Master Gardener

History The Louisiana Master Gardener™ program was started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1994 as a means of extending the educational outreach of the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. more...

Commercial Horticulture

Louisiana Greenhouse Vegetables in 2007 2007 farm value of greenhouse vegetables in Louisiana. Adjusting Rotary Cutters Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. This can cause premature wear, poor quality of cut, and an excessive power requirement. Adjusting Mid-Mount Tractor Mowers Mid-mount mowers for lawn, garden, and compact tractors typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping. Adjusting Finishing Mowers Finish (or grooming) mowers typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping. Leaf Blowers – Good or Bad? In many neighborhoods, the roar of lawnmowers has been joined by the howl of leaf blowers. "The primary complaint with leaf blowers is noise," says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station. Sources for Bed Shapers and Light Trenchers This article contains links to sources for landscape bed shapers and light trenchers for landscape us. It does not constitute a recommendation of any of the companies or products. more...

Home Gardening

Success with Summer Tomatoes Louisiana summers are a tough time for tomatoes to set and hold fruit. The heat causes irregular flower growth in most cultivars, and the result is poor fruit set, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Prepare landscape for summer storms (Distributed 05/27/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says your lawn and landscape should be one area you pay close attention to while deciding whether you’re prepared if a storm comes your way this summer. “June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions,” Gill says. Mow Like a Pro Varying your mowing pattern can cause you to spend a little more time mowing, but the result will be a greatly improved appearance in your turfgrass. Make Wise Tree Removal Decisions before a Hurricane This article reviews recent research on urban and community trees and their ability to stand up to hurricane strength winds. Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide Use this guide to plant a successful vegetable garden. The information has been developed after considerable research and practical experience. Plan Color Scheme for Your Cool-season Landscape October is a transitional month in Louisiana flower gardens. Many warm season annuals have finished or are finishing, and gardeners' thoughts are just beginning to turn to cool-season bedding plants for fall, winter and spring color. more...