A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events.

(Audio 12/01/08) There is still time to plant cool-season flowers even though we are into early December. Plant violas, snapdragons and pansies now for great color in the winter and an outstanding spring display. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Recent freezes may have killed tomato plants, but if your plants are still surviving, here are a few tips to protect them in cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Christmas trees play an important part in celebrating the holiday season, and selecting the right kind of tree is a big part of the process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Poinsettias are the most commonly used plant in decorating for the holiday season. With proper selection and care, you can keep these plants looking attractive for as long as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/01/08) Gardening doesn't stop in the winter. The vegetable garden can be productive all year long in Louisiana. Gardeners have a number of vegetables they can plant in December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

The nation’s financial crisis is casting a shadow on Christmas. Unemployment rates are high, and budgets are tight. The financial uncertainty has many people cutting back this holiday season. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker recommends approaching spending this season the way one should every year – with a plan and a budget, even if that budget is smaller this year.

Repetitive flooding affects thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. In this publication and its companion videotape, a procedure to demonstrate a non-invasive method to flood proofing is explained as it was demonstrated by a Michigan contractor. Special attention is given to adapting the technology for use in Louisiana’s floodplains.

Audio segments featuring gardening advice and tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill.

Harvest has begun in Louisiana for one of our most popular crops – the sweet potato. Louisiana farmers produce about 5 million bushels a year. The total value to the Louisiana economy in 2007 was more than $110 million. Louisiana boasts the only sweet potato research station in the country – a 307-acre facility in Chase. The Sweet Potato Research Station will host a field day Aug. 14.

(Distributed 12/02/08) Views and visions on Louisiana forestry will be presented at the 2009 Ag Expo Forestry Forum sponsored by the LSU AgCenter in conjunction with the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council.

(Distributed 12/02/08) Agricultural producers from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi will have an opportunity to hear the latest in soybean research during the 2009 Tri-State Soybean Forum Jan. 9 at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center in Oak Grove, La.

(Distributed 12/02/08) C.J. Naquin of Baton Rouge, a retired Louisiana 4-H state program leader, was one of 17 people named to the 2008 National 4-H Hall of Fame. “This is the highest honor that can bestowed upon someone in 4-H,” said Dr. Paul Coreil, vice chancellor for the LSU AgCenter and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. “He dedicated his career to 4-H and was one of our most innovative leaders.”

Pointy and pretty, no flower quite has the petal power of poinsettias at the holidays. And the selection would be far fewer in Louisiana were it not for the LSU AgCenter. Although AgCenter horticulturists do not develop new varieties of poinsettias, they do evaluate the varieties that come on the market and test them for their suitability to grow here.

Holidays cause stress even under the best of circumstances. And many Louisiana families continue to have far from an ideal situation this Christmas season. Loss can trigger depression during the holidays. And many Louisiana families have experienced great loss because of the hurricanes, an illness or death in the family. Some have family members far away from home in Iraq or Afghanistan or have lost their jobs.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Donations from across the state are beginning to make their way to the St. Helena Parish High School where students are in makeshift classrooms following a Nov. 3 fire that destroyed their school.

(Distributed 12/01/08) The Louisiana 4-H Educational Awards Trip is one that 4-H members across the state look forward to. In addition to receiving awards, winners are treated to meals and tours in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

2009 recommendations. This information will help producers choose grain sorghum hybrids which have displayed good yield potential and agronomic performance. The LSU AgCenter conducts yearly grain sorghum hybrid yield tests at several locations in Louisiana. This is done to provide producers with unbiased information on hybrid performance under different soil types and climatic conditions.

Although Louisiana boasts 15,000 miles of shoreline and 40 percent of the nation’s wetlands, it loses an average of one acre of marsh lands every 20 minutes. To stem the relentless erosion of coastal wetlands, the LSU AgCenter has been applying proven scientific techniques for more than a decade to improve native marsh and coastal plants, conducting educational programs for Louisiana’s leaders of tomorrow and providing important information to the state’s public policy leaders.

Prescribed burning is the deliberate use of fire, under specified and controlled conditions, to accomplish one or more objectives of forest land management. All fires in a natural environment do some damage, and prescribed burns are no exception. It is a matter of accepting a risk of loss to obtain a desired gain. Properly planned and executed, prescribed burning can accomplish many objectives at reasonable cost and minimum risk. This publication explains how this can be done. (PDF Format Only)

This publication is intended to be a reminder of beef cattle management practices thought to be appropriate for each month of the year. If referred to frequently each month, it could also be considered a workbook for beef cattle management.

(For Release On Or After 12/26/08) I recently received a copy of a book called The Garden in Winter. Imagining what I would see inside, I opened the book and the pictures were just what I had expected. The pages were filled with snowy scenes.

(For Release On Or After 12/19/08) Among my favorite dishes for breakfast is a stack of hot, buttered pancakes drowning in maple syrup. Although we can’t grow the sugar maples that produce that delicious syrup here in Louisiana, a wonderful selection of maples can be used as shade trees and ornamentals in our landscapes

(For Release On Or After 12/12/08) Now is an excellent time to evaluate your landscape for any pruning that needs to be done, since many plants can be pruned now through February.

(For Release On Or After 12/5/08) Of the many kinds of plants we use to decorate our homes for the holidays, the holiday cactuses possess a special beauty. And yes, despite the fact that these plants don’t possess spines, they are true cactuses.

The success of a sugarcane farming operation depends on the ability to produce good stands of plant cane and maintain suitable stands for stubble crops. This publication provides information to help growers make management decisions about planting practices that should result in excellent plant cane stands. (PDF Format Only)

(Distributed 11/26/08) Many of us think about planting shrubs in the spring, but fall is the best time to plant shrubs in Louisiana. There are advantages to planting woody ornamentals, such as trees and shrubs, at this time.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Physical activity is important year-round but can be especially helpful during the holidays when you may be eating more than usual. It is a good way to burn calories and help you feel less guilty about enjoying holiday favorites, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 each year is the open enrollment period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans. Because these drug plans can change from one year to the next, it is important for seniors to comparison-shop annually for the best deal and the best coverage for their own personal prescription needs, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 11/26/08) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brandon Guillory, Calcasieu Parish 4-H’er, took first place in the National 4-H Chicken Barbecue Demonstration contest held here Nov. 19-20.

(Radio News 12/01/08) Trees were one casualty of the hurricanes that hit Louisiana this year. Thousands of trees in the storms’ paths were snapped, twisted or uprooted. Christmas tree farms in those paths weren't spared either, says LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/01/08) Choose-and-cut tree farms offer the freshest trees, according to the experts, and LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed has some advice for people picking out a Christmas tree. He says determining what size tree you need before you buy is a key consideration. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/01/08) Certain varieties of Christmas trees can be grown in Louisiana. For homeowners interested in growing their own holiday trees, a good place to start is a local nursery or a Christmas tree farm, says LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/01/08) Louisiana sugar mills are up and running, and harvesters are making their way through sugarcane fields. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike toppled some sugarcane fields, but recent weather has cooperated with the harvest, according to LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/01/08) Deer tagging regulations are in effect for the 2008-2009 hunting season. LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Dr. Don Reed says tagging was voluntary last year, but this year the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is enforcing the rule. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 12/01/08) Among the many trees that blew over in this year’s hurricanes were many on Louisiana Christmas tree farms. In this segment, LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with an AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist who also owns a small Christmas tree farm. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 11/24/08) Louisiana sugarcane mills are up and running, and harvesters are making their way through sugarcane fields. Planting for next year’s crop was slow, and the harvest started late. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 12/01/08) It’s not actually a camellia, but the sasanqua looks like one, and it’s in the same family. Unlike the camellia, the plant featured on this edition of Get it Growing blooms in fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this camellia look-alike grows great as a shrub or a small tree. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 11/24/08) If you’re looking for a small tree that has beautiful color, you might be pleased with the Japanese maple. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horiculturist Dan Gill explains why Japanese maples grow well in Louisiana and how fall is the right time to plant them. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

Scurf is a common disease of sweet potatoes. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. Use this fact sheet to help you identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only)

It would be hard to find a flower more universally loved than the rose. Over humanity’s long history with this plant, the rose has found its way into our gardens, cuisine, medicine, art and cultures. It is easier than ever to find undemanding, reliable roses that will enhance your landscape. This publication will help you decide what types of roses to grow, as well as explaining how to plant and take care of them. (revised 4/07)

(Distributed 11/25/08) Although Christmas trees were among the thousands of trees damaged during the hurricanes that hit Louisiana this year, this shouldn’t affect the current holiday season, according to Don Reed, LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist.

(Distributed 11/24/08) Carol Lammi-Keefe, professor in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Human Ecology, is the lead editor of a new book published in 2008 – Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

A TMDL is a pollution budget for a specific waterbody (river, lake, stream, etc.). It is the maximum amount of a pollutant that can be released into a waterbody without causing the waterbody to become impaired and/or violate state water quality standards. Information on point and nonpoint sources and the history of TMDLs are included.

2009 recommendations. Decisions about rice varieties are some of the earliest and most critical you will make. This information will help you decide which rice varieties are best suited to your particular growing conditions.

Interest in commercial sod production has risen because of increased demand for an instant turf by many building contractors and their customers. This publication discusses basic cultural practices and equipment required to produce quality sod. (PDF Only - Rev 04/08)

A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included.

The best management practices that apply most directly to the beef industry are in this publication. A brief description, purpose and conditions to which the practice applies are given for each of the BMPs listed. (PDF Format Only)

(Audio 11/24/08) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in your landscapes. If you plant them now, the heat of summer won't threaten the young tress. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) When considering how to fertilize plants this time of year, the best option really is not to fertilize at all. Just about everything in your landscape is going dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) Many of us like to use container plants outside during the summer. But when the weather turns cold, these plants need to be brought indoors. Just remember that you may need to let them adjust to lower light conditions before making the move. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) To many people, falling leaves are a nuisance. These leaves, however, can be useful if we recycle them into compost or mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) A wide variety of herbs are hardy and can be planted this time of year. There are even some herbs that really grow well in Louisiana during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

You can fry it or roast it. Just don’t let that turkey or other foods served at the holidays spoil, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Learn ways to keep food safe and how to avoid overindulging.

(Distributed 11/21/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar can be a great holiday gift for gardeners and others. The 2009 edition of the calendar is on sale now and provides a variety of helpful information tailored to Louisiana gardeners, as well as those who simply enjoy photos of beautiful gardens and plants.

The LSU AgCenter's "LaHouse" is designed to stand up to hurricane-force winds, swarming insects and harmful humidity. This family-type home is designed to showcase innovations in home construction for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate.

Louisiana Agriculture magazine fall 2008.pdf

(Distributed 11/21/08) The holidays abound with tasty treats such as eggnog, cream pies and other dishes containing eggs. Eating raw or undercooked eggs is a risk for foodborne illness, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Pets are an important part of many American families. During a recession or downturn in the economy, however, when millions have lost their jobs, businesses are failing or cutting back, record numbers of homes are in foreclosure and credit card debt is at an all time high, families are desperate to cut expenses.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Families can keep holiday traditions without tipping the scale by following a few tips from Vicky Chesser, LSU AgCenter registered dietitian.

(Radio News 11/24/08) Louisiana growers planted a large wheat crop last year -- with the state's acreage totaling around 400,000. Record-high prices had many flocking to plant wheat. Planting has started for the 2009 crop, but LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says acreage this year will be significantly lower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike disrupted Louisiana's sugarcane planting season. Planting typically wraps up in mid-October, but some farmers were still planting in early November. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says it was a more expensive planting season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) No one variety dominates Louisiana's sugarcane landscape. For a long time the state's growers planted the majority of their acreage in the variety called LCP 85-384, but now growers are turning to newer varieties and planting a mix of different ones, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) Some sugarcane growers burn their cane to reduce the amount of leafy material that gets harvested and delivered with the cane to the mills. Burning helps reduce the costs of harvest, but LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says it is becoming less common because of problems that can occur.

Information on stress and parenting, feeling good about yourself, taking control and taking care of yourself.

(Radio News 11/19/08) East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H is sponsoring Bike Quest – a bike rally for all youth. LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Beverly Bailey says the event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 29 at Nelson Memorial on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/20/08) A workshop demonstrating safe lead and mold control in household renovations will be held Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the LaHouse resource center on the LSU AgCenter campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes.

(Distributed 11/20/08) LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter’s showcase demonstration home, is now open for visitors interested in seeing the latest innovations in home design specifically for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate. Hours of operation for LaHouse are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 11/19/08) More than 70 researchers and others involved in addressing Louisiana’s coastal wetland disappearance met recently for an update on wetland plant research and restoration efforts.

This presentation outlines the AgCenter's response to Hurricane Katrina. The strategic plan illustrates how the AgCenter will address the needs of the Louisiana storm victims through volunteers, education and outreach.

(Distributed 11/18/08)The LSU AgCenter’s 2008 Poinsettia Open House is set for Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge. This event, which is being held for the 14th time, provides poinsettia growers and the public with an opportunity to view some of the latest poinsettia varieties.

(Distributed 11/19/08) Farmers are planting the 2009 wheat crop, which will be on significantly fewer acres than the 2008 wheat crop, according to LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell. In 2008, because of record high prices, farmers planted around 400,000 acres.

An LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center Community Nutrition Programs newsletter.

A monthly fisheries newsletter from the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.

(Audio 11/17/08) The best time to plant fruit and nut trees is from November until February. Most of these trees need full sun and plenty of room to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable for your garden. It's a little late to plant broccoli now, but if you planted it earlier, you may be wondering when you should harvest this vegetable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) You will begin to notice amarylis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around this time of year. The process that growers use to ship amarylis makes them grow and bloom during winter, so you must plant them in a container the first year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom during the summer months. Often these plants go dormant during this time of year and become unattractive, so it's the time to trim their foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Cool weather has arrived, and now is the perfect time to add cool-season bedding plants to the flower beds in your landscape. These plants will continue to bloom for you into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite a year of hurricanes and insect problems, Louisiana citrus growers are having a very good crop year, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, the private-sector, nonprofit partner of America's largest youth organization, visited Louisiana Nov. 13-14.

The purpose of this publication is to document what is deemed as accepted and approved planting, management and harvest procedures for a variety of species planted in Louisiana for wildlife management purposes by LSU AgCenter personnel. In all cases, the greatest possible window of opportunity has been provided as to planting dates, planting practices and other management activities as they relate to overall management.

(Distributed 11/17/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station hosted a joint meeting of the Louisiana House and Senate agriculture committees Nov. 12 for legislators to learn the basics of the rice industry.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite pouring rain, more than 100 dairy producers and other industry representatives turned out for a dairy field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station at Franklinton Nov. 12.

(Video 11/10/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visited the massive Windmill Nursery in Franklinton, La. Windmill is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Windmill’s general manager recommends some quality plants for the fall growing season. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) Small insects can invade our pantries -- particularly this time of the year when many people buy and store extra items such as cake mixes, flour and other foods for holiday parties. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says to be careful of what you buy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) Diabetes is a serious problem in Louisiana -- although in many cases it can be prevented or delayed. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says complications from the disease can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and amputations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) The turkey usually is the healthiest part of most Thanksgiving meals. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, even a fried turkey can be a healthy option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) No matter if you brine or baste, roast or fry, LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says the one important point when cooking a turkey is to use a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked thoroughly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) The turkey is the star on Thanksgiving tables. Most people buy their birds frozen, so to get it ready for the big day, it must be thawed properly. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames provides those details and more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) Louisiana's mild winter allows us to grow a wide variety of delicious vegetables in our home vegetable gardens. Vegetable gardeners who typically plant only in spring and summer should try growing winter vegetables, as well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/17/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recently visited Bracy’s Nursery in Amite, La. Bracy’s is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Dan talks with employees at Bracy’s about how they produce quality plants in large volume. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 11/17/08) Most of today’s 4-H’ers were born in the 1990s, and may know very little about the 4-H’ers who preceded them. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the 4-H Express, an interactive exhibit designed to educate youngsters about 4-H’s past, present and future. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Distributed 11/13/08) Not so long ago, nursery and landscape professionals, along with the vast majority of home gardeners, were not fully aware of the multiseason blooming potential of many azalea varieties.

(Distributed 11/13/08) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items cost more this year but remain affordable, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.