In this episode of Hort Culture, we speak with Brandon Howard, Kentucky State Forester, about the state's vital forests. We discuss the Kentucky Division of Forestry's role, the challenges facing our woodlands like invasive species, and the importance of sustainable management practices. Brandon highlights the crucial role of urban forestry and community engagement, offering advice for landowners and sharing his vision for the future of Kentucky's forests. We also explored the division's crucial role in fire management throughout Kentucky, and learned about their operation of two tree nurseries with an online order system for easy access to native trees. We delve into practical steps for responsible forest management, resource accessibility, and the ongoing efforts to ensure the health and longevity of our state's invaluable natural resources.

Kentucky Division of Forestry

Kentucky's Invasive/Nuisance Species

Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources

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In this special episode of Hort Culture, our very own Brett Wolff flips the script and plays the role of a brand-new gardener with lots of  questions about getting started. He approaches the team with concerns like, “Am I too late to start a garden this year?” “What should I plant first?” and “How do I keep from killing everything?”

Join us as we break down the gardening calendar, discuss easy crops for beginners, and share practical tips to set any new gardener up for success. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a refresher, this episode is packed with useful advice, encouragement, and maybe a few laughs as Brett navigates the world of home gardening.

ID-128 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky

Growing Your Own Garden-Calendar

Gardening in Small Spaces

VEGETABLE CONTAINER GARDEN

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On this episode of Hort Culture, we delve into the fascinating world of bees with special guest Amanda Skidmore, Kentucky's State Apiarist.  Amanda shares insights into the current state of honey bees and native pollinators in the Commonwealth, discussing some of the challenges they face as well as some programs to support them and help populations grow.  She highlights the crucial role both honey bees and native bees play in our ecosystem and offers practical advice for individuals looking to make a difference.  From planting bee-friendly gardens  to providing nesting sites for native bees, Amanda outlines simple yet effective steps everyone can take.  For those interested in becoming beekeepers, she emphasizes the importance of joining local beekeeping clubs and provides contact information for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  Tune in to learn how you can contribute to the health and well-being of these vital pollinators and help them thrive in Kentucky.

Kentucky State Apiarist Office

Beginning Beekeeping For Kentuckians

Kentucky Beekeeping Calendar

Beekeeping and Honey Production

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In this solo episode, Alexis shares some of her favorite things she has been using this year that could be useful for commercial growers or home gardeners. From hand hoes to help with weeding between close plantings to temperature controllers for heating and cooling, and even a recommendation for the book Profit First1.... Alexis highlights tools and resources that have made a significant impact on her growing and business practices. Whether you're looking to improve your efficiency, optimize your plant care, or simplify your accounting, this episode is packed with practical tips and recommendations to enhance your gardening or farming practices.

DeWit Cape Cod Weeder

Temperature Controllers

Winstrip Trays

Profit First

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In this episode of the Hort Culture podcast,  our very own co-host Brett Wolff dives into the key findings and insights from his fact sheet, "3-Year Average Weekly Prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2022-2024." He discusses the importance of understanding price trends for both farmers and consumers, highlighting the factors that influence weekly price fluctuations at Kentucky farmers markets. Brett also shares practical tips for farmers on how to utilize this data to make informed decisions about pricing their products and for consumers on how to navigate the market to find the best deals.

3-year Average Weekly Prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2022-2024

Center for Crop Diversification Price Reports

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Celebrate 100 episodes of the Hort Culture Podcast with us! We'll journey through our favorite moments, highlight some of the most impactful conversations, and share our gratitude for our amazing community of listeners.

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In this episode, we discuss the effects of snow on plants. We explore the insulating properties of snow, covering benefits and potential drawbacks like the increased risk of plant damage from heavy snow loads or wildlife activity. We also address the impact of unusual weather patterns, such as prolonged warm spells, on plant growth and dormancy. Furthermore, we touch upon proper pruning techniques and the importance of choosing appropriate plant varieties for snowy climates. Finally, we advise listeners on protecting plants from winter damage and offer safer alternatives to salt for de-icing.

Prepare Your Garden and Landscape for Winter with These Tips

Winter Gardening Tips and Tasks

Snow in Your Landscape: Do’s and Don’ts

Winter Damage on Landscape Plants

Vole Issues and Management  around Homes, Orchards, and  Row Crops

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Brett and his wife, Annie talk about how their home garden has changed over the years including what they enjoy about it, what it means to them, and the types of plants and maintenance they do. If you're an aspiring plant person or looking to get out of a rut in your gardening life, this episode may provide a spark.

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Joins us as we discuss/debate our chocolate preferences before focusing on practical advice on attracting and feeding birds, including feeder types, seed choices, and placement to avoid window collisions. We also address potential downsides like predation by cats and squirrels, and the spread of disease. Finally, we discuss the ecological benefits of creating bird-friendly habitats.

Taking Care of our Feathered Friends

Winter Bird Feeding: The Basics

Feeding Wild Birds: Should People Feed Birds and What's Best to Feed Birds?

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In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of microgreens! We'll discuss why these nutrient-packed powerhouses are a fantastic winter growing project, even for those with limited space. Learn about the simple steps involved in growing microgreens at home, from seed selection to harvesting. We'll also explore the diverse culinary uses of microgreens, adding vibrant flavor and a nutritional boost to your winter meals. So, grab your seeds and get ready to experience the joy of growing fresh, flavorful greens all year round!"

Microgreens

A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens at Home

What Are Microgreens?

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