In this episode, the Hort Culture crew dives into the joys and challenges of growing herbs indoors during the cold season. After swapping stories about Kentucky snow days, childhood folklore, and the chaos of cabin-fevered kids, the hosts transition smoothly into practical horticulture: how to bring fresh flavors and greenery into the home when outdoor gardens are asleep.

The conversation covers the best herbs for indoor growing—from Mediterranean sun-lovers like basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage, to reliable cool-season performers like parsley and cilantro, and the ever-vigorous mint and lemon balm. The hosts emphasize realistic expectations: herbs grow slower indoors, flavors can be milder, and supplemental lighting is often essential. They explain how to choose the right pot sizes, avoid moisture‐retaining soils, fertilize lightly, and select the brightest window available (while watching out for drafts).

Listeners get guidance on starting seeds indoors, preventing leggy seedlings with close grow lights, and even strengthening plants through airflow or the classic “pet your seedlings” method. Microgreens also make an appearance as a fast, rewarding winter crop.

The episode wraps with encouragement: don’t be too hard on yourself, try different methods, and remember you can always snag a starter plant or a cutting from a friend. Indoor herbs bring freshness, flavor, and a bit of mental sunshine to the darkest winter days.



Growing herbs indoors adds flavor, saves money [https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/growing-herbs-indoors-adds-flavor-saves-money]

Growing Herbs Indoors [https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/10/growing-herbs-indoors/]

Indoor Herbs [https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/vegetables/Indoor%20Herbs%201.pdf]

Culinary Herbs [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho74.pdf]

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Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]



Fresh Flavors in Cold Weather: Growing Herbs Indoors

In this episode of Hort Culture,  we provide fun and practical advice on gifts for gardeners! We kick things off by chatting about the start of meteorological winter, the first snow, and our own fun holiday traditions—think pocket-sized cheese advent calendars and big batches of homemade pasta sauce. Then, we dive right into the main event: finding the perfect gifts for the plant people in your life. We share a genius watering hack for indoor plants: forget the tiny watering can! For folks with lots of houseplants, we highly recommend a portable, rechargeable camping shower pump used with a 5-gallon bucket on a rolling cart. Beyond that, we suggest essential gear like a nice pair of high-quality pruners and a nifty little earth auger that attaches to a hand drill, which makes planting bulbs and plugs super fast. And don't forget maintenance—a small, handheld sharpener for pruners is a cheap but incredibly useful gift! If you want something more thoughtful and lasting, we suggest living plants like an Amaryllis or Christmas Cactus, or even saved seeds or perennial plants, which are beautiful, enduring symbols of care.



Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]





Gifts for Gardeners

In this cozy winter episode of Hort Culture, the hosts chat about early sunsets, shifting routines, and the comforting hobbies that come with the season before diving into the real topic: helping houseplants adjust after being brought indoors. They explain why plants often decline a few weeks after the move—lower light, low humidity, and indoor heating all play a role—and note that some leaf drop is simply a natural response to shorter days. The team discusses why many people summer their houseplants outdoors for better growth or to trigger blooms in plants like Christmas cacti, then cover what stress looks like when those plants return indoors. They share practical tips including using the lift test or finger test to gauge moisture, avoiding overwatering, grouping plants for microclimates, and keeping sensitive species away from heat vents. With a blend of humor and experience, the hosts remind listeners that winter is a season of slowing down—and that with patience and a few adjustments, houseplants can thrive through it.

Caring for houseplants in the winter [https://exclusives.mgcafe.uky.edu/2021/hort/caring-houseplants-winter]

Winter Considerations for Houseplants [https://richmond.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/12/winter-considerations-for-house-plants/]

Acclimating outdoor plants to the indoors for winter [https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2020/gedon_moving_plants_inside.html]

Indoor Plants [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho103.pdf]



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Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]





From Porch to Windowsill: A Houseplant Transition Guide

In this episode, Ray and Jessica host a pre-holiday conversation mixing seasonal humor with practical horticulture guidance. After swapping Thanksgiving traditions—from deviled-egg weakness to parade-day nostalgia—they shift into a timely deep dive on planting deciduous trees in late fall.

Jessica shares details about a local project planting 29 mixed native trees, highlighting why diversity in species protects landscapes from pests and diseases. The hosts discuss best practices for planting ball-and-burlap, container-grown, and bare-root trees, emphasizing:

 * Planting at the proper depth and locating the root flare
 * Digging planting holes 2–3× wider than the root system
 * Avoiding soil amendments—use native soil only
 * Proper mulching (the “donut,” never the “volcano”)
 * Preventing mower and weed-eater injury
 * When to choose staking—and when not to
 * Why fall is best for deciduous trees, while evergreens fare better in spring
 * Smart watering: slow, deep, and infrequent rather than daily sprinkles
 * Why newly planted trees need 3–5 years of attentive establishment care

Throughout the episode, they trade stories from fieldwork, tree-care mishaps, and municipal plantings, offering relatable lessons for both homeowners and community groups.

They wrap by reminding listeners to match trees to site conditions (size, light, soil, utilities) and to enjoy the upcoming holiday season.



Transplanting Trees and Shrubs [https://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/id-80]

Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees and Shrubs in Your Landscape [https://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/files/ho91.pdf]

Planting Bareroot Trees and Shrubs in Your Landscape [https://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/files/HO113.pdf]

Selecting and Planting Woody Plants [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho107.pdf]

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Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]



Fall Is for Planting: Tree Tips for the Dormant Season

In this cozy late-fall episode, the Hort Culture team (Alexis, Jessica, and Ray) talk all about lifting, curing, dividing, and storing tender bulbs and tubers—especially dahlias, begonias, caladiums, gladiolus, cannas, elephant ears, and more.

The hosts begin by chatting about Kentucky’s unpredictable weather, winter chores, and even a tangent about hot chocolate “tea hacks,” before digging into the main topic: what to do with plants that can’t survive a Zone 6 winter in the ground.

They walk through the why and how of storing tubers successfully:

 * Prevent rot and prevent drying out—the two main goals.
 * Ideal storage temps: generally 40–50°F, with some exceptions like caladiums that prefer it warmer.
 * Curing time: often just a few days with good airflow, and you don’t need to overthink it.
 * Leave the soil on to avoid excess moisture and bacterial problems.
 * Check stored tubers monthly for rot, shriveling, or excess dryness.
 * Storage media options: pine shavings, vermiculite, peat moss (in drier spaces), perlite, and more.
 * Dividing dahlias: the trickiest—eyes form near the crown, not on the tuber body, and are easier to see when the clump is warm or beginning to sprout.
 * Tools they rely on: shovels, digging forks, loppers, snips, and sometimes saws for huge clumps like cannas.

They wrap up with discussion on microclimates, overwintering experiments, and the joys of having a cellar or basement that naturally works as an ideal root-cellar environment.

Overall, the episode is a friendly, practical deep-dive into helping gardeners confidently store their favorite tender ornamentals through winter—and maybe even multiply their stock through spring dividing.

Digging and Storing Tender Bulbs Protects them from Freezing Temperatures [https://daviess.mgcafe.uky.edu/sites/daviess.ca.uky.edu/files/20241012%20Digging%20Tender%20bulb.pdf]



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Storing Tender Bulbs & Tubers for Winter

In this festive episode, the Hort Culture team explores the challenges and charm of growing Christmas trees in Kentucky with guest farmer John Bednarski. John shares his journey from direct-marketing beef to cultivating thousands of Christmas trees at Sherwood Acres Farm, describing the steep learning curve and family teamwork that go into the business.

Listeners get an inside look at what it takes to produce the perfect holiday tree—from irrigation and soil prep to shearing, shaping, and deer control. John explains why Canaan firs thrive best in Kentucky’s conditions, while other species like Norway spruce and concolor fir pose challenges. The discussion also highlights the Kentucky Christmas Tree Growers Association and the importance of mentorship for new growers.

The episode blends technical insight with nostalgia as the hosts recall childhood memories of choosing fresh-cut trees and emphasize how “choose-and-cut” farms keep holiday traditions—and agritourism—alive. John also shares details about his farm’s new gift shop, family-friendly activities, and plans for future wreath-making workshops.

Throughout, the hosts remind listeners that buying a real tree supports local farms and sustainable practices—and even gives those trees a second life as fish habitat after the holidays.

Kentucky Christmas Tree Association [https://kychristmastreefarms.com/]

Kentucky Extension Service Christmas Tree Resources [https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/christmastrees]

Tennessee Christmas Tree Production Manual [https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/PB1854.pdf]

Sherwood Acres Christmas Trees [https://www.sherwoodacreschristmastrees.com]

Facebook:  Sherwood Acres Christmas Trees [https://www.facebook.com/sherwoodacreschristmastrees/?checkpoint_src=any]

Ohio Christmas Tree Producers Manual [https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/ohio-christmas-tree-producers-manual/]



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Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]



The Christmas Tree Industry in Kentucky

This episode of the Hort Culture podcast kicks off with a spirited, lighthearted debate among the hosts about the definition of "peak fall" and where the line between autumn and winter truly lies. Following this seasonal discussion, the episode features guest Daniel Wilson, Director of the University of Kentucky's Robinson Center, a unique facility in Eastern Kentucky that integrates extension, research, and student learning as a land-grant mission hub. Wilson discusses the center's critical role and the ongoing, intentional rebuilding efforts following the devastating July 2022 flood, which destroyed eight of the center's thirteen structures, with a grand opening for the new "campus feel" set for Spring 2026. Beyond its traditional agricultural studies on row crops, the center is crucial for regional horticulture and sustainable Appalachian land use, providing site-specific data and research on crops like mushrooms, ginseng, and elderberry. Wilson highlights the impactful Heirloom Seed Project, a post-flood effort where the center's horticulturalist grew specific heirloom beans on their hop trellises to harvest and return the seeds to families who had lost their multi-generational seed stock, directly linking the center's research to the region's heritage and recovery.



Robinson Center [https://robinson-center.mgcafe.uky.edu/]

Robinson Forest [https://robinson-center.mgcafe.uky.edu/Robinson-Forest]

Robinson Center Wood Utilization Center [https://robinson-center.mgcafe.uky.edu/robinson-wood-utilization-center]

Robinson Center Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ukrobinsoncenter]



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Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

The Robinson Center: Land-Grant Mission in Action

In this fall-themed episode, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray (the “Plant People”) celebrate the season with a mix of food talk, laughter, and horticultural insights. They kick things off sharing their favorite pumpkin-inspired treats— from homemade pumpkin bread to smoked butternut mac and cheese and even pumpkin tortilla chips.

The conversation transitions into the episode’s main topic: fall leaf color in Kentucky and beyond. The group discusses the science behind color change — how cool nights, warm days, and moderate moisture bring out the best reds, oranges, and yellows. Ray explains how a good growing season followed by a slightly dry fall concentrates sugars in leaves, leading to vibrant anthocyanin-driven reds. They also talk about the impact of Kentucky’s record-dry August, wondering how it might affect 2025’s color display.

Listeners learn about useful resources like the ExploreFall.com foliage map and Kentucky Tourism’s fall color tracker, which show when and where to find peak color. The hosts share personal sightings — from maples just beginning to turn to the rich reds of burning bush and sassafras — and discuss how elevation, frost timing, and species type influence local color patterns.

The team also dives into some fascinating plant physiology, explaining how the green pigment chlorophyll fades to reveal yellows and oranges already present in leaves, while reds form later from sugar accumulation. Their side conversation about variegation and plant adaptation connects the science of leaf color to everyday gardening.

The episode wraps up with everyone’s appreciation for leaf-peeping season, favorite scenic drives, and plans to visit Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and other colorful fall spots.

Explore Fall [https://www.explorefall.com/]

Kentucky Tourism Fall Color Tracker [https://www.kentuckytourism.com/kentucky-fall-foliage-map]

The 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map [https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map]



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Why Leaves Change: The Science and Beauty of Fall Color

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, the Hort Culture crew—Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray—dive into the deep connections between horticulture, health, and community. The conversation kicks off with birthday cake energy and quickly blooms into a discussion about how plants and specialty crops shape lives—from personal stories about meeting spouses on farms to the way flowers boost mood and spark connection.

The team explores fascinating research on the physical and mental health benefits of plants: from leafy greens supporting brain health to tree canopy reducing heat-related emergencies. They talk CSAs, farm-to-school programs, and how trying new vegetables (and flowers!) can help build lasting habits. Plus, there’s a fun round of Kentucky farmers market price trivia—revealing just how much tomatoes and beans have changed over 20 years.



Plants and People: A Healthy Connection

In this episode of Hort Culture, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray welcome guest Chad Niman, Forest Product Specialist and Director at the Wood Utilization Center in Jackson, Kentucky.

With cooler weather on the horizon, the crew kicks things off by sharing their favorite fall plants and fungi—before diving deep into the fascinating world of Kentucky’s hardwoods. Chad walks listeners through the state’s $19 billion hardwood industry, its role in sustainable building, and how species like yellow poplar, maple, sycamore, and sweet gum can support innovative products like flooring and cross-laminated timber panels.

The conversation branches out to:

 * The environmental and health advantages of real wood versus plastic-based building materials
 * How wood residues like bark and sawdust could replace peat in horticultural media
 * The surprising uses of wood flour in everything from animal bedding to food additives
 * How traditional materials are being reimagined for modern construction and sustainability

Plus, the team reflects on old-growth forests, changing design trends, and why connecting with natural materials just feels right.

🌲 Key topics: hardwood industry, sustainable building, mass timber, fall plants, forest ecology, wood flooring, biophilia, peat alternatives, wood residues.
🎧 Guest: Chad Niman


Chad Niman, Primary Forest Products Specialist [https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/directory/chad-niman]

Robinson Center Wood Utilization Center [https://robinson-center.mgcafe.uky.edu/robinson-wood-utilization-center]



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The Hardwood Economy: Kentucky’s Hidden Giant

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.edu

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Plant People

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