(Audio 07/27/15) By mid-to-late summer, several pests such as spider mites, white flies and scale insects have built up their population. Control white fly and scale insects using light horticultural oil sprays. Listen for more information on these summer pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/15) Because Louisiana has such a long autumn season, it's possible to grow thriving tomatoes in the fall. Be sure to plant your transplants by the end of July or beginning of August depending on your location. Listen for more information on fall tomato planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/15) Chinch bugs are one of the most common lawn insect pests in Louisiana. They feed on your grass and cause dramatic damage. Listen for information on treating lawns that have been infected with chinch bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/15) Weeds, diseases, and insects run rampant in Louisiana landscapes in the summertime. The first and most important step to take is properly identifying these issues. Listen for more information on controlling and preventing summer pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/27/15) Mosquitoes in Louisiana are most active during the prime summer gardening hours. Take steps to protect yourself from these pests by applying repellent and getting rid of standing water in your landscape. Listen for more information on preventing and reducing mosquito bites this summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/15) Controlling weeds in different types of beds can be difficult. Some herbicides are okay to use around certain plants but are harmful to others. Listen for more information on weed control in garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/15) Web worms are caterpillars that form unattractive nests at the ends of branches, especially on pecan trees. To control these pests, use any insecticide labeled to control caterpillars. Listen for more information on web worms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/15) If you planted herbs in the spring, don't forget that they're out in your garden. You can easily go out and clip herbs to use for cooking. Listen for more information on harvesting herbs in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/20/15) Bark lice are insects that form a fine, silvery webbing along the bark of trees. Although these webs may look threatening, there is no need to worry about damage. Listen for more information on bark lice on trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/27/15) You can’t do much better for a summer plant than the purslane. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this plant offers beautiful, diverse-colored flowers, while staying happy in the heat. (Runtime: 01:44)

(Audio 07/20/15) Some summer bedding plants, like petunias, don't tolerate the heat very well. When you notice plants in your summer garden fading, pull them out and replace them with plants such as periwinkle or salvia. Listen for more information on maintaining summer bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/15) Blackberries are easily grown and highly productive plants in Louisiana landscapes. Summer is the perfect time to prune your blackberry plants. Listen for more information on pruning and maintaining blackberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/15) Although chrysanthemums don't bloom until the fall, pruning them before mid-July is crucial for producing flowers. Don't wait too late to prune your chrysanthemums or it may delay or prevent flowering. Listen for more information on the flowering habits of chrysanthemums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/15) Although July is typically a dry month, afternoon showers can produce a significant amount of rain. Be sure to use rain gauges so that you know how much rain you are getting; this will allow you to irrigate properly. Listen for more information on summer irrigation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/15) Crape myrtles, the most popular summer flowering tree in Louisiana, bloom all the way from April to September. Despite setbacks such as excess rain and an outbreak leaf spot, crape myrtles in your landscape should remain healthy. Listen for more information on Louisiana crape myrtles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/13/15) Caladiums are widely available, colorful plants that grow well in shady areas. Make sure you are properly caring for these plants during the summer by mulching and watering regularly. Listen for more information on these beautiful plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/15) Ginger and canna are popular plants for creating a tropical look in our landscapes. Both of these plants produce clusters of flowers at the top of a shoot. Listen for information about caring for and maintaining these tropical plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/15) A crucial part of proper lawn care is making sure that your lawn mower blades remain sharp. Sharp blades can ensure that your grass receives a nice, clean cut. Listen for more information on maintaining the blades on your lawn mower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/15) Properly timing the pruning of hydrangeas is critical to ensuring that they produce flowers. Make sure you prune hydrangeas early in the summer before they set their buds in July. Listen for more information on pruning hydrangeas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/15) Now is a great time to apply a second round of fertilizer to your lawn. Fertilizing now will replenish the nitrogen that has been used up or washed away since spring. Listen for more information on fertilizing your summer lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/06/15) Container plants are extremely popular for embellishing outdoor living areas and porches. However, several problems can occur when you use saucers for these plants. Listen for more information on preventing mosquitoes, water damage and root rot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/15) Don't expect your roses to look their best in July. The summer heat can drain the plant and take a toll on the appearance and durability of the flowers. Listen for more information on maintaining roses in the hottest parts of the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/15) Since colorful flower beds often grab the attention of passersby, it is important to keep your beds in tip top condition. However, it can be difficult to get outside to work in your garden in the summer heat. Listen for some tips on maintaining your summer flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/15) Unlike most trees, palm trees are best planted in the hottest part of the summer. When planting palm trees, be sure to choose a species that fits your needs in terms of hardiness and appearance. Listen for more information on planting palm trees in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/15) Figs are usually coming in pretty nicely by early July. It is very important to harvest figs in a timely manner before they perish or become food for birds. Listen for more information on protecting your figs from birds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/29/15) If you can handle the heat, July is a great month to get out in your garden and harvest vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and snap beans. July is also a good time to plant various heat-tolerant crops. Listen for more information on planting vegetables and other plants in your summer garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On 07/31/15) If you want to boost the color in your landscape, nurseries still have a good selection of colorful bedding plants that will thrive in whatever heat the summer throws at them.

(For Release On 07/24/15) Wherever you go in America, gardeners will tell you about the terrible pest problems they have to deal with. Still, it seems like we have more than our share of insects, diseases and weeds in Louisiana.

(For Release On 07/17/15) Ornamental grasses are an often-overlooked group of herbaceous perennials that thrive here and will add beauty to your landscape with minimum effort. This versatile group of plants is becoming increasing popular.

(For Release On 07/10/15) Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than to see rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among the flowers. So favored are the jewel-colored birds, people put out feeders to entice them into the landscape. Even better are gardens full of plants that provide flowers bursting with the nectar hummingbirds crave.

(For Release On 07/03/15) This time of the year, most of us want to spend as little time outside in the heat as possible. Yet, we still want to keep our landscapes looking nice.

(Video 07/06/15) Hibiscuses or rose mallows, as they’re called, perform well in summer heat. But they do have a nemesis. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to handle the mallow sawfly. (Runtime: 01:36)