(02/04/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will offer a Lead Certified Renovator training course on Feb. 23 and a refresher course on March 10.

(02/04/16) OAK GROVE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a workshop on March 2-3 in Oak Grove to educate produce growers, packers and processors about GroupGAP, a new food safety certification program.

(02/04/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has released a guide listing grain sorghum hybrids that offer resistance to the sugarcane aphid, a pest that has caused significant damage to Louisiana’s sorghum crop in recent years.

(02/04/16) JENNINGS, La. – The possibility of exporting rice to China could become reality this year, and work continues to open trade with Cuba, the USA Rice president reported to rice growers at their annual meeting Wednesday (Feb. 3).

(02/04/16) HAMMOND, La. – Roses continue to be one of our most popular ornamental plants, and home gardeners should learn about and be aware of recommended management practices for them, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(02/04/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of Ascension Parish teachers spent a day away from their students to become students themselves. The teachers were learning how to develop school gardens as part of the LSU AgCenter’s Greauxing Gardens program at the AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden.

(02/04/16) BATON ROUGE La. – The LSU AgCenter will offer a seminar on Feb. 17 in Metairie to help educate home contractors, designers, inspectors and owners about new energy efficiency requirements.

(Video 02/03/16) An LSU AgCenter program is helping gardens sprout in schools across Louisiana. Teachers will soon be planting gardens at most public elementary and middle schools in Ascension Parish after a recent workshop aimed at getting school gardens growing. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 01:40)

(Video 02/03/16) LSU’s mascot is known as Mike the Tiger, the only live tiger mascot in the country. Students in the LSU College of Agriculture’s Residential College got an up-close look at Mike’s habitat and learned what it is like to take care of such a magnificent creature. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:33)

(Video 02/08/16) It’s nearly time to plant citrus trees here in Louisiana — that is, after freezes are gone. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains which citrus are most and least tolerant of cooler weather and how to care for them. (Runtime: 01:47)

(Video 02/15/16) Pineapple guava is a plant you can grow as a privacy screen or grow into a tree. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the pineapple guava has no major insect or disease problems and produces delicious fruit. (Runtime: 01:51)

(02/03/16) HAMMOND, La. – The Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association in cooperation with the LSU AgCenter has scheduled a certified nursery and landscape professional manual review and exam for February 23-24, 2016, at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(02/03/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter vegetable specialist Kathryn Fontenot has been named the recipient of the 2016 John E. Hutchinson Extension Award for Young Professionals from the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

(02/03/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a three-day workshop on April 20-22 to educate food processors about safety regulations and best practices for preventing contamination.

(02/02/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – 2015 was a challenge for many members of Louisiana’s diverse horticulture industry, which includes vegetable crops, fruit crops, pecans, sweet potatoes, sod farming, nursery crops, landscape contracting and retail garden centers, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(02/01/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Kids can decorate and make their own Valentine sugar cookie box and fill it with candy at What’s Cooking... @Burden on Feb. 13.

(Audio 01/25/16) Around this time you should be thinking about cutting back your roses. Be sure to pay attention to the specific needs of the different kinds of roses in your landscape while pruning. Listen for more information on pruning roses during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/16) Roses are one of the few plants that are still sold bare root. If you want to buy bare-root roses, it's crucial that you plant them in January or February. Listen for more information on bare-root roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/16) It's a good idea to start working in your garden now to prepare your beds for spring fever. On a beautiful mild day, consider going outside and adding soil and organic matter to your beds. Listen for more information on bed preparation for spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/25/16) If you look around Louisiana, you will see plenty of beautiful camellias in bloom this month. Now is a great time to add some camellias to your landscape for vibrant flowers. Listen for more information on planting camellias this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(02/01/16) AMITE, La. – The 2016 Camellia Garden Stroll at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will be held on Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m.

(Audio 01/25/16) Although it is common to propagate plants using stem cuttings, some plants can successfully be propagated using hardwood cuttings. Roses, figs, pears, and hydrangeas are just a few of these plants. Listen for more information on propagating plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/16) Although there are significantly fewer pests in vegetable gardens in the winter than in the summer, some pests still persist. Keep an eye out for pests and insects such as caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs. Listen for more information on controlling pests in winter vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/16) In the wintertime, we only need to fertilize plants that are in active growth. Fertilizing plants that are dormant can compromise their resistance to cold damage. Listen for more information on fertilizing in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/16) Although mealybugs don't greatly affect outdoor plants, they can cause significant problems for indoor plants. They may be difficult to get rid of, but it can be done. Listen for more information on getting rid of mealybugs on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/16) Although unused fertilizers don't usually go bad if they sit in your shed for multiple years, they can become more difficult to use. Exposure to humidity can cause certain fertilizers to become clumpy but not impossible to work with. Listen for more information on fertilizers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/18/16) Now is a good time to do some pruning while most of your plants are dormant. While deciduous and summer-flowering trees aren't weighed down with leaves, remove low-hanging or dangerous branches. Listen for more information on pruning trees in winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(01/29/16) WEST MONROE, La. – Participants interested in gardening travelled from at least three states to attend the Sixth Annual Spring Ag Expo Gardening Seminar in West Monroe.

(02/26/16) Mention blooming wildflowers and most people think of country meadows and drives along rural roads. Wildflowers, however, are to be found everywhere – even along the interstates and in major metropolitan areas.

(02/19/16) Color is very important to us. We use it everywhere in our surroundings and on our bodies. We carefully consider which colors to combine and use in our interior decors. People take their time (sometimes too much) deciding on what colors they will wear for a day or even for a few hours. Yet, how many gardeners spend time to carefully consider and develop a color scheme for their flower beds and landscape?

(02/12/16) February weather often includes heavy and frequent rain, and this should remind us that Louisiana has a relatively wet climate. Periods of drought certainly do occur here, especially during the hot months of summer. But it is important for gardeners to realize that plant selection and the gardening techniques we use are largely influenced by the generous amount of annual rainfall we receive in Louisiana.

(02/05/16) Gardeners often wait until April or May to purchase blooming roses from nurseries and plant them. But planting earlier has advantages. If you’re thinking about adding roses to your garden, here is some advice that will help you get them off to a good start.

(01/29/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture are working with a Chinese university to set up a collaborative undergraduate degree program in agricultural economics and to expand exchange programs.

(Audio 01/11/16) There are plenty of leafy vegetables and root crops that can be grown in January. Two of these vegetables, beets and Swiss chard, are very closely related. Listen for information on planting and growing beets and Swiss chard this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/16) If you'd like to grow tomato, eggplant, or pepper transplants from seeds, now is the time to start. Be sure to keep these plants away from the cold winter weather using a greenhouse or fluorescent lights. Listen for more information on growing transplants from seeds in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/11/16) Although fall-planted parsley produces the best harvest, winter is still a good time to add parsley to your garden. In the cooler months it will grow slowly but will flourish during the spring. Listen for more information on growing parsley in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/27/16) WEST MONROE, La. – With forestry being the largest agricultural crop in the state, keeping landowners, loggers and others aware of the market conditions was the goal of the forestry forum held at the West Monroe Convention Center.

(Audio 01/11/16) Louisiana gardeners sometimes overseed ryegrass in their lawns in the fall. This keeps lawns emerald green through the winter months while permanent grasses are dormant. Listen for information on caring for ryegrass during the winter months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(01/27/16) HAMMOND, La. – Because rose growers and enthusiasts surveyed in Louisiana and Mississippi have been impressed with the great landscape performance of Cinco de Mayo, the Gulf District of the American Rose Society has named the variety as the 2016 Gulf District Rose of the Year.

(01/26/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will present a series of workshops on producing commercial vegetables and cut flowers using high tunnels, or hoop houses, in several Louisiana locations in February and on March 1.

(01/26/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The presence of a top predator of other invertebrates in Louisiana’s coastal marshes may shed light on how the marshes are recovering from the effects of the BP oils spill in April 2010.

(01/25/16) OPELOUSAS, La. – Low grain prices are not expected to increase soon because of excess supply and lower demand, according to an LSU AgCenter economist who spoke with farmers at a wheat and feed grain meeting on Jan. 21.

(01/25/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Researchers in the LSU College of Agriculture’s Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising are using body scanning technology to study how body shapes change during weight loss.

(Distributed 01/22/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Guillermo Scaglia, a beef cattle researcher at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station in Jeanerette, and Stan Dutile, an LSU AgCenter extension agent in Lafayette Parish, each received the Merit Award from the American Forage and Grassland Council.

(Distributed 01/22/16) WEST MONROE, La. – The Best of Agriculture: Producing food and fiber…safely, efficiently and abundantly was the theme of this year’s Ag Expo held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center on Jan. 15-16.

(Video 01/25/16) Herbs can complete the taste of that tantalizing dish. Now is a great time to grow these delicious plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some of the more popular herbs. (Runtime: 01:48)

(Video 02/01/16) You might not think winter is a good time to visit a nursery; but think again. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives some reasons why now is a great time to visit your nurseries and select plants like trees and shrubs. (Runtime: 01:43)

(Distributed 01/21/16) GONZALES, La. – Ralph Sellers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM has signed on as corporate sponsor for the 2016 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show with a contribution of $25,000.

(Video 01/20/16) Flooding along the Mississippi River has led to the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway for the second time in five years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story on how the opening affects the ecology of the outflow area. (Runtime: 01:47)

(Video 01/20/15) Dietary Guidelines for Americans serves as a source of nutrition advice, and these guidelines have recently been updated. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with a registered dietician to see what these changes mean. (Runtime: 01:54)

(Distributed 01/20/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a seasonal children’s garden activity at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on Feb. 20.

(Distributed 01/19/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will conduct a volunteer orientation on Jan. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Ione Burden Conference Center in the gardens.

(Distributed 01/19/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recently released new dietary guidelines to help Americans eat healthier diets. Denise Holston-West, a registered dietitian with the LSU AgCenter, said the goal is for Americans to improve their overall eating patterns.

(Distributed 01/15/16) HAMMOND, La. – Loquat, frequently called Japanese plum, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The tree has large thick evergreen leaves with a moderate rate of growth and does well in most well-drained soils. It can be used as an edible landscape plant.

(Distributed 01/15/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Lawrence Datnoff has been named to receive the 2016 Alumni Award from the Virginia Tech University Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science. Datnoff is a professor and department head in the LSU AgCenter and LSU College of Agriculture Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology.

(Distributed 01/13/16) LAFAYETTE, La. – The newest graduates of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program were honored Jan. 12 during the annual convention of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts.

(Distributed 01/13/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will present the sixth annual Brush With Burden art exhibition on March 13-20.

(Distributed 01/13/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two Louisiana 4-H’ers were recognized for their winning submissions in a grazing management essay contest sponsored by the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council. The awards were presented during a luncheon on Jan. 11 at the American Forage and Grasslands Council annual conference.

*Distributed 01/13/16) OAK GROVE, La. – Although the 2015 sweet potato season was marked by difficult weather conditions – excessive rains that delayed planting followed by a hot and dry summer, then more rain that interfered with harvest – Louisiana growers still ended up with a good crop, LSU AgCenter experts said at a Louisiana Sweet Potato Association meeting on Jan. 12.

(Distributed 01/12/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Tiger Stadium is usually packed for Saturday night football games. But on Jan. 7, the club level of the stadium was filled with turfgrass professionals at the annual 2016 Louisiana Turfgrass Association conference.

(Distributed 01/12/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana will be gathering in Gonzales next month for the 81st annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

(Distributed 01/11/16) BREAUX BRIDGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a meeting for rice and soybean farmers on Feb. 25 at the St. Martin Parish Extension Office. The session will begin at 5 p.m. and topics will include new rice varieties, rice and soybean weed control, fertility, soybean disease and insect control, and soybean agronomics.

(Distributed 01/11/16) OPELOUSAS, La. – A meeting will be held by the LSU AgCenter for wheat and feed grain producers on Jan. 21 at the Yambilee building. The session starts with registration at 7:30 a.m.

(Distributed 01/11/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator will host four seminars in February and March to help educate food entrepreneurs and other industry professionals about business strategies and regulations.

(Distributed 01/08/16) LAFAYETTE, La. – The Gulf District of the American Rose Society and the LSU AgCenter will present a midwinter workshop on rose care Feb. 12-13 at the Ramada Inn Conference Center and Hotel in Lafayette, Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/07/16) CROWLEY, La. – Rice farmers attending the first three of a series of LSU AgCenter producer meetings came away with reasons for optimism this year, with the start of planting season only two months away.

(Distributed 01/07/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden is postponing Arbor Day activities set for Jan. 16.

(Video 01/11/16) Not all soils are created equally. Some are better for growing particular plants; some are worse. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains steps you can take to check and improve your soil composition — a step that can be crucial to proper plant growth. (Runtime: 01:35)

(Video 01/18/16) Flowers don’t have to live in the ground to enhance a landscape. Hanging baskets can create a whole new effect in the right environment. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some ways to care for your hanging basket plants and increase curbside or backyard appeal. (Runtime: 01:50)

(Video 01/06/16) This year’s sugarcane grinding season is finally wrapping up. This season will be remembered for its dry, fast start with high sugar recovery levels that eventually turned into a wet, muddy finish with lower sugar recovered. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:42)

(Distributed 01/06/16) WEST MONROE, La. – The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners 6th Annual Gardening Seminar will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center on Jan. 16.

(Distributed 01/05/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – As the threat of river flooding heads to Louisiana, now is the time for homeowners to plan and prepare, said LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel.

(Distributed 01/05/16) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator will offer training Feb. 18 and 19 for food industry professionals interested in learning about good manufacturing practices.

(Audio 1/4/16) Although winter lawns are low maintenance compared to summer lawns, they still require some care. If you spot weeds in your lawn, you can easily remove them using weed killers. Listen for more information on winter lawn care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 1/4/16) Louisiana gardeners often have a hard time growing attractive foxgloves, delphiniums, and hollyhocks because they plant them too late. Grab these plants from your local nursery now to try early planting. Listen for more information on adding these flowers to your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 1/4/16) Many of our cool-season bedding plants such as pansies and dianthus are blooming now. Try dead heading for continuous blooms and be sure to keep up with your weeding, watering and fertilizing. Listen for more information on winter plant care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/04/16) Because spring flowers such as hyacinths and tulips are accustomed to colder climates, we must take special care of their bulbs. Wait until early January when the weather is cold enough to plant these bulbs in the ground. Listen for more information on planting spring flowering bulbs this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 1/4/16) Although the cold weather in January limits which vegetables we can grow, there are plenty of hardy vegetables that will flourish in your garden this month. Try direct seeding root crops such as radish, turnips, carrots, parsnips and rutabagas or leafy vegetables. Listen for more information on growing winter vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On 01/08/16) The name “asparagus fern” is a strange jumble of terms. These plants are neither ferns nor edible vegetables. Although not even distantly related to ferns, asparagus ferns are, however, actually closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Asparagus ferns are versatile, reliable, easy to grow and useful in a variety of gardening situations.

(For Release On 01/15/16) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana – a day we set aside to appreciate trees and plant them. That’s Jan. 15 this year. If you are thinking about adding some trees to your landscape, planting should ideally be done now through early March when temperatures are cool and plants will have a chance to make root growth before the weather gets hot.

(For Release On 01/22/16) I often encourage gardeners to do a good job of keeping gardening records – although I must admit I could do a better job myself. Why? Because, keeping good records can help make you a better, more successful gardener.

(For Release On 01/01/16) The relatively mild winters we have here in Louisiana allow us to grow a variety of tender tropical plants in our landscapes. They will often survive typical winters around the state, although south Louisiana gardeners have more successes, particularly if plants are provided some protection.

(For Release On 01/29/16) It would be hard to dispute that the most popular summer-flowering shrub is the rose. Most roses need at least some annual pruning to maintain an attractive shape, remove dead wood and encourage vigorous growth and blooming.

(Distributed 12/23/15) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a series of meetings throughout the Louisiana rice-growing region for rice farmers to get the latest information to help with the 2016 crop.

(Distributed 12/23/15) DELHI, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a forum for row crop farmers Feb. 10 to provide information for the upcoming crop year.

(Video 12/30/15) So, you have Christmas plants left over after the holidays. Can you replant that poinsettia? Can you keep that Christmas cactus? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do with those plants after the holidays wind down. (Runtime: 01:39)

(Video 12/23/15) The new year just wouldn’t be complete without making resolutions. Organization and planning can help those commitments become a reality. Growing the right plants and properly caring for them also take preparation. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a special calendar that helps gardeners keep on track for a successful year of gardening. (Runtime: 01:47)

(Audio 12/28/15) If you want a green lawn through the winter, you should try over seeding your existing lawn with rye grass. Rye grass will remain hardy through winter freezes. Listen for more information on maintaining a green lawn this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/28/15) If you want more diverse selections of roses than your local nurseries offer, try mail order. Browse online now for roses to plant around February or March. Listen for more information on ordering roses for the upcoming season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/28/15) Now is the time to plant the tulip and hyacinth bulbs you purchased in the fall. Make sure you plant those bulbs in conditions that will allow them to grow properly. Listen for more information on growing tulips and hyacinths. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/28/15) You may be wondering what to do with your holiday plants once the holiday season has past. Some plants should be discarded while others should be preserved. Listen for more information on dealing with holiday plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/28/15) It is important to know how to recognize and prune cold damage on plants. Make sure you allow all of the cold damage to reveal itself before you try to remove it. Listen for more information on dealing with cold damage on plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/23/15) As 2015 comes to a close, farmers are ready for a better year. They enjoyed high prices and record yields over the past few years, but in 2015, prices and yields fell. (Runtime: 01:19)

(Distributed 12/22/15) CROWLEY, La. – The 2015 Louisiana rice crop was a challenge for many farmers with excessive rain in the south and hot temperatures in the north. That was followed by excellent weather for harvest. While the first crop harvest was a decline from the exceptional harvests of the past two years, the second crop in south Louisiana was exceptionally good

(Distributed 12/22/15) MANSURA, La. – 4-H Club members in a bicycle caravan rolled down the highway Dec. 18 to learn about the benefits of eating properly, exercising and making safety a habit.

(Distributed 12/22/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Food products can be prepared, tasted, tested and evaluated in a state-of-the-art facility in the new Sensory Analysis Center on the LSU AgCenter campus.

(Distributed 12/21/15) Swan columbine is a great cool-season bedding plant that most Louisianians should get to know. It was named a Louisiana Super Plant in fall 2011. Unlike most other columbine varieties, the Swan series is propagated by seed.

(Distributed 12/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La – In 1951, Lutrill Payne Sr. filed suit against Louisiana State University, which led to the desegregation of LSU’s graduate school. On Dec. 18, the LSU College of Agriculture recognized Payne’s accomplishments by posthumously awarding him the LSU University Medal, LSU’s highest honor, during its December commencement ceremony.

(Distributed 12/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will offer classes in January that address new residential energy code requirements for Louisiana contractors, builders, inspectors and prospective code verifiers.

(Distributed 12/17/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Professionals in the plant materials industry heard about plants with potential and the latest plants from the industry at the Louisiana Plant Materials Conference at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on Dec. 8.

(Distributed 12/17/15) HAMMOND, La. – Although poinsettias are typically associated with the holidays, another group of plants to consider are the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses. These are highly recommended for long-term enjoyment.

(Distributed 12/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La.—The LSU AgCenter, the LSU College of Agriculture and the Southern University AgCenter announced the winners of their annual faculty and staff awards at a ceremony held Dec. 16 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden.

(Distributed 12/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The American Forage and Grasslands Council will hold its annual conference on Jan. 10-13, 2016, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/16/15) LAKE CHARLES, La. – With crawfish season starting, LSU AgCenter experts offered advice Tuesday (Dec. 15) for producers to improve their harvests.

(Distributed 12/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden has renewed its call for entries for the sixth annual Brush with Burden art exhibition.

(Distributed 12/16/15) ALEXANDRIA. La. – Members of the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council heard about the importance of good soil health at their annual meeting on Dec. 4.

(Distributed 12/14/15) NEW ORLEANS – Retired LSU AgCenter county agent Keith Fontenot and rice farmer Jimmy Hoppe, of Fenton, Louisiana, were recognized at the USA Rice Outlook Conference for their decades of work in the rice industry.

(Distributed 12/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Division of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society’s Gulf South Chapter have each established a scholarship for LSU College of Agriculture students.

(Video 12/16/15) During the Christmas season, you will see Christmas cactuses for sale in nurseries, home improvement stores and even supermarkets. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your Christmas cactus during the holiday season and throughout the year to help them do their best for years to come. (Runtime: 01:42)

(Video 12/09/15) Most plants are fertilized during the spring. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why some plants need to be fertilized during winter. (Runtime: 01:38)

(Audio 12/14/15) By the time December rolls around, bunching onions that have been planted in the summer or fall are ready to be harvested. Once you've harvested what you need, you can replant the remaining part of the plant. Listen for more information on harvesting onions this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/14/15) Although most people don't think of apples when they think of fruit trees in Louisiana, it is possible to grow apple trees here. The key is planting varieties that require fewer chill hours and planting them in the winter. Listen for more information on planting apple trees in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/14/15) Around this time of year, gardening catalogs will begin to arrive in the mail. Make sure that you don't get carried away and order unrealistic plants for our Louisiana climate. Listen for more information on ordering from gardening catalogs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/14/15) If you're a Louisiana pecan lover, keep in mind that winter is a great time to plant pecan trees. However, you should first make sure you have enough room for them on your property. Listen for more information on pecan trees in winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/14/15) Deciduous trees are useful in both summer in winter. In the summertime, they provide shade that can keeps us cool. When their leaves drop in the wintertime, they can allow sunlight to come through and warm our homes and landscapes. Listen for more information on deciduous trees in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/11/15) Nicotianas, or flowering tobacco, are good alternative cool-season bedding plants for south Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/11/15) HAMMOND, La. – Winter is here, and this time of year brings questions about protecting landscape plants during the cold months of December, January and February. The best approach to protecting plants in winter is to pay attention to the weather forecasts and try to know a couple days ahead of time when a freeze is approaching.

(Video 12/09/15) Louisiana is expected to have fewer acres of wheat this year for several reasons. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux tells us why we can expect to see much less of those amber waves of grain across the state. (Runtime: 01:20)

(Video 12/09/15) Go climb a tree was the assignment for a group of students in the LSU College of Agriculture. The task called for use of special techniques. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 01:32)

(Distributed 12/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana homeowners can learn how to keep warm this winter without paying high utility bills at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center winter open house on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 12/09/15) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Farmers can improve irrigation efficiency by understanding the environmental factors that affect their operation and by using technology to make better decisions, experts with the LSU AgCenter and National Resources Conservation Services said at a workshop held Dec. 8-9.

(Distributed 12/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Turfgrass Association will hold its annual conference Jan. 7, 2016, at Tiger Stadium on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 12/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Winter isn’t the time for gardeners to stop considering pollinators when they work in their gardens.

(Distributed 12/09/15) GONZALES. La. – PCS Nitrogen, a subsidiary of Potash Corporation of Canada, recently made it possible for Ascension Parish students to learn science and math while growing their own food.

(Distributed 12/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU College of Agriculture will award the LSU University Medal posthumously to Lutrill Payne Sr. at its December commencement ceremony on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. in the Maddox Fieldhouse.

(Distributed 12/08/15) LAKE CHARLES, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a meeting Dec. 15 for crawfish producers to present information on research-based practices to improve their crop.

(Distributed 12/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A one-day workshop focusing on fish identification to help fisheries professionals expand their ichthyology knowledge was held Dec. 5 at the LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Distributed 12/07/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Production at the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator has more than doubled this year. Tenants made more than 44 tons of their unique food products at the incubator in 2015, up from 21 tons in 2014.

(Audio 12/07/15) If you have tropical plants in your landscape, it's a good idea to pay attention to the temperature during the winter. However, make sure the temperature you're paying attention to isn't the wind chill temperature. Listen for more information on protecting your plants against cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/15) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to have a suitable climate for growing camellias. These beautiful and hardy flowers require minimal maintenance during the winter. Listen for more information on caring for camellias this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/15) Although Louisiana's mild winters allow weeds to flourish, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent them from getting out of hand. Be sure to keep your beds well-mulched and apply weed killers in mild weather. Listen for more information on preventing weeds this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/15) During the Louisiana winter, many plants put on a nice display of color in their foliage before shedding their leaves. Keep an eye out for plants such as dwarf nandinas, junipers, and azaleas. Listen for more information on color changes in plant foliage in the wintertime. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/07/15) During the wintertime, we tend to move tropical plants indoors to keep them safe from the cold. Ensure that these plants, in addition to your usual indoor plants, receive sufficient sunlight and are kept away from hot air vents. Listen for more information on caring for indoor plants in the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/04/15) Pansies are the “decoration of winter landscapes” in the South. With a multitude of flower colors and sizes, these are durable and well-justified cool-season bedding plants for November through April.

(Distributed 12/04/15) HAMMOND, La. – We’re approaching winter in Louisiana, and this is the time when crape myrtle pruning becomes commonplace. Unfortunately, these are among the most abused trees in Louisiana’s residential and commercial landscapes.

(Distributed 12/04/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – A key provision of a sweeping reform to American food safety laws will take effect in January 2016, requiring produce growers to take more steps to prevent contamination.

(Distributed 12/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La – Nearly 100 LSU College of Agriculture students were recognized for their academic achievement at the college’s Honors Convocation on Nov. 19 at the LSU Club at Union Square.

(Distributed 12/03/15) CROWLEY, La. – South Louisiana rice farmers wrapped up their rice growing season with an excellent second crop harvest.

(Distributed 12/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As people embark on Christmas shopping trips at crowded stores, some entrepreneurs are reaping the benefits of a trend toward giving locally made food items as gifts. Tenants in the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator have been ramping up production since the fall to meet holiday demand.

(Distributed 12/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – December marks the start of the strawberry harvest season in Louisiana. “Louisiana strawberries are delicious whether produced on a Louisiana farm or in your backyard,” said LSU AgCenter fruit and vegetable specialist Kiki Fontenot. “Fresh-picked berries that have fully ripened on the bush are amazing.”

(Distributed 12/02/15) HAMMOND, La. – Home gardeners and industry professionals are invited to attend the annual conference of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society (LSHS) at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on Jan. 13, 2016.

(Distributed 12/02/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – If you have someone on your shopping list whose interests run from gardening to gourmet, the LSU AgCenter has a couple of gift ideas.

(Distributed 12/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a series of seasonal children’s garden activities at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden beginning in December.

(Distributed 12/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter School of Nutrition and Food Sciences will conduct a workshop for acidified foods processors in on Jan. 12-13.

(Video 11/25/15) A new sensory analysis center on LSU’s campus can provide evaluation, testing and consumer research on food products, pharmaceuticals, fragrances and textiles. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says the center can handle a range of testing needs. (Runtime: 01:39)

(Distributed 12/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Going in search of the perfect Christmas tree can be an annual event enjoyed by the entire family.

(Distributed 12/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The seventh annual Arbor Day at Burden in the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festivities will be held at the Barton Arboretum, celebrating the restoration of the James Wandersee Palmetto Walk, the Mosaic Black Swamp Boardwalk and the Early American Camellia Collection.

(Distributed 12/01/15) JONESVILLE, La. – The LSU AgCenter, National Audubon Society and Louisiana Delta Adventures will host an ecotourism workshop on Dec. 16 at the Honey Brake Lodge in Jonesville.

(Distributed 11/30/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Some north Louisiana 4-H members had never been to New Orleans, but as winners of the Louisiana 4-H educational award they explored sights in the “Big Easy” and Baton Rouge as a reward for their hard work.

(For Release On 12/25/15) Pruning is one gardening job that often is neglected because gardeners are not exactly sure what to do. There is a great deal of confusion about how to prune, when to do it and even why pruning is done. As a result, pruning is often delayed until radical and extensive pruning is required.

(For Release On 12/18/15) The pace of things tends to slow down a bit this time of year in the garden. Although we may continue to plant, prepare beds, harvest winter vegetables and enjoy cool-season flowers, most gardeners find this a more relaxed time of year.

(For Release On 12/11/15) Paperwhite and amaryllis are two bulbs that are popular for forcing during winter in Louisiana. Forcing bulbs means growing them to bloom earlier than they would under normal landscape conditions. Paperwhite bulbs and amaryllis bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them to bloom during winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful.

(For Release On 12/04/15) As cold winter weather begins to settle in over the state, we can expect freezing temperatures in the 20s and even occasionally the teens for the next few months. And cold weather brings concerns for tropical plants in our landscapes.

(Distributed 11/30/15) New to the plant market a few years back, the great October Magic series of Camellia hiemalis was developed by Bobby Green of Green Nurseries in Fairhope, Alabama. These are in the Southern Living Plant Collection.

(Distributed 11/25/15) FARMERVILLE, La. – A group of Louisiana 4-H members competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, Nov. 7-20.

(Distributed 11/25/15) HAMMOND, La. – Plucking fresh fruit from your own orchard can be a delicious way to add beauty and taste to your home landscape. The best time to plant fruit trees in Louisiana is now through January. Plant now, and you can pick your own fruit at home later.

(Video 8/13/12) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime 1:26)

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are upon us, and scores of poinsettias are available in stores and garden centers throughout Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has issued a call for entries for photographs for its 2017 Get It Growing calendar to give photographers an opportunity to have their photos selected for the next edition.

(Audio 11/30/15) When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure it's still fairly fresh. You can buy a tree that has already been cut, or you can cut your own at a Louisiana Christmas tree farm. Listen for more information on choosing a Christmas tree this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) Don't forget that our mild Louisiana winters allow us to grow vegetables year-round. Try growing beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale and other vegetables this time of year. Listen for more information on caring for winter vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) During wintertime, gardening activities slow down significantly. This means that a lot of our gardening equipment is going to be in storage. Listen for information on properly storing your tools this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) Hurry up and plant some cool-season bedding plants in your flower garden before it's too late. Look for plants such as pansies, snapdragons and violas to add to your cool-season garden. Listen for more information on cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) At this time of year, many people enjoy decorating their homes with holiday plants. Try adding some poinsettias or a Christmas cactus to your holiday decorations this year. Listen for more information on caring for holiday plants this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter aquaculture researcher has obtained a new $150,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to find out the nutrient requirements of alligators.

(Video 12/07/15) Turk’s cap can be used to fill a large portion of your landscape and grab attention. In the fall, it displays countless brilliant red blooms. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this strikingly vibrant plant. (Runtime: 01:54)

(Video 11/30/15) The firespike is a tropical plant with lush green leaves, topped with blazing red blooms that reach upward. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this distinguished fall perennial. (Runtime: 01:40)

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Families and friends gather during the holidays to share stories, laughter and, of course, food. LSU AgCenter food safety specialist Wenqing Xu said cooks also should make it a goal this year to share good food safety practices.

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Professionals in the plant materials industry are invited to the Louisiana Plant Materials Conference at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on Dec. 8.

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nominations for inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction are being accepted now through Dec. 15. Selected individuals will be recognized during a banquet at L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge on March 17, 2016.

(Distributed 11/20/15) Ornamental kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. These plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well-suited for landscape and container plantings.

(Distributed 11/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Several Louisiana 4-H students placed in contests held during the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 18 and 19.

(Distributed 11/.20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the fourth year in a row, costs for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people have increased on items such as pumpkin pie mix, pie shells, rolls and turkey, according to a supermarket survey of Baton Rouge retailers conducted by LSU AgCenter area nutrition agent Quincy Cheek. The survey was conducted Nov. 9-13.

(Distributed 11/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As fall turns to winter, Burden Museum & Gardens offers many activities to help keep schedules for the holidays and beyond.

(Distributed 11/20/15) HAMMOND, La. – You can include in your landscape many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year. Although decidedly less than spectacular this far south, late November and early December are when the leaves of some deciduous trees turn various colors as they get ready to drop.

(Video 01/02/12) Indoor plants can be very temperamental. That’s why some people choose fake plants that look real. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a real plant that, believe it or not, is almost as indestructible as a silk or plastic one. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Video 11/7/11) If you’re craving hardy, home-grown vegetables like lettuce, you might consider planting a fall vegetable garden. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the vegetable section at a local nursery and explains how to select lettuce plants and how to properly pick them when you’re ready for your salad. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 2/27/12) If you’re searching for a tough, shade-loving plant with nice shiny leaves, ligularia might be the plant for you. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good selection for Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 11/1/11) Now is a great time to plant cool-season flowers. But as you pick your plants at the nursery, don’t be confused by all the vibrant colors. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shares some important tips to help you choose the right colors for your cool-season flower beds. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 1/31/11) You may have bare spots in your landscape and don’t know what to grow there. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests considering different types of ground covers. (Runtime 1:42)

(Video 10/17/11) If you’re looking for a plant that blooms during the fall every year, then sedums would be a dependable choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these tough plants come in different sizes and shapes. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video 2/20/12) There are hundreds of species of scented geraniums. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that has a nice lemon fragrance and the ability to keep mosquitoes away. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 8/20/12) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Video 07/29/12) Figs are a popular fruit in Louisiana, and July is the time to purchase fig trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the best time to plant fig trees and what you can expect from them during the early years.(Runtime: 1:33)

(Distributed 11/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Morgan Richard, a senior in the LSU College of Agriculture from Elton, Louisiana, is the recipient of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board’s highest scholarship, the James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

The newest Louisiana Super Plant can be grown as a shrub or can be formed into a small tree. Shoal Creek vitex has been shown to grow very well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this blue-flowered Louisiana Super Plant is one you would want in your landscape. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 08/06/12) Crape myrtles are blooming colorfully across Louisiana right now. If you want to add them to your yard, it’s a good time to view the different colors available at your local nursery. But it’s also important to do your own research on crape myrtles for your landscape – as LSU horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime - 1:36)

(Video News 04/25/12) Louisiana’s wheat crop is in good condition despite the warm and wet weather conditions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that farmers will begin harvesting much earlier than normal. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 11/17/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As the 78th annual Block and Bridle Rodeo at LSU approaches, some student cowboys and cowgirls are spending this week practicing their roping skills. Others are working up the courage to ride a bull.

(Distributed 11/1/7/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a poinsettia open house and sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 4 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden, located at 4560 Essen Lane near the junction of I-10 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 11/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana shoppers should find plenty of turkeys in grocery stores for Thanksgiving, said LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne.

(Distributed 11/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of scientists from the LSU AgCenter and Southern University AgCenter received a grant of $480,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Foundational Programs to conduct research and outreach activities in the area of grass-fed beef production.

(Audio 11/23/15) Are you looking for a large vine that grows profusely, while offering beautiful flowers? Then the blue skyflower vine might fit your needs. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the skyflower, which blooms in both summer and fall, might be a good choice for your landscape. (Runtime: 01:37)

(Video 11/16/15) Camellias are attractive shrubs that come in various colors and varieties. The Leslie Ann camellia sasanqua has been recognized by the LSU AgCenter as a Louisiana Super Plant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to the tough and beautiful Leslie Ann – a plant that produces scores of buds that flower beautifully in the fall. (Runtime: 01:47)

(Video 11/09/15) Occasionally, you’ll find plants that are both beautiful and functional. Mexican tarragon is one of them. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this herb has it all — beautiful flowers and flavorful foliage. (Runtime: 01:53)

(Audio 11/16/15) Potted amaryllis bulbs need to be kept inside during the winter months to avoid damaging the plants. Once April rolls around, it will be time to find the perfect location for these flowers in your garden bed. Listen for more information on caring for amaryllis plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) Root crops are an important part of our winter vegetable gardens. Be sure you take note of which vegetables need to be direct seeded and how each vegetable should be harvested. Listen for more information on winter root crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) We need to be vigilante about protecting our camellias from tea scale insects. These pests can cause leaves to turn yellow on the surface but can be controlled with a horticultural oil spray or insecticide. Listen for more information on controlling tea scale insects in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) One advantage to living in the Deep South is that our mild winters allow us to have a year-round growing season for bedding plants and vegetables. Try adding cool-season bedding plants such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, ornamental kale or ornamental cabbage to your garden now. Listen for more information on gardening during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) Chrysanthemums are great plants to use for Thanksgiving decorations. For longer lasting plants, try to choose the chrysanthemums with flowers that are not fully in bloom yet. Listen for more information on choosing the right chrysanthemums for you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/16/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The 2015 Louisiana soybean crop was not as good as in recent years, but the results were better than expected after weather extremes of flood and drought.

(Distributed 11/13/15) Leslie Ann camellia joins the list of Louisiana Super Plant selections this fall.

(Distributed 11/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter recently updated an online directory with current information about forest products companies in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/13/15) HAMMOND, La. – Camellia season is here, and camellias are one of our popular evergreen shrubs. We typically think of azaleas for spring flowers, crape myrtles for summer flowers and camellias for fall and winter flowers in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – After years of civil war and a struggling economy, farmers and entrepreneurs in Liberia are learning the skills they need for success with help from LSU AgCenter experts and others that are part of a federally funded project.

(Video 11/11/15) Sugarcane producers had an exceptional start to their harvest, but recent rains have dealt them a setback. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux explains how this year’s crop is shaping up. (Runtime: 01:38)

(Video 11/11/12) Rice farmers across southwest Louisiana are beginning to harvest their ratoon or second crop of rice. This year’s second crop is looking very good, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux gives an update. (Runtime: 01:34)

(Distributed 11/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Growing crops among trees in a managed forest can contribute to rural economic development, a group of LSU AgCenter researchers said during a presentation recently at the national convention of the Society of American Foresters.

(Video 11/02/15) Sunflowers are blooming now. But there’s another type of sunflower you might not know about. It’s called Mexican sunflower, and it blooms beautifully in the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this tall native of Mexico can make a great addition to your landscape. (Runtime: 01:49)

(Video 06/18/2012) Flowers are not the only game in town when it comes to summer color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some special hibiscus plants that display beautiful purple – and even pink – foliage. (Runtime 1:29)

(Video 05/02/12) Louisiana has one of the highest obesity rates in the United States. A statewide program for families is looking to minimize the problem before it gets started. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports how the Family Nutriition Night program is tackling obesity. (Runtime 1:39)

(Video 05/22/12) Soybeans will be Louisiana's largest crop in terms of acreage with more than a million acres expected to be planted this year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux gives an update on the current condition of Louisiana's soybean crop. (Runtime 1:36)

(Video 05/02/12) Louisiana’s cotton acres are going to be down this year because other crops such as soybeans look more attractive to farmers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux gives an update on how this year’s cotton planting is progressing. (Runtime 1:49)

(Video 05/22/12) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station have succeeded in spawning alligator gar, a fish that is dwindling in numbers across the country. (Runtime 1:32)

(Video 05/29/12) Summer is here, and keeping your body hydrated and protected from the sun are especially important this time of year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports on keeping your summer safe. (Runtime 1:37)

(Video 6/18/12) Runoff from road construction contributes to the impairment of water bodies across the country. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that may be a simple fix to this recurring problem. (Runtime 1:46)

(Video 05/29/12) Louisiana farmers just finished a somewhat disappointing wheat harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that weather was to blame for the lower yields.(Runtime 1:25)

(Video News 07/27/12) LSU AgCenter researchers are looking for ways to enhance crop production and increase profits for farmers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that there are some challenges facing growers but there are also opportunities. (Runtime 1:49)

(video 06/25/2012) Some plants are not only showy, but they also attract beautiful wildlife. That aptly describes the milkweed plant, which invites Monarch butterflies to nest on its leaves. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a particular milkweed that grows well here but is native to Mexico. (Runtime 1:36)

(Distributed 11/06/15) Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) is a dual-purpose shrub for the landscape. Rabbiteye blueberries are LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants.

(Distributed 11/06/15) HAMMOND, La. – November is prime time for cool-season bedding plants, and dianthus have been among the plants in this group gaining considerable popularity the past 10-15 years. Pansies have long been the most popular cool-season bedding plant, but many new dianthus varieties are making this great, under-used cool-season flower better known to home gardeners.

(Distributed 11/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold workshops in Bossier City, Winnsboro and Marksville to educate farmers, crop consultants and other agriculture industry professionals about sustainable row crop irrigation practices.

(Distributed 11/06/15) CROWLEY, La. – Family, friends and former co-workers gathered Nov. 4 for the renaming of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station for the late H. Rouse Caffey in recognition of his dedication to the rice industry and Louisiana agriculture.

(Audio 11/09/15) If you're having trouble finding plants that will do well in shade during the cool season, try planting Swan columbines, foxgloves or primroses. These plants come in a variety of colors and can produce some beautiful flowers. Listen for more information on shade tolerant plants in the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) The Leslie Ann sasanqua plant is a camellia that has been selected as a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2015. These plants have smaller flowers and leaves than camellia japonicas and bloom in the fall. Consider adding some Leslie Ann sasanquas to your garden this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) Although perennials can survive year round for several years, they don't always look attractive. Cut back any untidy or tired-looking perennials and add mulch to their beds. Listen for more information on handling perennials this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) Due to the length and temperatures of our fall season, it is possible to grow warm-season vegetables this season. Several vegetables, specifically tomatoes, can easily produce a crop in the fall. Listen for more information on warm-season vegetables in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) A Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2015, homestead purple verbena, is an excellent flowering perennial to plant in your garden. These low-growing plants have evergreen foliage and will bloom for you in fall, spring and early summer. Listen for more information on homestead purple verbena. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) Although fallen leaves in your landscape can be a hassle, deciduous trees dropping their leaves can be advantageous for us. Shade trees losing leaves means more direct sunlight and heat generated in the cooler months. Listen for more information on deciduous leaf loss in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) As fall kicks into high gear, it may surprise you to see yellow and orange leaves on your evergreen trees. This is normal, so don't be alarmed when your gardenias, citrus trees, hibiscuses, or azaleas begin to lose their yellowing leaves. Listen for more information on evergreen trees in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) November is the perfect month to buy some spring-flowering bulbs for your garden. Visit your local nursery and look for plants such as daffodils, hyacinths and anemones. Listen for more information on planting spring flowering bulbs this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) There's nothing like the sweet taste of lettuce that has been harvested right out of your own garden. Lettuce plants can be grown from direct seed, transplants, or in pots. Listen for more information on growing fresh lettuce in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana gardeners and others have a chance to “Get It Growing” next year with the publication of the 2016 calendar from the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio 11/02/15) Despite the chilly weather, November is still a great time to plant vegetables in your garden. Some of these vegetables include beets, carrots, radish, spinach, kale, and many more. Listen for more information on growing winter vegetables in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Every day for six weeks, Ariel Bergeron goes to the LSU AgCenter poultry research facility to feed and water quail. Bergeron, a senior in the LSU College of Agriculture, is studying nutrition requirements of quail less than six weeks old.

(Distributed 11/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter School of Nutrition and Food Sciences will conduct two food safety workshops for seafood processors in December.

Figure 1: Witch’s broom symptoms caused by rose rosette disease on Knock Out rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 2: Excessive thorns that are soft and green on infected new growth of Knock Out rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 3: Thicker daughter cane (right) compared to parent cane (left) on an infected rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 4: Reddening of new foliage and shoots caused by rose rosette dise

(Distributed 11/04/15) BOSSIER CITY, La. – A devastating disease of roses called rose rosette disease caused by Rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana by LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings and AgCenter “Plant Doctor” Raj Singh.

(Distributed 11/04/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – When the sugarcane harvest in Louisiana started in late September, growers were harvesting upright stalks, enjoying exceptional sugar recovery levels and fighting dusty conditions in the field.

(Distributed 11/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Natália Antošová wants to help LSU students have a similar experience to the one she is having.

(Distributed 11/02/15) POLLOCK, La. – After years of wishing, planning and fundraising, the multipurpose pavilion at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center became reality Oct. 31 with a dedication and ribbon cutting.

(Distributed 11/02/15) SHREVEPORT, La. – It’s not just your normal walk in the woods where bugs and wildlife rule. It’s a journey through a world where youth can learn healthy eating from super heroes who teach about nutrition, watch chicks hatch, look at soil through microscopes, as well as learn about science, engineering and technology.

(For Release On 11/27/15) Insect outbreaks on indoor plants can be disastrous. Indoors, insect pests can reproduce rapidly and cause tremendous damage because of the indoor environment. There is no rain to wash them off the plants, the temperatures are never too warm or too cold, and no natural predators live inside to help control insect populations once they get started.

(For Release On 11/20/15) This is the time to plant cool-season bedding plants in your flower beds. These plants will thrive in the cool to cold weather of fall to spring and keep your flower beds looking attractive.

(For Release On 11/13/15) The vegetables we grow in Louisiana during the cool season are some of the most delicious and nutritious that our home gardens can produce. Many of the vegetables we planted in late summer and early fall are now ready to harvest – or will be soon. It is important to harvest vegetables at the proper stage for best results, so here are a few guidelines for some common cool-season crops.

(For Release On 11/06/15) Various species of camellia brighten our fall, winter and spring landscapes with beautiful flowers. An outstanding Camellia sasanqua cultivar called Leslie Ann has been named a Louisiana Super Plants selection by the LSU AgCenter.

Students learn the importance of agriculture to the Louisiana economy by touring AgMagic at the Louisiana State Fair.

(Distributed 10/30/15) Gulf Coast muhly – or pink muhly grass (known botanically as Muhlenbergia capillaris) – is one of the most stunning grasses in the fall landscape in Louisiana. This coastal native ornamental grass has received a considerable amount of attention the past few years.

(Distributed 10/30/15) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program is completing its sixth year of plant announcements. The objective of this program is to identify and promote exceptional plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes.

(Video 10/28/15) Soon, kitchens across the country will be preparing holiday meals, and one dish will almost certainly include sweet potatoes. Louisiana sweet potato farmers are busy making sure that area supermarkets are well-stocked with this holiday staple. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:49)

(Video 10/28/15) S’mores and satsumas were on the menu for an evening away from campus for a group of LSU freshmen studying agriculture. The students toured a research facility giving them a view of farming in an urban setting. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard took the tour too and has this report. (Runtime: 01:30)

(Distributed 10/28/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and LSU College of Agriculture have named Michael Salassi head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. Salassi has served on the faculty of the department for 21 years and is the J. Nelson Fairbanks Endowed Professor for Agricultural Economics.

(Distributed 10/27/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – With several success stories to tell, Louisiana is poised to become a major player in the bioproducts industry, speakers said during a bioenergy conference held by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/26/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will welcome children to decorate their own gingerbread houses during What’s Cooking at Burden on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

(Video News 07/27/12) Louisiana’s sugarcane crop is in good shape, and growers should expect this year’s crop to exceed last year’s. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux cautions growers to be on the lookout for a new disease that could cause problems and potentially reduce yields. (Runtime 1:45)

(Video 1/3/11) After the Christmas holidays are over, you may wonder what to do with the various seasonal plants you’ve used to decorate your home. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers advice on which plants you should keep and which ones to throw out. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Distributed 10/23/15) Want to add color to your fall, winter and early spring garden? Plant some colorful Sorbet series violas.

(Distributed 10/23/15) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is here, and it is a great time to add new ornamental plants to your landscape.

(Distributed 10/22/15) GRAMMERCY, La. – Over 800 St. James Parish students attended the St. James Parish Ag Day on Oct. 15 to learn where their favorite foods come from and to get up close and personal with animals, said LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Tara Roussel.

(Distributed 10/22/15) WISNER, La. – Louisiana sweet potato producers have seen both ends of the spectrum in terms of the weather this year. An unusually wet spring delayed planting and has evolved into an exceptionally dry fall that has caused some growers to halt their harvest and wait for rain.

(Audio 10/26/15) When your leaves begin to drop in the fall, try using them as mulch for your plants or organic material for compost instead of throwing them away. If you choose to compost, allow the leaves to sit for six months to a year. Listen for more information on using fallen leaves this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/15) In the fall, Louisiana wildflowers put on a grand and colorful display for us. Be sure to look around and notice all of the beautiful flowers such as asters, sunflowers, and goldenrods. Listen for more information on Louisiana wildflowers in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/15) It's time to begin winterizing your lawns by adding potassium to help them remain hardy through the cold weather. Although this process is optional, it can help your lawn remain healthy this winter. Listen for information on how to choose the right winterizer for your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/15) Summer storms and hurricanes can cause tree limbs to break and become hazards in your landscape. Be sure to look at your trees and call an arborist if any pruning or limb removal needs to be done. Listen for more information on tree care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/15) There are several kinds of herbs that can be planted and will flourish during the cold season. Some of these hardy herbs include celery, cilantro, dill, and parsley. Listen for more information on planting herbs that will tolerate the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 1/10/11) Although evergreen holly plants have been part of Christmas holiday celebrations for centuries, you actually can enjoy them throughout the year. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends a few holly plants you can put into your landscapes now. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Audio 10/19/15) Now is an great time to plant hardy fruit trees in your landscape. Apple, plum, blackberry, blueberry, and pecan trees are among the trees that flourish when planted in the fall. Listen for more information on adding fruit trees to your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/15) Although growing broccoli is relatively easy, harvesting can sometimes be tricky. The size of the flower buds on the head can help gardeners determine when broccoli is ready for harvest. Listen for more information on this cool-season vegetable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/15) Now is a great time to add some hardy shrubs to your landscape. Consider planting such as roses, camellias, or azaleas. Listen for more information on planting hardy shrubs in your landscape this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/15) Although hydrangeas are deciduous, Louisiana gardeners love to use these plants because of their unique ability to change colors. Depending on the composition of the soil, these flowers can be anywhere from pink to blue. Listen for more information on colorful hydrangeas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/15) Once caladiums have gone dormant, digging up their tubers and storing them over the winter can help ensure that they last their longest. Although it is possible for these tubers to survive in the ground, storing them provides a better chance of survival. Listen for more information on storing caladium tubers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/21/15) AMITE, La. – Being good stewards of the land and producing a quality beef product is a goal of cattle producers.

(Distributed 10/19/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will host a fall open house on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 10/16/15) HAMMOND, La. –The landscape horticulture field day at the Hammond Research Station on Oct. 8 featured a diversity of activity and allowed the staff to show off some of the latest plants being grown.

(Distributed 10/16/15) Louisiana gardeners are always looking for attractive trees for the landscape. The sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is an excellent native tree that is not nearly as well known as it should be. The variety chosen as a Louisiana Super Plant selection last fall is the evergreen type, Magnolia virginiana var. australis, which retains its leaves through winter.

(Distributed 10/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU graduate students in agriculture are expanding their knowledge and enhancing their collegiate experiences by participating in internships.

(Distributed 10/16/15) HAMMOND, La. – Since the debut of a landscape horticulture research and extension program at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station eight years ago, we have continued to expand the research gardens. One of the largest efforts each year is evaluating new annual warm-season bedding plants and perennial flowers in the sun garden and shade garden.

(Distributed 10/16/15) BATON ROUGE , La. – Casey Kenny considers cats her first love. The freshman in the LSU College of Agriculture wants to work with small animals, exotics and wildlife as a veterinarian, but she plans to work toward finding a cure for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus while in college.

(Distributed 10/15/15) SHREVEPORT, La. – The metropolitan area of Shreveport and Bossier City suffers from a problem becoming increasingly common in Louisiana – lack of significant access to nutritious food.

(Video 10/26/15) Fall means some nice colors on trees and plants in Louisiana. If you’re one who complains there’s not enough color, you can do something about it. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you some plants that can make your landscape or your patio burst with those warm fall shades of orange, red and gold. (Runtime: 01:40)

(Video 10/19/15) Now is a great time to plant hardy shrubs. Maybe one of the best-smelling of all those shrubs is the gardenia. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out on this edition of Get It Growing, if you want those great smells from nice, white flowers in the spring, you want to avoid pruning your gardenias at this time. (Runtime: 01:42)

(Video 10/14/15) Levees are designed to protect communities across Louisiana. The engineering of levees helps make them strong, but agriculture plays a role in keeping them strong. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 01:46)

(Distributed 10/14/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Louisiana sugar producers may one day have a new market for their crops.

(Distributed 10/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A recently constructed boardwalk guiding visitors through a hardwood swamp called Black Swamp at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will play a key role in a new wetlands education program.

Looking for some of the best of the multi-seasonal flowering azaleas? Look no further than the Encore azaleas – the “azalea that knows no season.”

(Distributed 10/09/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Graduation for 22 people who completed the LSU AgCenter Master Cattleman program was held Thursday (Oct. 8) during the Dean Lee Research Station Beef Cattle and Forage Field Day.

(Distributed 10/9/15) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station was one of the stops for the International Plant Propagators’ Society as they toured gardens from Louisiana to Florida on their four- state tour.

(Distributed 10/09/15) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is here, and the LSU AgCenter along with the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association and other groups encourage you to add new plants to your landscape at this time of year. There’s no better horticultural time than now.

(Distributed 10/09/15) HINESTON, La. – For the past 26 years the 4-H Teen Leader Club in Rapides Parish has hatched eggs in an incubator for a display at the Rapides Parish Fair.

(Distributed 10/08/15) NEW ORLEANS, La.—Kabrel Johnson, a student at KIPP Central City Academy and a 4-H club member, was busy putting Newton’s Laws of Motion to the test.

(Distributed 10/08/15) SHREVEPORT, La. – AgMagic, the LSU AgCenter’s interactive exhibit about Louisiana agriculture, returns to the State Fair of Louisiana on Oct. 22 and will be open through Nov. 8. The hours for the free event are between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

(Distributed 10/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 100 volunteers monitored people in the corn maze, managed the giant slingshot and hay mountain, served refreshments, oversaw the pumpkin-painting area and contributed much more as hundreds of families visited the opening day of the Corn Maze Festival at Burden on Oct. 3.

(Distributed 10/05/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Students at LSU have a little over one month of the new academic year under their belts. And for seven international graduate students, it is the beginning of a long process – earning their doctorates, then returning home with hopes of sparking much-needed change in farming practices and policies.

(Audio 10/5/15) Drift roses, a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2013, are nice low-growing and compact plants. They come in a variety of colors and are practically covered in flowers when they bloom. Listen for more information on planting Drift roses in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/15) If you look around, you can easily find natural decorations that can be used around your house from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Leaves, seed pods and grass plumes are just a few nature-made decorations that can be used this cool season. Listen for more information on using natural decorations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/15) Perennials are great plants that keep coming back and growing year after year. Although most of these plants are done blooming right now, don't remove them from your garden because they will come back next year. Listen for more information on growing perennials in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/15) Although lawn growth is beginning to slow down, the spread of disease is not. Watch your lawn for signs of brown patch, especially if your grass is St. Augustine. Listen for more information on how to treat brown patch in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/15) October is the time to focus on cool-season vegetables. Cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be planted from transplants. Other crops such as radish, carrots, turnip greens and lettuce and be planted directly from seeds. Listen for more information on cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/02/15) The Chinese pistache (Pistachio chinensis) is a medium-sized ornamental shade tree known for spectacular orange, red and crimson fall foliage. Its fall color is great in Louisiana from early November through mid-December in most years.

(Distributed 10/02/15) HAMMOND, La – One of the great flowers that continues to be popular in our Louisiana landscapes is perennial verbena.

(Distributed 10/02/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – At the Red Stick Food Swap, cooks and crafters share their wares with fellow swappers. Items must be homemade or homegrown, and if it is a food item, prepared safely.

(Distributed 10/02/15) LAFAYETTE, La. – Consumers who want locally grown food have expanded the market for selling vegetables and other agricultural products to restaurants and groceries, LSU AgCenter experts advised small producers here Wednesday (Sept. 30).

(Distributed 10/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has been awarded a two-year, $1.25 million grant that will fund research and outreach projects aimed at reducing obesity and chronic diseases in three rural Louisiana parishes – Madison, St. Helena and Tensas.

(Video 10/12/15) Swiss chard is a cool-season vegetable that can provide colorful ornamentation to a landscape. And as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get it Growing, Swiss chard doesn’t only look good — every part of the plant also offers tasty nutrition. (Runtime: 01:55)

(Video 10/05/15) If you plant most cool-season bedding plants too early during this seasonal transition, they could be affected by lingering heat. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a handful of cool-season plants that you can plant now because they don’t mind the heat. (Runtime: 01:52)

(Video 09/30/15) Louisiana cotton farmers have begun picking their crop. What they are finding is disappointing on two fronts, lower yields than last year and low prices. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report. (Runtime: 01:33)

(Video 09/30/15) Food safety should always be a priority in any cooks kitchen, but it becomes more important when food is being shared with others. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the Red Stick Food Swap, a free swap event in Baton Rouge to talk food safety. (Runtime: 01:37)

(Distributed 09/29/15) PORT ALLEN, La. – As a group of 4-H’ers and leaders filled their plates with pasta, vegetables and cake, another group sat on the floor in the back of the room, debating how to divide a single bowl of plain noodles.

(For Release On 10/30/15) As the weather cools down and nights get nippy over the next few weeks, gardeners need to decide what to do with their outdoor container tropical plants. These beautiful plants, grown for their attractive foliage or beautiful flowers, are commonly placed outside for the summer where they provide a valuable addition to decks, patios and porches. However, these plants will not withstand freezing temperatures and must be brought inside the house for the winter.

(For Release On 10/23/15) The seasons are changing, and we are entering a transitional period in the flower garden when warm-season bedding plants begin to fade and cool-season bedding plants are planted to provide fall, winter and spring color.

(For Release On 10/16/15) Cooler mornings in October make it a joy to get out and work in the home vegetable garden. A number of delicious and nutritious vegetables will thrive in the coming cool season. Indeed, some of our favorite vegetables can only be grown in October through April in Louisiana.

(For Release On 10/09/15) We are entering the prime planting season for hardy trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials in Louisiana, which runs through early March. That makes this a great time for planning landscaping projects.

(For Release On 10/02/15) Louisiana gardeners have long been familiar with verbenas. These generally low-growing plants produce clusters of showy flowers in a wide variety of colors. Homestead Purple verbena is considered one of the very best, and it has been selected as a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2015.

(Distributed 09/28/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Burden Horticulture Society and the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association have each made a donation to the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden for a new welcome center.

(Distributed 09/25/15) MANGHAM, La. – Current and future cattle producers attending the Northeast Beef and Forage field day at Goldmine Plantation on Sept. 17 heard the latest information on how to improve profits in their industry.

Of all the perennial verbenas on the market today, the outstanding variety continues to be Homestead Purple.

(Distributed 09/25/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Researchers should be integrating information science with applied plant breeding to serve a growing world population, a leading plant geneticist said during a plant biology symposium Thursday (Sept. 24).

(Distributed 09/25/15) HAMMOND, La. – Golden dewdrops is a common name for durantas, also known as sky flowers

(Audio 09/28/15) There has been growing concern over the decreasing number of monarch butterflies over the past few years. We can do our part to help by planting nectar plants to provide nourishment for these butterflies on their long journey to Mexico. Listen for more information on helping the monarch butterfly population. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/15) Although it's difficult to predict rainfall, it's reasonable to assume that October will be a relatively dry month. With this in mind, pay special attention to watering anything that has been newly-planted. Listen for more information on keeping plants healthy and watered in October. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/15) If you need to plant or repair your lawn, you should do that within the next few weeks. Don't forget to cut away dead areas when repairing and properly grade the soil when planting. Listen for more information on repairing and planting lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/28/15) According to NASA, indoor houseplants can help clean the air circulating in your house. Plants such as indoor ivy, spider plants, and peace lilies are some of the most effective agents in cleaning household air. Listen for more information on adding houseplants to improve your air. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/25/15) CHASE, La. – More than 200 students from 12 parishes in northeast Louisiana watched sweet potatoes being planted and heard about beef and forage production, and careers in agriculture. It was all part of the LSU AgCenter second annual Northeast Region youth field day at the AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station on Sept. 23.

(Distributed 09/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – If you had asked teenager Norma Roberts to consider a career in 4-H, she might have laughed. She was a 4-H member in Eunice, but because she wasn’t interested in livestock, Roberts dropped out.

(Distributed 09/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Six Chinese dairy industry professionals are visiting the LSU AgCenter as part of a two-week (Sept. 12 to 26) U.S. Department of Agriculture training program.

(Audio 09/28/15) Tropical hibiscuses are beautiful summer-flowering shrubs that come with a couple problems. This tropical plant is vulnerable to cold weather and bud drop. Listen for information on how to ensure that your tropical hibiscuses flourish this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a conference on bioenergy and bioproducts on Oct. 21 to help Louisiana producers and residents become more acquainted with the bioenergy industry.

(Distributed 09/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La – LSU College of Agriculture students helped transform areas of a preschool playground into gardens.

(Distributed 09/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Friends of the LSU Textile and Costume Museum will hold its Your Friends’ Closet Sale on Oct. 10 in the LSU AgCenter 4-H Mini Farm near Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 09/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will offer classes in October that address new residential energy code requirements for Louisiana contractors, builders, inspectors and prospective code verifiers.

(Distributed 09/18/15) Firebush, also called firecracker plant, also is known by the scientific name Hamelia patens.

(Distributed 09/18/15) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is the time of year when we include gardening maintenance and upkeep in our list of outdoor activities. Fall is also a great time to add new plants to the landscape. Many home gardeners also mulch new plantings or add new mulch to older, established plantings before winter.

(Distributed 09/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden has announced the call for entries for the sixth annual Brush with Burden art exhibition.

(Audio 09/21/15) This time of year is still a good time to evaluate if and where you need shade trees in your landscape. Try to plant these trees to the south, west, or southwest in order to receive optimal shade. Listen for more information on planting shade trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/28/15) Small, colorful shrubs can add nice variety to a yard or garden. The Lime Sizzler firebush is particularly impressive at lighting up a landscape. And as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the Lime Sizzler is also disease and insect free. (Runtime: 01:43)

(Audio 09/21/15) Over the years, Louisiana irises will get crowded, which may cause flowers to diminish. This problem can be solved by dividing your irises. Listen for more instructions on separating and cultivating Louisiana irises. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/21/15) October is the perfect time to think about adding garlic to your garden. Although it may take a while for this plant to produce, it is extremely easy to grow. Listen for more information on planting and growing garlic. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/21/15) We’re about to start the fall season, and it’s a great time of year to plant Homestead Purple verbena. It’s an LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plant selection for 2015. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this beautiful and tough verbena is worthy of the Super Plant title. (Runtime: 01:30)

(Audio 09/21/15) Now is a good time to evaluate your garden beds in order to decide which plants you would and would not like to use in the following years. Taking pictures and writing notes are just two methods of assessing your beds. Listen for more information on evaluation of garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/21/15) Despite the fact that azaleas are relatively pest free, azalea lace bugs are the most common problem for these plants. These pests cover azalea foliage in white specks until they look faded or tan. Listen for more information on azalea lace bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/17/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center will host the third annual Beef Cattle and Forage Field Day on Oct. 8.

(Distributed 09/16/15) CAMERON, La. – It’s been a decade since Hurricane Rita ripped through southwest Louisiana, and recovery has been a long, difficult process for many who have lived in the coastal area.

(Video 09/16/15) Louisiana is an important refueling stop in the hummingbird’s winter migration, and one Baton Rouge backyard has a lot of fuel for the tiny birds. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited Luke Laborde’s home with a group of LSU students studying Louisiana wildlife. (Runtime: 01: 53)

(Video 09/16/15) Farmers across Louisiana are busy harvesting soybeans, Louisiana’s largest crop in terms of acreage. Last year was a record yield for producers, but this year’s growing conditions were less kind. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report. (Runtime: 01:34)

(Distributed 09/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The 30th Annual Tomato Disease Workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss all aspects of tomato pathogens and disease management, said LSU AgCenter extension plant pathologist Melanie Lewis Ivey.

(Audio 09/14/15) If you placed plants in pots earlier this summer, it's extremely likely that they have become root-bound. Check your potted plants and move root-bound plants into larger containers with fresh soil. Listen for more information on repotting plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/15) Instead of wasting all of the organic matter that your landscape produces, try creating a compost pile out of things like grass clippings and fallen leaves. After leaving compost sitting for a year, it should be ready to use in your landscape. Listen for more information on creating a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/14/15) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardeners Association have scheduled a fall garden workshop series on Sept. 30, Oct. 28 and Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 09/11/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its annual landscape horticulture industry field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on Oct. 8.

(Distributed 09/11/15) Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is one of our best fall-flowering perennial salvias for Louisiana. This is one of the salvias that folks grew before others became more popular.

(Distributed 09/11/15) LAFAYETTE, La. – The Bayou Vermilion Preservation Association recognized Ernest Girouard of the LSU AgCenter recently (Sept. 11) for his work as this year’s chairman of a symposium that focuses on the waterway that courses through St. Landry, Lafayette and Vermilion parishes.

(Distributed 09/11/15) HAMMOND, La. – American beautyberry, sometimes confusingly called French mulberry, is a great Louisiana native shrub deserving increased use. The genus is Callicarpa, and both native and non-native species of this plant can be found in Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/10/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will offer a half-day Lead Certified Renovator refresher class on Sept. 22.

(Audio 09/14/15) Don't forget that you can reuse caladiums in your landscape next year in the spring. This can prevent you from having to spend money again next year on decorative landscape plants. Listen for instructions on conserving your caladiums for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/15) Although you may associate azaleas with spring, many varieties also produce flowers in the fall. Try adding Encore or Fashion azaleas to your landscape for fall color. Listen for more information on fall-blooming azaleas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/14/15) As fall approaches, it is not uncommon for rain and humidity to decrease. As a result, September and October can be particularly dry months. It's important to pay attention to watering your plants during this time. Listen for more information on maintaining moisture in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/10/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden dedicated the second of five markers on the Louisiana segment of the Bartram Trail on Sept. 9.

(Distributed 09/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Horse owners in Louisiana’s hot, humid climate need to take precautions against anhidrosis, a condition that makes horses unable to sweat and regulate their body temperature, said LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker.

(Distributed 09/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Back-to-school is in full swing, an exciting time for making new friends, meeting new teachers and getting involved. While the focus for the year is on academic achievement, it’s also important for students to participate in extra-curricular activities such as 4-H, said Janet Fox, head of the LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development Department.

(Audio 09/07/15) Although our lawns have been through a great deal this year due to extreme heat and chinch bugs, September is not the right time to apply nitrogen fertilizers. Instead of fertilizing, try focusing on weed control as the weather cools. Listen for more information on lawn care in the cool-season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/15) If there are any plants in your landscape that need pruning, it's important to do that as soon as possible. However, the time to prune may have already passed for some plants. Listen for more information on pruning before the cool weather hits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/15) It's about time to start pulling out the tired, old warm-season plants from your garden and replacing them with fresh new cool-season plants. Be sure to prepare your beds by replenishing the organic matter and fertilizer. Listen for more information on preparing for cool-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/15) Mulches play an important role in gardening here in Louisiana. They provide weed control, conserve moisture, and add to the attractiveness of our landscapes. Listen for more information on mulching. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/07/15) With fall and winter just around the corner, it is important to allow hardy landscape plants to slow down naturally this time of year. As a result, gardeners must avoid fertilizing plants, with the exception of vegetables and bedding plants. Listen for more information on fall fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(distributed 09/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s diverse agriculture industry helps make the state an important hub of global trade, commodity group representatives told foreign dignitaries visiting the LSU AgCenter on Sept. 4.

(Distributed 09/04/15) A reliable, long-lived perennial for great summer and fall flowers, porterweed also serves as a nectar plant for pollinators.

(Distributed 09/04/15) HAMMOND, La. – Garden mums are among the most popular landscape plants for fall. These plants are also known as chrysanthemums, and some folks in north Louisiana and other parts of the state refer to them as “pinks.”

(Distributed 09/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Feral hogs cost Louisiana farmers more than $74 million in crop losses and other damage in 2013, according to an LSU AgCenter study.

(Distributed 09/04/15) POLLOCK, La. – Since the 1920s the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center has been the scene of fun-filled summer days for many generations of Louisiana youth. But what happens in the off season?

(Distributed 09/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will welcome the fall season with a Corn Maze Festival on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Distributed 09/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Ten LSU College of Agriculture students spent two weeks in August studying African wildlife ecology in Swaziland. The students, who are all majoring in natural resources ecology and management, spent most of the study-abroad program at the Savannah Research Centre in the Mbuluzi Game Reserve.

(Video 09/02/15) Louisiana shrimpers are struggling with extremely low wholesale prices. To increase their sales directly to consumers, which fetch a higher price, shrimpers are now turning to the Internet. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:46)

(Video 09/02/15) Need basil for a recipe? No need to run to the store when you can get it from your neighbor’s backyard. That is the idea behind grower exchanges that are popping up in neighborhoods like one in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 01:59)

(Video 09/14/15) Early September is the time to cut back roses, and the end of September is a great time to plant them. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why all roses are not the same. That means it’s very important to pick the right type roses for your needs. (Runtime: 01:52)

(Video 09/07/15) The crossandra is a plant that was typically only grown indoors. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how new crossandra varieties bring months of colorful flowers to the outdoors as well. (Runtime: 01:44)

(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)

(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)

(Distributed 09/02/15) HAMMOND, La. – As cooler fall temperatures arrive, LSU AgCenter horticulturists are observing more cases of chilli thrips damage in nursery and landscape plants.

(Audio 08/31/15) At this point in the year, you should be seeing clusters of growth at the end of your pecan tree branches. Depending on what your crop looked like last year, your tree will either produce a larger or a small crop this year. Listen for more information on pecan trees and growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/15) Although excessive rain can cause mushrooms to appear in your lawn, you shouldn't be concerned. If you are worried that your mushrooms may be poisonous or you just don't like how they look, you can pick them or run them over with your mower. Listen for more information on mushrooms in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/15) Due to the long and mild fall in Louisiana, a variety of warm- and cool-season vegetables can be planted in your garden in September. Try planting tomatoes and peppers or cool-season vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Listen for more information on growing vegetables this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/31/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its annual landscape horticulture industry field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on Oct. 8.

(For Release On 09/25/15) Many summer-blooming annuals, perennials and vegetables are setting seeds now. You can harvest some of the seeds, store them and then grow a new crop of plants for your garden next year.

(For Release On 09/18/15) Gardeners use the term “volunteer” to describe the seedling of a desirable plant that appears in a garden without having been planted. They can be the offspring of trees and shrubs, but they’re most often the result of seeds dropped by annuals or perennials grown previously.

(For Release On 09/11/15) One of the most common questions I receive from gardeners is, “What kind of fertilizer should I use?” These gardeners generally assume there must be an easy answer for this if they just tell me what kind of plant they’re growing.

(For Release On 09/04/15) For gardeners tired of the heat and longing for cooler weather, September can provide welcome relief. Cool fronts often begin to make their way this far south in September. But days in the 90s are still not uncommon, and after a long, hot summer, these last scorching days are especially hard to bear for gardeners and their landscapes.

(Audio 08/31/15) For most Louisianians, shallots and green onions are synonymous. Stop by your local nursery to purchase bunching onion or shallot sets to plant in your garden. Listen for more information on growing and harvesting green onions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/31/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners are presenting two programs in area libraries on Sept. 17 from 6-8 p.m. and Nov. 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Distributed 08/28/15) Esperanza, also known by its scientific name Tecoma, typically comes with yellow flowers, but apricot, oranges and reds are now becoming available. A common name for this plant is yellow bells.

(Distributed 08/28/15) HAMMOND, La. – What a rough July and August in Louisiana for hot temperatures and droughty conditions. The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond had 43 straight days of temperatures 95 or above. During that time we measured only 0.60 inches of rainfall. Similar high temperature durations and low rainfall totals were recorded across the state.

(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)

(Distributed 08/27/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s sweet potato Foundation Seed Program is now part of the National Clean Plant Network, a group that strives to keep specialty crops free of diseases.

(Distributed 08/26/15) CHASE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host the second annual Northeast Region Youth Field Day at the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase on Sept. 23.

(Video 08/19/15) Louisiana farmers are harvesting their rice crop. It’s been a challenging year with rain and cloud cover. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that yields are down but aren’t that bad, considering the weather. (Runtime: 01:17)

(Video 08/19/15) Louisiana farmers are busy harvesting this year’s corn crop. Will it set a new record for yield? LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report. (Runtime: 01:34)

(Distributed 08/25/15) POLLOCK, La. – A movement in Europe from coal to wood-fired electric generation has created a worldwide market for wood pellets, according to experts at a recent symposium.

(Distributed 08/25/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Avian flu virus has led to a number of poultry flocks being destroyed. LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne says this has tightened supplies, but poultry meat and eggs are still available for consumers.

(Distributed 08/24/15) MANGHAM, La. – Beef producers will hear ways for improving their bottom line at the annual Northeast Louisiana Beef and Forage Field Day, which is being held September 17 at Goldmine Plantation, 188 Cummins Road.

(Distributed 08/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is moving its facility for growing weevils to eradicate the aquatic weed called salvinia. A location in Terrebonne Parish on the property of Michael St. Martin had been used for the past four years.

(Distributed 08/21/15) DELHI, La. – Despite a rainy spring that delayed sweet potato planting, the 2015 season is shaping up well, growers learned at a field day on Aug. 20 at Black Gold Farms in Delhi.

(Distributed 08/21/15) A great ornamental pepper for fall is Purple Flash.

(Distributed 08/20/15) DELCAMBRE, La. – The first week of shrimp season is providing the chance for consumers to buy shrimp off the boats here.

(Distributed 08/20/15) HAMMOND, La. – As we enter fall, many home gardeners are considering adding new plants to dress up the landscape. Two great plants for fall are celosia, which some of us also call cockscomb, and ornamental peppers.

(Distributed 08/18/15) NEW ORLEANS – Moving food from the farm to the dinner table – and everywhere else people eat – is a complex system, experts said at the Farm to Table International Symposium recently.

(Distributed 08/14/15) Variegated tapioca, also known as manihot, is a tropical plant that’s at home in Louisiana.

(Distributed 08/14/15) HAMMOND, La. – The second hottest July on record in many parts of Louisiana coupled with below-normal rainfall statewide over the past eight weeks has led to drought symptoms in most landscapes. Lawns and landscape beds are suffering. Irrigation is vital through the rest of summer and through fall to prevent long-term damage to plants.

(Distributed 08/14/15) CROWLEY, La. – South Louisiana rice farmers have had excellent weather to get the 2015 crop out of the field, but the yield is a decline from the two exceptional harvests of the past two years, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 08/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Severe storms and excessive rainfall that resulted in the Red River flooding during the spring and summer caused an estimated $7 million damage to agriculture in northwest Louisiana, but that number will likely go up at harvest, said LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

(Distributed 08/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The cooling temperatures of fall create an ideal time to visit Burden Museum & Gardens, located at 4560 Essen Lane, just off Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 08/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Horse owners need to watch out for signs of respiratory diseases that occur during the summer, said LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker.

(Distributed 08/14/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two Louisiana 4-H’ers were among 21 4-H’ers from 13 states who spent a week at California State University, Fresno, for the 2015 National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Leadership Institute Aug 4-8.

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(Distributed 08/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – When Alvin Ray started experimenting in his Prairieville kitchen about three years ago, he didn’t expect his creation — sweet, spicy, crispy pickles — to end up on store shelves.

(Distributed 08/11/15) NEW ORLEANS, La. – A team of young chefs from Ascension Parish earned second place in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, 4-H Edition on Aug. 9.

(Distributed 08/11/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter International Programs recently completed a two-week (July 18 to Aug. 2) cross-country training program on port inspection and food safety regulations for eight officials from China.

(Distributed 08/11/15) BATON ROUGE, La – Robert Godke’s students have called him a mentor, a friend and a father figure.

(Distributed 08/10/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Representatives from the chemical manufacturer Syngenta shared information on monitoring atrazine, one of the most commonly used herbicides in agriculture, at a meeting of Louisiana agriculture officials on Aug. 6 at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station.

(Distributed 08/07/15) Princess flower is also called tibouchina. Athens Blue dwarf tibouchina has purple flowers from late spring through fall.

(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)

(Distributed 08/07/15) HAMMOND, La. – Many great plants perform well in summer and fall in Louisiana. Some that are tropical-like in appearance include esperanzas, Pride of Barbados, cassava and copper plants. All are low-maintenance in the landscape.

(Distributed 08/07/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker took three LSU students to Europe this summer to teach horse camps in three countries.

(Audio 08/13/15) If your eggplant and bell pepper plants look like they're still in good shape, leave them in your garden to produce a second crop in the fall. If they're in bad shape, try planting fresh new transplants. Listen for more information on growing eggplants and bell peppers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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)

(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)

(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)

(Distributed 08/07/15) BATON ROUGE, La – Louise Wicker, a food scientist who spent much of her career on the faculty at the University of Georgia, was named director of the LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture School of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

(Distributed 08/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Some people turn to family recipes for comfort during stressful times. Others, like Linda McAdams, turn them into a new career.

(Distributed 08/05/15) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station received accolades from national and international guests who toured the gardens on Aug. 3.

(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)

(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)

(Video 08/05/15) A summer spent around flowers was cheerful, yet educational for an LSU College of Agriculture student. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 01:49)

(Video 08/05/15) Scientists are releasing three species of wasps to help protect ash trees in north Louisiana. The ash trees are being threatened by the emerald ash borer, an invasive species from Asia. AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:42)

(Distributed 08/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Sugarcane aphids in Louisiana transitioned from sugarcane to grain sorghum in 2013 – some of the first such colonization in America. Since then, this invasive insect species has rapidly spread to all grain sorghum-producing parishes, decreasing quality and yield and causing catastrophic crop losses in 2014.

(Distributed 08/04/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The last week of July provided a week full of food, fun and nutrition education for 20 Louisiana youth ages 9 to 12 who attended Kid Chef Nutrition Camp July 28-31.

(Distributed 08/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Teachers who started gardens at their schools last year were recognized for their progress at a half-day workshop on July 29 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden.

(For Release On 08/28/15) One of my favorite native plants is the Louisiana iris. When these plants bloom in the spring, their flowers are among the most colorful and beautiful to be found in Louisiana gardens. This time of the year, however, they may need some attention.

(For Release On 08/21/15) Successfully growing houseplants starts with understanding their needs. Primary among these is light. Light is the energy plants use to create their food. You cannot grow a plant where there is not enough light, no matter how good it looks in the location.

(For Release On 08/14/15) I live in an area that is rural transitioning into suburban. In many areas of the state, developers are building more and more new subdivisions in areas that were once wooded or open fields. People moving to these new subdivisions from more urban areas are often startled to encounter wildlife they never saw in the cities.

(For Release On 08/07/15) August is a transitional time in the vegetable garden. While cool-season planting begins in earnest next month, some of the more heat-tolerant cool-season vegetables, such as the cole crops, can be planted into the garden now.

(Distributed 07/31/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU team took third place in the southern division of the National Weed Contest on July 21.

(Distributed 07/31/15) An ornamental grass worthy of increased use in Louisiana is switchgrass, also known as panicum.

(Distributed 07/31/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nicholas Adams and Chelsea Sutherland, both seniors in the LSU College of Agriculture studying agricultural education, have been selected for the Upper Division Agricultural Education Scholarship from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

(Distributed 07/31/15) HAMMOND, La. – We are still a couple months away from fall, but there are several plants to consider now that will be showstoppers come October.

(Audio 08/03/15) Watering plants is extremely important this time of year. Make it a point to monitor container plants and walk your landscape in order to keep track of needed watering. Listen for more information on providing plants with necessary moisture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/15) When late summer rolls around, spider mites and white flies begin to appear in larger numbers. Although both of these pests cause damage to plants, they are easily controlled with light horticultural oil sprays. Listen for more information on preventing damage from these pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/15) Due to a short winter and early spring, insects and pests have been particularly bad this summer. Insect pests have shown up earlier and sustained larger populations this year. Listen for information on controlling insect pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/15) With the long growing season we have in the summer, it's not uncommon for plants to become tall and overgrown. Early August is a great time to prune those plants to allow for more healthy and attractive growth. Listen for more information on pruning summer plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/15) There's a wide variety of vegetables that can be planted in August. Visit your local nursery for seeds of vegetables such as cucumbers, snap beans, and lima beans or transplants of tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. Listen for more information on growing vegetables in August. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/29/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry is conducting a survey to find out how the AgCenter can better serve industry stakeholders through research and extension programs.

(Distributed 07/29/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Representatives from a Nicaraguan organization that works to improve rural life through agriculture research and outreach visited the LSU AgCenter this week (July 27-28) to learn about its programs.

(Distributed 07/28/15) RACELAND, La. – Two 4-H students have used their personal tragedies to warn others about the deadly hazards of impaired driving.

(Distributed 07/28/15) BASTROP, La. – Blistering hot temperatures didn’t deter growers and interested community members from attending the annual Black Farmers Field Day in Collinston on July 24.

(Distributed 07/27/15) ST. MARTINVILLE, La. – The yield advantage of growing double-drill rows of sugarcane on 8-foot beds is being explored by the Louisiana sugar industry, said Kenneth Gravois, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist.

(Distributed 07/24/15) The premier crape myrtle in Louisiana historically has been Natchez.

(Distributed 07/24/15) FERRIDAY, La. – Attendees of a recent tour of northeastern Louisiana farms heard about research they can put in practice to help farmers’ bottom lines, including ways to make the most of irrigation.

(Distributed 07/24/15) HAMMOND, La. – A tough plant that will keep blooming through summer and into fall, gomphrena likes really high temperatures. Also called globe amaranth, legend has it that the original planting was at the gates of Hades.

(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)

(Distributed 07/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel was in the midst of completing her dream project – building a sustainable demonstration home specifically designed for Louisiana’s hot and humid climate and able to withstand hazards common to the area such as hurricanes, flooding and termites.

(Distributed 07/23/15) RAYVILLE, La. – The differences in growing rice in north and south Louisiana create the need for researchers to study how farmers can adapt their practices to fit the varied environments, an LSU AgCenter expert said Tuesday (July 21).

(Distributed 07/22/15) HAMMOND, La. – Shade-loving hostas are ranked the No. 1 herbaceous perennial in the United States, and for good reason, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Yan Chen.

(Video 07/22/15) Louisiana’s sugarcane crop has had to withstand rain, pests and a cold winter, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says researchers are working to help farmers manage problems their crop may encounter. (Runtime: 01:34)

(Video 07/22/15) The weather was a big topic at a field day aimed at helping farmers grow better row crops. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 01:56)

(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)

(Distributed 07/20/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Ninety educators from across the state gathered at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in downtown Alexandria for the Foodapalooza: Farm to School Edition on July 14.

(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)

(Distributed 07/17/15) Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow, and their flowers thrive in the heat of our summers. You can add sunflowers to a garden or landscape now for flowers by late summer or early fall.

(Distributed 07/17/15) HAMMOND, La. – Since the debut of a landscape horticulture research and extension program at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station nine years ago, gardens supporting the research at the station continue to expand.

(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)

(Distributed 07/17/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Tim Sandles is not usually one to venture outside of his comfort zone. The LSU graduate student from Madisonville, Texas, studying agricultural education decided to push himself this summer when he signed up for a study abroad program in Europe.

(Distributed 07/17/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Oppressive heat was not a deterrent for hobby fig growers and others interested in learning at the annual fig field day held at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on July 11.

(Distributed 07/17/15) NEW ORLEANS – Farm-to-school supporters heard about ways to increase the use of locally grown produce in schools at a regional meeting on Wednesday (July 16).

(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) 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)

(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)

(Distributed 07/17/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Two potential new sugarcane varieties for Louisiana are entering their final year of evaluation, LSU AgCenter plant breeders told producers and industry representatives at the 33rd annual sugar field day on July 15 at the AgCenter Sugar Research Station.

(Distributed 07/17/15) MINDEN, La. – Efforts are underway in north Louisiana to slow the spread of an invasive species that threatens to destroy native ash trees. The trees play an important part in bottomland ecosystems and also have an economic value to the timber industry.

(Distributed 07/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The soybean looper is a destructive pest on soybeans capable of defoliating fields if left unchecked. It can be difficult to control because of its resistance to many insecticides. LSU AgCenter scientists are looking at a novel way to increase the efficacy of pesticides to better control insects such as the soybean looper using nanotechnology.

(Distributed 07/14/15) LAKE CHARLES, La. – Results have been released from the 46th Annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 7-11, 2015.

(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)

(Distributed 07/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is partnering with the Louisiana Water Resources Research Institute for research and outreach activities designed to help people make better use of Louisiana’s water supply.

(Distributed 07//13/15) HAMMOND, La. – The most popular summer-blooming tree in Louisiana is the crape myrtle with its lovely, long-lasting flowers. They generally myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June and continue flowering for 80 to 100 days, depending on the variety.

(Distributed 07/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Feral hogs caused at least $30 million in damage to crops on Louisiana farms in 2013, according to an LSU AgCenter study.

(Distributed 07/10/15) Some of the newer zinnias include the Profusion and the Zahara varieties. These landscape-type zinnias resulted from hybridization between the old cut-flower-type zinnias and the Mexican or narrowleaf zinnias.

(Distributed 07/10/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Louisiana’s corn, cotton and soybean crops still have the potential to be above average this year, but because of the weather, don’t expect any record yields, LSU AgCenter experts said at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center field day on Thursday (July 9).

(Distributed 07/10/15) HAMMOND, La. – Summer is not the most enjoyable time to work in the yard in Louisiana, but rose bushes need attention to ensure good performance through the summer and into early fall.

(Distributed 07/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La – With the help of a teacher who recognized his potential and scholarships that allowed him to attend college, Gail Cramer was able to escape a poverty-stricken childhood in rural Washington to become an accomplished professor in agricultural economics.

(Distributed 07/09/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – A rule that revises which bodies of water are subject to Clean Water Act regulations will take effect next month, which has some farmers worried they will come under stricter federal scrutiny.