Agriculture

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Help your potted plants breathe

From the Eunice Bulb And Blossom Club
Friday, August 4, 2023
Plants do not breathe like humans do, but they still need oxygen. Photosynthesis is a process that turns carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugar, while plant respiration is a process that turns oxygen and sugar into energy.
Chrysanthemum means “gold blossom” in Greek. These flowers are a symbol of fall. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Chrysanthemum means “gold blossom” in Greek. These flowers are a symbol of fall. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Ready for cooler temperatures? You can start planning your fall garden now

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, August 4, 2023
By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter horticulturist We’ve had a brutally hot summer here in Louisiana this year. It’s enough to make me daydream about fall — crisp temperatures, colorful leaves and the many plant possibilities the season brings in the garden.
Emmerson Lyons, LSU AgCenter 4-H intern in St. Landry Parish is supervising Kid Chef Camp participants, Natalie Arceneaux, left, and Sophia Benoit, right, practicing their knife skills by cutting vegetables. (Photo by Lisa Benoit/LSU AgCenter)

Emmerson Lyons, LSU AgCenter 4-H intern in St. Landry Parish is supervising Kid Chef Camp participants, Natalie Arceneaux, left, and Sophia Benoit, right, practicing their knife skills by cutting vegetables. (Photo by Lisa Benoit/LSU AgCenter)

Internship provides hands-on Cooperative Extension work experience

Johnny Morgan / jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Preparing young people for careers in agriculture is the goal of the new LSU AgCenter internship program.
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain speaks to members of the Crowley Lions Club recently about the importance of agriculture in Acadia Parish, across the state and around the world. (Photo by Steve Bandy, The Post-Signal)

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain speaks to members of the Crowley Lions Club recently about the importance of agriculture in Acadia Parish, across the state and around the world. (Photo by Steve Bandy, The Post-Signal)

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Talking agriculture

Myra Miller
Friday, July 28, 2023
By Steve Bandy Managing Editor Post Signal CROWLEY – “Now, more than ever people depend on farmers.” That’s how Louisiana Commisioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain opened his address at a recent meeting of the Crowley Lions Club.
Suncredible Saturn sunflower is a 2023 Louisiana Super Plant selection for warm-season color. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Suncredible Saturn sunflower is a 2023 Louisiana Super Plant selection for warm-season color. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Suncredible Saturn sunflower named summer 2023 Louisiana Super Plant

Myra Miller
Friday, July 28, 2023
By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Admired for its striking appearance, impressive size and dogged resilience, the Suncredible sunflower (Helianthus hybrid) is a cultivar that has captured the hearts of gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

Companion planting – More than ‘Just Friends’

From the Eunice Bulb And Blossom Club
Friday, July 21, 2023
Companion planting involves growing plants together for specific benefits. Benefits involve attracting good bugs to manage the bad bugs, enhance plant growth and vegetable production, increase flavor of certain vegetables, attract beneficial pollinators and prevent disease.
Water your plants deeply and early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, allowing the roots to absorb moisture effectively. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Water your plants deeply and early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, allowing the roots to absorb moisture effectively. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Stay cool, stay green and beat the heat with these tips

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, July 14, 2023
As the scorching summer sun takes center stage, it’s not just us that feel the heat. Our leafy friends also need some extra TLC during these sweltering months. High temperatures, intense sunlight and dry conditions can take a toll on their health and vitality.
Changyoon Jeong, LSU AgCenter water quality specialist. (LSU AgCenter photo)

Changyoon Jeong, LSU AgCenter water quality specialist. (LSU AgCenter photo)

AgCenter scientist receives grant to study climate-smart strategies 

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
By Johnny Morgan jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu  BOSSIER CITY — Identifying climate-smart strategies for water management is the goal of a three-year rice production study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Grow a medicinal herb garden

From the Eunice Bulb & Blossom Garden Club
Friday, July 7, 2023
Many herbs have medicinal properties and are very safe when used in food. Basil helps with loss of appetite, head colds, intestinal gas, fluid retention and blood circulation. Thyme is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.