Hort Culture

Welcome to this special mini-episode of Hort Culture, where your hosts Alexis and Ray dive into the world of bokashi composting. Today, Alexis shares her fascination with this Japanese method that ferments organic waste, including items typically not compostable. She's intrigued by its efficiency and how it enriches soil without the foul odors associated with traditional composting. Comparatively,...

In this episode, we dive deep into the UK SNAP-Ed program with our special guest, Jan Knappage. Jan shares valuable insights into the program's goals, initiatives, and how it's impacting communities across the state.  SNAP-Ed stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education . It's a program that provides nutrition education to people who receive SNAP benefits. In Kentucky, the...

This week on Hort Culture, we're tackling the challenges of summer's scorching temperatures and offering tips to keep your lawn and garden thriving. But remember, while caring for your plants is important, taking care of yourself is paramount. We'll provide safety tips to help you stay cool and hydrated while working in the garden. And in bittersweet news, we're saying goodbye to our longtime frie...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we dive into the delightful world of worm composting, also known as vermicomposting! These little wigglers aren't just good for scaring fishermen – they can be a gardener's secret weapon for turning kitchen scraps into a welcome compost addition to any garden. We'll break down the basics of setting up your own worm bin, including the ideal habitat for your composti...

Tomato season is in full swing, but keeping those plants thriving through the summer heat can be a challenge. In this episode of Hort Culture, we tackle mid to late season tomato care. Join us as we discuss: Identifying and preventing common tomato problems like blossom end rot and sunscald. Maximizing your harvest with proper ripening techniques and sucker control. Extending the season: Learn how...

Join us as  we delve into the dynamic world of garden wildlife control. We will discuss different  strategies for managing critters that visit your garden spaces, from the humble rabbit to the crafty crow.   We will talk about strategies like exclusion, habitat modification, relocation, and repellents  that, in combination, will help you coexist with wildlife while protect...

This episode of Hort Culture dives into the world of high tunnels and greenhouses in Kentucky! We're joined by special guest Arundathi Sharma, University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Floriculture and Controlled Environment. Arundathi will shed light on the fascinating adaptations and innovations Kentucky growers are using to thrive under cover. Center for Crop Diversification-HighTunnel &am...

Join us as we delve into the radiant world of the summer solstice and its impact on horticulture. Discover how the extended daylight influences plant growth, the best practices for summer planting, and the cultural significance of this celestial event in gardening communities around the globe. Join us as we explore the symbiotic relationship between the sun's peak and the flourishing of our garden...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we delve into an analysis of five years' worth of HortBiz Quiz responses. We uncover trends and patterns that have emerged over time, revealing the evolving challenges and opportunities within the horticulture industry. For more details on the HortBiz Quiz, check out the resources available at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmen...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we dive deep into the wonderful world of composting! We'll break down the basics: what composting is, why it's fantastic for your garden, and the different methods you can use to create your own nutrient-rich compost. Here's what you can expect to hear: The benefits of composting: Learn how compost improves soil health, reduces waste, and saves you money on fertili...

This week on Hort Culture, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of cucurbits!  These versatile veggies, which include everyone's favorites like pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, and melons, are more than just delicious additions to your table. Join us as we talk about  the best practices for growing a thriving cucurbit patch in your own backyard, no matter your climate. We will a...

In this buzzing episode of Hort Culture, we delve into the fascinating world of cicadas with Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Assistant Professor of Entomology. As Broods XIX and XIII make their rare simultaneous emergence in 2024, we explore the significance of this event, which hasn't occurred since 1803 and won't happen again until 2245. Dr. Larson enlightens us on the life cycle and...

This week on Hort Culture, we take a break from the usual growing and marketing topics  and delve into the sheer wonder of trees. Join us as we reminisce about the towering giants that have graced our lives and shaped our experiences. We'll reflect on the simple joys of childhood spent climbing branches, building forts in their cool shade, and the thrill of conquering the highest limbs. We'll...

This week on Hort Culture, we're diving into the deluge! We all love a good spring shower, but what happens when the rain just won't quit? Excessive rain can wreak havoc on our gardens, leading to root rot, erosion, and weakened plants. But fear not, fellow horticulturists, because we've got strategies to help your landscape weather the storm. Drainage Do's and Don'ts: We'll discuss the importance...

In this special short format episode of Hort Culture, join Josh and Brett as they delve into the delicate art of bonsai. Tune in to discover how patience and careful cultivation can lead to the creation of living sculptures, and perhaps be inspired to start a bonsai journey of your own.

In this episode of the Hort Culture podcast, we discuss some of the many exciting programs going on at the University of Kentucky's Robinson Center and Robinson Forest with Dr. Shawn Wright, horticulture specialist at the University of Kentucky. The more you know, the more you grow! Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (RCARS) Robinson Forest Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggesti...

Join us as we dive into  farmers' markets price reports, exploring both historical and current data and information. We will be taking a deeper dive into  the fact sheet,  3-year Average Weekly Prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2021-2023. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could guide the way you approach pricing at your local farmers' market. 3-year Average Weekly Prices at K...

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the world of efficient watering systems and strategies! Discover the secrets to keeping your garden lush and your landscapes thriving with our tips on irrigation techniques. From drip systems that save water to the best times for watering, we cover it all. Tune in to transform the way you think about hydration for your plants! 🌱💧 Building a Rain B...

Join us as we discuss practices for safeguarding your beloved garden and landscape against the harshness of frost. We will  share  tips on using mulch, cloches, and specially designed fabrics to insulate plants, as well as the importance of strategic watering and plant selection for frost resistance. Tune in to discover how to keep your green oasis thriving through the chilliest times. A...

Joins us as we dive into the essentials of spring lawn and landscape preparation. We will  discuss topics like early lawn weed control, mowing, and grub control.  We will also share some tips on preparing your landscape beds after the long cold months of winter.   Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky Tips and Recommendations for Maintaining Home Lawns Questions/Comme...

Join us as we dive into the essentials of prepping your home garden for the upcoming season. We'll cover everything from tilling to soil amendments. Tune in to get your garden space thriving! Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!

On this episode of Hort Culture, we're buzzing with excitement to be talking all about pollinator gardens! We'll dive into the fascinating world of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and even bats, and explore why they're so vital to our ecosystem. We'll then get our hands dirty and learn how to create a pollinator haven in your own backyard, no matter the size of your space. W...

In this episode, we'll talk about the best places to find fruit, vegetable, and flower variety information. Whether you're looking for a new type of tomato to grow, a rare orchid to admire, or a tasty berry to snack on, we'll tell you where to look and what to look for. We'll also share some tips and tricks on how to choose the right varieties for your climate, soil, and personal preferences.&nbsp...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we chat with Laura Greenfield, founder of Oakland Farm Trees, a nursery that specializes in native plants. Laura shares her passion for growing and caring for plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil, and how they can benefit our gardens, wildlife and environment. She also gives us some tips on how to choose, plant and maintain native plants in our own...

On this episode, we have a special guest, Emily Spencer from the Center of Crop Diversification, who will share with us some insights on community supported agriculture, or CSA for short. What is CSA and how does it benefit both farmers and consumers? How can you get involved in a CSA program near you? And what are some of the challenges and opportunities of this alternative food system? Tune in t...