Seasonal Archives

Get It Growing: Lichens are likeable

[Video](1/25/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains what it means when you see these and whether they’re good or bad for your trees.

Get It Growing: Plant a tree for Arbor Day

[Video](1/18/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can plant a tree in your own yard.

Get It Growing: How to treat scale on magnolia leaves

[Video](1/4/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to treat scale, helping your magnolias thrive.

Japanese maples provide accent to landscapes

[Video](12/28/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains where to place these beautiful plants into your landscape.

Get It Growing: Consider hybrid crape myrtles for year-round color

[Video](12/27/20) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains that one of this year’s cool weather sources of color might surprise you.

Get It Growing: Think about giving gardening gifts

[Video](12/20/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard suggests gardening gifts to complete your list.

Get It Growing: Pampas grass is easy to grow, make great decorations

[Video](12/14/20) Ornamental grasses are easy-care plants that can provide a nice screen in your landscape.

Get It Growing: Selecting and caring for Christmas trees

[Video](12/7/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to select a healthy Christmas tree and then how to care for it.

Get It Growing: Lethal bronzing can kill windmill palm trees

[Video](11/30/20) AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how windmill palms are being killed by a disease called lethal bronzing.

Get It Growing: How to clean up your hydrangeas before winter

[Video](11/16/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to care for your hydrangeas now so they can look their best next spring.

Get It Growing: How to repair hurricane-damaged trees and shrub

[Video](11/9/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains some things you can do to repair small trees and shrubs damaged by destructive winds.

Get It Growing: How to harvest caladium bulbs

[Video](11/2/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to harvest and store caladium bulbs.

Get It Growing: Time for fall color

[Video](10/26/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard suggests some plants you can use to paint your yard with the warm shades of fall.

Get It Growing: How to Combat Nutsedge

[Video](10/12/20) LSU AgCenter turf specialist Ron Strahan explains what you can do to fight one of the most prolific weeds of all—nutsedge.

Get It Growing: Greece is not the only place to grow olive trees

[Video](10/19/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains on this edition of Get It Growing, you can grow olive trees right here in Louisiana.

Get It Growing: Use pink flowers for breast cancer awareness

[Video](10/5/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard suggests some great pink plants that can also help you make a statement.

Get It Growing: How to stop sod webworms

[Video](9/28/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to know if your lawn is being damaged by sod webworms and what to do to stop them

Get It Growing: How to recognize citrus leafminer damage

[Video](9/21/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains the signs of this insect’s damage and some things you can do about it.

Get It Growing: Bald cypress is Louisiana Super Plant

[Video](9/14/20) On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard talks about the latest Super Plant edition

Get It Growing: Golden color, easy care make candlestick plant ideal for fall

[Video](9/7/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains some other reasons why the candlestick plant, or cassia, is a great choice for you.

Get It Growing: Punch out Virginia Buttonweed in your lawn

[Video](8/31/20) On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard talks about how to get rid of Virginia buttonweed.

Get It Growing: How to gather seeds from herbs

[Video](8/24/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to gather seeds so you can grow more wonderful herbs.

Get It Growing: Combatting crapemyrtle bark scale

[Video](8/17/20) It’s called bark scale, and on this edition of Get it Growing, horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains what you can do to get rid of it.

Get It Growing: Time to plan your fall landscape

[Video](8/3/20) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains on this edition of Get It Growing, it’s a good time to plan your fall landscape

Get It Growing: How to treat fig leaf rust

[Video] (8/10/20) Here are some steps she recommends to minimize impacts of fig leaf rust.

Get It Growing: Water your plants, but don’t forget the food

[Video](7/27/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard points out some nutrient sources you can serve your plants.

Get It Growing: How to irrigate your plants and save water

[Video] (7/20/20) Recently, the days have been scorchers — both for us and our plants. July is smart irrigation month.

Get It Growing: How to get rid of lace bugs

[Video](7/13/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains there are some ways you can stop these destructive insects.

Get It Growing: Plant pumpkin seeds now for the fall

[Video](7/6/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains some of the simple materials you’ll need to get your pumpkins growing.

Get It Growing: How to extract vegetable seeds

[Video](6/29/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can extract seeds from your vegetables to plant your next crops.

Get It Growing: How to easily propagate plants from cuttings

[Video](7/6/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard demonstrates how to easily propagate plants from cuttings.

Get It Growing: Lilies of the Nile can add elegant color to your landscape

[Video](6/25/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why this elegant, tall-stemmed plant is a good choice for your landscape.

Get It Growing: Add pollinator plants during National Pollinators Month.

[Video](6/15/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to some beautiful plants that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Get It Growing: Lucky Star pentas are newest Louisiana Super Plants

[Video](6/8/20) AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains other reasons why this exciting plant is now a member of the Louisiana Super Plant program

Get It Growing: How to group different texture plants to create impressive effects

[Video](5/31/20) Heather Kirk-Ballard describes how you can plant a variety of textured plants together to strengthen the aesthetic impact of your landscape.

Get It Growing: Here’s how to pollinate vegetable flowers

[Video] (5/11/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you how to properly pollinate your plants.

Get It Growing: Here’s how to fill holes in your lawn

[Video] (5/11/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you an economical way to fill in those unsightly holes.

Get It Growing: Use garden art to personalize your garden

[Video](5/4/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how kids, crafts and gardens can become a fun learning experience for everyone.

Get It Growing: Flamethrower coleus is latest Super Plant

[Video](4/27/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how the name comes from its distinctively colorful foliage.

Get It Growing: It’s time to fertilize your lawn

[Video] (4/20/20) LSU AgCenter Turfgrass specialist Ron Strahan explains differences in fertilizing St. Augustine and centipede grass.

Get It Growing: Use correct vegetable seeds for the season

[Video](4/13/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist KiKi Fontenot explains which vegetables are the right ones to grow during this spring season.

Get It Growing: live oaks are magnificent

[Video](3/23/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard takes a closer look at the beloved live oak tree.

Get It Growing: prune azaleas at the right time

[Video](3/16/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why it’s important, though, to wait until the right time to prune your azaleas back.

Get It Growing: orchid care is easy

[Video](3-9-20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard dispels that notion and explains how to care for these beautiful indoor tropicals.

Get It Growing: how to plant a sedum garden

[Video](3-2-30)LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can keep that green thumb active — inside — by growing a succulent sedum garden

Get It Growing: set irrigation timers to save water

[Video](1/24/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk explains how to make sure your plants get the water they need — without overdoing it.

Get It Growing: plant potatoes in containers

[Video](1/17/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist KiKi Fontenot shows you how to grow your own potatoes in a container.

Get It Growing: indoor plants

[Video](2/10/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk talks about the value of those oftentimes forgotten, indoor plants.

Get It Growing: Japanese magnolias

[Video] (2/3/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard discusses why the Japanese magnolia is a great plant to bring beauty to your yard.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull plants

[Video](1/27/20) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard names some that look and grow the best during winter.

Little-known loquat is easy-care fruit tree

[Video](1/20/20) AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why this cold-hardy tree with a tropical look might be a good choice for your landscape.

Some organic herbicides can damage your landscape

[Video](1-06-20), LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard visits with weed scientist Ron Strahan as they explore organic herbicides.

What to do with leaves on the ground?

[Video](12-30-19)LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains the benefits of leaves and the best way to dispose of them.

Poinsettias bring the colors of Christmas

[Video](12-2-19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard visits a local grower to find out how they keep up with the demand for seasonal poinsettias

How to make your own Christmas wreath

[Video](12-16-19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you how to create beautiful Christmas decorations from evergreen tree branches.

Take steps to winterize your vegetable garden

[Video](11-23-19)LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard offers tips for winterizing your garden crops — so they can survive and flourish.

Golden rain tree adds unique fall color

[Video](11/25/19) On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explores the pink-flowered golden rain tree

’Tis the season for satsumas

[Video](11/18/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how this is the season for satsumas and the advantages of growing these citrus.

Mums are popular for All Saints’ Day

[Video](10/25/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard Travels to Lacombe to find out how mums fit into All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.

Use compost to replenish your potting soil

[Video](10/27/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kerry Heafner shows you how to use your compost to replenish potting soil.

You can easily make your own compost

[Video](10/20/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kerry Hefner shows you how to get a compost pile started and how you can maintain it.

Greece is not the only place to grow olive trees

[Video] (10/13/19) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains on this edition of Get It Growing, you can grow olive trees right here in Louisiana too.

Super Plant Jolt dianthus gives long-lasting beauty

[Video] (10/6/19) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why the latest Super Plant — Jolt dianthus — will help your garden pop with color for a long time.

Golden color, easy care make candlestick plant ideal for fall

Video (9/16/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why the candlestick plant, or cassia, is a great choice for your yard.

American beautyberry, beautiful native plant for the fall

(Video 9/9/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard suggests growing a beautiful plant American beautyberry.

Time to consider fall blooming plants

(Video 8/19/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to some fall blooming plants that can add color to your cool weather landscape.

Cheap way to automatically water your potted plants

(Video 8/8/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to use some cheap materials to make a short-term, automatic watering system.

Annoying weeds can be important indicators

(Video 7/29/19) Weeds can quickly take over a lawn or flower bed if they’re not managed properly, but weeds can also serve a purpose.

Figs offer healthy fruit, easy care

(Video 7/29/19) Figs are a popular fruit tree grown by homeowners throughout the southeast. They are also not very difficult to grow and give you tasty fruit.

Pruning tomato suckers can mean more fruit

(Video 7/19/19) If you want to maximize the number of tomatoes you can harvest, you should prune off suckers on the plant.

Plants still need water when you’re on vacation

(Video 7/10/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains the watering regimen for your plants at home while you're on vacation.

Angelonias paint pastel colors into your landscape

(Video 6/26/19) Angelonias provide a beautiful, diverse array of color in the landscape and is a great choice for the summer heat.

Help your muscadines grow effectively

(Video 2/26/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains what you can do to help your muscadines grow more effectively.

Distylium shrub has unique swirling growth

(Video 06/24/19) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to an excellent alternative shrub with a unique, swirling growth pattern.