Agriculture

Homemade garden soil health tests

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 2, 2025
From Bulb and Blossom Garden Club There are several tests that will tell you a lot about the health and condition of your garden soil. The first test measures how fast water absorbs into the soil. Watering methods should be consistent with the soils ability to absorb.
Caladiums are useful for adding a splash of color to shady locations. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Caladiums are useful for adding a splash of color to shady locations. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Don’t feel limited by shade in the garden

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, May 2, 2025
If you have a lot of shade in your garden, you might feel a bit left out as a gardener. While others have a wide array of vibrantly hued, sun-loving plants to choose from, you’re left with a much shorter list of options that can feel limiting.

Edit your flower garden by dividing perenanials

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, April 17, 2025
From the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club Dividing perennials is the first step in editing a garden. As with any creation, editing is when the good stuff happens. Look at your garden with a critical eye and note the color palate and variety of texture. Determine what needs to be moved or even removed.
Eric DeBoer, an assistant professor of turfgrass management with the LSU AgCenter, demonstrates using a spreader to apply fertilizer. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Eric DeBoer, an assistant professor of turfgrass management with the LSU AgCenter, demonstrates using a spreader to apply fertilizer. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

As turfgrasses wake up, tackle weeds and fertilize now

Harlan Kirgan
Thursday, April 17, 2025
By now, you’ve probably had to crank up the lawnmower and give your lawn its first cut in a while. Turfgrasses are emerging from their winter dormancy, turning green and growing once again — and so are warm-season weeds.
Using aeration devices in water features can help deter mosquito breeding. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Using aeration devices in water features can help deter mosquito breeding. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Got mosquitoes? Get rid of standing water

(not verified)
Friday, April 11, 2025
After some of our recent rains, you may have noticed areas of your lawn holding water. Or perhaps you have some buckets, pots, plastic tarps or other items sitting around that filled up with rainwater.

Let your personality shine with hanging baskets

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, April 4, 2025
Designing a hanging basket can be as simple as choosing a single type of plant, as complex as an array of foliage, texture, and color, or anything in between. Hanging baskets add color and charm to outdoor spaces and are easy to maintain.
A bee visits an azalea bloom. Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

A bee visits an azalea bloom. Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Azaleas, a staple of Southern gardens, named 2025 Louisiana Super Plant

(not verified)
Friday, April 4, 2025
Every year, LSU AgCenter horticulturists select four plants to add to the Louisiana Super Plant program. Plants don’t come by this designation easily. They must prove they can be beautiful and tough in the face of Louisiana’s challenging growing conditions.

Tips to get your crepe myrtle into shape

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
From the Bulb and Blossom Garden Club Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth, so pruning should be done before new growth starts in February or March. Due to the recent heavy freeze Eunice experienced; it would be a good idea to see if the plant is still alive.
LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook observes an ant mound at the AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge.

LSU AgCenter entomologist Aaron Ashbrook observes an ant mound at the AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge.

Two-step your way to getting fire ants under control

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
Spring is near in Louisiana. The birds are singing, and flowers are beginning to blossom in our landscapes. It’s a great time to be outdoors. Watch your step, though, or you might become a victim of another sign of the changing seasons: fire ants. As temperatures warm, fire ants become more active.
Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Yes, there is an issue with rice tariffs

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
The Rotary Club guest speaker Wednesday brings a lifetime of experience and achievement in the field of rice and soybean production. Jackie Loewer farms over 3,000 acres of rice, soybeans and crawfish with his brother Jim, and his nephews, Micah and Clint.