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March 2014 Articles

Just Rambling, March 2014
"Local Business Recognized During Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show"
Louisiana Tech University Stock Horse Team
Red Imported Fire Ants, Management Options -- Continued from March Issue
Livestock Markets and Government Sequestration
Making Sense of the Nitrogen Cycle
Tropical hibiscuses add to spring, summer landscapes
Lawn Mower Safety
Did You Know?
Historical Facts:
Farmers Words of Wisdom
Shade gardening takes planning
Master Gardeners Help Make Louisiana Beautiful
New Waterway Bill Addresses Critical Needs
New Taxes Burdensome for Farm and Ranch Families
Did You Know?
Adequate Land Ranks as Top Concern of Young Farmers
Quote
Feral hogs, deer disease topics of field day
New forestry industries plan moves to Louisiana
Rehydrate with skim milk
Quote
Spiritual Corner: People of the Way
Cutting Corners: Three Layer Delight
Looking Into 2013
Fruit plants add diversity to landscapes
Plant Southern Magnolias Now
Strain Responds to Congress' Farm Bill Extension
Now - or anytime - is a good time to mulch
Historical Facts:
Insect Management--Red Imported Fire Ants--Management Options (Continued from De
Cotton growers slowly transition to round bales
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding
Louisiana farmers set several yield records in 2012
Controlling Rain Rot
Vitamins for Horses
Louisiana's Commercial Poultry Industry
"New" Bedding for Broilers
Louisiana Ghost Story
Canadian and U.S. Cow Slaughter Numbers Linked
Cutting Corners: Sausage Corn Chowder
Improving the Profitablity of Contract Boiler Operations
Duck Hunting in LA
Strain Named 2012 Veterinarian of the Year
LDAF Works to Deter Spread of Virus in Horses
Farmers advised on EPA fuel tank rules
Landowners advised to focus on forest productivity
Excess Capacity and its Impact on the Beef Industry
Cattle Inventory Report Summary
Controlling Grass Tetany
Livestock Market News - Situation and Outlook, Week Ending February 1, 2013
Bill extension leaves farmers uncertain about future
Historical Facts:
Trail rides, related businesses offer financial potential
Pigeon Fever Cases Identified in Northwest Arkansas
Dogwoods deserve a second look
Prune trees and shrubs correctly
Horse Trivia
Seasonal Price and Production Influences in the Broiler Chicken Industry
33 recognized as new Louisiana Master Farmers
Cutting Corners: Beef-Stuffed Peppers
Horse Trivia
New License Plate to Benefit Timber Industry
Strain Urges DEA to Review Enforcement of Controlled Substances
NASDA Members Press Congress to Enact Long-Term Farm Bill
Beef Demand Index Improvement
LDAF Warns Horse Owners of Potential Virus
Safe Tractor Operation
Red Imported Fire Ants, Management Options -- Continued from January Issue
IRS Humor
Tips for starting a home vegetable garden
Diagnostic Plan for Weak and Still-born Calves
Antibiotics Remain Important for Animal and Public Health
Farm Bureau Raises Record Food, Funds for Feeding America
Farm Bureau Urges Ag Labor Guestworker Program
Asian soybean rust found earlier this year
Replacement Heifer Management-FAQ's
• Planning for azaleas is important spring decision
Proper early-season care gets roses off to a good start
Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day
Aging
Effects of Temperature and Acclimation to Handling on Reproductive Performance o
Improving the Profitablity of Contract Boiler Operations
Cutting Corners: Fried Rice
Psalm 117

(85 articles found)

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Planning for azaleas is important spring decision

Planning for azaleas is important spring decision By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
HAMMOND, La. – Azaleas are Louisiana’s most popular shrub among home gardeners. Fall is the best time to plant azaleas, followed, in turn, by winter, spring and summer. The vast majority of azaleas are, however, planted in spring. This is, of course, when garden centers have the best selection and is the time of the year when gardeners see azaleas in bloom.
You can have long-term positive results with azaleas in your landscape by selecting the correct variety, planting properly and providing the most ideal growing conditions. With our mild winter this year, azaleas are blooming in landscapes ahead of schedule across Louisiana.
Before purchasing azaleas, make sure you find out the mature size of the plants you intend to buy. Depending on the variety, azaleas may mature at less than 2 feet up to 10 feet tall. Don’t purchase a type of azalea that will grow too large for the spot where it will be planted.
Spring-planted azaleas may take a little longer to become established than those planted in fall or winter. Flowering and shoot growth are going to occur at the time the azaleas are planted. This will slow down root growth and establishment. Most gardeners really should avoid summer planting, although you can be successful planting at that time by providing extra care – primarily watering.
Many azalea varieties will tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture. Generally, however, azaleas grow best in a partial-sun to partial-shade environment. Four to six hours of morning sun provided by an eastern exposure is considered ideal. Azaleas tend to have sparse foliage, look leggy and bloom poorly when planted in too much shade. If grown in too much sun, azaleas may wilt constantly during hot, dry weather and scorch on their leaf edges. Western sun exposure during summer and into early fall is hard on these plants.
Azaleas require good drainage but also need an even supply of moisture. They will not thrive in a location that is constantly wet or constantly dry. Uniformity in soil moisture is important for good growth and establishment in a landscape. Consider texture and structure of your native soil. Amending this soil with pine bark or a similar organic material will likely be needed.
Many, many azalea varieties are recommended for Louisiana landscapes. Popular ones include the Southern Indica, Robin Hill, Satsuki and Encore groups.
You can see more about work being done in landscape horticulture by viewing the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station website at www.lsuagcenter.com/hammond. Also, like us on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com and typing Hammond Research Station in the search box. You can find an abundance of landscape information for both home gardeners and industry professionals.

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