Washington Parish LSU AgCenter

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

The LSU AgCenter is hosting a fun, family-friendly workshop exploring the world of carnivorous plants!

Participants will enjoy an interactive presentation and take home their own established carnivorous butterwort. You can reserve a spot by calling (318)-473-6520 or emailing [email protected]

📅 Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
📍 Rapides Parish Extension Office - 300 Grady Britt Drive
💲 $25 per participant - includes take home plant
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Youth participants are welcome. One accompanying parent or guardian may attend at no additional charge.

10/13/2026

For 10 years, the Louisiana Farm to School Conference has brought together educators, nutrition professionals, farmers and community partners to strengthen connections between students, local food and agriculture.

Join Seeds to Success: Louisiana Farm to School Program on October 28 at the Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge for a special 10th anniversary celebration. Attendees will explore topics including school gardens, nutrition and agriculture education, local food purchasing and more.

This conference is a great opportunity for school nutrition professionals, educators, farmers, Master Gardeners, students and anyone interested in healthy school meals, Louisiana agriculture and local food systems. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/ym8y9hh4

10/13/2026

Fall is harvesttime for persimmons. There are three main kinds: native, astringent and non-astringent.
Astringent ones are bitter because they contain tannins. As the fruit ripens, it turns a bright orange, and the tannins mellow out to a honey-like flavor.

The natives (Diospyros virginiana) have small inedible fruit until it is hit by a frost, when they will finally ripen, nice and sweet and ready to eat. Oriental persimmons are much larger than the native fruit. Natives also have a great deal of seeds while the Oriental varieties do not.

Oriental persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are a nice small fruit tree for fall harvest. Non-astringent varieties include Fuyu, Fuyu Imoto, Hana Fuyu, Jiro, and Suruga.
Persimmons grow beautifully in Louisiana's climate. They are an easy-care fruit tree with very few pests, besides birds

Persimmons prefer full sun for the best fruit production but can tolerate some shade. They get loaded with fruit and make for great fall color. Plant the tree in well-drained, but moist and slightly acidic, sandy-loam soils.

10/13/2026

Planting pecan trees can be a rewarding long-term investment for your property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing pecan trees: https://tinyurl.com/PecanGrowingGuide

10/12/2026

Louisiana is part of the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium. The Fall 2026 issue of the Consortium's newsletter, Small Fruit News, is available now!

View some opportunities to attend Southern regional events during Fall 2026.

10/09/2026

The LSU AgCenter Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar for 2027 is packed with expert monthly tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Jason Stagg, gorgeous full-color photos, Louisiana zone map, Super Plants spotlight and much more. Orders placed before October 25 can receive $2 off. Order today at: https://tinyurl.com/2t3fdks2

10/06/2026

Want to learn more about these flowers that pop up this time of year? How many names for them do you know? Link in comments.