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.

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.

(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.

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.

This article reviews recent research on urban and community trees and their ability to stand up to hurricane strength winds.

Use this guide to plant a successful vegetable garden. The information has been developed after considerable research and practical experience.

Information on how to reduce nonpoint source pollution using research-based horticultural best management practices. (PDF Only)

This publication outlines some options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color.

A guide to identifying this one-of-a-kind ant. Learn its mannerisms how to distinguish it from other household pests, as well as how to handle an infestation.

Calculation conversions for producers to use when converting fertilizer recommendation for a small area

Commercial-size riding mowers, including the popular ZTR (zero turning radius) mowers, are covered by a safety standard promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Even though many of these mowers are used by homeowners, those that are designed primarily for commercial use are considered commercial machines and they fall under a commercial mower standard.

Turf problems can be categorized as cultural (man-made), environmental or pest-related. Often two or more of these factors contribute to the problem.

There are some simple steps you can take before storage to make your equipment easier to start when you need it again.

Hedge trimmers are perhaps not as popular now as a few years ago. Many people now realize that it is healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared. Nevertheless, there are some situations where shearing plants to shape is appropriate. A hedge trimmer is usually the best tool for the job.

As with any power tool, string trimmers are capable of causing injury if not used in a safe manner. String trimmers will last much longer and give more trouble-free service if used and maintained properly.

A string trimmer is a useful addition to almost any gardener’s toolshed.

There are two ways to trim and edge turfgrass around sidewalks, flower beds, trees, buildings, etc. You can trim the turfgrass mechanically with a string trimmer and/or an edger, or you can use a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup® and similar chemicals).

Turfgrasses grow fast and aggressively in the South. If not edged back regularly, Southern turf will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, etc.

It would be hard to find a flower more universally loved than the rose. Over humanity’s long history with this plant, the rose has found its way into our gardens, cuisine, medicine, art and cultures. It is easier than ever to find undemanding, reliable roses that will enhance your landscape. This publication will help you decide what types of roses to grow, as well as explaining how to plant and take care of them. (revised 4/07)

Our warm-season grasses don’t like low temperatures. Some may show off colors because of chilling injury. Don't confuse this with disease and don't make it worse.

A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included.

When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

This poster discusses the specific characteristics used to identify Argentine Ants.

Whether you buy, rent or borrow a tiller, you will find that it has a wide range of uses. It can be a general purpose garden tool.

Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps.

Factors such as price, performance and durability are important considerations in choosing garden tools and power equipment, but if a tool or machine is uncomfortable or awkward to use, you will regret buying it. The interaction between you and the tool or machine is called ergonomics.

ZTR mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies.

To get the best performance and longevity from your tiller you need to properly maintain it. You also need to be aware of some of the dangers involved in using a tiller, and take steps to protect yourself and others.

Citrus trees, such as satsumas, oranges and grapefruit, are popular for home fruit production. Citrus trees offer gardeners beauty and fragrant flowers as well as a tasty fruit. Their dark, glossy evergreen foliage is attractive year round.

The right rotary tiller can make the job of gardening much easier, but if you choose the wrong tiller for the job, it can make your job more difficult.

It’s the time of year when many people go shopping for trees to decorate their homes during the holiday season. LSU AgCenter expert Dr. Don Reed offers a few tips on selecting and caring for a tree that may help you get the most enjoyment from it.

Many people use poinsettias to decorate their homes during the holiday season. The plants you purchase now can be a beautiful part of your decorations, but they’re probably only good for this season, the experts say.

A common problem with hydraulic cylinders is rust and pitting of the cylinder rods. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated.

Gardeners are often unaware of a serious pest waiting for the spring vegetables to begin growing. These pests are small, microscopic animals called nematodes, and they attack the roots of many plants commonly grown in the garden. There are two major types of nematodes that cause the most problems for vegetables.

Two questions of interest to prospective purchasers are: How much do riding mowers and small tractors in the various classes cost and how long can I expect one to last?

Satisfaction with a "real" Christmas tree starts with the right selection and continues with proper care throughout the holiday season, according to LSU AgCenter forestry expert Dr. Hallie Dozier. By following certain steps, the forester says you can keep the tree fresh and safe for enjoyment throughout the holidays.

Bermudagrass sod is a tough, fine-textured, aggressive, warm-season turf that's just perfect for a pretty lawn or well-performing athletic turf. It does not tolerate shade, so overhangs and trees are a big problem.

Having a lawn under shade trees is not always a compatible mix. Even so, you may be able to choose shade-tolerant grasses and manage them to get the best turf cover for that level of shade. Use this publication to choose the best variety and cultural practices for your lawn.

This poster discusses natural feeding preferences, adapted feeding preferences and feeding strategies of the Argentine Ant.

Christmas trees are showing up at retail locations throughout the area. The appropriate steps in selecting a fresh tree are important in its longevity in your home. In addition, by selecting a tree that is fresh, you can avoid some potential hazards.

Gladiolus, or sword lily, has been a favorite of Southern gardeners for generations.

Collecting antique garden tractors is a rapidly growing hobby, requiring less room and less expense than collecting antique farm tractors.

This publication provides an easy and simple-to-understand method to determine when and how much irrigation water is needed. (PDF Format Only)

Efficient watering practices are important to all homeowners who want to conserve water, maintain a healthy turf and reduce maintenance costs. (PDF Format Only)

Late fall through winter in Louisiana is a great season for planting fruit trees, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. The horticulturist says several kinds of fruit trees and similar plants work well in backyard landscapes.

If you look around at some of our landscapes, you would think we live in the tropics. Indeed, some winters the temperature never does dip below freezing. Be prepared when it does.

Although the earth’s crust is about 5% iron (Fe), we still see iron deficiency in plants. This may be because of a problem with the plant roots, soil and/or environment. This publication includes tips on how to care for your turfgrass.

Iron chlorosis results when green chlorophyll in leaf tissue fails to develop properly. Iron chlorosis first develops in new growth and as the condition worsens, leaves appear yellow or almost white.

It is important to remember that our yards and neighborhoods are channels to our waterways.

A Louisiana-Friendly Yard doesn’t merely offer a good-looking landscape, it also becomes an asset to the local environment, protecting natural resources and preserving our state’s unique beauty.

A wide variety of soil types are in Louisiana. Talk to your parish county agent about what the soil is like where you live. A soil test, available through your parish LSU AgCenter Extension office, will tell you a lot about the type of soil(s) your site has.

This handbook is organized into two sections. The first section contains background information that will help you as you make plans to create a Louisiana-friendly yard. The second offers detailed description of landscape ideas and practices that explain and illustrate the seven basic LYN principles.

The last five to 10 years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of annual bedding plant species and varieties available for residential and commercial landscape use. The LSU AgCenter has conducted landscape trials on annual bedding plants for a number of years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

Many of Louisiana’s water resources are especially susceptible to pollution because of our unique geology and climate.

The focus of this program is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage. This will include looking at water quality and conservation, reducing stormwater runoff and decreasing nonpoint source pollution of surface water, enhancing desirable wildlife habitats and creating functional, attractive landscapes.

You can trim and edge mechanically with a string trimmer or edger... or chemically with a non-selective herbicide. Dr Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, says each method has advantages and disadvantages.

Some grounds maintenance equipment is designed with metric components. This has some ramifications for service and parts.

A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row.

This article provides links to Web sites of aerator sources. the list does not constitute a recommendation of any of the companies or products.

The advantages of an ASAE standard quick hitch include faster, easier and safer hitching. To use a ASAE standard quick hitch, the implement hitch geometry must conform to the ASAE standard.

Louisiana Yards & Neighborhood PowerPoint presentation to assist in training volunteers for the implementation of this program.

Walk-behind rotary lawnmowers can handle clippings in one of three ways: they can mulch them, bag them or discharge them to the side. Some mowers can do any of the three with minimal adjustment. Any of the three modes can be useful in some situations.

Chainsaws tend to require more maintenance than most other lawn and garden equipment. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the saw and make it easier to start but will also make your work easier.

Although chainsaws are handy, they are potentially dangerous and must be used carefully to avoid serious injury.

Chainsaws are popular homeowner tools. When selecting a chainsaw, consider the power requirements and safety features.

If you have a small lawn and are willing to get a little exercise while mowing, a good manual push mower can be a good alternative to a powered mower.

Walk-behind home lawnmowers are covered by safety standards and regulations, but the real responsibility for safety rests with you, the operator.

Gardening is the most popular hobby or leisure activity in America, but many people still don’t want to spend all their energy on it. For those, there are lots of ways to reduce the time and effort required for landscape maintenance.

A sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

Fertilizing can be done by applying composted organic material, packaged fertilizer or a specific mineral, such as iron.

Best Management Practices regarding climatical considerations in the home landscape.

The tractor by itself is of limited use. The tractor furnishes the power, but the implements allow the tractor to do useful work. Varied implements are available for compact tractors from both the tractor manufacturers and short-line manufacturers.

Louisiana gardeners are as active in the fall as they are the rest of the year. And the LSU AgCenter has a wealth of information to help you keep your landscaping green and blooming year-round.

When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create whatthey want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money. The important thing to remember is that developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process.

Louisiana in August may not be the most enjoyable time to work in the yard, but rose bushes need attention to ensure good performance this fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

In addition to flowers, bedding plants may be grown for their colorful foliage or interesting forms or textures. With proper selection, they can be used to provide color throughout the year. Use this publication to help you with bedding plant selection and proper care.

LA BASE PROGRAM SITUATION: HOME VEGETABLE GARDENS; 2008.A statewide survey of over 500 Louisiana home vegetable gardeners was conducted in 2008. Results are presnted.

Right Plant, Right Place for Landscaping, Water Efficiency, Maximize Mulch & Recycle Yard Waste, Fertilize Effectively, Manage Yard Pests, Protect Surface Waters and Wetlands, Provide for Beneficial Wildlife Habitat

The focus of this program is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage. This will include looking at water quality and conservation, reducing stormwater runoff and decreasing nonpoint source pollution of surface water, enhancing desirable wildlife habitats and creating functional, attractive landscapes.

Contributors and Reviewers:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Louisianians take pride in the appearance of their lawns and landscapes. Weeds, however, can detract from that appearance and frustrate homeowners. Information on adaptation, light, soils and mulch can be found in this publication.

Kohlrabi is a delicious, old-European member of the cabbage family that grows well in Louisiana's cool seasons.

Camellia flower blight is by far the most serious disease of camellias in Louisiana. This disease is caused by the fungus Ciborinia camelliae. This publication includes information on the symptoms, control and life cycle of the fungus.

Controlling and trapping moles require a little time and patience. Your success with controlling moles depends on locating active runways and the proper placement of a trap.

It is called the “lazy man’s grass” because it thrives with less care and requires less mowing than many other grasses.

Although most people opt for small engine-driven generators, there are some real advantages to a generator that connects to a tractor power-take-off (PTO).

Most garden tools have fixed handles. Some tools, however, are available as separate handle and toolhead components that can be interchanged.

Many lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other lawn and garden equipment with small engines were inundated during the flooding from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In many cases, that equipment can be salvaged.

When the proper plants are selected for shady areas, the results can be beautiful and enduring.

There are not a whole lot of heat-loving vegetable crops, laments LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. In late spring, you can plant collards, vine crops such as squash, cucumber and pumpkins, or crops like okra, malabar vine spinach and southern peas.

In some situations, a hand-cranked spreader is more practical than a wheeled model. When spreading granules in nurseries, beds of flowers and ornamentals, and other restricted areas, a wheeled spreader can be difficult or impossible to use. Hand- or strap-carried, hand-cranked spreaders are a viable option in such cases.

The more you learn about lawn spreaders, the more you realize how complicated they really are. The LSU AgCenter has published a bulletin that summarizes 24 years of research on spreaders.

Some spreader experts and some spreader and granular material operating instructions advise you to go over your lawn twice when spreading fertilizer or granular products, with the two trips over the lawn made at right angles to each other. Don’t do it!

Most turf fertilizers contain controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer. There are two types of controlled-release fertilizer and one type can be damaged by your spreader.

Grass clippings are a constant in yard maintenance, but fall introduces leaves into the mix. This year the nuisance is worse because hurricanes and storms have defoliated more trees.

Sweet peas are an excellent cool-season annual for Louisiana. The flowers are popular for cutting and bundling because they come in an array of colors and have an intoxicating scent. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden in October or transplanted from containers in November. Sweet peas are vines so the plants need support (fence, netting, etc.) or a trellis to grow on. Sweet peas start blooming in late March and last up to two months, longer if deadheaded regularly.

To obtain the best results from your granular fertilizers and pesticides, you have to apply them at the correct rate. One easy step you can take to help assure that your spreader delivers the correct rate of material is to calibrate your spreader.

While equipment companies are doing their part to reduce corrosion of tractors and farm equipment, how well you maintain your machinery will determine its useful life. Here are some rust prevention tips.

Gardeners often wonder whether plowing or tilling should be done in the spring or late fall, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Thomas Koske says working the soil in late fall has several advantages over the traditional spring plowing.

The cultural activites for lawn care may be the same on warm-season and cool-season grasses, but they are often 180 degrees opposite in timing. This chart covers the entire state of Louisiana with its two cold hardiness zones. Recommended cultural activities in north vs. south Louisiana will vary by 2 to 4 weeks in when they start and end because of the start of spring and fall seasons.