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   News You Can Use
 Home>News Archive>2011>June>News You Can Use>
July is National Blueberry Month
(Distributed 06/24/11) Enjoying fresh Louisiana berries is a treat that many people look forward to each year. Blueberries are delicious and provide important nutrients that make them a healthful choice to enjoy at meals or as snacks, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

Fig trees can enhance landscapes
fig tree

(Distributed 06/24/11) Home gardeners around Louisiana frequently have fruit trees in their landscapes, and the fig is certainly one of the most popular. Ficus carica is a native of Asia and was imported into the United States in the 16th century. The fruit is tasty and can be eaten fresh, made into preserves and jams, or used in baking. Figs make nice additions to landscape plantings.

You can make your home hurricane ready
(Distributed 06/22/11) A durable home that withstands natural hazards like hurricanes saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs and, potentially, your health. And the beginning of hurricane season is a good time to consider ways to make your home tougher if you’re planning any improvements.

Azalea problems answered
azalea drought damage

(Distributed 06/16/11) Azaleas either do great in Louisiana, or they do poorly. The LSU AgCenter regularly receives questions on azalea issues this time of year, but more inquiries than usual have come this spring.

Profusion and Zahara zinnias are good for summer landscapes
Profusion Double Fire Zinnia
(Distributed 06/10/11) Home gardeners have long enjoyed zinnias, one of the most popular warm-season bedding plants. New zinnia varieties have been introduced regularly over the last few years. Extended bloom and fewer disease issues are some of the primary criteria in development of new zinnia varieties.
Keep hydrated, keep safe during hot weather
(Distributed 06/07/11) Excessively hot weather can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, especially in older adults. Dehydration – the reduction of total body water – may result from an insufficient intake of fluids and/or fluid loss.
Food ‘plate’ plan makes eating well easier to swallow
myplatelogo
(Distributed 06/07/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new food plate plan to encourage healthy eating is certainly easier to swallow than the old food pyramid schema, says Heli Roy, LSU AgCenter nutritionist.
Take care of your crape myrtle trees
Sioux flower
(Distributed 06/03/11) Home gardeners need to know and be aware of how to care for and manage crape myrtle trees in our landscapes. These are the most popular of our flowering trees, and questions abound regarding proper care and maintenance. Keys to success with crape myrtles include correct sunlight, ideal soil pH and drainage, proper pruning, regular fertilization, proper mulching and insect control.
Stay away from high-calorie, caffeine-containing drinks in hot weather
(Distributed 06/01/11) During this hot, dry weather, stay hydrated with beverages that are good for you, and stay away from high-calorie, caffeine-containing drinks. These drinks, though enticing, come at a high cost healthwise, says Heli Roy, extension nutritionist with the LSU AgCenter.