Hort Culture

 Improving efficiency can improve profits and enjoyment of work by reducing wasted effort.  In this episode, the team talks about LEAN strategies and tactics as discussed by Ben Hartman in The Lean Farm (2015) and Jeffery Liker in The Toyota Way Fieldbook (2005)  Whether you want to grow more food, save money, or just have fun, this episode will inspire you to try something new and...

 In this episode, we're going to share our gardening plans for 2024. What are we going to grow, where are we going to grow it, and how are we going to make it thrive? Tune in and get inspired by our green dreams. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!

In this episode, we have a special guest: Dr. Tim Woods, Agricultural Economics Extension Professor at the University of Kentucky. He will share with us his analysis of the horticulture economic situation and outlook in Kentucky for 2024. What are some of the factors currently impacting the demand and supply of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other horticultural products? What are the opportunitie...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we welcome back Jessica Bessin, the Mercer County Horticulture Extension Agent, who joins us as we discuss  creating a more efficient  and productive garden. Whether you have a small space or a large plot, we will help you plan and design your garden according to your needs and preferences. Learn how to choose the right plants, arrange them in an aestheti...

In this episode, we have a special guest, Mercer County Extension Horticulture Agent Jessica Bessin, who joins us to talk about bees and beekeeping. Jessica shares her passion and expertise on how to start and maintain a healthy hive, what are the benefits of keeping bees for pollination and honey production, and what are some of the challenges and solutions for beekeepers in our region. Tune in t...

In this special mini episode of Hort Culture, Josh shares his experiences and impressions  of horticulture in Japan. Thanks for listening! Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram! The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and aut...

 In this episode, we look back over and reflect on our past year of podcast episodes. We share some of our favorite moments, tips, and stories.  We also talk about what we learned, what we enjoyed, and what we hope to do more of in the next year. Join us as we celebrate a year of Hort Culture! Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out o...

 In this special mini episode, we're going to talk about non-timber forest products, or NTFPs for short. These are products that come from forests, but are not sold as timber. They include things like mushrooms, berries, nuts, herbs, honey, and many more. NTFPs are important for biodiversity, food security, and income generation for many people around the world. We'll learn about some of the...

Are you ready to get a head start on your spring garden? In this episode of Hort Culture, we'll discuss how to start transplants indoors for planting outdoors in the spring. You'll learn more about how to choose the right seeds, when to sow them, and what kind of light and temperature they need to thrive. We'll also share some tips and tricks for avoiding common problems like legginess, and transp...

In this episode, we have a special guest: Sarah Geurkink, Organic Production Specialist at the Organic Association of Kentucky. She will share with us her new role and how she helps organic farmers in the state. Tune in to hear more! Organic Association of Kentucky Center For Crop Diversification Organic Resources Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Che...

Join us as  we explore the Kentucky Horticulture Biz Quiz, a free online tool that can help you assess the feasibility of your horticulture business idea. The Biz Quiz is available at https://www.uky.edu/ccd/bizquiz and it consists of 15 questions that cover various aspects of starting and running a horticulture operation, such as market demand, production costs, labor needs, and profitabilit...

If you love your outdoor plants and want to keep them alive during the cold season, this podcast episode is for you. We'll share some tips and tricks on how to overwinter your plants indoors, from choosing the right containers and soil, to adjusting the light and temperature, to watering and fertilizing. Tune in and learn how to make your plants happy and healthy until spring comes again. Tips for...

Winter is a great time for home gardeners and commercial producers to learn new skills and get inspired by attending horticulture conferences and educational events. These events offer opportunities to develop relationships with other growers, hear from experts in the field, and discover new trends and technologies. Whether you are interested in organic farming, urban gardening, or ornamental plan...

Join us as  we share tips and tricks to keep your business thriving all year round. In this episode, we're going to talk about how to retain your customers during the slow season and keep them engaged with your brand. We'll also share some examples of successful off-season marketing campaigns from other seasonal businesses. If you want to learn more, check out this website for some great webi...

Winter is coming!  In this episode, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to prepare your garden and landscapes for the cold season.  Whether you have a vegetable garden, a flower bed, or a lawn, we'll help you winterize it with  confidence. Tune in and learn how to make your garden and landscape winter-ready! Fall Garden Tasks Winterizing Your Garden Tools Questions/Comments/Feed...

Today we have a special episode for you. In honor of October being the spooky season, we're going to dive into some of the most intriguing plant folklore, superstitions, and other spooky topics that have shaped our relationship with plants and nature. From the deadly nightshade to mandrake root, we'll uncover the myths and legends behind these plants and how they influenced history, and culture. S...

In this episode of Hort Culture, we'll talk about why planting trees, shrubs and bulbs in the fall  is a smart move. We'll also share some tips on how to choose the right plants, prepare the soil and care for your new additions. Tune in and learn how to make your garden more beautiful and resilient with fall planting. Article:  Fall is for Planting! Publication:   SPRING FLOWERING B...

In this episode, we'll talk about how to grow garlic in your own garden. You'll learn about the best time to plant, the benefits of mulching, and how to harvest and store your garlic bulbs. Tune in and get ready to spice up your garden with this easy and rewarding crop. Consider Planting Garlic for the Kentucky Garden Garlic and Elephant Garlic Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: h...

As we settle into fall, you may have visions of apple cider, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes dancing in your head. While we all enjoy this kind of on-farm experience, we’re joined by Emily Spencer from the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification to talk about some alternative approaches to Agritourism that fall outside the traditional approaches.  In addition to this discussion...

If you want to grow healthy plants, you need to know what's in your soil. That's why taking a soil test is one of the best things you can do for your garden and fields. In this episode, we'll discuss how to take a soil test sample and submit it through your local Extension office  for analysis. You'll learn what kind of information you'll get from the test results, and how to use it to improv...

If you're looking for a way to save water, money, help your plants grow, you might want to consider installing a rain barrel in your backyard. A rain barrel is a simple device that collects and stores rainwater from your roof, which you can use for watering your plants.  In this podcast episode, we'll talk about the benefits of rain barrels, how to choose the right one for your needs, and how...

In this episode, we will be taking a closer look at options to help you extend your growing season both in the fall and in the spring.  Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, herbs, or fruits, you'll want to know how to protect them from frost, pests, and diseases. We'll share some information on using  season extenders  such ground covers and low tunnels to create a cozy micro...

Join  the Hort Culture regulars  (Alexis, Brett, Josh and Ray) as they talk about fall cover crops for your gardens and fields.  Thanks for listening! Cover Crop Calculator Cover Crops for Kentucky Gardens and Fields Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!

 In this episode, we'll share some tips and tricks for fall garden and landscape cleanup. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a sprawling backyard, there are some things you can do to prepare your plants for the winter and make your spring gardening easier. We'll cover topics like pruning, mulching, composting, and more. 

In this episode of Hort Culture, we talk about a serious issue that can affects producers and market gardeners: stress and burnout. Producer burnout is the feeling of exhaustion, frustration and lack of motivation that comes from trying to keep up with the demands of growing, harvesting and selling your horticulture products. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, producer burnout can take...