(Distributed 02/05/15) AMITE, La. – The annual Camellia Garden Stroll at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will be held on Feb. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

(Distributed 01/30/15) Many people may be unfamiliar with pericallis, but the Senetti series features the first repeat-blooming varieties.

(Distributed 01/30/15) HAMMOND, La. – Winter and early spring are when many gardeners prune plants, which is the correct time for most plants in the home landscape.

(Distributed 01/30/15) WINNSBORO, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers continue to evaluate energycane varieties planted in north Louisiana as a possible new crop for producers to grow as a biofuel feedstock.

(Distributed 01/29/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. –The central Louisiana forestry forum will be held Feb. 24 at the LSU AgCenter Evacuation Shelter next to the LSU-A campus on U.S. Highway 71 south of Alexandria.

(Distributed 01/27/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – In four hours, LSU College of Agriculture Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising students turned paper hearts into dresses that were works of art.

(Distributed 01/26/15) OPELOUSAS, La. – Louisiana led the nation for the average soybean yield last year, according to the LSU AgCenter soybean specialist.

(Distributed 01/26/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – the LSU AgCenter hosted workshops for entrepreneurs from several Latin American food and agriculture companies during their visit to Baton Rouge on Jan. 12-23.

(Distributed 01/23/15) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop on stored rice insect pest management on Feb. 25 at the Acadia Parish Extension Office.

(Distributed 01/23/15) Nicotianas are good alternative cool-season bedding plants for south Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/23/15) WEST MONROE, La. – Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners continued their record of bringing in national gardening experts as speakers at the 5th Annual Ag Expo Gardening Seminar on Jan. 17.

(Distributed 01/23/15) HAMMOND, La. – New plants make gardening exciting. About five years ago, a new sweet alyssum variety started appearing in trial gardens and garden centers around the country. These are now well-established in the greenhouse trade and have added a great cool-season-to-warm-season transitional plant to the retail marketplace.

(Distributed 01/22/15) WEST MONROE, La. – With the emerald ash borer yet to be detected in the state, experts speaking at the 2015 Ag Expo Forestry Forum at the West Monroe Convention Center on Jan. 16 said it’s time to prepare.

(Distributed 01/22/15) WINNSBORO, La. – Cover crops can improve soil health, but it is important to make careful decisions when choosing and growing them. Farmers learned about the benefits of cover crops and how to manage them during a workshop at the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station on Jan. 21.

(Audio 01/26/15) Now’s a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs into your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some diverse types of mahonia – shrubs that provide nice ground cover. (Runtime: 01:48)

(Video 01/26/15) If you’re looking for a beautiful cool-season plant, then pericallis be a nice choice. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this new container plant will certainly brighten up a patio or window sill. (Runtime: 01:45)

(Distributed 01/22/15) WEST MONROE, La. – LSU AgCenter agents and volunteers from northeast Louisiana provided hands-on experience to deliver agricultural information to school children and adults during the annual Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center on Jan. 14-17.

(Audio 01/26/15) Beets are a nutritious root crop that can be grown in gardens. They are delicious and extremely good for you and come in a wide variety of colors. Plant some beet seeds in your gardens today. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/21/15) The USDA estimates that U.S. farmers harvested approximately 4 billion bushels of soybeans, exceeding the previous record of nearly 3.4 billion bushels. Farmers in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi heard the latest developments concerning soybeans, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story.(Runtime: 02:02)

(Audio 01/26/15) It's much easier to grow vegetables in winter vegetable gardens due to fewer insects and diseases. However, pests such as caterpillars, aphids, snails, and slugs are still a problem for winter gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/15) Due to mild winters in Louisiana, your roses may still be blooming when it's time to begin pruning. Don't let this deter you. Prune your roses and keep your bushes free of dead materials so that your roses continue to flourish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/15) Watering indoor plants properly is very important. Make sure the soil surface of indoor plants is about an inch below the rim of the container. Water generously and regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Keeping your house warm during winter can be a challenge if it is poorly insulated or has air leakage points. But there are ways to identify those problems and conserve energy.

(Distributed 01/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – When students from Slovak University of Agriculture visit LSU in February, a new group of global agriculture ambassadors from the LSU College of Agriculture will welcome them to campus.

(Distributed 01/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La – With a splash of water and a flash of a grin, Taylor Tycer christened the Research Vessel Eric Fabre. The airboat, which is part of the LSU College of Agriculture’s research fleet, was named in memory of Eric Fabre, an LSU student who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in June 2014.

(Distributed 01/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a crop production forum for northeast Louisiana farmers on Feb. 3 in Delhi.

(Distributed 01/19/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Blue skies and crisp temperatures made Saturday, Jan. 17, the perfect day to celebrate Arbor Day at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden. Children and adults alike headed into the Burden Woods to plant trees and explore the scenery along trails.

(Distributed 01/16/15) LAFAYETTE, La. – Resuming rice exports to Cuba would provide a huge boost to Louisiana rice farmers, according to the chairman of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board.

(Distributed 01/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter researchers were honored Thursday (Jan. 15) at the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference in Baton Rouge. The event drew 574 people from Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/16/15) Redbuds are one of our more popular early spring-flowering small trees. The most common redbud species is the Eastern redbud – Cercis canadensis – the one we primarily plant in Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/16/15) CROWLEY, La. – More than 100 friends, farmers and fellow employees turned out on Jan. 13 for a reception for Johnny Saichuk, who retired recently as LSU AgCenter rice specialist.

(Distributed 01/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter project that teaches Armenians about food safety could help more producers and processors in the Eurasian country get certifications that will help them expand global trade.

(Distributed 01/16/15) HAMMOND, La. – One of the most widely planted landscape shrubs in Louisiana is the gardenia. Many times from the late fall through winter, you may see gardenias with yellow foliage and “poor-looking” growth. This is more of an “end-of-the-growing-season” look when old leaves are being lost and new foliage is preparing for spring emergence.

(Distributed 01/15/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Most performance horses are accustomed to being transported, but doing so in cold temperatures presents challenges for animals and their owners. The stress that horses experience during hauling can lead to decreased reproductive performance, increased disease and temporary reduction in performance ability, according to LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker.

(Distributed 01/15/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Master Gardeners will have an opportunity to increase their knowledge and expand their service through a new advanced program offered by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nine individuals were recognized Tuesday (Jan. 13) for achieving certification under the Louisiana Master Farmer Program at the state convention of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts.

(Distributed 01/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – For more than 50 years, the Louisiana Turfgrass Association has organized annual events for professionals in turf-based industries. Nearly 200 attendees ranging from landscapers to golf course and football field managers attended the 2015 conference held Jan. 9 at Tiger Stadium.

(Distributed 01/13/15) CROWLEY, La. – Rice farmers across southern Louisiana heard the latest recommendations from LSU AgCenter experts for growing the 2015 crop at a series of LSU AgCenter meetings held during the week of Jan. 5.

(Distributed 01/13/15) OAK GROVE, La. – New soybean varieties featuring oil with high oleic content are on the horizon, Jim Carroll, a farmer from Brinkley, Arkansas, told growers and industry representatives at the 2015 Tri-State Soybean Forum on Jan. 9.

(Video 01/14/15) To get the most out of your time in the garden, you should have the proper tools. One simple tool is a pair of gloves. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the different types of gardening gloves and why it’s important to have the right ones to fit the job. (Runtime 01:45)

(Video 01/14/15) We’re in the middle of winter, but you can still put in some beautiful bedding plants now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to alyssum—a great bedding plant that can be used in many ways. (Runtime 01:40)

(Distributed 01/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – It’s the season for planting Irish potatoes in Louisiana. “Potatoes are usually planted from mid-January through February,” said LSU AgCenter vegetable expert Kiki Fontenot.

(Distributed 01/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – If you’re concerned about your energy bill shooting high this winter, explore efficient solutions at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center’s open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 17.

(Distributed 01/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana will be gathering in Gonzales next month for the 80th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

(Distributed 01/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is developing partnerships with five major agriculture universities in China that will allow students and faculty to participate in exchanges and cooperate on research.

(Distributed 01/09/15) Flowering cherry trees can be seen blooming around Louisiana in February and March. In some years, the first flowers appear in late January in the southern part of the state.

(Distributed 01/09/15) HAMMOND, La. – Now is a great time to plant a tree in Louisiana. We observe Louisiana Arbor Day this year on Friday, Jan. 16.

(Video 01/07/15) Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers expected to start their harvest late and finish early, but were surprised to find a crop much better than they expected. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:19)

(Distributed 01/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host four workshops in February to help fresh produce growers understand food safety risks and develop an on-farm food safety plan, according to AgCenter food safety specialist Achyut Adhikari.

(Distributed 01/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter in cooperation with the American Rose Society Gulf District will present a midwinter workshop on rose care Feb. 6-7 at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Gonzales, Louisiana.

(Audio 01/12/15) January is the prime planting season for trees or shrubs in Louisiana. Arbor Day is celebrated here the third Friday of January. If you are considering planting a tree, now is the time to do it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/15) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants through March. Some plants do much better when planted earlier in the season including foxgloves, delphiniums, and columbines. Look for cool-season Louisiana Super Plants in garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/15) Even though your lawn is dormant in the winter, weeds may still be growing. On a mild day, use a herbicide to get rid of unwanted weeds. Follow label directions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/15) A big challenge of growing plants indoors is giving them the light they need. Light is their food, so they need light to live. Make sure a plant is near a window or clean a window to give it more light. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/15) Parsley is a useful herb for cooking and is easy to grow. You can find parsley transplants at garden centers now. Plant transplants in sunny beds and let them grow before harvesting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/02/15) The ornamental or flowering kales typically have feather-type leaves as compared to the rounded leaves of ornamental cabbage. The deeply serrated leaf edges add unique foliage texture to the cool-season landscape.

(Distributed 01/02/15) HAMMOND, La. – Eight vegetables and four flowers have been named All-America Selection (AAS) winners for the 2015 gardening season. Each year, the best of the best in new flowers, bedding plants and vegetables receive this national recognition.

(Video 01/05/15) Eventually, most gardeners have to apply some type of treatments to control insects, weeds and disease. Some of the chemicals are pre-made and measured; others have to be mixed. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of using the proper sprayers for various lawn and garden applications.

(For Release On Or After 01/30/15) Now is an excellent time to consider adding roses to your landscape. For many gardeners, particularly those just getting into roses, a rose is a rose. But several different categories or types of roses are available, and each type includes numerous varieties.

(For Release On Or After 01/23/15) No other group of plants can quite duplicate what vines do for us in the landscape. Vines can be used to provide shade, privacy, flowers, ground cover, edible or attractive fruit, fragrance and food for wildlife. It would be hard to imagine a well-planted landscape without vines somewhere. Now is a great time to plant hardy vines.

(For Release On Or After 01/16/15) 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.

(For Release On Or After 01/09/15) Cool days and chilly nights are just the kind of weather lettuce enjoys. Lettuce is a vegetable that is easy to grow, delicious to eat and so attractive to the eye that any gardener – whether you have a vegetable garden, flower garden or even container garden on a balcony – should include it.

(For Release On Or After 01/02/15) All-America Selections is a nonprofit organization that tests newly developed varieties of seed-grown bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States.

(Audio 01/05/15) Spring bulbs are typically planted in the fall. Tulips and hyacinth, however, are refrigerated until winter. Now is the time to get them out of the refrigerator and plant them in the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/15) The poinsettia is the premier plant for decorating during the holidays. These plants are hard to grow in Louisiana, so it's best to compost these plants after the holidays. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/15) Roses can be purchased in local garden centers, but more varieties are available online or through mail order catalogs. Plant them soon to give them the best start. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/15) Cool-season bedding plants brighten up the winter landscape. Plants like pansies and violas can be planted now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/15) Louisiana vegetable gardens can remain active in January. The vegetables we plant must be able to tolerate the cold. Vegetables that fit in that category include root crops and leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)