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PODCAST

Hort Culture

Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture.Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.eduCheck us out on Instagram!

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All Episodes

69:06

Growing Kentucky: A Conversation with Trevor Terry of...

Hort Culture ·

2025/06/29

In this engaging summer episode of Hort Culture, the crew welcomes Trevor Terry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, for a spirited and insightful conversation that blends passion, policy, and plant nerdiness.After kicking things off with lighthearted chatter about their favorite warm-weather drinks (kombucha and icy watermelon blends included), Trevor dives into his unconventional journey from humanities grad to horticulture leader — including a Derby weekend epiphany and the

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53:21

Hands in the Dirt, Head in the Clouds

Hort Culture ·

2025/06/22

In this nostalgic episode, Brett and Ray hold down the fort while their co-hosts are away, turning the podcast into a "man cave" for the day. What starts as a lighthearted check-in on their recent challenge to "sit under a tree" turns into a conversation tracing Ray's agricultural roots in eastern Kentucky.Ray shares vivid memories of his childhood growing up on a farm in the eastern foothills—years spent with cattle, square bales, vegetables, and tobacco. He reflects on the sights, smells, and

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53:02

Plants That Mark Time

Hort Culture ·

2025/06/15

In this episode of Hort Culture, Alexis, Brett, and Ray dive into a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about how plants intertwine with memory, grief, celebration, and personal identity. What begins with snack talk and Brett’s possum joke evolves into a rich discussion about the power of plants to mark life’s most meaningful moments—from memorial trees and generational houseplants to the sensory triggers tied to loved ones and childhood.The crew shares stories of plants passed down through

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62:45

Right-Sizing Your Farm: Aligning Scale with Your Goals

Hort Culture ·

2025/06/08

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team explores the many facets of scaling horticulture operations—from small market gardens to multi-acre farms—and how those decisions affect production, marketing, labor, and personal lifestyle. They discuss how growers move from hands-on producers to business managers as scale increases, and the importance of aligning farm size with personal goals and family needs. The conversation covers retail versus wholesale sales, labor management, equipment investments,

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60:41

Growing Tree Cities in Kentucky: A Conversation with...

Hort Culture ·

2025/06/01

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team is joined by Jack Baggett to dive into the world of urban forestry, community engagement, and the impact of the Tree City USA and Tree Campus Higher Education programs in Kentucky.Jack shares his fascinating career journey — from working with swine operations in Kansas to becoming a certified arborist and leading community forestry efforts. He reflects on his time with Cooperative Extension, running Master Gardener programs, managing farmers markets, and

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53:33

Spring Reflections, Weedy Challenges & What's Next

Hort Culture ·

2025/05/25

In this special episode, Brett and Alexis hold down the fort while Ray and Jessica are away, diving into a season of wild weather, emerging garden diseases, and some exciting updates from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD). They chat about wet spring conditions fueling botrytis and other fungal issues, share a clever DIY tree watering hack, and preview the Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day happening September 23. Plus, they reflect on recent CCD programs, the launch of a revamped

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60:29

Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should

Hort Culture ·

2025/05/19

In this thoughtful and laugh-filled episode, Alexis and Brett dive deep into the rhythms of seasonality in horticulture—not just in terms of plant growth, but also the marketing windows and human habits that shape the industry. Fresh off a hectic Mother's Day, they reflect on the exhaustion and triumph that comes with spring’s Super Bowl of floral sales and discuss how local growers plan months (or years!) in advance to hit these narrow seasonal targets.They explore key calendar touchpoints like

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45:16

Forecasting for Farmers: Weather Wisdom with Matt Dixon

Hort Culture ·

2025/05/11

In this episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Matt Dixon, senior agricultural meteorologist at the UK Ag Weather Center, for a deep dive into Kentucky’s unpredictable weather patterns and their impact on farming. Matt shares how his love for both meteorology and agriculture—rooted in his watermelon-tossing youth—led to a career helping farmers interpret and respond to volatile weather conditions. The conversation covers climate trends, how the Kentucky Weather Alert app supports growers statewide,

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56:34

Marketing for Growers: Why Branding Matters

Hort Culture ·

2025/05/04

In this episode of Hort Culture, we explore the topic of branding for farms and businesses. After chatting about spring rains, gardening chores, and Kentucky’s unpredictable late frosts, we shift to a lively discussion with Brett from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) about their "Marketing for All" project. We emphasize that marketing—especially branding—is essential for selling crops and not just growing them. Branding involves defining the core message and values of a business, guiding

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37:09

Cold Snaps and Garden Comebacks

Hort Culture ·

2025/04/27

In this episode of Hort Culture, we dive into the challenges of late spring frosts and freezes. We talk about how to tell if a freeze has hit, why it’s important to cover vulnerable plants (and why plastic is not your friend), and the best materials to use for protection. We also share why it’s so important to wait before reacting to frost damage, giving plants time to show how they've been affected. You'll hear us describe signs like "melted" herbaceous plants, "bud blast" in peonies, and frost

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57:30

From Garden to Table: Food Preservation with Alethea...

Hort Culture ·

2025/04/20

In this episode of Hort Culture, guest Alethea Bruzek, Boyle County’s Family and Consumer Sciences agent, shares her gardening experiences, including managing raised beds and food preservation mishaps. She discusses the role of FCS in supporting family well-being through topics like budgeting, parenting, and especially safe food preservation methods like fermentation, freezing, dehydrating, and canning. The conversation highlights the importance of using trusted resources and the connection between

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53:36

Shape Up Your Landscape: Spring Pruning 101

Hort Culture ·

2025/04/13

In this episode of Hort Culture, we dig into the do's and don'ts of spring pruning for landscape trees and shrubs in central Kentucky. We talk about the benefits of dormant pruning while plants are still asleep, and how timing your cuts can impact flowering later on. Learn why early bloomers like forsythia and lilac should be pruned after they flower, while late bloomers and non-flowering shrubs can be pruned earlier in the season. Whether you're shaping up evergreens or giving your hydrangeas a

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55:00

Spring Rhythms: A Day in the Life of a Grower

Hort Culture ·

2025/04/06

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the daily dance of decisions, dirt, and dedication. In this episode of Hort Culture, we step into the boots of Jessica and Alexis to explore what a typical spring day looks like for many growers. From sunrise planning sessions to soil prep, planting, and pest patrol, we uncover how growers prioritize tasks, adapt to ever-changing conditions, and stay focused during one of the busiest seasons of the year. You'll hear tips on how to stay organized, the importance

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54:59

Finding Your Fit – Farmers Market Personality Types

Hort Culture ·

2025/03/30

In this episode, we dive into how different personality types influence success in farmers markets and other direct sales channels. We discuss the social energy of in-person selling, the efficiency of wholesale, and the balance of CSA models. Self-awareness is key—knowing your strengths can help shape a business model that truly fits you. We also explore online marketing, vendor dynamics, and the value of hiring help. Whether farming is your business or a passion project, we share tools like the

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51:29

Insects, Insights, and Open Minds: Dr. Ric Bessin...

Hort Culture ·

2025/03/23

In this episode of Hort Culture, we sit down with Dr. Ric Bessin, who reflects on over 30 years as an entomologist with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Dr. Bessin shares some of his most memorable stories from the field, from accusations of helicopter bug drops to the unexpected challenges of working in the field. He offers advice to his younger self and to those just stepping into similar roles today, emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind, listening to others,

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46:36

Digging Into Our Garden Personalities

Hort Culture ·

2025/03/16

In this episode of Hort Culture, we’re getting introspective! We take a look at some of the personality tests and assessments we’ve taken over the years and explore how the results show up in our gardening styles. Are we meticulous planners or spontaneous plant experimenters? Do we thrive on structure, or are we all about the wild, untamed beauty of nature? Join us for a lively conversation about how our personalities shape the way we nurture our gardens—and

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47:16

Kentucky's Forests: A Conversation with State...

Hort Culture ·

2025/03/09

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

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56:55

Gardening 101: Am I Too Late to Start

Hort Culture ·

2025/03/02

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

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57:37

A Conversation With Kentucky's State Apiarist, ...

Hort Culture ·

2025/02/23

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

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18:03

Alexis' Favorite Things: Grower Essentials for 2025

Hort Culture ·

2025/02/16

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

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140 results

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