Winter is an important period for both reflection and planning for the upcoming growing season. Join us as we talk through various tasks such as inventory taking, supply orders, equipment maintenance, and upcoming continuing education opportunities. We also discuss the significance of seed catalogs as a source of inspiration and planning for the next growing season while humorously acknowledging the strategic timing of their arrival. We then consider different learning styles and how we prefer to acquire new knowledge during the winter months, noting preferences for hands-on experiences, visual aids, or auditory learning through podcasts.  Thanks for joining us!

Get your home ready for the holidays with the perfect plant picks! In this episode, we dive into the world of festive flora, discussing classic holiday favorites like poinsettias and Christmas cacti. We'll uncover their care tips and share some unique alternatives. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a plant newbie, this episode has everything you need to bring the holiday spirit to life in your home.

Holiday Plants

Christmas Cactus

Resources for Home Growers: Houseplants

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Join Jessica and Ray on this special holiday short topic as they talk about all the steps necessary to grow your own Shiitake mushrooms on natural logs.  Shiitake mushroom production on logs is a sustainable and rewarding practice that allows you to cultivate these delicious fungi in your own backyard. By inoculating hardwood logs with shiitake spawn, you create the perfect environment for the mycelium to colonize the wood and eventually produce flavorful mushrooms. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also offers a hands-on approach to growing your own food, connecting you with the natural processes of decomposition and renewal.

Shiitake Mushroom Publications University of Kentucky

Mushroom Resource Page University of Kentucky

Shiitake and Oyster Mushrooms

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Welcome back to the Hort Culture podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have a very special guest, Bethany Cox, Direct Marketing Program Manager at the Kentucky Horticulture Council.  In this episode, we'll be diving deep into the world of social media marketing for horticulture, discussing everything from platform selection to content creation and engagement strategies. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is for you. Let's get started!

Kentucky Horticulture Council

Kentucky Horticulture Council Staff

Center for Crop Diversification Internet and Social Media 

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On this episode of Hort Culture, we talk about the wonderful flavors of fall. From sorghum  to sauerkraut , there are so many delicious foods to enjoy this time of year. We'll discuss some of our favorite foods for the holidays and beyond.   Join us as we celebrate the fall harvest and all the delicious food that comes with it!

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In this episode of Hort Culture, we take you on a journey from the orchard to your kitchen table, exploring the fascinating process of apple production. We start at the beginning with the planning phase before the first trees is in the ground and end up with tasty fruit ready for the end consumer.

Center for Crop Diversification:  Apples

Center for Crop Diversification Crop Profile:  Apples

Economic Considerations for Apple Production in Kentucky

Plate it Up Kentucky Proud Recipes

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of urban and community gardening with our special guest, Bethany Pratt, Extension Specialist for Food Systems. Bethany shares her experiences and expertise on working with different community gardens projects and the different roles that they can play in communities.  We'll discuss the challenges and rewards of gardening in urban environments, as well as tips for starting your own garden, no matter how small your space.

Community Gardening Toolkit

Steps to Creating a Community Garden or Expand Urban Agriculture at a Brownfields Site

How to Organize a Community Garden

A Guide to Starting a Community Garden

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As the leaves change and temperatures drop in Kentucky, many insects seek shelter indoors. Join us as we discuss the most common fall pests that can invade your home and how to prevent and eliminate them. We'll cover everything from the pesky housefly to the ever present Asian lady beetle. Learn about their habits, behaviors, and effective control methods to help reduce the numbers of the fall invaders.  

Kentucky Pest News:  Fall Invaders

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In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked but incredibly crucial component of healthy soil: organic matter. Discover why it's the lifeblood of your garden or farm. We'll discuss:

• What is soil organic matter? A breakdown of its components and benefits.
• Why is it important? The role it plays in nutrient cycling, water retention, and soil structure.
• How to increase organic matter: Practical tips for improving soil health through composting, cover crops, and other methods.
• Common misconceptions: Debunking myths about organic matter and its impact on plants.

ATTRA Episode 326: Exploring Soil Organic Matter with Dr. Johannes Lehmann

Cornell Soil Organic Matter

Soil organic matter in cropping systems

Advanced Soil Organic Matter Management

Priming for Productionby Natalie Lounsbury (podcast mention)

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Join us as we delve into the breathtaking beauty of Kentucky's fall foliage. Discover the science behind the changing leaves and explore some of our favorite plants that put on a stunning show in autumn. 

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