By: Mandy Hatman

Louisiana's mild winters and early springs mean different timing than standard garden guides suggest. Gardeners should begin prepping in January/February for spring planting. Understanding our unique climate patterns helps create a more productive and resilient garden.

Early Spring Tasks

• Test soil when dry enough to work - our soils often need pH adjustment due to high rainfall
• Add organic matter to improve clay soil drainage; consider local sources like sugar cane bagasse
• Install raised beds if flooding is a concern; minimum 8" height recommended
• Clean and sharpen tools before the rush of planting
• Check irrigation systems for hurricane season preparedness
• Begin transition to heat-tolerant varieties
• Start composting fresh material for summer soil amendments

Planting Timeline

• January-February: Direct seed cool season vegetables; protect from occasional freezes
• February-March: Transplant tomatoes and peppers; choose varieties bred for heat
• March-April: Plant heat-loving crops like okra and sweet potatoes
• Year-round: Succession plant heat-tolerant greens
• Plan fall garden during summer months
• Consider quick-growing crops between seasons

Weather Considerations

• Plan for unexpected freezes and early heat waves. Have row covers ready and create shade options for young plants.
• Consider hurricanes when planning trellises and structures.
• Create windbreaks for storm protection.
• Install rain gardens to manage heavy rainfall periods.
• Maintain good drainage pathways. 
• Group plants by water needs for efficient irrigation.

Happy planting!

By: Mandy Hatman

Louisiana's healing plant traditions blend Native American, African, Cajun, and Creole knowledge. These plants thrive in our climate and connect us to generations of healers. Understanding these traditions helps preserve our cultural heritage while maintaining sustainable healing practices.

Essential Louisiana Medicinal Plants

• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)– Traditional spring tonic, though modern research shows risks; historically used by all cultural groups in the region
• Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) – Used in poultices, thrives in our humidity; traditional uses for wound dressing and fever reduction
• Louisiana Iris (Iris giganticaerulea and related species) – Root traditionally used for digestive issues; requires careful harvest to preserve plant populations
• Elder (Sambucus canadensis) – Berries & flowers used for immune support; grows wild in moist areas
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Leaves traditionally used as insect repellent; berries used in traditional preparations
• Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) – Native caffeine source used traditionally
• Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia) – Traditional fever reducer
• Palmetto (Sabal minor) – Multiple traditional uses; careful sustainable harvesting required

Growing & Gathering
Most medicinal plants native to Louisiana thrive with minimal care in partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Respect traditional gathering practices - never harvest without permission or understanding of the plant's role in the ecosystem. Learn from local knowledge keepers when possible and always verify plant identification before harvesting or use.

Preserving Knowledge & Plants
Document traditional uses while respecting cultural ownership of knowledge. Create medicinal gardens to preserve both plants and practices. Share seedlings and cuttings with other interested gardeners to maintain local varieties.

Happy planting!

By: Mandy Hatman
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Companion planting adapts traditional knowledge to Louisiana's unique growing conditions. Understanding how plants interact helps create resilient gardens that withstand our heat, humidity, and long growing seasons.

Benefits for Louisiana Gardens

• Natural pest management suitable for our climate, reducing the need for chemical interventions Improved soil health in challenging clay or sandy soils through diverse root systems
• Maximized space in raised beds and container gardens, essential for urban gardens
• Enhanced resilience during extreme weather events common to our region
• Better pollination through strategic flower placement
• Reduced water needs through complementary plant relationships

Louisiana-Tested Combinations

• Okra & Peppers – Okra's height provides afternoon shade for peppers while maintaining good airflow
• Sweet Potatoes & Bush Beans – Sweet potatoes prevent soil erosion while beans add nitrogen; both thrive in our long summers
• Tomatoes & Basil – Traditional pairing that thrives in our heat; basil deters many tomato pests
• Eggplant & Marigolds – Marigolds deter nematodes common in Louisiana soils and attract beneficial insects
• Cucumbers & Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums attract pollinators and deter pests while providing edible flowers
• Mirlitons & Herbs – Our local squash variety benefits from aromatic herbs that confuse pest insects

Avoid pairing crops with similar disease susceptibility - especially nightshades. Space for air circulation to prevent fungal issues; vertical gardening can maximize airflow in our humidity.

Happy planting!

 By Mandy Hatman

February marks the perfect moment for rose pruning in South Louisiana gardens, a crucial task that sets the stage for a magnificent spring display. Armed with clean, sharp pruners, gardeners should focus on removing dead, diseased, and crossing branches. This strategic pruning promotes optimal air circulation, which is essential for preventing fungal issues common in our humid climate.

For hybrid tea roses (Rosa × hybrida), maintain a height of approximately 24 inches, making decisive cuts at 45-degree angles just above outward-facing buds. This technique encourages outward growth, creating that classic vase-shaped form that maximizes sunlight exposure and air flow. Remember to sanitize your pruning tools with alcohol between plants – this simple step prevents the spread of diseases that could compromise your entire rose garden.

Different rose varieties require tailored approaches. While hybrid teas benefit from aggressive pruning, climbing roses need patience – wait until after their first spring spectacular to conduct any major pruning. Old garden roses, those romantic connections to our horticultural heritage, prefer a gentler touch. Focus solely on removing dead wood and providing light shaping to maintain their naturally graceful forms.

Complete your pruning ritual by applying a fresh layer of mulch and incorporating a balanced fertilizer. This foundation of care supports vigorous spring growth and abundant blooming. Keep your pruning tools sharp throughout the season – clean cuts heal quickly, reducing stress on your plants and minimizing disease entry points.

By: Mandy Hatman

As winter releases its grip, Louisiana's native plants prepare to paint our landscapes with vibrant colors and intricate textures. This February presents the ideal opportunity to incorporate these local treasures into your garden, creating a space that celebrates our unique botanical heritage while providing practical benefits.

The Louisiana Iris (Iris giganticaerulea and related species) stands as a testament to our state's natural beauty, with its dramatic blooms typically unfurling from late March through April. These stunning natives thrive in our climate, offering low-maintenance elegance to both wet and well-drained areas. Pair them with the early-blooming Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), whose tubular flowers become natural feeding stations for returning hummingbirds and awakening butterflies.

For ground-level interest, the Louisiana Phlox (Phlox divaricata) creates carpets of soft blue flowers that shimmer in spring breezes. This native ground cover excels in partially shaded areas, perfectly complementing larger shrubs like Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) and American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). These woody natives not only provide year-round structure but also offer crucial resources for local wildlife.

February's cool days provide perfect conditions for establishing these native plants. Take advantage of this timing to prepare beds, incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage. Your investment in native plants now will reward you with a landscape that not only captures Louisiana's natural character but also requires fewer inputs of water, fertilizer, and maintenance time.

By: Mandy Hatman

Traditional gardening often pits us against so-called weeds, but many of these plants are actually valuable members of our local ecosystem. Consider the humble Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), whose cheerful yellow flowers brighten early spring days. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this native plant serves as a crucial early-season nectar source for emerging native bees and can even add a lemony zest to salads.

The robust Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), despite its reputation as an unwanted volunteer, plays a vital role in supporting bird populations. Its dark berries provide essential nutrition for songbirds, particularly during fall migration. Similarly, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), so often removed from garden edges, offers both fall berries for birds and creates protected habitat for beneficial insects that help control garden pests.

Before declaring a war on weeds, consider: Is this uninvited plant truly causing harm, or does it simply challenge our conventional ideas about garden aesthetics? Many of these natives have evolved alongside local wildlife for thousands of years, creating intricate relationships that support ecosystem health. Native violets (Viola sororia and related species), frequently targeted as invaders, serve as irreplaceable host plants for fritillary butterflies (Speyeria spp.), making them essential links in our local food web.

Success in modern gardening often lies in finding balance – creating spaces that serve both aesthetic preferences and ecological needs. Consider designating a 'wild corner' where these valuable natives can flourish or thoughtfully incorporating select volunteers into existing garden beds. Today's 'weed' might become tomorrow's butterfly sanctuary, transforming our gardens from mere ornamental spaces into vibrant ecosystems that support and celebrate local biodiversity. Understanding their roles in our local environment can help us make more informed decisions about garden management, ultimately creating richer, more resilient landscapes that benefit both human and wildlife communities.

​By: Mandy Hatman

As the new year begins, it's time for Louisiana gardeners to start planning their spring vegetable gardens. With our mild climate, we have the advantage of an early start to the growing season. Let's explore what you can plant and when, to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Planning Your Garden

• Determine how much sun your garden gets and how much room you have.
• Raised beds or in-ground planting: Raised beds can help with drainage in humid climate.
• Crop rotation: Plant different families of vegetables in each area from the previous year.
• Consider companion planting: Some plants grow better together, while others compete.

What to Plant in January and February
Lettuce              Beets              Cabbage (transplants)​
Parsley              Cilantro           Cauliflower (transplants)
Turnips              Radishes         Onions (sets or transplants)
Spinach             Dill                 Broccoli (transplants)
Carrot               Fennel

Soil Preparation

• Test your soil: Contact your local LSU AgCenter for soil testing services.
• Amend as needed: Based on test results, add organic matter or specific nutrients.
• Prepare beds: Remove weeds and work the soil when it's moist but not wet.

Tips for Success

• Use succession planting: Plant small amounts every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
• Water wisely: Consistent moisture is key for newly planted seeds and transplants.
• Watch for pests: Monitor your garden regularly and address issues early.

By planning ahead and starting your garden preparation now, you'll be well on your way to a productive spring vegetable garden. Remember, gardening is a learning process, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

​Happy planting!

By: Mandy Hatman

Many common houseplants and garden favorites can be toxic to pets if ingested. Here are some of the most common offenders and how to keep your pets safe.

Aloe Vera
Known for its skin-soothing qualities, aloe vera is also toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you love succulents, try a pet-safe option like Haworthia, which looks similar but is safe for pets.

Lilies
Certain types of lilies, especially true lilies like the Easter lily, tiger lily, and Asiatic lily, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid having lilies in homes with cats.

Sago Palm
Often kept as a decorative plant, the sago palm contains cycasin, a toxin that can lead to liver failure and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The entire plant is toxic, but the seeds contain the highest concentration, so be especially cautious.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Popular in homes for its easy care and lush foliage, dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if pets chew on its leaves.

Philodendron
This easy-to-grow houseplant is popular for its ability to thrive in low light, but it
contains toxins that can irritate pets’ mouths and throats, leading to vomiting, drooling, and swelling. Consider swapping philodendrons with pet-safe options like parlor palms or Calathea.

Pet-Safe Alternatives:
For a safer indoor garden, consider plants like Boston ferns, areca palms, and prayer plants, which are non-toxic to pets and easy to care for.

By: Mandy Hatman

January in Lafayette Parish brings unique challenges and opportunities for gardeners. While our winters are relatively mild, occasional freezes can catch both gardeners and plants off guard. But winter garden care involves more than just frost protection – it's an ideal time for garden planning, soil building, and caring for our overwintering plants.

Start the new year by conducting a soil test through the LSU AgCenter. January's typically drier conditions make it perfect for collecting samples, and you'll have results in time for spring planting. While you wait, focus on composting. Winter's abundance of fallen leaves and holiday food scraps can create black gold for your spring garden. Pro tip: mix those brown leaves with green materials like coffee grounds and vegetable scraps for optimal decomposition.

Don't neglect your winter vegetables! Crops like carrots, collards, and Brussels sprouts actually develop better flavor after a light frost. Keep harvesting your cool-season herbs too – parsley, cilantro, and dill often thrive in our winter months. For added protection on extra cold nights, use row covers or cloches, but remember to ventilate on sunny days when temperatures rise. 

January is also ideal for maintaining garden structures. Check and repair raised beds, clean and sharpen tools, and organize your garden shed while activity is slower. If you have citrus trees, this is a crucial time to monitor for cold damage and maintain freeze protection measures when temperatures dip below 32°F.

Looking ahead, start planning your spring garden now. Order seeds early – popular varieties often sell out by late winter. Use these quiet garden days to sketch out garden plans, start a garden journal, or join the Lafayette Parish Master Gardeners' winter workshops to expand your knowledge base.

Remember: winter gardens may look dormant, but there's always something to do in Louisiana's year-round growing season!

By: Mandy Hatman
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The holiday season brings a burst of color indoors with festive plants that brighten our homes. With proper care, these seasonal favorites can thrive well beyond the holiday season. Let's explore how to keep your holiday plants healthy and happy.

Poinsettias: The Classic Christmas Plant
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season, known for their vibrant red bracts (modified leaves).
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day
• Water: When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch
• Temperature: Prefer 65-70°F during the day, and no lower than 60°F at night
• After holidays they can be kept as a houseplant or planted outdoors in frost-free areas of Louisiana
• Common Issues: Leaf drop: Often due to drafts, temperature extremes, or dry soil; Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering

Christmas Cacti: The Long-Lived Holiday Favorite
These long-blooming succulents can live for decades with proper care.
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist, not waterlogged
• Temperature: Prefer 70-80°F during the day and 60-65°F at night
• To encourage blooming: Provide 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for 6-8 weeks before desired bloom time
  
• Common Issues:
  
  • Buds dropping: Often due to sudden temperature changes or overwatering
    
  • Lack of blooms: Usually due to incorrect light exposure