Join us for another festive and fun episode of Hort Culture, as we discuss the ins and outs of dish gardens and terrariums. We will  talk about the difference between the two, noting that dish gardens are open, shallow containers typically housing arid plants, while terrariums are closed, humid environments. We will share our personal experiences and preferences, from using mini plants to prevent overgrowth in terrariums, to employing fun accessories like tiny dinosaurs in displays. We also delve into the practicalities of plant selection, soil types, and even the minimal need for fertilizer, emphasizing the importance of understanding each plant's specific requirements. 

Terrariums

Terrariums-Missouri Extension

MAKING A DESERT DISH GARDEN

Start a succulent garden

Dish Gardens

Dish Gardening & Windowsill Gardening

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

Join us as we discusses overwintering tender perennials and other plants through the winter months. We will share advice on protecting various plants, such as figs, chrysanthemums, rosemary, and dahlias, from freezing temperatures. We explore different methods such as bringing plants indoors, providing extra mulch or coverings, and utilizing favorable microclimates. We will also touch upon the differences in hardiness between plants grown in the ground versus containers, and the importance of considering factors like soil moisture and drainage. Finally, we discuss the role of experimentation in determining the best approach for overwintering specific plants.

How to Overwinter Tender Perennials

Save money and save plants with a garden of overwintered favorites

Overwintering Tender Bulbs

Overwintering Container-Grown Ornamentals

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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 

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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!

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!

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

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!