Agriculture

At this time in spring, gardeners are finding cool-season weeds that are blooming and seem out of control.  Once weeds go into their blooming stage, they greatly reduce their vegetative growth and that also reduces their absorption of herbicides, so control by that method is almost futile.

The Florida Parishes 4-H Outdoor Skills Invitational will be Friday, April 2, 20101. It will be held at Covey Rise Lodge, 24009 Singing Waterfall Road, Husser. The contests will begin at 8:00 a.m. The Invitational is open to all Louisiana 4-H'ers and there will be a concession stand on the grounds.
There will be contests in:
Shotgun, Air Rifles, Hunting, Archery, ATV Safety, and Fishing. There will be Prizes-ATV Helmets, Archery supplies, and Shotguns.

Tractor Supply stores in Louisiana have joined with the LSU AgCenter as part of a national fundraising campaign to support local 4-H programs.

From March 26 through April 18, Tractor Supply Co. shoppers can support 4-H by purchasing paper clovers for $1 at checkout. The funds will be donated to 4-H to support local camps, after-school programs and other 4-H activities.

“The company’s willingness to support 4-H shows a commitment to youth development,” said Eric Eskew, executive director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation.

Like all hardy shrubs, the best planting season for azaleas is October through March. If you intend to add some of these outstanding flowering shrubs to your landscape, try to get yours planted by the end of March or early April – before intense heat arrives.
Azaleas require good drainage, but they also need an even supply of moisture and will not thrive in a location that is constantly wet or constantly dry.

The Montpelier-Pine Garden Club met on February 16 for their regular monthly meting. The speaker for the was Craig Tassin from Hometown Farm, Garden in Amite. Craig talked about roses, the best ones to grow in this area and how to take care of them. He gave the members some good tips on buying a rose bush. He said to make sure it hash at least four healthy canes on it. Plant the bush in full sun if possible and roses like an acidic soil around 6.5.

The LSU AgCenter has been named 2009 Conservation Communicator of the Year in the 46th annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Recognition Program. This is one of several awards given by the Governor’s Office to top conservation organizations and individuals. The awards and presentation event are conducted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.