Choosing the Right Plants (Seeds and Crop Choices)

Choosing the Best Cherry Tomato

Louisiana Super Plants: Porterweed

Sustainable Gardening Page

Home Garden Series: Transplants

Growing a plant that “likes” Louisiana’s conditions is also very important. Just because a seed will sprout does not mean that it will thrive in the frequently extreme conditions that Louisiana presents to our garden plants. Choosing plants that are better suited to these often-harsher, subtropical conditions is key to growing plants successfully. Asking your local extension agent or even a neighbor or friend who has been successful at gardening to give you some advice on what plants or garden crops might be the better choices could be worth your while. Don’t forget, plants that are weak or that are struggling to survive are more susceptible to becoming infested with pest organisms. So, be sure to choose plants and vegetables that do well in the conditions that they will face in your garden.

Try to choose plant types that can fend for themselves!

• Plants that like Louisiana’s soil and conditions always resist pests better.
• If you are just starting this adventure called ‘gardening’, pick plants that are easier to grow.
• Pick plants that can thrive in the sunlight and moisture conditions that’s in your garden.
• And pick plants that resist the pests that are common in Louisiana gardens!
• Choose vegetables that can add to your weekly nutrition and that you and others can enjoy.
• Consider growing some flowers for the pollinators.

A few resources in this section (Choosing the Right Plants (Seeds and Crop Choices):

• ·The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing video: “Choose the Best Cherry Tomato Plants” This video showcases several cherry tomato plant varieties that do well in Louisiana. These plants can be grown in hanging baskets and taste amazing! Check them out!
• The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing article, “Porterweed Named a Louisiana Super Plant” This article shows a beautiful, hearty native flower that is great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. This plant handles Louisiana conditions quite well and comes in several color variations. It is definitely a great choice for any gardener.
• The LSU AgCenter’s Sustainable Gardening Webpage This page contains articles for at least 20 popular garden fruits and vegetables, including herbs to make your cooking taste even better!
• The LSU AgCenter’s Home Garden Series: Transplanting This publication details the correct way to grow vegetable transplants. You’ll get information on choosing containers and media, planting depth, and timing. You’ll also learn what the phrase “hardening off” means.