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(Video 02/26/07) It may seem odd to talk about palms in late winter or early spring, but windmill palms can teach a lesson about growing conditions. Palms planted at the same time in the same general area may grow differently depending on how well the soil drains. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Fertilizer does not go bad if stored properly. Most of the fertilizers we use will absorb moisture out of the air, which makes them difficult to use. For best results, store fertilizer in a sealed plastic bag or sealed plastic container.(Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) One of the critical parts to successfully growing plants is providing them with the light they need. There are a variety of terms used to describe the type of light a plant prefers. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what "full sun" means. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) It's too late to plant spring-flowering bulbs, but you may have questions about what is happening to these plants this time of the year. One of those questions may be whether late freezes will damage these plants. Generally, the foliage of these plants is very hardy, so any freezes we may get will not damage it. But flower buds can be damaged by extreme cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Organic matter is very valuable in the home garden. When it comes to gardening, organic matter means plant parts such as leaves, sawdust or wood chips and animal manures. This can be made into compost and incorporated into garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Organic matter is very valuable in the home garden. When it comes to gardening, organic matter means plant parts such as leaves, sawdust or wood chips and animal manures. This can be made into compost and incorporated into garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/26/07) Most of the hardy perennials growing in landscapes can be cut back and divided this time of the year. Cutting back perennials removes dead growth. But this needs to be done before they put on spring growth. This also is a good time to transplant perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 02/19/07) Sago palms are popular plants to use in landscapes around Louisiana. They are not true palms, but are cycads. They are closely related to pine trees and other conifers. One of the common problems with these sagos is a scale insect called the cycad scale. (Runtime: 1 minute, 26 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Now is the time to clip back ground covers – before new growth appears. This helps remove old growth and rejuvenate the plants. It also controls their growth. Finish up this task by the end of February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Bed preparation is an important task before planting. It involves turning the soil, adding amendments and tilling the soil. You can do this in late winter to prepare for spring planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Sometimes it may be necessary to relocate a shrub or a tree. This is a great time of the year to transplant trees or shurbs. Just be sure to prepare the hole in the new location before you dig up the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Many landscapes include small decorative ponds or aquatic features. This is a great time to clean ponds, because the foliage and fish in them are not very active. Choose a mild day to get this done. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/19/07) Planting a tree is not a difficult task, but it should be done right to ensure a good start for the tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says to start by measuring the root ball of the tree. Then dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) The typical garden hydrangea has a very unique aspect – the color of the flowers is influenced by the pH of the soil. Depending on the soil type, gardeners can manipulate the colors of their hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to their soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) There is a nice selection of warm-season colorful plants for shady areas, but when it comes to color during the cool season, most of the bedding plants prefer sunnier areas. There are a few plants that might work in shady spots, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) Not many plants are sold "bare root" any more, but roses still are commonly grown that way. It is critical to get bare-root roses planted early – by the end of February, at the latest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) Hardy fruit trees should be fertilized during the month of February. This encourages good vigor and improves their production. If you are not sure how to fertilize your trees, you can get recommendations by having your soil tested through your LSU AgCenter extension office. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 02/12/07) The weeping yaupon holly is a form of the native yaupon holly. It has cascading branches that gracefully grow downward. It also produces wonderful bright red translucent berries in the winter that serve as good bird food. (Runtime: 1 minute, 24 seconds)
(Audio 02/12/07) February is the month to fertilize trees in your landscape. Young trees benefit the most from fertilization. This encourages them to grow faster in those first few years. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains different ways to fertilize trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 02/05/07) Despite our chilly Louisiana winters and even the hard freezes we could have this time of year, cool-season weeds continue to grow in our lawns. There are a variety of weeds that you may find in your lawns this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Rose bushes are popular in Louisiana landscapes, and now is the time to prune roses. This is particularly important for hybrid teas and grandiflora roses because of the way they grow. Other roses should be pruned to remove dead growth or to shape them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of tropical plants in their landscapes. During the winter, these tropical plants are damaged by cold weather. Whether you should prune these damaged plants now or later depends on what type of tropical plants they are. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Spider mites are tiny pests that can attack and damage plants. Infestations tend to be worse on houseplants, since there are no natural predators for the insects indoors. If you have a problem, you may notice pale foliage and tiny spider mites on the under side of the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Swiss chard is an outstanding leafy vegetable that is easy to grow. It tastes a little like spinach when it is cooked, but it is related to beets. You can direct-seed it into your garden right now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners can continue to plant vegetables in their vegetable gardens during February. You can direct-seed root crops in your garden this time of the year. Cole crops also can be planted now, as well as some leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
