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Coleus
Add coleus to your summer garden
(Video 08/03/15) With the soaring heat of summer, we look forward to the cool temperatures of fall. Well, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the coleus, a plant that displays vibrant fall shades, while standing tough through the summer. (Runtime: 01:34)
Japanese Maple
Japanese maples looking bad now are probably okay
(Video 08/31/15) Japanese maples surge with burgundy color during the spring and beyond, but many of them aren’t looking too good right now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why you shouldn’t worry about what you’re seeing now and how to provide basic care for this beautiful small tree. (Runtime: 02:02)
Irrigation Devices
Use irrigation devices to help your plants survive
(Video 08/24/15) One hundred degree-plus temperatures like some we’ve recently experienced threaten to harm or kill our plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses how to fight the heat with proper irrigation devices for your particular needs. (Runtime: 02:01)
Blue My Mind
Add blue daze to your summer flower bed
(Video 08/05/15) In the plant world, flowers with the name “blue” in them are usually purplish in color. But blue daze is one of those rare flowers that is actually blue. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new, improved blue daze called Blue My Mind that will last until first frost. (Runtime: 01:37)
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus fern thrives in sunlight
(Video 08/05/15) Ferns do poorly in areas that get lots of sunlight. But the asparagus fern, which looks like a fern even though it isn’t one, thrives in hot, sunny environments. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses this relative of asparagus that provides a nice, fern-like look. (Runtime: 01:40)
Protect yourself against mosquitoes
(Audio 08/31/15) If you're a gardener, it is important to take measures to protect yourself against mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent or wear protective clothing to ensure safety from bites. Listen for more information on repelling mosquitoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Prune ginger and canna to maintain health
(Audio 08/24/15) Cannas and gingers are both plants that bloom in the summer. These plants produce stalks that need to be pruned once they've produced flowers that have faded. Listen for more information on pruning cannas and gingers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Don't fertilize your lawn too late
(Audio 08/24/15) August is the latest time of the year that you should fertilize your lawn. Fertilizing later than this can increase risk of diseases and decrease hardiness. Listen for more information on lawn fertilization. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Prune roses in late summer
(Audio 08/24/15) By late August or early September it will be time to prune your roses. Most roses should be cut back by about one-third and fertilized in order for vigorous growth to occur during the blooming periods. Listen for more information on pruning roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Manage grass clippings in your lawn
(Audio 08/24/15) If you'd like to manage grass clippings, there are a couple of options. Mowing frequently or using a mulching lawn mower can allow the grass clippings to compost and return nutrients to the soil. Or you can bag the clippings and compost them elsewhere. Listen for more information on managing grass clippings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant hardy palm trees in your landscape
(Audio 08/24/15) If you're planning on planting palms in your landscape, summer is the best time to do it. If your palms from last year died of freeze, try choosing a hardier palm this year. Listen for more information on planting palm trees in the summertime. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Take advantage of shade surrounding ferns
(Audio 08/17/15) Ferns are great plants for growing in the shade, which makes their maintenance much more appealing in the summer. Prune, mulch, water and fertilize these plants to encourage late summer growth. Listen for more information on fern maintenance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Harvest ripened pears for delicious fruit
(Audio 08/17/15) Pears are on of the most popular backyard fruits in Louisiana. Watch for ripening of the fruit by observing changes in color and firmness. Listen for more information on harvesting pears. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Transplant Louisiana irises in the summer
(Audio 08/17/15) Since Louisiana irises are dormant in the summer, now is a great time to transplant these plants. Transplanting can allow you to divide your clumps and give your irises more room to grow. Listen for more information on transplanting Louisiana irises. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant butterfly weed to aid and attract butterflies
(Audio 08/17/15) Butterfly weed is great for attracting butterflies in our landscapes. This plant is also crucial in restoring monarch butterfly populations. Listen for more information on the advantages of butterfly weed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Repot container plants this summer
(Audio 08/17/15) When your potted plants become too large for their containers, it's time to repot. Moving plants into a larger container can prevent health issues and encourage root growth. Listen for more information on repotting plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Apply mulch to new trees
(Audio 08/14/15) Mulching trees during the first five years after being planted really helps with healthy growth and development. It is also important to pay attention to how you apply the mulch. Listen for more information on mulching young trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Protect your lawn from chinch bugs
(Audio 08/10/15) Chinch bugs are pests that plague Louisiana summer lawns. These bugs can attack your lawn and cause it to appear brown and straw-like. Listen for information on controlling these lawn pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant a second crop of tomatoes
(Audio 08/11/15) In Louisiana, it is possible to grow warm-season vegetables all the way until November. This allows us to plant a second crop of tomatoes in the summer. Listen for more information on growing fall tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant coleus for color in your garden
(Audio 08/12/15) Coleus is a beautiful plant whose foliage can add color to your garden. Stop by your local nursery to find a variety of coleus that suits your landscape. Listen for more information on these colorful plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
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