Hort Culture

In this episode, the team dives deep into the world of mechanical and cultural weed control. What starts as a fun discussion about corvids and birdwatching  quickly transitions into the heart of the episode—how growers manage weeds without chemical inputs. The crew explores the overlap between cultural and mechanical practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, hoeing, solarization, and high...

In this midsummer episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Joe Kuosman, Lexington-based giant pumpkin grower and co-founder of West Sixth Brewing. The conversation starts with heat survival tips from the hosts (spoiler: giant hats and shade are a must), then dives headfirst into the fascinating world of giant pumpkin cultivation. Joe shares how his pumpkin passion was planted decades ago in Pittsbu...

In this lively and informative episode, the Hort Culture team dives deep into the seasonal challenges facing Kentucky gardeners, particularly the rising threat of plant diseases during a historically cool and wet spring. Join Brett, Alexis, and Ray start for a chat about plant health and integrated pest management (IPM). Listeners get an in-depth look at the “disease triangle” — the key combinatio...

In this engaging summer episode of Hort Culture , the crew welcomes Trevor Terry , Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council , for a spirited and insightful conversation that blends passion, policy, and plant nerdiness.  After kicking things off with lighthearted chatter about their favorite warm-weather drinks (kombucha and icy watermelon blends included), Trevor dives into his...

In this nostalgic episode, Brett and Ray hold down the fort while their co-hosts are away, turning the podcast into a "man cave" for the day. What starts as a lighthearted check-in on their recent challenge to "sit under a tree" turns into a conversation tracing Ray's agricultural roots in eastern Kentucky. Ray shares vivid memories of his childhood growing up on a farm in the eastern foothills—ye...

In this episode of Hort Culture , Alexis, Brett, and Ray dive into a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about how plants intertwine with memory, grief, celebration, and personal identity. What begins with snack talk and Brett’s possum joke evolves into a rich discussion about the power of plants to mark life’s most meaningful moments—from memorial trees and generational houseplants to the...

In this episode of Hort Culture , the team explores the many facets of scaling horticulture operations—from small market gardens to multi-acre farms—and how those decisions affect production, marketing, labor, and personal lifestyle. They discuss how growers move from hands-on producers to business managers as scale increases, and the importance of aligning farm size with personal goals and family...

In this episode of Hort Culture , the team is joined by Jack Baggett to dive into the world of urban forestry, community engagement, and the impact of the Tree City USA and Tree Campus Higher Education programs in Kentucky. Jack shares his fascinating career journey — from working with swine operations in Kansas to becoming a certified arborist and leading community forestry efforts. He reflects o...

In this special episode, Brett and Alexis hold down the fort while Ray and Jessica are away, diving into a season of wild weather, emerging garden diseases, and some exciting updates from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD). They chat about wet spring conditions fueling botrytis and other fungal issues, share a clever DIY tree watering hack, and preview the Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control F...

In this thoughtful and laugh-filled episode, Alexis and Brett dive deep into the rhythms of seasonality in horticulture—not just in terms of plant growth, but also the marketing windows and human habits that shape the industry. Fresh off a hectic Mother's Day, they reflect on the exhaustion and triumph that comes with spring’s Super Bowl of floral sales and discuss how local growers plan months (o...

In this episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Matt Dixon, senior agricultural meteorologist at the UK Ag Weather Center, for a deep dive into Kentucky’s unpredictable weather patterns and their impact on farming. Matt shares how his love for both meteorology and agriculture—rooted in his watermelon-tossing youth—led to a career helping farmers interpret and respond to volatile weather conditions...

In this episode of Hort Culture , we explore the topic of branding for farms and businesses. After chatting about spring rains, gardening chores, and Kentucky’s unpredictable late frosts, we shift to a lively discussion with Brett from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) about their "Marketing for All" project. We emphasize that marketing—especially branding—is essential for selling crops an...

In this episode of Hort Culture , we dive into the challenges of late spring frosts and freezes. We talk about how to tell if a freeze has hit, why it’s important to cover vulnerable plants (and why plastic is not your friend), and the best materials to use for protection. We also share why it’s so important to wait before reacting to frost damage, giving plants time to show how they've been affec...

In this episode of Hort Culture , guest Alethea Bruzek, Boyle County’s Family and Consumer Sciences agent, shares her gardening experiences, including managing raised beds and food preservation mishaps. She discusses the role of FCS in supporting family well-being through topics like budgeting, parenting, and especially safe food preservation methods like fermentation, freezing, dehydrating, and c...

In this episode of Hort Culture , we dig into the do's and don'ts of spring pruning for landscape trees and shrubs in central Kentucky. We talk about the benefits of dormant pruning while plants are still asleep, and how timing your cuts can impact flowering later on. Learn why early bloomers like forsythia and lilac should be pruned after they flower, while late bloomers and non-flowering shrubs...

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the daily dance of decisions, dirt, and dedication. In this episode of Hort Culture , we step into the boots of Jessica and Alexis to explore what a typical spring day looks like for many growers. From sunrise planning sessions to soil prep, planting, and pest patrol, we uncover how growers prioritize tasks, adapt to ever-changing conditions, and stay focused d...

In this episode, we dive into how different personality types influence success in farmers markets and other direct sales channels. We discuss the social energy of in-person selling, the efficiency of wholesale, and the balance of CSA models. Self-awareness is key—knowing your strengths can help shape a business model that truly fits you. We also explore online marketing, vendor dynamics, and the...

In this episode of Hort Culture , we sit down with Dr. Ric Bessin, who reflects on over 30 years as an entomologist with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Dr. Bessin shares some of his most memorable stories from the field, from accusations of  helicopter bug drops to the unexpected challenges of working in the field. He offers advice to his younger self and to those j...

In this episode of Hort Culture , we’re getting introspective! We take a look at some of the personality tests and assessments we’ve taken over the years and explore how the results show up in our gardening styles. Are we meticulous planners or spontaneous plant experimenters? Do we thrive on structure, or are we all about the wild, untamed beauty of nature? Join us for a lively conversation about...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we speak with Brandon Howard, Kentucky State Forester, about the state's vital forests. We discuss the Kentucky Division of Forestry's role, the challenges facing our woodlands like invasive species, and the importance of sustainable management practices. Brandon highlights the crucial role of urban forestry and community engagement, offering advice for landowners...

In this special episode of Hort Culture , our very own Brett Wolff flips the script and plays the role of a brand-new gardener with lots of  questions about getting started. He approaches the team with concerns like, “Am I too late to start a garden this year?” “What should I plant first?” and “How do I keep from killing everything?” Join us as we break down the gardening calendar, discuss ea...

On this episode of Hort Culture, we delve into the fascinating world of bees with special guest Amanda Skidmore, Kentucky's State Apiarist.  Amanda shares insights into the current state of honey bees and native pollinators in the Commonwealth, discussing some of the challenges they face as well as some programs to support them and help populations grow.  She highlights the crucial role...

In this solo episode, Alexis shares some of her favorite things she has been using this year that could be useful for commercial growers or home gardeners. From hand hoes to help with weeding between close plantings to temperature controllers for heating and cooling, and even a recommendation for the book Profit First 1... . Alexis highlights tools and resources that have made a significant impact...

In this episode of the Hort Culture podcast,  our very own co-host Brett Wolff dives into the key findings and insights from his fact sheet, "3-Year Average Weekly Prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2022-2024." He discusses the importance of understanding price trends for both farmers and consumers, highlighting the factors that influence weekly price fluctuations at Kentucky farmers markets...

Celebrate 100 episodes of the Hort Culture Podcast with us! We'll journey through our favorite moments, highlight some of the most impactful conversations, and share our gratitude for our amazing community of listeners. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!