In this lively and laughter-filled midsummer episode of Hort Culture, the crew is joined by Emma Lee, UK Extension Agent from Estill County and the voice behind the popular UK Houseplant Education videos. The gang dives deep into the world of houseplants—dispelling myths, sharing war stories, and celebrating the trials and triumphs of indoor gardening.

Emma shares the origin of her houseplant video series, created as part of her graduate work and fueled by her newfound obsession with foliage. From low-maintenance starter picks like Tradescantia and heartleaf philodendron to the surprisingly dramatic Calathea, the crew debates plant preferences and pet peeves. Succulents? Not as simple as social media makes them seem.

Other topics include:

 * The social media-fueled rise of trendy houseplants
 * Why some plants just aren’t for you—and that’s okay
 * Emma’s bioactive frog tank turned Calathea haven
 * Bonsai tangents and plant pricing bubbles
 * “Plants don’t read the books”: what really works at home

Whether you're team succulent or team “please stop mixing cactus with peace lilies,” this episode offers a down-to-earth and refreshingly honest take on houseplant culture.

Show Notes & Resources:

 * University of Kentucky Houseplant Education [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567332444862]
 * Resources for Home Growers: Houseplants [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/growers/home/houseplants]
 * Indoor Plants [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho103.pdf]
 * Caring for houseplants in the winter [https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu/2021/hort/caring-houseplants-winter]

Houseplant Reality Check with Emma Lee

In this episode, the team dives deep into the world of mechanical and cultural weed control. What starts as a fun discussion about corvids and birdwatching  quickly transitions into the heart of the episode—how growers manage weeds without chemical inputs. The crew explores the overlap between cultural and mechanical practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, hoeing, solarization, and high-wheel cultivators.

Ray shares nostalgic stories from the 1980s of farming with mules and mechanical tillers. Brett puts modern weed control into historical and economic context, and Alexis gets excited about the future—robotic weeders, solar-powered machines, and the upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. From stirrup hoes to camera-guided cultivators, they explore how growers of all scales can improve efficiency, reduce herbicide use, and build healthier soils.

Special Mentions:

 * Merlin Bird App from Cornell Lab
 * Kentucky High Wheel Cultivator
 * Walk-behind tractors
 * Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day
 * Electrical weed control research
 * The upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day on September 23rd

Call to Action:
Visit ccd.uky.edu [https://ccd.uky.edu/] and click on the Mechanical Weed Control Field Day (link below) tab to register. Learn about tool demos, solarization research, grant opportunities, and eat a free ice cream sandwich in exchange for your feedback!

Center for Crop Diversification  [https://ccd.uky.edu/]

2025 Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Da [https://ccd.uky.edu/mwcfd]y

Weed Management [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/agr205.pdf]

Mechanical Weed Control: Old Tools, New Tech

In this midsummer episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Joe Kuosman, Lexington-based giant pumpkin grower and co-founder of West Sixth Brewing. The conversation starts with heat survival tips from the hosts (spoiler: giant hats and shade are a must), then dives headfirst into the fascinating world of giant pumpkin cultivation.

Joe shares how his pumpkin passion was planted decades ago in Pittsburgh through a combination of family gardening, seed catalogs, and curiosity. He walks listeners through the evolution of giant pumpkin growing—from seed selection to fertilization, pest control, and even protecting pumpkins from sun damage and cracking.

Highlights include:

 * Joe’s personal best: a pumpkin just under 800 pounds.
 * Tips for beginners: start with quality seeds, don’t overthink it, and enjoy the process.
 * The space commitment: 1,000 square feet per plant.
 * Kentucky’s climate challenges and how growers adapt.
 * The wow-factor of displaying pumpkins.
 * How giant pumpkins become a gateway to growing other "giant" fruits and vegetables.

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and quirky charm. Whether you're dreaming of a blue ribbon or just want to see a pumpkin grow 30 pounds a day, Joe's story will squash your doubts and seed your excitement.

Tune in if you’ve ever wondered:

 * Can a pumpkin really weigh as much as a Toyota Corolla?
 * What does it take to grow a 1,000-pound pumpkin in Kentucky?
 * How do you turn a massive pumpkin into a community spectacle?

Kentucky Giant Pumpkin Growers (Facebook) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/343008306858614/]

Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home Garden [https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1646]



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

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



Giant Pumpkins with Joe Kuosman

In this lively and informative episode, the Hort Culture team dives deep into the seasonal challenges facing Kentucky gardeners, particularly the rising threat of plant diseases during a historically cool and wet spring. Join Brett, Alexis, and Ray start for a chat about plant health and integrated pest management (IPM).

Listeners get an in-depth look at the “disease triangle” — the key combination of a susceptible host, conducive environment, and active pathogen — and why this year’s weather has been perfect for early disease outbreaks. The team shares real-world examples from tomatoes, zinnias, squash, and even bonsai trees, emphasizing the importance of timing, cultural practices, and preventative treatments.

They clarify that “pesticide” is not a dirty word, breaking down the term to include both organic and conventional options, and reinforcing the necessity of following label instructions precisely. The conversation covers tools and equipment for small-scale spraying, the differences in approach between home gardeners and commercial growers, and why sometimes, even with the best practices, a plant may still succumb to disease — and that’s okay.

The episode closes with practical tips for identifying issues, using extension resources, scouting effectively, and leveraging tools like the UK Ag Weather app for disease alerts.

Related Links & Resources:

 * UK Ag Weather Center App [https://weather.uky.edu]
   Get real-time alerts on disease and weather conditions specific to Kentucky.
 * Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications]
   
 * Homeowner’s Guide to Fungicides [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/sites/plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/PPFS-GEN-07.pdf] (University of Kentucky):
   
 * Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Basics [https://ipm.ca.uky.edu]
   
 * UK Extension Office Directory [https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county]
   Find your local office for help with plant diagnostics and advice.
 * Pesticide Safety Education Program [https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/uk-pesticide-safety-education-program-psep] – UK Extension 



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

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


Pesticides, Pathogens & Powdery Mildew: Gardening in a Kentucky Summer

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 entrepreneurial spirit that led him to help launch Kentucky Fresh Harvest, the state’s first high-wire, high-tech tomato facility.

Trevor shares his excitement about the growth of protected agriculture in Kentucky — from 1.4 million sq. ft. in 2017 to nearly 14 million sq. ft. today — and what that means for the future of food production in the Commonwealth. The group also unpacks the impact of shifting federal funding, disease challenges like Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, and the surprising scale and potential of Kentucky's cut flower industry.

Whether you're into tomatoes, spreadsheets, or just love a good horticulture underdog story, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder of the resilience and innovation driving Kentucky agriculture forward.

Tune in to hear:

 * Trevor’s origin story and tomato tech breakthroughs 
 * Why controlled environment ag isn’t just hype in Kentucky 
 * Big data meets backyard gardening 
 * The power of unified voices in horticulture advocacy 

Episode-Related Links:

 * Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) [https://kyhortcouncil.org/]
   Learn more about KHC’s mission, grower resources, grants, trainings, and member associations.
 * USDA Census of Agriculture [https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/]
   Data source discussed regarding growth in protected ag and cut flowers.
 * University of Kentucky Horticulture Extension [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/]
   Trusted info on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production in Kentucky.
 * Kentucky Department of Agriculture [https://www.kyagr.com/]
   Programs and support for growers, including Kentucky Proud.
 * Kentucky Center for Ag & Rural Development (KCARD) [https://www.kcard.info/]
   Business development assistance for Kentucky farms and agribusinesses.



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

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

Growing Kentucky: A Conversation with Trevor Terry of the Horticulture Council

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 experiences that shaped his deep connection to the land and growing things, from running barefoot through hay fields to handpicking truck loads of beans with his siblings.

Listeners get an intimate portrait of life in Appalachian Kentucky during the 1980s and ’90s, the central role of tobacco in rural economies, and Ray’s unexpected return to agriculture via Berea College. With humor, humility, and insight, Ray describes the lessons learned—like knowing what you can and can't control—that have guided his path into Extension work.

This episode is a time capsule of Kentucky’s farming heritage and a tribute to the labor, love, and land that define it.

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

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

Hands in the Dirt, Head in the Clouds

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 families, the emotion of planting in memory of someone, and the surprising ways a smell, flower, or species can evoke someone’s presence. They explore the symbolism of trees and flowers associated with different people in their lives, including themselves—Alexis as a witch hazel, Ray as a serviceberry or hemlock, and Brett as an atlas blue cedar or beech.

This episode is a tribute to how deeply rooted plants are in who we are and how we remember. If you’ve ever gifted a plant, inherited one, or found comfort in tending to one, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

 * The humor and chaos of recording a podcast about plants
 * Memorial and celebration plants
 * Generational plants and heirloom species
 * Sensory memory and plant associations
 * The hosts’ personal "plant alter egos"

Quote of the Episode:
“We come from snacks and to snacks we shall return.”



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



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

Plants That Mark Time

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, and the risks of burnout when scaling too fast. Drawing on Kentucky’s agricultural history and emerging trends like high-tunnel tomatoes and cut flowers, the hosts offer practical insights on balancing the economics of scale with lifestyle choices, market realities, and the nuances of different distribution channels.

Scaling Up Your Vegetable Farm for Regional Markets [https://attra.ncat.org/publication/scaling-up-for-regional-markets/]

K-Card Beginning Farmer Resources [https://www.kcard.info/beginning-farmer-resources]

UK Department of Ag Economics Publications, Budgets & Decision Aids [https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications-budgets-decision-aids]

Center for Crop Diversification Decision Tools [https://ccd.uky.edu/resources/decisiontools]



Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu

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

Right-Sizing Your Farm: Aligning Scale with Your Goals

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 serving as an urban forester in Fairfax County, Virginia.

The conversation highlights:

 * What it takes for a city to achieve Tree City USA designation
 * The benefits for communities — from grant opportunities to civic pride
 * How Tree Campus Higher Education is growing across Kentucky
 * Strategies for expanding urban forestry into underserved regions
 * Fun stories about community tree celebrations, Arbor Day events, and... chickens named Dorothy! 

Jack also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between city officials, Extension agents, and community members to build greener, healthier towns.

Sprinkled throughout is the usual Hort Culture humor — from favorite snack chat to "manifesting horticulture swag."



Arbor Day Foundation [https://www.arborday.org/]

Kentucky Division of Forestry [https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx]

Kentucky Division of Forestry-Contacts [https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/about-kdf/Pages/default.aspx]



Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu

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



Growing Tree Cities in Kentucky: A Conversation with Jack Baggett

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 website, and the importance of systems thinking in horticulture. With humor, honesty, and a bit of horticultural chaos, they highlight the wins and weeds of 2025 so far.

Center forCrop Diversification [https://ccd.uky.edu/]



Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu

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

Spring Reflections, Weedy Challenges & What’s Next

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

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

Plant People

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