Agriculture

Termites can become a problem in raised beds that are filled with pieces of wood. Photo by Aaron Ashbrook/LSU AgCenter

Termites can become a problem in raised beds that are filled with pieces of wood. Photo by Aaron Ashbrook/LSU AgCenter

Termites aren’t just a threat to structures

Myra Miller
Friday, May 30, 2025
LSU AgCenter Get It Growing Termites aren’t just a threat to structures. They can cause trouble in the garden, too. Growing vegetables, herbs and other plants in raised beds holds a lot of appeal. Raised beds give gardeners more control over soil quality and drainage.
Gaura has dense foliage at its base and tall, delicate stems that bear small flowers. Steffi Dark Rose gaura features pink flowers on shorter plants.

Gaura has dense foliage at its base and tall, delicate stems that bear small flowers. Steffi Dark Rose gaura features pink flowers on shorter plants.

Gaura is a superstar in pollinator gardens

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, May 16, 2025
Lots of people want to plant gardens that attract and nurture bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Fortunately, many plants that are pollinator magnets also provide beauty and interest. Even better?
Foliage plants such as coleus can add color and texture to the garden.

Foliage plants such as coleus can add color and texture to the garden.

Here’s how to simplify spring plant shopping

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, May 9, 2025
It’s spring, and everyone seems to have the gardening itch. If you head to your local garden center right now, you’re likely to find the place stuffed to the gills with warm-season plants and bustling with customers. Shopping for plants this time of year can be exciting.

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

From The LSU AgCenter
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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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

From The LSU AgCenter
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

From The LSU AgCenter
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

From the Eunice Bulb & Blossom Garden Club
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

From The LSU AgCenter
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.