​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!