Kentucky Horticulture Economic Situation & Outlook 2024

On this episode of Hort Culture, we're buzzing with excitement to be talking all about pollinator gardens!

We'll dive into the fascinating world of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and even bats, and explore why they're so vital to our ecosystem.

We'll then get our hands dirty and learn how to create a pollinator haven in your own backyard, no matter the size of your space. We'll cover:

• Choosing the perfect spot: We'll discuss sunlight, moisture, and other factors to consider when selecting a prime location for your pollinator paradise.
• Planting powerhouses: Learn about the best flowering plants to attract a variety of pollinators, including natives that provide essential food sources.
• Designing for delight: We'll explore creating a beautiful and functional garden that not only looks stunning but provides a year-round buffet for our buzzing buddies.
• Beyond blooms: We'll discuss additional ways to make your garden a pollinator haven, from providing shelter to avoiding pesticides.

So tune in and join us as we learn how to create a vibrant garden that benefits both pollinators and ourselves! It's sure to be an episode that leaves you blooming with knowledge!

Plant a Native Pollinator Garden

Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants

Kentucky Pollinator Protection Plan

Pollinator Episodes - Forestry and Natural Resources

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

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In this episode, we'll talk about the best places to find fruit, vegetable, and flower variety information. Whether you're looking for a new type of tomato to grow, a rare orchid to admire, or a tasty berry to snack on, we'll tell you where to look and what to look for. We'll also share some tips and tricks on how to choose the right varieties for your climate, soil, and personal preferences. 

Fruit and Vegetable 2021 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORT

All-America Selections

Vegetable Cultivars for Kentucky Gardens

HOME FRUIT VARIETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers

Nut Tree Growing in Kentucky

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

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In this episode of Hort Culture, we chat with Laura Greenfield, founder of Oakland Farm Trees, a nursery that specializes in native plants. Laura shares her passion for growing and caring for plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil, and how they can benefit our gardens, wildlife and environment. She also gives us some tips on how to choose, plant and maintain native plants in our own backyards. Tune in and learn more about the beauty and diversity of native plants!

Kentucky Native Plant Society

Kentucky Native Plant Project

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

For-98: Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants

Book:  Bringing Nature Home

On this episode, we have a special guest, Emily Spencer from the Center of Crop Diversification, who will share with us some insights on community supported agriculture, or CSA for short. What is CSA and how does it benefit both farmers and consumers? How can you get involved in a CSA program near you? And what are some of the challenges and opportunities of this alternative food system? Tune in to find out!

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THE LINKS BELOW:

Community Supported Agriculture CCD

Community Supported Agriculture Facebook group

CSA Week

UK-CSA Economic Analysis

Plate it Up Kentucky Proud Recipes

CONTACT US!

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

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 Improving efficiency can improve profits and enjoyment of work by reducing wasted effort.  In this episode, the team talks about LEAN strategies and tactics as discussed by Ben Hartman in The Lean Farm (2015) and Jeffery Liker in The Toyota Way Fieldbook (2005)  Whether you want to grow more food, save money, or just have fun, this episode will inspire you to try something new and improve your growing skills. Tune in and join the conversation!

Lean Farming on the Ground

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 In this episode, we're going to share our gardening plans for 2024. What are we going to grow, where are we going to grow it, and how are we going to make it thrive? Tune in and get inspired by our green dreams.

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

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In this episode, we have a special guest: Dr. Tim Woods, Agricultural Economics Extension Professor at the University of Kentucky. He will share with us his analysis of the horticulture economic situation and outlook in Kentucky for 2024. What are some of the factors currently impacting the demand and supply of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other horticultural products? What are the opportunities and challenges for growers, marketers and consumers in the coming year? Tune in to find out!

Economic Situation & Outlook

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In this episode of Hort Culture, we welcome back Jessica Bessin, the Mercer County Horticulture Extension Agent, who joins us as we discuss  creating a more efficient  and productive garden. Whether you have a small space or a large plot, we will help you plan and design your garden according to your needs and preferences. Learn how to choose the right plants, arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing and functional way, and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your gardening experience. Tune in and get inspired to start your own gardening project!

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In this episode, we have a special guest, Mercer County Extension Horticulture Agent Jessica Bessin, who joins us to talk about bees and beekeeping. Jessica shares her passion and expertise on how to start and maintain a healthy hive, what are the benefits of keeping bees for pollination and honey production, and what are some of the challenges and solutions for beekeepers in our region. Tune in to learn more about these amazing insects and how you can help them thrive in your backyard or on your farm.

Kentucky State Beekeeping Association

Beginning Beekeeping For Kentuckians

The Kentucky Beekeeper's Calendar 

Kentucky Beekeeper Associations by County

Beekeeping & Honey

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In this special mini episode of Hort Culture, Josh shares his experiences and impressions  of horticulture in Japan. Thanks for listening!

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