The Sunshine Gardening Podcast

Where does rainwater go after it falls in your yard? In Episode 49 of The Sunshine Gardening Podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes UK Extension Water Quality Specialist Dr. Amanda Gumbert to discuss Kentucky's changing rainfall patterns, flash droughts, stormwater runoff, and practical solutions for homeowners. Discover how rain gardens, native plants, and simple landscape improvements can protect water quality, reduce erosion, and create healthier Kentucky gardens!

In this episode of the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand interviews guest Jared Weaver to explore the impact of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, how homeowners can recognize signs of an infestation, and what options are available to manage affected trees. We'll also look at the future of ash trees in Kentucky and what homeowners and landowners should consider when deciding on treatment, removal, and replacement.

Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture, meets with Joanna Coles, Warren County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources, to discuss home composting. They discussed the benefits of home composting, the four basic pillars of home composting, brown versus green materials, a blueprint for building the compost pile, compost pile options, finished compost, and ways to use it around the home.

In the "How to Manage Needle Cast Disease in Kentucky" episode of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand discusses needle cast disease affecting spruce trees with expert Kim Leonberger. They cover symptoms, climate impact, and management strategies, emphasizing tree health and suitable species selection over fungicides. Resources for further education are also provided.

In this episode of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand and horticulture expert Jessica Hopkins discuss home composting. They cover essential materials, equipment, and maintenance tips for effective composting, while emphasizing the balance of brown and green materials. The conversation includes troubleshooting common issues and resources for beginners.

In episode forty-four of the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand and expert Jared Weaver discuss urban tree challenges, including improper placement, drought, and pest management. They offer practical insights into effective tree care strategies, such as deep watering, proper mulching, and soil testing, underscoring environmental stewardship and proactive urban forestry efforts.

Host: Whitney Peck, UK Extension Agriculture Intern for Warren County Guest: Colby Dye, Allen County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources Topic: UK Summer Intern Program The Internship program is an essential and integral part of how we deliver value to our partners in the communities across the state of Kentucky! As an intern in Cooperative Extension, you will receive experiential learning on what the life of an Extension agent in like. From developing programs to improve local communities to attending 4-H camp, the life of an Extension Intern is exciting and action packed! Our interns gain valuable hands-on professional experience, work on special projects that directly impact communities, experience a professional working environment that is a positive place for mistakes, growth, and learning, and network with other professionals. Whitney and Colby were both interns in agriculture here at the Warren County extension office. Colby was able to educate the community about interacting with wildlife while Whitney was able to educate new farmers about how to run a beef operation. 4-H, at large, and other internship options are also available. Follow this link to sign up for the internship program, regardless of your university by Friday, October 31st. https://ces-personnel.ca.uky.edu/internship-program

In the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand discusses self-wicking raised beds with guest Dr. Steve Higgins from the University of Kentucky. They explore the benefits of these innovative gardening methods for efficient watering and strong plant growth. The episode highlights ergonomic advantages, construction costs, and maintenance tips for gardeners.

In the podcast episode, Dr. Ellen Crocker discusses invasive plants in Kentucky, highlighting their detrimental effects on local ecosystems. She emphasizes early detection and management strategies, encourages public reporting of invasives, and shares resources like a field guide. The episode promotes collaboration and proactive efforts to protect native landscapes.

In episode forty-one of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, Kristin Hildabrand interviews Matt Dixon, a senior meteorologist, about weather's influence on agriculture in Kentucky. They discuss a new weather alert app designed for farmers, featuring current conditions and forecasts. Matt highlights the app's benefits, success stories, and the importance of accurate weather communication for effective farming.