Seasonal Archives

Get It Growing: Now’s the time to prevent stickerweed

(Video 11/22/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains that now is the time to apply weed killer to prevent weeds like stickerweed.

Get It Growing: Now is the time to get your bulbs ready

(Video 11/22/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to force bulbs to come out of dormancy.

Get It Growing: Fall color explained

(11-14-22) The warmth of fall colors is something the whole state can enjoy to some degree.

Get It Growing: Lion’s tail has bright orange flowers that attract butterflies

(11-7-22) Lion’s tail is a plant that provides beautiful, colorful flowers to the fall landscape.

Get It Growing: Edible, ornamental sweet potatoes offer beauty and nutrition

(10/31/22) Until recently, sweet potatoes used to be only two types: those grown for their edible storage roots or those that were merely ornamental.

Get It Growing: “Rain-of-gold” full of blooms, even in drought

(10/10/22) Recent drought has made things difficult for many gardeners, but some plants stand out for their toughness in these conditions.

Get It Growing: Turk’s cap is tough native bush with beautiful flowers

(10/17/22) Turk's cap is a tough, drought-tolerant plant native to our area.

Get It Growing: Swamp sunflowers spread beautiful color for large areas

(10/24/22) Some of our native plants can offer beautiful colors for the fall.

Get It Growing: Redhead coleus maintains stunning foliage into the fall

(10/3/22) Coleus is a plant known for its beautiful foliage, but some varieties begin setting flowers at the end of the summer.

Get It Growing: Wishbone flower fills shade gardens with color

(9/26/22) Not all plants can handle limited sunlight, but the colorful Summer Wave torenia thrives in the shade.

Get It Growing: Now’s the time to plant fall vegetables

(9/19/22) It’s that time of year when you can start planting fall vegetables into your garden.

Get It Growing: Fall 2022 Super Plant is ornamental pepper

(09/07/2022) The LSU AgCenter has chosen ornamental peppers as the fall 2022 Super Plant.

Get It Growing: Fight back against mealybugs before they take over

(Video 9/5/22) Mealybugs can quickly wreak havoc on plants in your landscape.

Get It Growing: How to help the monarchs

(Video 8/29/22) Monarch butterflies are now considered an endangered species.

Get It Growing: Pomegranates don’t need cross-fertilization

(Video 08/20/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how pomegranate is an excellent fruit tree that does well in Louisiana.

Get It Growing: Invasive chamberbitter can take over garden beds

(Video 08/10/22) Chamberbitter is an invasive weed that can become a big problem in Louisiana garden beds.

Get It Growing: Blue My Mind is beautiful, drought-tolerant groundcover

(Video 08/08/22) Blue My Mind makes a great groundcover and is a true-blue performer in Louisiana landscapes.

Get It Growing: Black-Eyed Susan

(Video 08/01/22) The black-eyed Susan is a beautiful flowering plant native to North America that works well in Louisiana landscapes.

Get It Growing: Tropical plants that bloom are spectacular for summer

(Video 07/18/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard describes some tropicals that are also known for their spectacular flowers.

Get It Growing: Swiss cheese plant is great for indoor decor

(Video 07/18/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard describes how the tropical Swiss cheese plant is a great focal point for indoor décor.

Get It Growing: Fragrant evergreen wisteria is a great covering vine

(Video 07/11/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard discusses the benefits of planting the attractive and fragrant evergreen wisteria.

Get It Growing: Abelias produce beautiful blooms, attract pollinators

(Video 07/04/22) Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard discusses the benefits of growing abelia and provides information about the size and care of this shrub.

Get It Growing: Sandy leaf fig is a superb groundcover

(Video 06/27/22) Groundcover plants can help fill in large spaces with nice texture and color. A good one to grow is sandy leaf fig ivy.

Get It Growing: Choose the Best Cherry Tomato Plants

(Video 06/20/22) So you’ve decided to plant cherry tomatoes in hanging containers. There are lots of varieties to choose from.

Get It Growing: Colorful Sunpatiens Bloom Through the Summer

(Video 06/13/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how Sunpatiens handle direct sunlight well and bloom through the summer.

Get It Growing: The Summer of Salvias

(Video 06/10/22) On this Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why perennial salvias are the summer 2022 Super Plant.

Get It Growing: Native Louisiana milkweed best for butterfly larvae

(Video 05/30/22) For years, Mexican milkweed has been a popular plant to attract monarch butterflies. But, native Louisiana milkweed is better.

Get It Growing: Henry’s Garnet is showy in spring and fall

[Video](5/16/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to care for this beautiful shrub.

Get It Growing: Daylilies could be the perfect perennial

[Video](5/9/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why daylilies are such a great choice and how you can help them grow well.

Get It Growing: Supertunia is a super petunia

[Video](5/2/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how the beautiful supertunia could be a super selection for flowers in your garden.

Get It Growing: Choose good tomato varieties

[Video](4/25/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard recommends some of the top tomato varieties.

Get It Growing: Peggy Martin rose has a name with a story

[Video](4/11/22) Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to a beautiful rose whose name is linked to a Louisiana gardener and to a disaster.

Get It Growing: Pollinators love native Coral honeysuckle

[Video](4/18/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard discusses how you can maximize the blooms on this easy-care vine that attracts pollinators to your yard.

Get It Growing: Louisiana iris is spring Louisiana Super Plant

3/28/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to the latest Louisiana Super Plant — the beautiful and native Louisiana iris.

Get It Growing: Blue flowers are uniquely beautiful

[Video](4/4/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard discusses some gorgeous plants that provide flowers that are all uniquely blue.

Get It Growing: Using cover crops and green manure

[Video](3/21/22 )Heather Kirk-Ballard and vegetable specialist Kathryn Fontenot discuss the use of cover crops and green manure to enhance the soil.

Get It Growing: Alternative fertilizers for vegetable gardening

[Video](3/14/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard and vegetable specialist Kathryn Fontenot discuss the economic benefits of compost and manures for the garden.

Get It Growing: Why do I have live oak suckers?

[Video](3/7/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explores why some live oaks produce aggravating suckers around the base of the tree.

Get It Growing: Choose beautiful, fragrant flowers for spring

[Video](2/28/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard gives you some ideas for beautiful and fragrant plants that will grow well in the spring.

Get It Growing: Some camelias offer an unexpected surprise

[Video](2/21/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains the unexpected surprise that Camellias can offer.

Get It Growing: Plant trees and shrubs that feed the birds

[Video](2/14/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can plant trees and shrubs that help feed the birds.

Get It Growing: Winter is a great time to prune and plant trees

[Video](2/7/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains on this edition of Get it Growing, now is actually a great time to prune and plant trees and shrubs.

Get It Growing: How to properly cover plants against a freeze

[Video](1/31/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why it’s very important to cover your plants the correct way.

Get It Growing: Grow an edible, winter landscape

[Video](1/24/22) Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to some cool season plants that are not only edible, but also provide beautiful color and texture.

Get It Growing: Gardening can be a great New Year’s resolution

[Video](1/17/22) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how setting gardening goals can help you improve your health

Get It Growing: Super Plant ShiShi Gashira also comes in white

[Video](12/20/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how the white ShiShi camelia is also a great selection.

Get It Growing: Holly trees can add berries, screen potential to landscape

[Video](12/27/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard compares several popular hollies and the advantages those trees bring to your landscape.

Get It Growing: How do I care for roses in the fall?

[Video](12/13/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard and horticulturist Dan Gill discuss how to care for your rose bushes as we move into winter.

Get It Growing: Twenty years of Get It Growing and herbs for the fall

[Video](12/6/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard got together with former host Dan Gill. The two horticulturists discuss the great opportunity for planting herbs this fall

Get It Growing: Plant flowering bulbs now so they bloom for Christmas

[Video](11/29/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard warns that if you want them to bloom for Christmas, you need get them in the ground now.

Get It Growing: Use crotons for beautiful fall color

[Video](11/22/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can bring dependable fall color to your patio or into your home — with crotons.

Get It Growing: Cosmos colors are out of this world

[Video](11/8/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can grow cosmos in your landscape.

Get It Growing: Yaupon holly good replacement for littleleaf boxwood

[Video](11/15/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to select and care for your yaupon holly.

Get It Growing: Ornamental peppers provide beautiful fall color

[Video](11/1/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how these ornamental peppers create a warm, colorful accent to your landscape or wind

Get It Growing: Here’s how to grow strawberries

[Video](10/25/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard provides some tips for you to successfully grow these delicious fruits.

Get It Growing: Super Plant Supertunia Indigo lasts through summer

[Video](10/18/21) SU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to the fall 2021 Louisiana Super Plant selection — Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo

Get It Growing: All types of sunflowers bloom in the fall

[Video](10/11/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains some of the choices and benefits of growing sunflowers.

Get It Growing: Get It Growing: How to gather seeds from herbs

[Video](9/13/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to gather seeds so you can grow more wonderful herbs.

Get It Growing: How to recognize citrus leafminer damage

[Video](9/20/21) 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: Time to prepare fall seeds for greens

[Video](9/6/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains that now is the time to prepare seeds that will grow into a delicious fall harvest.

Get It Growing: Muhly grass is Fall Louisiana Super Plant

[Video](8/30/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how this plant adds fluffy and colorful plumes to the fall landscape.

Get It Growing: Time to battle armyworms

[Video](8/23/21) Heather Kirk Ballard explains that armyworms are particularly bad this year and suggests some ways to win the battle against them.

Get It Growing: Gingers have beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers

[Video](8/16/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to grow and care for your gingers.

Get It Growing: What’s causing bark to shed on crape myrtles?

[Video](8/9/21) Heather Kirk Ballard explains what’s causing bark shedding and other issues with your crape myrtles.

Get It Growing: Time to prune Southern highbush blueberries

[Video](8/2/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturists Heather Kirk-Ballard and Kiki Fontenot explain how and why to prune your blueberry bushes.

Get It Growing: Beat soggy conditions by growing container vegetables

[Video](7/26/21) Heather Kirk Ballard explains how you can beat the soggy conditions by growing container vegetable gardens.

Get It Growing: Propagation is good way to produce more figs

[Video](7/19/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to propagate fig branches so you can plant more of these fruit-bearing trees.

Get It Growing: Split leaf philodendron creates a tropical oasis

[Video](7/12/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard talks about the advantages of the durable and beautiful tropical plant.

Get It Growing: Hardy hibiscus has giant, colorful flowers

[Video](7/5/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how to properly care for your hardy hibiscus.

Get It Growing: Coneflowers are drought, heat-tolerant

[Video](6/28/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard explains some other coneflower features, as well as tips on how to properly care for them.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week by growing pollinator plants

[Video](6/21/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard talks about plants that can attract pollinators, while coloring your landscape.

Get It Growing: Cut flowers in vegetable gardens

Heather Kirk Ballard explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the beautiful colors are not the only advantage of adding these to your rows of vegetables.

Get It Growing: Prime-Ark Traveler blackberries have many advantages

[Video](6/7/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard and Kiki Fontenot discuss the exciting thornless blackberry variety Prime-Arc Traveler.

Get It Growing: Time to hype the hydrangea

[Video](5/24/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why now is the perfect time to hype the hydrangea.

Get It Growing: Suncredible Yellow Sunflower is newest Super Plant

[Video](5/31/21)LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to the latest Louisiana Super Plant — the striking Suncredible Sunflower.

Get It Growing: Try fragrant plants in your landscape

[Video](4/26/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you to some beautiful and fragrant plants.

Get It Growing: Grow a container flower garden

[Video](5/3/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you how to make a beautiful flower garden in a container.

Get It Growing: Microgreens are easy way to grow vegetables

[Video](4/19/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard introduces you can easily grow microgreens inside your home.

Get It Growing: Remove damaged palm fronds

[Video](4/12/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains that while the plant is not dead, now is a good time to remove the dead fronds to prepare the way for new fronds.

Get It Growing: Super Plant Beacon impatiens thrives in shad

[Video](4/5/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard explains why the Beacon impatiens can dependably add many vibrant colors to your landscape.

Get It Growing: It’s showtime for azaleas

[Video](3/29/21) Heather Kirk-Ballard describes some different types of azaleas, and explains when to plant them and how to care for them.

Get It Growing: How to attack weeds in your garden bed

[Video](3/22/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains how you can start your attack on weeds now — before they even show up.

Get It Growing: Get your garden beds ready for planting

[Video](3/15/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains what you can mix into the soil to help your plants grow their best.

Get It Growing: How to prune and fertilize citrus

[Video](3/8/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you how to properly prune and fertilize those plants.

Get It Growing: Wait to trim your freeze-damaged plants

[Video](3/1/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard cautions against being too hasty in cutting and pruning freeze-damaged plants.

Get It Growing: Now is the time to prune roses

[Video](2/23/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard shows you how to properly prune rose blooms.

Get It Growing: Taiwan cherry is a landscape showstopper

[Video](2/16/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains some advantages of planting this gorgeous landscape tree.

Get It Growing: Valentine’s Day alternative to cut plant arrangements

[Video](2/8/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard describes some of the flowering plants in a pot that you can buy for your loved ones.

Get It Growing: To prune or not to prune?

[Video](2/1/21) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard explains whichplants you can prune back during this time and which ones you should not prune.

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.

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