Cultivating Curiosity

CAES Office of Marketing and Communications
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Science

On Cultivating Curiosity, we get down and dirty with the experts on all the ways science and agriculture touch our lives, from what we eat to how we live. Listen in for episodes about a hot new coastal commodity, a day in the life of a pollinator, how to live more sustainably through urban farming and so much more.2023 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia Award of Excellence for Podcasts.

  1. 4h ago

    Is your well water safe? UGA expert shares testing and maintenance tips

    Turn on the faucet, and water comes out. For private well owners, though, that water has a story that starts far below ground. Where does well water actually come from? Why are some wells hundreds of feet deeper than others? And if your water looks, smells and tastes fine, do you still need to test it? In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water management specialist Gary Hawkins answers common questions about private well water, from how often to test it to routine maintenance and common water quality concerns. Hawkins also explains where well water comes from, how Georgia's geology affects groundwater, and what well owners should consider during drought, severe weather, and power outages. Listen to the episode to learn why regular water testing — and your local UGA Extension office — are two of the best resources for keeping your well water safe. Resources: Well Water Resources publication seriesHousehold Water Quality publication seriesFind your UGA county Extension agentUGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories website (water analyses information)Content from CAES: Six expert tips for a healthy septic system: What every homeowner should know (podcast episode)Get social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  2. Jun 12

    What is precision agriculture? UGA expert explains drones, AI and the future of ag tech

    What does precision agriculture actually look like in the field? In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we're joined by Luan Oliveira, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension precision agriculture specialist, to break down how artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous sprayers, drone technology and smart farming tools are reshaping modern agriculture. Oliveira explains how precision agriculture is enabling farmers to work more efficiently and sustainably, meeting the demands of a growing population, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of ag tech professionals. Resources: Agribots: Autonomous Ground Robots for Specialty CropsUGA Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA)Content from CAES: Creating an Extension-driven vision for smarter farmingUGA's Precision Horticulture Lab: Transforming farm operations with drone technologyGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  3. May 14

    Grillmaster ready: The art and science of great barbecue

    Ever daydream of being the envy of the neighborhood with a phenomenal, fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs that people can't get enough of? Ahead of what many people consider the beginning of grilling season, we’re joined by Alex Stelzleni, professor and director of graduate studies for the University of Georgia Department of Animal and Dairy Science. In this short interview, Stelzleni provides quick, expert tips that will help you feel more confident when choosing the right cuts of meat, selecting the best method of seasoning, and preparing to step up to the grill or smoker. If you enjoy cooking outdoors, this episode from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will help you look like a pro next time you turn up the heat. Resources: UGA Meat Science Technology Center StoreGrill & Chill: Unleash Flavor Safely with Outdoor Cooking and GrillingContent from CAES: Serving up the facts: Food science and safetyGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  4. Apr 6

    Ready, set, grow: Quick expert tips to get your garden ready

    Spring has a way of showing up all at once, and suddenly, the garden is calling. Whether you’re planting a backyard garden or a few containers on a patio, this episode of Cultivating Curiosity will help you start the season with confidence. We’re joined by Heather Kirk-Ballard, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in sustainable urban landscapes, for a quick Q&A packed with practical tips to help you get growing. From what to do the moment you step outside to prepping your soil, choosing the right plants, watering wisely and staying ahead of weeds and pests, Kirk-Ballard shares simple, research-backed guidance you can put to work right away. Resources: Composting Basics and Considerations for Growers and LandscapersAESL soil testingUGA Extension Vegetable Planting Chart Georgia Pest Management Handbook - Home and Garden editionContent from CAES: Starting your spring vegetable garden from seedStarting a garden from scratchYour ultimate guide to healthy garden soilGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  5. Feb 6

    More bloom for your buck: How to get the most out of your cut flowers

    Choosing the right flowers and knowing how to care for them can make the difference between a bouquet that fades fast and one that lasts. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Julie Campbell, an assistant professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, shares practical, research-based advice on selecting long-lasting varieties, caring for bouquets at home and extending their usefulness beyond the vase. From budget-friendly flowers to simple techniques for drying, pressing and repurposing blooms, Campbell offers approachable tips that help flowers go further. She also discusses her recent research on how buying and receiving flowers can boost well-being and reduce stress, offering scientific backing for something many of us have experienced. Whether you’re building a bouquet for a special occasion or buying flowers just because, this episode may convince you that you should absolutely buy yourself flowers. Content from CAES: Buying flowers may boost well-being, reduce stressPetal pushers: UGA researchers give insight into the minds (and carts) of American flower buyersUGA study finds that age plays a major role in flower purchasesUGA horticulture course teaches fundamentals of floral designGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  6. Jan 20

    The invisible risk: Why radon deserves your attention

    Radon doesn’t smell. You can’t see it. And most people don’t realize it’s in their home until someone tells them to look. January is National Radon Action Month. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Rebecca Cantrell, radon educator for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, discusses why this invisible gas is a serious and often overlooked public health issue. Cantrell explains what radon is, why it’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and why no home in Georgia is exempt from risk. She walks listeners through:  How often to testHow Extension helps residents make sense of their resultsWhat to do if results come back elevatedHow education around radon empowers residents to keep their homes and families safeLearn more about how to protect your family from the health effects of radon at radon.uga.edu. Resources: UGA Radon websiteRadon gas and water testing and mitigation resourcesFind your local UGA Cooperative Extension officeGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  7. 11/10/2025

    From meal prep to leftovers: Expert food safety tips for your Thanksgiving dinner

    As the holidays approach and kitchens heat up, food safety becomes just as important as the meal itself. In this short episode, we revisit timeless advice from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension food safety specialist Carla Schwan, an assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Manpreet Singh, professor and former head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, now serving as an associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Together, they share practical tips to help you cook, serve and store food safely this season. From properly thawing your turkey to knowing when to finally pack up the leftovers, this episode will help you host with confidence and keep your guests healthy. Resources: Food Safety Tips for Preparing a Holiday Turkey (UGA Cooperative Extension Publication)FDA major food allergensFind your county UGA Cooperative Extension officeContent from CAES: Healthy holidays: Food safety tips for gifts and gatheringsServing up the facts: Food science and safety---- Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera Edited by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller. Listen to his music on Spotify.  Get social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  8. 10/15/2025

    Growing beyond the field: What is controlled environment agriculture?

    What do hoop houses, vertical farms and DIY hydroponic systems all have in common? They are all part of controlled environment agriculture, or CEA — a rapidly growing field that lets farmers, researchers and even home gardeners produce crops year-round by shaping the growing environment.  In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we sit down with Rhuanito Ferrarezi, associate professor of horticulture in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and Ruchika Kashyap, assistant professor of plant pathology at CAES and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist. Both are members of the college's “fab five” of CEA. Together, they unpack what CEA is and how it differs from traditional farming, why Georgia — and CAES in particular — are emerging as a hub for greenhouse innovation, and what it could mean for food security, sustainability, and local access to fresh produce in the years ahead. Content from CAES: CAES alumnus joins UGA-Griffin faculty to expand food production through controlled environment agricultureControlled environment agriculture poised to become a growth industryCAES partners with Agrify to grow vertical farming effortsCAES vertical farming research sheds light on producing medicinal compoundsGet social with us! Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

On Cultivating Curiosity, we get down and dirty with the experts on all the ways science and agriculture touch our lives, from what we eat to how we live. Listen in for episodes about a hot new coastal commodity, a day in the life of a pollinator, how to live more sustainably through urban farming and so much more.2023 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Georgia Award of Excellence for Podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    CAES Office of Marketing and Communications
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
  • Show Website
    Cultivating Curiosity