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(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)
(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 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 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)
(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)
(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)
(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 News 12/31/12) Many of Louisiana’s crops had record or near record high yields in 2012, and sugarcane is no exception. Most of the crop is in, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says farmers have been pleased with the harvest. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Video News 12/31/12) Many of Louisiana’s crops had record or near record high yields in 2012, and sugarcane is no exception. Most of the crop is in, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says farmers have been pleased with the harvest. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) Weed control is still necessary during winter. Cool-season weeds can withstand Louisiana's relatively mild winters. Lawn weeds are more obvious this time of the year, so consider controlling them with broadleaf weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) January is usually the coldest month of the year in Louisiana. Vegetables planted this month must be able to withstand the cold. Some root crops and leafy vegetables can be direct seeded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/31/12) Nurseries and garden centers are stocking roses that Louisiana gardeners can plant this time of the year. If mail-ordering roses, you need to get them in as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News 12/21/12) 2012 was a good year for Louisiana farmers. They benefited from high yields and prices. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)
(Video 12/31/12) Holly plants have always been synonymous with the Christmas season — because of their deep green foliage and bright red fruits. But even though Christmas and New Year’s Day are almost past, you can still plant these festive trees and shrubs in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the best holly plants available at your local nurseries right now. (Runtime: 1:31)
(Audio News 12/21/12) Farmers have harvested approximately 80 percent of the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says it’s been an ideal harvest. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)
(Audio News 12/21/12) Farmers have harvested approximately 80 percent of the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says it’s been an ideal harvest. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)
(Audio 12/20/12) Drought conditions and a hurricane didn’t keep Louisiana farmers from having a really good year. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Audio 12/20/12) Drought conditions and a hurricane didn’t keep Louisiana farmers from having a really good year. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Video News 12/19/12) As women age, they are at risk for osteoporosis and can lose strength, balance and flexibility. An LSU AgCenter nutrition agent is helping women in her community become "Strong Women." LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended one of their workout sessions. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Audio 12/19/12) Rock 'n' roll music from the 60s plays from an iPhone as women – most of them retired – gather in a circle for their morning workout. This is a Strong Women class, part of a national program that promotes strength training for midlife and older woman. LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Debbie Melvin started the class five years ago in Lafourche Parish to help women in her community improve muscle mass, bone density and overall function as they age. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Audio 12/19/12) Rock 'n' roll music from the 60s plays from an iPhone as women – most of them retired – gather in a circle for their morning workout. This is a Strong Women class, part of a national program that promotes strength training for midlife and older woman. LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Debbie Melvin started the class five years ago in Lafourche Parish to help women in her community improve muscle mass, bone density and overall function as they age. (Runtime: 2:00)
(Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) Tropical plants can be damaged during winter freezes. You will need to prune freeze damage. Prune the herbaceous tropical plants, such as gingers, soon after the damage occurs. Wait to prune woody tropicals until spring when new growth would start to appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) There is nothing like fresh food from the garden. This time of year can be busy, but don't forget to harvest vegetables that are growing in your garden. Listen more to hear how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/24/12) After the holidays, people wonder what to do with the plants they used to decorate their homes. Poinsettias are not easy to grow in the landscape, so they should be discarded. Keep your holiday cactus because it will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 12/14/12) Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter researcher specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods. He is partnering with Motivatit Seafoods to help them produce oyster and spinach ravioli. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Audio News 12/13/12) The LSU AgCenter is starting food business incubator – a shared facility where food companies can come to develop food products for the wholesale market. Gaye Sandoz will coordinate it. The incubator will be housed on campus. The location will allow faculty from the LSU AgCenter’s food science department and LSU’s business department to consult with incubator’s tenants. Sandoz also will offer marketing support. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Video 12/17/12) Most plants are fertilized during 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: 1:32)
(Video 12/24/12) Now’s a great time for cool-season vegetables. You can have even more of a good thing by carefully maximizing the vegetables you grow in your rows. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this efficient process called intercropping. (Runtime: 1:16)
(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana gardeners must protect their tropical plants during freezing weather. Container plants can be brought inside. Plants in the ground can be mulched or covered. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/17/12) Amaryllis is a wonderful spring-flowering bulb. The bulbs are dried by growers for shipping, making them ready to bloom around Christmas. Pot them indoors now, and save the bulbs for planting in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/17/12) Pecans are popular in holiday baking. The holiday season also is a good time to plant pecan trees. Pecan trees grow large, and the wood is brittle. Be sure not to plant them close to homes or structures. Also, choose the right variety for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 12/12/12) The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser says trying to achieve the perfect holiday can bring about worry and tension. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Audio 12/12/12) Many individuals are limited to their homes, hospital rooms or nursing homes, and this can be particularly tough during the holidays says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser. Those who are homebound may feel a loss of control over their environment, and that loss is compounded this time of the year. If you know someone in this situation, make time to visit them if possible. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Audio News 12/10/12) Technology may be blamed for contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, but LSU AgCenter agents are using it to help combat the problem. Nutrition agents in 10 parishes will use iPads to teach third-graders health and nutrition lessons with a program called Body Quest, Food for the Warrior. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser explains. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Video 12/10/12) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)
(Video 12/3/12) If you’re searching for a unique gift, you might consider a Get It Growing calendar or a living Christmas tree this season. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, they’re both gifts that certainly keep giving throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:47)
(Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow camellias. They are wonderful winter-blooming shrubs. Winter also is a great time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/10/12) Freezing temperatures can damage some of the tender plants used in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners must remember they need to look at the real temperature, not the wind chill, while determining when to protect plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News 12/04/12) 4-H club days are more exciting at schools in Madison Parish where a mobile technology lab is changing the way meetings are conducted. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard explains. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Audio News 11/30/12) Farmers have planted most of Louisiana’s wheat crop. Planting started at the beginning of November, and with good weather, it went quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Winter gardening activites don't really stop, but they do slow down. You can put away lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Make sure you store these tools properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses brighten our homes during the holidays. Make sure you take care of these plants to get the most out of them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) When buying a real Christmas tree, make sure you are buying the freshest available. Check the tree's needles and fragrance. Also, consider getting a tree from a choose-and-cut tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/26/12) While gardeners don't see as many insects on plants during winter, they are still out there. Vegetables and cool-season plants can attract pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs.
(Audio 11/26/12) The soil in Louisiana typically stays warm during winter, so you can plant a number of plants this time of year. Tropical plants are the exception; they should be planted during warm weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is not the best time to fertilize plants in the landscape. Most plants are going dormant for the winter. Fertilizing them now could hurt them. A few exceptions are cool-season bedding plants, vegetables and Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/26/12) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in the landscape. Planted now, trees have time to settle in before the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/26/12) Make sure your landscape stays attractive during winter. Clean off dead growth from summer plants, mulch beds and add cool-season color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 11/26/12) On occasion, special plants have been developed for their fast growth and low-spreading coverage of the ground. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of the newest “wave” plants – it’s called the Cool Wave pansy. (Runtime: 1:29)
(Video News 11/12/12) Sugarcane farmers have welcomed the dry weather in recent weeks. It has allowed them to get a good start to the sugar harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:51)
(Audio News 11/16/12) The cost of a typical Thanksgiving meal is up 13 percent this year. An LSU AgCenter survey shows the 2012 Thanksgiving market basket will average $44.35 for 10 people. (Runtime: 1:50)
(Video 11/19/12) Herbs are great for seasoning that special dish. But some of them are also known for beautifully colored flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to two of them – Mexican tarragon and pineapple sage. (Runtime: 1:23)
(Audio News 11/15/12) Along the midway at any typical fair you can find games, rides and various foods sold on a stick. But the State Fair of Louisiana offers something more – an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic at the State Fair in Shreveport links the food and fiber products used every day to the farmers, ranchers and foresters who help produce them. LSU AgCenter 4-H Regional Coordinator Karen Martin explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/19/12) Bulbs of paperwhite narcissus are available at garden centers. They are easy to grow this time of the year. You can force the bulbs in containers. The containers should be placed outside in a cool, sunny location until they began to bloom, then you can bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/19/12) Many people move houseplants outside for the summer. Now that it is getting cooler you may want to prepare your plants for a move back indoors. They are used to light outside, so you need to get them ready for lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/19/12) Leaves are valuable in the garden as a mulch or compost. To compost them, you can make a bin out of fencing material and wire and dump your leaves in it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/9/12) Many herbs are hardy and grow well during Louisiana's winters. Plant them in a sunny, well-drained area. Keep them handy to the kitchen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/19/12) November through February is the best time to plant hardy fruit trees. Choosing the right tree is critical. You need to plant a variety suited for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio News 11/14/12) Farmers are wrapping up Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest. The vegetable is especially popular this time of the year. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says despite some concerns late in the growing season, farmers brought in a good crop.
(Audio 11/12/12) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable. If you space your plants too close together, you won't get nice-sized florets. Also harvest the broccoli when the flower buds on the head are the size of a kitchen match. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/12/12) Amaryllis bulbs are available this time of the year. It is popular to grow them in containers for the holidays. They grown in landscapes in Louisiana, but you must wait until spring to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/12/12) Camellias are relatively easy to grow, providing wonderful flowers through the winter. One problem with camellias is the tea scale insect. It gets on the underside of leaves and can be controlled with a horticulture oils or a systemic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/12/12) Summer-flowering bulbs are going dormant this time of the year. This is a good time to trim them back. Mulch over their rhizomes to protect them from the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 11/12/12) Gardeners can plant ornamental vegetables that can be grown simply for how beautiful they are. Curley parsley, kale and Swiss chard are a few to consider. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 11/11/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the stately sweetbay magnolia, a Super Plant that thrives in Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:24)
(Audio 11/06/12) Cattle producers may benefit from including dry distillers grain, a byproduct of ethanol production, into their cows' diet. LSU AgCenter animal scientist Ryon Walker conducted research on feeding supplements and found fertility in mature cows increases with distillers grain when compared with a liquid supplement.
