(Audio 04/25/11) April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. If these plants were planted back in the fall, they should be hitting their stride now. This time of the year is not a good time to plant cool-season plants, but you can make evaluations about what worked in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/25/11) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of container plants in outdoor areas. The warm weather will encourage these plants to grow, increasing their need for fertilizer. Fertilize them regularly to keep them healthy and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/18/11) The weather is fairly warm in mid- to late April in Louisiana, so gardeners can plant tender summer bedding plants. These plants will not tolerate freezes but will perform well during Louisiana's hot summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/18/11) A wide variety of herbs that we grow are sensitive to heat. These herbs are growing well now but will fade as summer sets in. Use these herbs generously over the next few weeks or preserve them for use later this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/18/11) Tomato vines tend to sprawl on the ground if they aren't supported. In Louisiana, this would likely lead to fruit rot, so gardeners need to provide some sort of support for their plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/18/11) Louisiana gardeners should try to get their tomato transplants now. Waiting could reduce the quality of your crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/18/11) Louisiana gardeners can find many colorful bedding plants at nurseries and garden centers. Even though stores may still be carrying cool-season bedding plants, it's best to plant warm-season bedding plants now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/11/11) As the weather warms, Louisiana gardeners have to deal with more pests, including weeds, insects and diseases. It's important to get a proper diagnosis of a problem so you can treat it correctly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/11/11) Permanent lawn grasses such as centipede and St. Augustine are best planted from April through August. Solid sodding is expensive, but it creates an instant lawn and reduces weed problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/11/11) Caladiums allow gardeners to create beautiful beds in the shade. The colorful foliage can make a nice show in shady areas. You can buy tubers now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)