Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

Day two of ’s Office of Forestry- Heavy Equipment Academy is in full swing this morning. Groups will be rotating through 4 stations including: GPS, Dozer Maintenance, Training/Out of State Details, and Sand Table Exercises.

Vegetable Gardening - Month by Month
Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux!

Vegetables to Plant in January:
beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery*, Chinese cabbage, collards, eggplant**, English and snow peas, Irish potatoes***, kale, kohlrabi, leeks*, lettuce, mustard, onions*, peppers**, radish, rutabaga, shallots*, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes** and turnips.

* use sets, or transplants; ** plant seeds in hot beds or greenhouses; *** plant seed pieces

Vegetables to Plant in February
beets, broccoli*, cabbage*, carrots, cauliflower*,collards, corn**, Swiss chard, eggplant***, Irish potatoes*, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, peppers***, radish, rutabagas, snap beans**, shallots, tomatoes***, turnips

* plant transplants or seed pieces; ** plant in late February in south La.; *** sow seeds in hot beds or greenhouses

Vegetables to Plant in March
cantaloupe, collards, corn, cucumbers, cucuzzi, eggplant*, kohlrabi*, lima beans, mirliton**, mustard, peppers*, pumpkin, radish, snap beans, Southern peas, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomatoes*, watermelons, winter squash

* plant transplants in mid to late March; ** plant the entire fruit with the sprouted end in the soil about 3 inches deep

Vegetables to Plant in April
cantaloupe, collards, corn, cucumber, cucuzzi, cushaw, eggplant*, honeydew, lima beans, luffa, Malabar spinach, mirliton (plant sprouted fruit), okra, peppers*, pumpkin, snap beans, Southern peas, squashes, sweet potato (rooted cuttings known as Aslips@), Swiss chard, tomato, watermelon

Vegetables to Plant in May:
collards, cucuzzi, eggplant, hot pepper, luffa, mirliton (plant sprouted fruit), okra, peanut, pumpkin, Southern peas, squash, sweet potato (use slips), heat tolerant tomatoes.

Due to heat and pest problems, the following vegetables are generally not as productive planted this late. Plant in early May:

corn, cucumber, lima bean, snap bean, Swiss chard

Vegetables to Plant in June
cantaloupe, collards, cucuzzi, eggplant, luffa, okra, peanuts, hot peppers, pumpkin, Southern peas, sweet potato (slips), Swiss chard, watermelons, heat tolerant tomatoes. Although squash and cucumbers can be planted in June and July, production is difficult during mid summer due to pest problems. In late June you can plant seeds of tomatoes, bell peppers and eggplant for fall transplant production.

Vegetables to Plant in July
broccoli*, Brussels sprouts*, cabbage*, cantaloupe, cauliflower*, Chinese cabbage*, collards, cucumbers, luffa, okra, peppers*, pumpkins, Southern peas, shallots, squashes, tomatoes*, watermelons

* plant seeds for transplants

Vegetables to Plant in August
bell pepper*, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bunching onions**, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, collards, cucumbers, lima beans, mustard, snap beans, Southern peas, peppers*, Irish potatoes, ***rutabagas, shallots**, squashes, tomatoes*, turnips

* transplants; ** sets; *** plant small, whole potatoes saved from the spring crop

Vegetables to Plant in September
beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli*, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower*, Chinese cabbage, collards, English and snow peas, Irish potato***kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onion, radish, rutabagas, shallots**, snap beans, Swiss chard, turnips

* plant seeds early or use transplants; ** plant sets; *** plant small, whole potatoes saved from the spring crop

Vegetables to Plant in October
beets, broccoli*, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower*, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, garlic**, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce***, leeks, mustard, onions, radishes, shallots, Swiss chard

* plant transplants by mid month; ** plant individual toes; *** leaf and semi-heading varieties are more reliable than heading types

Vegetables to Plant in November
beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, collards, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard, onions, radishes, rutabaga, shallots, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips

Vegetables to Plant in December
beets, Brussels sprouts*, cabbage, carrots, celery*, Chinese cabbage, collards, garlic*, kale, kohlrabi, leeks**, lettuce, mustard, onions**, radish, rutabaga, shallots**, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips

* plant transplants; ** plant sets or transplants

Prepared by: Dan Gill, Consumer Horticulturist, LSU AgCenter

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry launched the Office of Forestry - Heavy Equipment Academy today. This Academy includes two days in the classroom and two days on dozers in the state forest. Today’s classes trained in CPR and communications.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Dr. Mike Strain, and Louisiana State Forester, Wade Dubea, were honored to receive a Public Service Commendation Medal from Major General Keith Waddell with the Louisiana Army National Guard. It was truly an honor for LDAF’s Commissioner and Office of Forestry to serve alongside the Louisiana National Guard during the 2023 wildfires.

We'll be at the 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 & 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗢 again this year! We hope to see you there.

March 21 & 22, 2024
Alexandria, LA

🎟️Tickets go on sale to the public on January 15, 2024
📩Join LWAG's newsletter list for earlier access to tickets: http://bit.ly/3kE6ZBP

🎤SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT 🌟 Dr. Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, will be sharing his insights at the 2024 Louisiana Women in Agriculture Conference and Expo! 🌾

Dr. Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, is a dedicated advocate for Louisiana's agriculture and forestry. Since taking office, Strain has prioritized sustainable practices, technological innovation, and community collaboration. His initiatives address challenges faced by farmers and foresters, positioning Louisiana as a leader in these industries. He is committed to working with the farmer and forester, producer and processor and all others to ensure our food is safe, our fiber production among the best and our animals strong and healthy.


𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 & 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗢
March 21 & 22, 2024
Alexandria, LA
🎟️Tickets go on sale to the public on January 15, 2024
📩Join our newsletter list for earlier access to tickets: http://bit.ly/3kE6ZBP

✨Louisiana Women in Agriculture is made possible by funding and participation from NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). Special thanks to our 2024 title sponsor: Louisiana Land Bank.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Support your local Farmers and Buy Louisiana Specialty Crops. Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux!

Chilly weather outside = Beef Stew inside. Shop your local Farmers Market this morning and pick up delicious Louisiana carrots and potatoes for a pot of yummy stew. Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux! 🥕

Agriculture Specialist with the Division of Weights & Measures, Erynn Heffley, hard at work checking scales, scanners, and fuel pumps at Yabbo’s in Broussard with Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Agro-Consumer Services, Kevin Finley. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is launching a new series called JOB BOARD. It will profile available positions at the Department. Please check it out and consider joining our awesome team.

Here is your friendly reminder to swing by your local grocery store, farmers market, or roadside stand to pick up your lucky Louisiana Cabbage for New Years Day! 🥬 💰

The best time to plant citrus trees in Louisiana is January or February. View the Louisiana Home Citrus Production guide: https://tinyurl.com/LAHomeCitrusProduction 🍊🍋

The best time to plant citrus trees in Louisiana is January or February. View the Louisiana Home Citrus Production guide: https://tinyurl.com/LAHomeCitrusProduction

Merry Christmas! Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux. 🎄

Jenny Bourg grew a giant Sapporo Cabbage from seed… beginning in July of 2023. On December 21, 2023, Weights & Measures Regional Enforcement Supervisor Shawn Waguespack observed the official weighing of the cabbage. The cabbage tipped the scales at 44.115 pounds with a circumference of 7'2".

Louisiana satsumas are rich in nutrients and vitamin C which can help boost immunity and improve heart health. Visit your local farmers market or roadside stand and pick up a bag of delicious Louisiana citrus to share with family and friends. Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux!

Beets are a nutritional powerhouse! They lower blood pressure, are good for brain health, and can also boost athletic performance. They add the perfect pop of color to your Christmas plate. There are many reasons to love beets so include them in your holiday menus this year!

Consider a Louisiana Market Bulletin subscription for a gift that can be enjoyed year-round. For only $10 a year, they’ll get LDAF’s Market Bulletin every other week. It’s filled with the latest agriculture and forestry news, upcoming events, and advertisements for farm-related goods and services throughout the state.

Check another person off your list - click here to gift a subscription today… https://appengine.egov.com/apps/la/MarketBulletin

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 16, 2024.

USDA is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 16, 2024.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-seeks-nominees-american-pecan-promotion-board-1

Looking for a great gift idea this holiday season? Visit your local Louisiana Nursery and give the gift of plants! Louisiana, it's where the good things greaux!

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry handed out service awards and honored our heroic firefighters and emergency personnel yesterday. We also held a Toy Drive to contribute to the Toys for Tots program.

Rise and Shine! 🌞Head down to your local Farmers Market this morning for fun times and delicious Louisiana Specialty Crops! Louisiana, it’s where the good things greaux!

Deck the Halls with pretty Poinsettias from your local Louisiana Nursery. Read more about 'The Legend of the Poinsettia as a Christmas Plant' here 👇🎄🌺
https://www.almanac.com/poinsettia-christmas-story

Did you know now is the time to plant your blueberries?!?!? Check it out. 🫐

The best time to plant blueberry bushes in Louisiana is in fall or winter because it gives the plants an opportunity to become established before the summer heat.

The blueberry’s native adaptation to both the soil and the climate of the southeast makes it a productive fruit for Louisiana. Learn how to grow blueberries with the LSU AgCenter Home Blueberry Production Guide: https://tinyurl.com/HomeBlueberryProductionLA

When life gives you lemons… enjoy them 🍋 😁. Louisiana, it’s where the good things greaux!

For Immediate Release: LDAF Seed Testing Laboratory’s seed sample results now available online

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Seed Testing Laboratory announces that seed sample test results can now be viewed online. Results have always been available upon request; they’ve just made it easier to access the information. Lab results can be viewed at https://www.ldaf.la.gov/plants/seeds/seed-sample-test-results.

To learn more, visit https://www.ldaf.la.gov/about/news/article/ldaf-seed-testing-laboratorys-seed-sample-results-now-available-online