(Distributed 04/26/12) Keep environmental conditions in mind when you select plant materials for a home landscape. The size of the planting area is important along with other site characteristics, such as sun or shade exposure, wet or dry locations, and exposure to windy conditions.

(Audio 04/30/12) As the weather gets warmer in May, many cool-season herbs start to languish. Harvest these herbs generously. Freeze or dry the extras and use them throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Many people use tropical plants as houseplants. These plants must be indoors during cold weather, but will thrive if placed outside during the summer. Gradually allow them to adjust to outdoor conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Most trees are best planted in the fall. The one exception is palm trees. Plant these while the weather is warm. Make sure the palm tree is hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Summer is right around the corner, but there are still plenty of vegetables we can plant in our gardens. Plant heat-tolerant vegetables that can withstand our summer temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) You can find bell peppers in a variety of colors. Colored bell peppers are simply ripe green bell peppers. If you leave a green bell pepper on the plant, it will change colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/24/12) VIDALIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop for landowners to start or extend an outdoor recreational business on their property held June 6 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center at 112 Front St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

(Distributed 04/20/12) Many students have seen cows, but not many had touched one until they attended Farm Day at the LSU AgCenter campus dairy on April 18-20.

(Distributed 04/20/12) Mid- to late spring is when we start seeing tropical-like plants take off and start growing as we enter our warmest time of year. Instead of summer being a “down time” in the landscape, you can use these plants to enhance your warm-season efforts.

(Distributed 04/20/12) CROWLEY, La. – Officials with the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry met on April 18 with representatives of the Kellogg Co. to work on details for a Master Rice Grower program that will encourage sustainable farming practices.