06/10) Angelonias are one of the top new herbaceous ornamental plants over the past 10 years. Some of us may not have been familiar with angelonias until recently, and many gardeners are probably still somewhat unfamiliar with this new plant. Angelonias are also referred to by the common name of “summer snapdragon.”

(Distributed 05/11/10) Studies show many older adults are not getting enough vitamin D. Together with calcium, vitamin D helps protect older adults from osteoporosis, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/21/10) After a beautiful spring in Louisiana, butterfly gardening season is now upon us. As we near summer, we have more bedding plants and herbaceous perennials in bloom, and these naturally attract butterflies.

(Distributed 05/20/10) Tax time may be over, but any time of year you can review the amount that will be withheld by your employer in preparation for 2010 taxes. Any time your financial situation changes, you need to think about the withholding amount, says Gloria Nye, LSU AgCenter family economist.

(Distributed 05/12/10) May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. About 74.5 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/28/10) Spring rose bloom was outstanding this year. The cooler weather through the winter did very little cold damage, and the dry weather and cool nights in spring led to a tremendous peak bloom throughout the state in mid- to late April.