The Great Frost of March 16, 2026 left us with a lot of problems.  Azaleas have taken a hit, also fruit trees, and blueberries. The blueberry farm in the Ringgold area has a complete loss this year. That is such a shame for them and the public that loves blueberries.  

 I visited with Ron Strahan, our LSU advisor, and he told me to maybe delay pruning and to fertilize the azaleas. I would recommend the Fertilome  Azalea Food with Systemic. Systemic means that the plant will take up by the roots an insecticide.  The insecticide in this product is imidacloprid. The fertilizer promotes strong roots and beautiful blooms(if we had some). The imidacloprid travels throughout the entire plant.  It works inside the plant so rain and water will not wash off the protection.  Perhaps our azaleas will make quick recovery.

Other things that are happening now is sweet corn planting season.  There is nothing better out of our gardens than fresh sweet corn smothered with lots of butter. A friend of mine taught me to put up corn in the freezer by only cutting the ends off the cob and put in the freezer bags with the husks still on the cob.  It works great.  When ready to boil, Clean and silk well and put in the boiling water.  Mouth watering.  

It’s still a little early for most vegetables but lots of people are pushing their luck. Sometimes it pays off. Surly, we are through with the freezing weather. Our greenhouse is loaded with flowers and vegetables and we don’t like to have to bring them in and out of the weather.  Enjoy the sunshine.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)