Family Roots and Garden Boots

In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, Kate and Sarah discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation and its examination of the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood. They explore how smartphones and social media can contribute to anxiety, depression, loneliness, comparison and a loss of independence, while discussing the importance of free play, boredom, pr...

Discover how artificial intelligence is changing everyday life in this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots. Digital Literacy Agent Richard Sellnow joins Sarah and Kate to explain AI in simple, practical terms, discussing its benefits, potential risks, and how it can be used responsibly. From identifying garden pests and designing landscapes to recognizing scams and protecting your personal in...

In this spring-themed episode of  Family Roots and Garden Boots , horticulture expert Sarah and co-host Kate dig into everything gardeners need to know as planting season officially begins in Northern Kentucky. From understanding frost-free dates and choosing the right annuals and perennials, to planting vegetables successfully and avoiding common tomato-growing mistakes, the episode is packed wit...

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the sweet sound of birds getting ready for a brand new season! In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, we’re diving into a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature—creating bird nesting wreaths. Joined by special guest Aubree Dawson from the Campbell County Extension, we explore: -Why birds are so active (and noisy!) this time of year -How and why...

In this powerful episode of  Family Roots and Garden Boots , titled  “Code RED – Mental Health,”  Sarah and Kate shift the focus from gardening to emotional well-being, introducing listeners to the  Code RED Universal Safety Plan  — a practical, easy-to-use tool designed to help individuals navigate mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Drawing from formal suicide prevention trainings, t...

In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, “Garden Planning and Winter Safety,” Sarah and Kate talk about how winter is the perfect time to start planning for a successful spring garden. They share tips on choosing seeds, mapping out garden spaces, and reflecting on last season’s successes and challenges. The conversation also covers practical winter safety advice, including how to dress fo...

In this uplifting New Year’s episode of  Family Roots and Garden Boots , Kate and Sarah dive into reflection, growth, and practical goal-setting as 2026 approaches. They explore how to look back on the past year—celebrating what energized us, learning from what challenged us, and recognizing what may be draining our time and emotional energy. Instead of traditional resolutions, Kate introduces the...

In this episode of  Family Roots and Garden Boots , Sarah and Kate dive into the care, maintenance, and propagation of popular winter houseplants, focusing especially on holiday cacti. Sarah explains that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti are often confused with one another, and she describes how to tell them apart by examining their leaf shapes, growth habits, and flower characteristics....

In the newest episode of  “Family Roots and Garden Boots,”  titled  “Holiday Stress,”  hosts  Sarah  and  Kate  discuss how to manage holiday stress, find balance, and bring more meaning to the season. They share practical  self-care tips  for adults—like setting boundaries, avoiding overscheduling, and prioritizing connection over perfection—and offer  age-based advice  for helping children navig...

In Fall Gardening Part 2 , we dig even deeper into preparing your garden for the season! From the quirky history of why tomatoes are called vegetables, to saving seeds from your favorite flowers, storing dahlias and cannas, planting bulbs, and even protecting your plants from curious deer — this episode is packed with practical tips and fun garden stories. Plus, we cover how to transition tropical...

SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR Pt. 2 NOW! sarah.imbus@uky.edu katevaught@uky.edu In “Fall Gardening Pt. 1,” we dive into everything you need to know to get your garden ready for the cooler months — from planting leafy greens and root crops, to refreshing your annuals, to lawn care and even what to do with all those fall leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed...

Topics Covered; Routines, Supplies and Food, Attitudes, Playdates, Reading Books, Anxiety, After School Blues, Well Balanced Diet.

Topics Covered; What is Extension Office?, Annual vs Perennial, Planting a Diverse Landscape, Farmers Markets, Weeding, and Best Management Practices.