Agriculture

Discover the power of bare root planting

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 24, 2025
Bare root plants offer a compelling alternative garden plant source. Bare root perennials and shrubs come from established plants that are dug up after they have entered their period of dormancy, stored without soil and shipped when the plant is ready to be planted in the ground.
When planting a tree, dig the hole twice as wide as the diameter of the container and only as deep as the height of the container.

When planting a tree, dig the hole twice as wide as the diameter of the container and only as deep as the height of the container.

Arbor Day is upon us. Plant a tree and make a difference.

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 24, 2025
If you’ve ever looked up the date for Arbor Day, you may have run into some conflicting information. Nationally, this holiday celebrating the importance of trees is observed on the last Friday of April. But in Louisiana, we have our own Arbor Day: the third Friday of January, which this year is Jan.
Many tropical plants, such as these ornamental bananas, are root hardy. While they won’t look nice after a freeze, they’ll begin growing back in the spring. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Many tropical plants, such as these ornamental bananas, are root hardy. While they won’t look nice after a freeze, they’ll begin growing back in the spring. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Be patient when it comes to dealing with freeze-damaged plants

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 24, 2025
The snow has come and gone — and so has the excitement that came with such a meteorological rarity in Louisiana. Now, some gardeners are looking outside at a far less enjoyable sight: plants that turned gray, brown and perhaps even mushy in this week’s frigid temperatures.
The flowers of many camellia japonica cultivars feature stripes, which are caused by genetic variations. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

The flowers of many camellia japonica cultivars feature stripes, which are caused by genetic variations. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Long lived and easy to care for, camellia japonicas offer rare winter color in shade

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 17, 2025
From the LSU AgCenter Trying to find plants that bloom profusely in the shade during the dreary wintertime can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your options are few and far between: Most flowers need lots of sunlight, and many plants simply do not bloom in the colder months.
Rice acres are expected to stay about the same in 2025. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Rice acres are expected to stay about the same in 2025. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Depressed commodity prices likely to keep farm margins tight

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
As farmers begin making plans for the upcoming growing season, many are bracing for the likelihood of another year marked by tight margins. “Production costs for 2025 are estimated to decrease for the second consecutive year, which is good news,” said LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto.
Pawpaw fruit is large, with a unique flavor that reminds some of mango and banana. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Pawpaw fruit is large, with a unique flavor that reminds some of mango and banana. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Pawpaws: An uncommon yet valuable addition to the Louisiana landscape

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Increasing the use of native plants, growing your own food and supporting butterflies are all admirable goals. You can accomplish all three by planting pawpaw trees.
Snake plant, syngonium ivy and pothos ivy are commonly grown as houseplants. (Photos by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Snake plant, syngonium ivy and pothos ivy are commonly grown as houseplants. (Photos by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Help! I kill every indoor plant I touch

(not verified)
Friday, January 3, 2025
Do you have a black thumb? What’s that — you’ve never heard of a black thumb? It’s the opposite of having a green thumb. Perhaps you can relate to this scenario: You buy a plant that is promoted as low maintenance or beginner friendly — something like pothos ivy or snake plant.
Old blankets cover tender shrubs during a freeze. Notice the pieces of wood holding the cover down at the ground. These ensure the cover doesn’t move, sealing in warmth. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Old blankets cover tender shrubs during a freeze. Notice the pieces of wood holding the cover down at the ground. These ensure the cover doesn’t move, sealing in warmth. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Here’s how to protect your plants ahead of forecasted freezes

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 3, 2025
Temperatures in Louisiana are predicted to dip below freezing this week. If you’re worried about your plants, there are a few things you can do to help keep them safe from the cold.

Aspirin, a superpower for plants

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 27, 2024
Aspirin, a well-known pain reliever for humans, has interesting effects on plants. Gardeners have discovered that salicylic acid in aspirin helps plants boost their immune system and promotes growth.
LSU AgCenter horticulturist Ed Bush holds a tree branch with mistletoe growing from it. Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter

LSU AgCenter horticulturist Ed Bush holds a tree branch with mistletoe growing from it. Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter

Mistletoe brings kisses for some, headaches for others

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, December 27, 2024
Say the word mistletoe, and many of us think of the holiday tradition of receiving a kiss underneath a cluster of green leaves. But if you mention mistletoe to a horticulturist, you might get a different response. That’s because mistletoe isn’t exactly all fun and games.