Agriculture

Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

From drought to frost: A gardener’s guide for changing climates

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 29, 2023
As we approach the year’s end, take a moment to think about the past gardening season. Louisiana gardeners experienced challenges from late spring freezes to a severe summer drought and scorching heat.
Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

3 decades later, Mark Shirley still finds joy in teaching 4-H’ers about La. marshes

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 29, 2023
By Olivia McClure omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu GUEYDAN — In the late 1980s, a group of 4-H Junior Leaders in Vermilion Parish was itching to do something fun for a summer club activity.
Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

Amaryllis present stunning blooms

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 22, 2023
Each year, the National Garden Bureau designates a specific plant to celebrate each year. The goal is to promote awareness, education and appreciation for that particular plant — and this year, one of the selections is amaryllis.
Keep wildlife and ecosystem services in mind when selecting plants. (Photo provided by Norman Winter)

Keep wildlife and ecosystem services in mind when selecting plants. (Photo provided by Norman Winter)

Cool season planting guide

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 8, 2023
December — and winter in general — in Louisiana is a fine time to plant in the landscape. Now is the time to add trees, shrubs and cool-season annual and perennial bedding plants. The key is to know what to plant, where to plant and what the intended use of the space is.
By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter horticulturist In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest version of the Hardiness Zone Map. This mapping system categorizes geographic regions according to their average annual minimum winter temperatures. The map helps by assisting gardeners, horticulturists and landscaping experts in choosing plants suited to specific climates. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has a history dating back several decades, and it has undergone multiple revisions

By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter horticulturist In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest version of the Hardiness Zone Map. This mapping system categorizes geographic regions according to their average annual minimum winter temperatures. The map helps by assisting gardeners, horticulturists and landscaping experts in choosing plants suited to specific climates. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has a history dating back several decades, and it has undergone multiple revisions

Climate check: The updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 1, 2023
In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest version of the Hardiness Zone Map. This mapping system categorizes geographic regions according to their average annual minimum winter temperatures.
Kathryn “Kiki” Fontenot will assume the role of director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region in January. Among other new programs, she plans to test a pilot program for a floral design course. (Photo by Kyle Peveto/LSU AgCenter)

Kathryn “Kiki” Fontenot will assume the role of director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region in January. Among other new programs, she plans to test a pilot program for a floral design course. (Photo by Kyle Peveto/LSU AgCenter)

AgCenter horticulturist Kathryn Fontenot named next Southwest Region director

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 1, 2023
Kathryn “Kiki” Fontenot, an LSU AgCenter horticulturist who has educated students and Louisiana vegetable growers for more than a decade, will become director of the AgCenter Southwest Region in January.
Young pine trees sport dead, brown needles and charred bark in a forest along Lonzie Doyle Road near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5, 2023. This forest burned in the Highway 113 Fire, which damaged about 8,000 acres. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Young pine trees sport dead, brown needles and charred bark in a forest along Lonzie Doyle Road near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5, 2023. This forest burned in the Highway 113 Fire, which damaged about 8,000 acres. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Drought, excessive heat cost $1.69B to La. Ag, forestry

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 1, 2023
Louisiana agriculture and forestry suffered $1.69 billion in damage due to this summer’s drought and excessive heat, according to preliminary estimates by LSU AgCenter experts.
Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees grow in the LSU AgCenter Lee Memorial Forest near Bogalusa. (Photo by Joe Nehlig/LSU AgCenter)

Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees grow in the LSU AgCenter Lee Memorial Forest near Bogalusa. (Photo by Joe Nehlig/LSU AgCenter)

Yes, Louisiana, there will be Christmas trees

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Consumers have been concerned about the availability of Christmas trees this year, but LSU AgCenter professionals say you should have no fear.

Take them out of the kitchen and create a fragrant paradise

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Herbs are usually for cooking and often overlooked as houseplants. Choosing herbs as houseplants gives you unusual and beautiful foliage plus adding subtle natural scents to a home. Say goodbye to overpowering artificial fragrances!
Root shaving or pruning can be done with hand saws and hand pruners prior to planting. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Root shaving or pruning can be done with hand saws and hand pruners prior to planting. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Root techniques for tree success

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Land-grant universities, including Louisiana State University, are committed to advancing agriculture in America through research and innovative growing and farming methods. Another part of our mission is disseminating research information to the public.