Hort Culture

Before you dive into next year’s seed catalogs, take a little time to look back at the season you just finished.  In this episode of Hort Culture, co-hosts Ray, Jessica, Alexis, and Brett welcome Annie Scott, Extension Associate with the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification, to talk about the value of an end-of-season farm debrief. The conversation covers what growers should be reviewing while the season is still fresh, including production, marketing, finances, goals, and those important observations that don’t always show up on a spreadsheet.Annie and the crew discuss how good records can help growers figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what deserves another try. They also explore opportunity cost and quality of life, asking an important question: Just because something is profitable, does that mean it’s still the right fit for you, your farm, and your family?Along the way, expect the usual Hort Culture detours into seed catalogs, midnight releases, Harry Potter, Big Blue Madness, and the dangers of saying, “I’ll remember that later.” Whether you’re running a CSA, growing for market, raising cut flowers, or simply planning for another growing season, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best way to move forward is to spend a little time looking back.

Welcome to another episode of Hort Culture, where host Alexis is joined by special guest Shari Dutton, University of Kentucky Extension Associate and longtime horticulture mentor, to dive deep into the art and science of woody plant propagation. While woody cuttings require extra patience compared to fast-rooting annuals or houseplants and take longer to develop robust root systems, the rewarding payoff is well worth the wait. Whether you are looking to multiply favorite landscape shrubs or source material for specialty crop production, this episode covers everything you need to know about successfully starting semi-hardwood, greenwood, and hardwood cuttings. Shari shares expert insights on ideal late-winter timing, utilizing efficient techniques like heel and mallet cuttings to maximize surface area, and understanding plant juvenility and stock health. You will also learn crucial practical tips on selecting the right rooting hormone concentrations (IBA), achieving optimal airspace in your perlite-based propagation media, managing bottom heat and high humidity, and properly hardening off your new plants for long-term success. Tune in for valuable advice, a few laughs, and recommended resources like Michael Dirr’s classic reference manual to help you grow your plant collection from the ground up!Shari Dutton Extension AssociateCenter for Crop DiversificationRecommended Book Reference: Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture by Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. Heuser Jr.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

What does “local” really mean in today’s food system? In this episode of Hort Culture, we explore how local food markets are evolving, from grocery stores and farm-to-school programs to collaborative CSAs and larger distribution networks. We discuss the opportunities and tradeoffs growers face as they move beyond direct-to-consumer sales, how consumers think about local and organic foods, and what happens when “local” becomes part of mainstream marketing. Plus, we share some real-world experiences from Kentucky farms, farmers markets, schools, and local food systems.UK Center for Crop DiversificationThe Food  Connection at the University of KentuckyThe Kentucky Farm to School HubUK Market Ready:  Farm to SchoolOrganic Association of KentuckyKentucky Farm Share CoalitionUSDA Economic Research Service:  Local FoodsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

When perennials start getting crowded, blooming less, or simply outgrowing their space, it may be time to divide and conquer! In this episode of Hort Culture, the crew digs into the why, when, and how of dividing and transplanting perennial plants.From irises, peonies, daylilies, asters, and coneflowers to bulbs like daffodils and crocuses, we talk about which plants are good candidates for division, signs that a plant may be getting overcrowded, and practical tips for digging, dividing, replanting, and sharing your extras with fellow gardeners. We also discuss plants that don't appreciate being disturbed, what to expect after transplanting, and why your newly divided plants might need a little time before they're ready to put on another big show.Along the way, there's plenty of the usual Hort Culture fun, including rare pine propagation, sentimental plants, daffodil enthusiasm, questionable tulip longevity, and the realities of gardening when plants don't always cooperate.Whether you're rejuvenating an old perennial bed, moving a plant to a better location, or just looking for an excuse to share plants with friends, grab your shovel and join us for a little division in the garden!SPRING FLOWERING BULBS FOR KENTUCKY GARDENSIris and Peony Growing InformationK State Dividing and Planting  Peonies, Iris and DayliliesDividing PerennialsQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

October is officially here, and the Hort-Culture team is embracing all things spooky season! In this episode, Alexis, Jessica, and Ray explore the weird, eerie, and fascinating world of spooky plants—from botanical tricksters to true atmospheric creepy crawlers.The crew kicks off with a quick psychological dive into why morning darkness feels oddly safe compared to the evening, before jumping straight into plants that give us the chills: Spooky Environments & Mind Games: How a simple stroll through the woods can turn eerie. Ray shares a late-night encounter with a rustling Bigtooth Aspen in the Red River Gorge, Alexis breaks down why American Beeches look like "little ghosts" waving through winter forests, and the team analyzes why standing alone in a rustling cornfield triggers instant sensory overload. The Strange & The Carnivorous: Alexis highlights the world of carnivorous plants—including a hilarious nod to the International Carnivorous Plant Society’s definition of "murderous plants"—and shares tips for keeping pitcher plants happy in a patio bog. Botanical Oddities & Eerie Mimics: From the ghostly, non-photosynthetic Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) that steals nutrients from surrounding roots, to the rotting-flesh aroma of the giant Corpse Flower, and the dramatic, bat-like blooms of the Tacca (Bat Flower). Dangerous Defenses & Wicked Weeds: The hosts talk about nightmare-inducing thorns, featuring the terrifying 6-to-8-inch spikes of Honey Locust trees, alongside the dark, toxic history of Jimson Weed (Datura), Pokeberry, and Poison Hemlock. Folk Lore & The Wailing Trees: Ray dispels the myth behind the name "Witch Hazel" (spoiler: it’s all about flexibility, not witches!), reminisces about glowing Jack-O'-Lantern mushrooms in the woods, and recounts how a Berenstain Bears book helped him conquer his fear of a local "wailing tree."Grab a warm drink, get cozy, and join the conversation! Do you have a spooky plant story or local tree legend? Send your tales to [email protected] or connect on Instagram @HortCulturePodcast. Don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and review!Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode of Hort Culture, Brett, Alexis, and Ray  are joined by guest Gabe Cassone, agricultural economist at the University of Kentucky's Center for Crop Diversification (CCD), to dive into the numbers behind growing and selling local produce and dairy.Tune in as we break down everything from digital farmers market price reporting and USDA shipping point data to the surprising price differences between urban and rural markets. We also explore the future of the dairy industry, unique value-added consumer trends (like eye-tracking tech in grocery stores and European-style milk vending machines), and Gabe's own backyard vertical hydroponic lettuce experiment!Gabe CassoneExtension AssociateCenter for Crop DiversificationPrice ReportsRegional Farmers Market & Produce Auction Price DataQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode hosts Ray, Alexis, and Brett discuss the enduring appeal and sheer spectacle of state fair giant produce competitions. They explore the mix of agricultural science, elite genetics, and environmental conditions—such as Alaska's long daylight hours and cool nights—that drive these extreme growths. The hosts highlight notable Kentucky records, including a state-record 1,882.4-pound pumpkin from Grayson County, a 245.7-pound watermelon, and a 95-inch sunflower. They also marvel at mind-boggling national records like a 138-pound cabbage, a nearly 6-foot-long carrot, a 39.5-pound head of broccoli, and a 0.38-pound green bean. Wrapping up the episode, the hosts share what giant or random crops they would personally attempt to grow.Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home GardenExhibiting and Judging VegetablesQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

In this episode of Hort Culture, hosts Alexis, Ray, Brett, and Jessica sit down with Brandi Button Johnson, the Western Kentucky Value Chain Coordinator at The Food Connection (University of Kentucky).The conversation kicks off with a humorous and comforting debate over favorite bean recipes, local comfort foods, and nostalgic kitchen memories. From there, Brandi shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a Barren County tobacco farm and directing a grassroots nonprofit to stepping into her current regional role.Tune in as Brandi breaks down what a value chain coordinator actually does—navigating complex geographic landscapes, bridging the gap between local growers and institutional buyers like school systems, and building the "soft infrastructure" of trust and communication. The team also explores the vital importance of market diversification, mitigating agricultural risk, and why curiosity is the ultimate tool for overcoming skepticism in the farming community.Love this episode? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @HortCulturePodcast! Have questions or comments? Reach out to us at [email protected] specific aspect of Brandi's work with Kentucky farm-to-school programs would you like to highlight or discuss further?Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Thinking government programs are only for large-scale corn and soybean farmers? Think again! In this episode, we sit down with David Wayne, the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for Kentucky, to bust the myth that federal agricultural programs leave out specialty crop and horticulture producers.From navigating the essential first step of getting a farm number and filing your annual crop reports (Form 578), to leveraging low-interest Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) for cold storage and finding safety nets through the Non-Insured Crop Assistance Program (NAP), David shares practical, insider advice tailored specifically for growers. Whether you're running a multi-acre orchard, managing a small market garden, or keeping bees, this episode breaks down how the FSA can work for you.In this episode, we cover: Why filing a crop report is the crucial baseline for unlocking disaster assistance and funding How the new Geospatially Enhanced Acreage Reporting (GEAR) system makes multi-planting horticulture reporting much easier Low-interest financing options for cold storage units, walk-in coolers, and sorting equipment How the Non-Insured Assistance Program (NAP) acts as crop insurance for specialty crops and honey production Why accurate local data matters and how reporting your crops helps secure better Kentucky-specific pricing and disaster declarationsLove what you heard? Hit Subscribe or Follow the show, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and tag us in a selfie in front of your local FSA office on Instagram @HortCulturePodcast!Kentucky Farm Service AgencyUSDA FSA Programs & Services: Learn more about farm numbers, crop reporting, and safety net programsKentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD): Access agribusiness support, training, and grant facilitation assistanceCenter for Crop Diversification (CCD): Provides resources, price reports, and production profiles for alternative and specialty cropsUniversity of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Provides research-based education, local county programs, and community resources across KentuckyQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!

Thinking about turning that awkward patch of lawn or open field into a native wildflower meadow? You aren’t alone. In this episode, the team breaks down everything you need to know about transitioning away from turfgrass and building a successful, biodiverse pollinator habitat.From navigating the crucial first steps of site prep to choosing the right seed mixes and managing your expectations for years one through three, we cover the real-world grit it takes to get that magazine-worthy meadow.Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Embrace the Timeline: Wildflower meadows are a long game. Unlike fast-gratification annuals like zinnias, native perennials focus on building deep root systems first. Expect a "wheat field" look in year one, some blooms in year two, and a fully established meadow by year three. Eliminate the Competition: You cannot just throw seeds onto an existing lawn and walk away. Whether you choose a burndown herbicide regimen, solarization with clear plastic, or smothering with black plastic, wiping out existing turf and the weed seed bank is the single most important step for success. Timing is Everything: Fall or early spring are your primary windows depending on your prep method, but planting your seed mix in the spring often yields the best germination rates for many regional native species. Curating the Right Mix: Aim for a minimum of 10 diverse native species (including workhorses like Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Bergamot, and New England Aster) paired with native bunchgrasses like Little Bluestem and Side-Oats Grama. Low-Maintenance Living: Once established past year three, your maintenance drops significantly. Skip heavy fertilizers (low fertility is a native plant's superpower!) and practice light, high-mowing (6 to 8 inches) in early spring only after overwintering beneficial insects and seed-eating birds have had their fill.Resources to Help PollinatorsUK Native Plant resourcesLady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterResidential Rain GardensQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected] us out on Instagram!