Agriculture

2024 Get It Growing Calendar cover. Photo by Claudia Husseneder

2024 Get It Growing Calendar cover. Photo by Claudia Husseneder

Get It Growing calendar prepares gardeners for 2024

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 6, 2023
This 2024 LSU AgCenter Get It Growing calendar will again supply garden enthusiasts with lots of horticulture information, gardening tips and beautiful pictures.
This summer’s drought has been tough on plants such as these elephant ears and Louisiana irises. There is now concern about salt intrusion in the water supply.

This summer’s drought has been tough on plants such as these elephant ears and Louisiana irises. There is now concern about salt intrusion in the water supply.

Growing concerns: The salty struggle in the garden

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 6, 2023
Persistent drought conditions in Louisiana are raising concerns among homeowners and gardeners statewide. Along the coast, a troubling development is saltwater intrusion.

Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction accepting nominations

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is now accepting nominations for its annual induction ceremony, which will be held March 7 in Baton Rouge. The nomination form can be obtained online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.com or through any parish LSU AgCenter office.

Hidden danger of drought

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 29, 2023
The loss of fine feeder roots is a hidden danger of drought. Feeder roots grow out of the thick woody tree roots. While woody roots grow down into the soil, feeder roots grow up toward the soil surface. Their main job is to absorb water, minerals, and oxygen.
Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Taking care of our feathered friends

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 29, 2023
Gardeners are stewards of all things natural. When we garden and use environmentally friendly practices, we promote biodiversity, conserve resources and minimize harm to the Earth. We also can provide ecosystem services in our gardens. You may have read this term in my columns before.
Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Combat extreme temperatures with mulch

(not verified)
Friday, September 15, 2023
This summer’s extended period of extreme heat and drought has wreaked havoc on all plants great and small. One gardening practice that can make a considerable difference in combating extreme temperatures is mulching. Mulch can provide several benefits to plants.

Unveiling the mystery of garden soil pH

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 15, 2023
Ever wondered why some plants in the garden thrive while others struggle? The answer might be hidden beneath the surface – in the secret of soil pH. Think of soil pH as a scale that measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Cinnamon Girl distylium selected as Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2023

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 8, 2023
The LSU AgCenter is pleased to announce its 2023 fall Louisiana Super Plant selection: Cinnamon Girl distylium (Distylium ‘PIIDIST-V’). Distylium hybrids are relatively new to the plant nursery trade, making their debut in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Rice hulls: A hidden gem for thriving gardens

(not verified)
Friday, September 1, 2023
Whether tending to a backyard oasis or cultivating a collection of indoor plants, there is an insider tip that could revolutionize the gardening game. Enter rice hulls, the unsung heroes of the gardening world, quietly offering a host of benefits that can elevate home green space.
Wilted plants show signs of lacking the water necessary for healthy growth. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Wilted plants show signs of lacking the water necessary for healthy growth. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Dos and don’ts in the garden during droughts

(not verified)
Friday, September 1, 2023
It’s beginning to look like fall all around us as plants go into survival mode during this heat wave. Temperatures continue to soar, and the rain is nowhere to be found.