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.
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