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 KentuckyCenter For Crop Diversification Organic ResourcesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 profitability. By taking the Biz Quiz, you can get a score that indicates how ready you are to pursue your horticulture venture, as well as feedback and resources to improve your chances of success. Whether you are interested in growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, or ornamentals, the Biz Quiz can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in to hear more about this valuable tool and how it can benefit you as a potential or existing horticulture entrepreneur. Horticulture Biz QuizQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 moving houseplants indoors and overwinter careHow to transition potted plants indoors for winterQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 plants, there is an event for you. Join us as we talk about some of the upcoming horticulture events coming up this winter. KY Fruit & Vegetable Conference Jan 2-4 OAK 13th Annual Conference January 25 -27 KNLA Green Industry Winter Conference Jan 31 – Feb 1 National Farm Machinery Show Feb 14-17 WV Small Farm Conference Feb 21-24 Center for Crop Diversification-Cut Flower ResourcesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 webinars on off-season retention: https://www.uky.edu/ccd/fallwebinars/Offseason_Retention. Stay tuned and let's get started!Offseason Marketing and Customer RetentionWholesale, Institutional, and Multi-farmer MarketingCenter For Crop Diversification Value Added ResourcesPublication:  What to Think About Before You PlantKentucky Farm to School NetworkQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 TasksWinterizing Your Garden ToolsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and join us for this eerie episode of Hort Culture.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 BULBS FOR KENTUCKY GARDENSQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 GardenGarlic and Elephant GarlicQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 of “Agritouism 2.0” we talk about how we’re having fun this fall, how we think about on-farm experiences as a marketing approach vs. a pure revenue generator, and “weed speed dating.” Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 improve your soil and your plants.  Taking Soil Test Samples Taking Soil Samples for Horticulture Crops Soil Testing Through the University of Kentucky Extension ServiceQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 to set it up and maintain it.  So grab your umbrella and join us as we dive into the world of rain barrels!Building a Rain BarrelHomeowner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting: Rain Barrels and BeyondRain Barrel TipsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 microclimate for your plants, and how to choose the best materials and methods for your garden and fields. High Tunnel OverviewGreenhouses, High Tunnels, & Low TunnelsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

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 CalculatorCover Crops for Kentucky Gardens and FieldsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] 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 a toll on your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships and your passion for plants. Join us as we talk about this important topic.  Farm Stress and Rural Mental HealthQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

On this episode of Hort Culture we'll talk about some of the tools and gadgets that make gardening easier, more fun, and more productive. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, you'll find something here that suits your needs and budget. From smart irrigation systems to compost tumblers, from pruning shears to plant sensors, we'll cover it all. So tune in and get ready to discover some amazing garden gadgets!Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode, we're going to dig into the topic of mulch. What is it, why do you need it, and how do you use it? Whether you have a big backyard a tiny balcony, or a commercial operation mulch can help you keep your plants healthy and happy. So grab your shovel and let's get started!Mulch MythsMulches for the LandscapeGarden MulchesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode of Hort Culture, we will be closing out Kentucky flower month with two amazing floral artists, Kathy from Ephemeral Floral Sky and Sarah from Drury Floral. They share their stories on the industry, why they value local blooms and how it inspires their wedding, event, and everyday arrangements. We also talk about some of the challenges and joys of working with flowers, and how they balance their passion and business. Tune in to hear more!Kathy @ephemeralfloralskySarah @druryfloralQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Welcome to another episode of Hort Culture, the podcast where we talk about all things green and growing. Today we have a very special guest, Kayla Carey, who is the co-owner of The Kentucky Flower Market. She will be providing the exciting details on what The Kentucky Flower Market is all about. So join us for this fun and informative conversation with Kayla Carey on Hort Culture!The Kentucky Flower MarketInstagram: The Kentucky Flower MarketRooted FarmersQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode, we'll share some tips and tricks for fall gardening, such as crops suitable for fall planting, specific planting dates, and how to protect your crops from frost. No matter your situation you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of fall gardening with some of these tips and tricks.Home Vegetable Gardening in KentuckyFall Vegetable GardensQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode, we're going to explore the cut flower industry in Kentucky, where farmers are producing beautiful blooms for local markets and beyond. We'll learn about the challenges and rewards of growing flowers in this region, and get some tips on growing and marketing. Tune in and let's get floral!Center For Crop Diversification Cut Flower ResourcesKentucky Commercial Cut Flower Grower DirectoryKentucky Horticulture Council Cut Flower ResourcesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

On this episode of Hort Culture, we explore the world of container plants. you can grow beautiful and healthy plants in pots, baskets, boxes and more. We will talk about containers, soil, water, fertilizer and more! Tune in and discover how to create your own mini plant oasis with container plants!Gardening In ContainersContainer GardeningQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode of Hort Culture, we'll talk about heat stress in plants and how it affects their growth and development. It can happen in summer, during heat waves, or in greenhouses. Some signs of heat stress are curling leaves, brown edges, dry soil, and reduced growth. To avoid heat stress, you should water your plants regularly, mulch the soil, shade them from direct sunlight, and choose heat-tolerant varieties. Tune in to learn more tips and tricks on how to keep your plants cool and happy.Heat wave in the garden: How to identify and prevent heat stress in plantsHigh Tunnel Planting Date CalendarsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Welcome to Hort Culture, the podcast where we dig into the science and art of growing plants. Today we're going to dive into some common garden myths. Tune in and learn how to grow your garden smarter, not harder.Horticultural Myths-Washington State UniversitySome Garden Myths and What Science Has To SayQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode, we'll talk about all the possible ecosystem services that can be provided by landscape plants. What are ecosystem services? How do they benefit us and our local communities? And how can we design and maintain landscapes that provide them? Tune in and discover how landscapes can enhance your living spaces!Ecosystem Services of Landscape Plants PublicationQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Join us on this episode of Hort Culture as we talk about the many reasons we have for growing plants other than for money. Plants are more than just a source of income for many people. They can also provide food, exercise, beauty, comfort, and even companionship. In this episode, you’ll hear from your podcast regulars as we share stories and insights on how plants enrich our lives in different ways. So, grab your headphones and join us as we dive into the wonderful world of plants.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Welcome to another episode of Hort Culture, the podcast where we talk about all things green and growing. In this episode, we're going to discuss summer insect IPM, or integrated pest management, which is a way of controlling pests using a combination of methods and techniques.  We'll learn about the different types of pests and how to manage them using cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods. And we have a special guest joining us today: Dr. Jonathan Larson, an assistant professor and extension entomologist at the University of Kentucky.  So tune in and get ready to learn more about summer insect IPM on Hort Culture!Kentucky IPM ManualsKentucky IPM Picture SheetsIPM Video GalleryKentucky Pest NewsArthro-PodKentucky Bugs on FacebookQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode of Hort Culture, we'll talk about summer cover crops and how they can benefit your plantings. Cover crops are plants that you grow in between your main crops to improve the soil, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. Some examples of summer cover crops are buckwheat, cowpea, sunflower, and sorghum. We'll discuss how to choose the right cover crop for your situation and soil type, and how to incorporate them into your garden plan. Tune in to learn more!Cover Crop CalculatorMidwest Cover Crops Field Scout Mobile AppS.A.R.E Cover Crop ResourcesManaging Cover Crops in High TunnelsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Crop rotation is a practice that involves changing the type of plants grown in a specific area each season or year. This can help prevent soil depletion, pest build up, and disease outbreak, as well as improve soil fertility and crop yield. In this episode, we'll explain the benefits of crop rotation, how to plan your rotation scheme, and some examples of crops that work well together in different rotations. Whether you have a larger production field or a small raised bed garden, crop rotation can make a big difference in your horticultural success.Home Vegetable Gardening in KentuckyQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the different marketing channels for horticulture products. We will get into some of the advantages and disadvantages of each channel, including direct sales, farmers' markets, online platforms, wholesalers and retailers. As well as share some tips and best practices on choosing the right market for your horticulture business and optimizing your sales and profits.What to Think About Before You PlantCenter for Crop Diversification Marketing ResourcesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

In this episode, we'll talk about finding funding for your small and large commercial horticulture projects. We'll also have a special guest, Maddie Grider, communications and marketing associate with the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD). She'll share some tips and resources on how to apply for grants, loans, and other financial assistance. Tune in and learn how to grow your green dreams with Hort Culture!Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD)KCARD contactsMaddie Grider, Communications and Marketing Associate:  [email protected] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Welcome to Hort Culture, the podcast for plant lovers! In this episode, we'll explore the benefits of interplanting and companion planting, two techniques that can help you maximize your garden space and productivity. Interplanting is when you grow two or more crops together in the same area, such as lettuce and radishes, or corn and beans. Companion planting is when you choose plants that have beneficial effects on each other, such as repelling pests, attracting pollinators, or improving soil quality. We'll share some tips and tricks on how to plan and implement them in your own plantings. Whether you have a small raised bed  or a large field plot, interplanting and companion planting can help you grow crops with less work and more fun. Tune in to Hort Culture and get ready to learn and grow!WVU Companion Planting PublicationHome Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky ManualTHE "NEW" COMPANION PLANTING: ADDING DIVERSITY TO THE GARDENQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

In this episode of Hort Culture, we talk about how to set prices for your horticulture crops. No matter what horticulture crops you are growing, pricing is a key factor in your profitability and sustainability. We discuss some of the factors that influence pricing, such as supply and demand, production costs, market trends, and customer preferences. We also share some tips and tools to help you calculate your break-even point, compare different pricing strategies, and communicate your value to your customers. Tune in to learn how to price your horticulture crops with confidence and success!USDA Agricultural Marketing ServiceCenter For Crop Diversification Price ReportsCenter For Crop Diversification BudgetsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

In this episode of Hort Culture, we talk about succession plantings for your farm and home.  Succession planting refers to several planting methods that increase crop availability during a growing season by making efficient use of planting dates, space, and variety selections. By using succession plantings concepts and practices you will maximize your harvest and minimize your waste. We share some tips and tricks on how to plan, prepare, and execute your succession plantings to get the most out of your production efforts!  Whether you have a large farm or a small backyard garden, succession plantings can help you enjoy more fresh produce throughout the growing season.Publication ID-128 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Gardening Seasons/Succession Planting (audio)Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Welcome to Hort Culture, the podcast for plant lovers. In this episode, we'll talk about integrated pest management, or IPM, a holistic approach to dealing with pests on your farm and in your garden. IPM combines different methods of pest control, including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical, to reduce the impact of pests on your plants. We'll discuss the benefits of IPM, how to implement it in your growing situation, and some common examples of IPM practices. Regardless of what you are growing, IPM can help you keep your plants healthy and happy. Tune in to learn more about this eco-friendly way of working with plants.University of Kentucky IPM ProgramsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

If you're thinking about growing horticulture crops for profit, you might be wondering how to choose the best ones for your situation. In this episode, we'll talk about some factors to consider before you start planting, such as market demand, production costs, climate suitability and pest management. We'll also introduce you to a handy tool called PRIMER that can help you evaluate different crops and make informed decisions. PRIMER stands for Profitability, Resources, Information, Marketing, Enthusiasm and Risk. Tune in to learn more about how to use PRIMER and grow your horticulture business!P.R.I.M.E.R toolQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!