Family Roots and Garden Boots

Campbell Media

Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office Podcast; blending the heart of home life with gardening. This Podcast from the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service offers seasonal tips, family wisdom, and homegrown inspiration for Kentucky families.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Planting In Spring

    In this spring-themed episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, horticulture expert Sarah and co-host Kate dig into everything gardeners need to know as planting season officially begins in Northern Kentucky. From understanding frost-free dates and choosing the right annuals and perennials, to planting vegetables successfully and avoiding common tomato-growing mistakes, the episode is packed with practical, beginner-friendly gardening advice. Sarah explains the differences between annuals, herbaceous perennials, and woody perennials, shares tips for creating pollinator-friendly garden beds, and discusses how to space and arrange flowers for maximum impact. The conversation also covers vegetable gardening essentials, including soil temperature, proper tomato planting techniques, pruning flower buds for stronger root growth, and how to select the right fertilizer by understanding N-P-K ratios. Sarah and Kate also explore edible landscaping ideas, easy vegetables for families to grow, and ways to maximize garden space with herbs, flowers, and companion planting. To wrap up the episode, Sarah shares several humane deer and rabbit deterrent strategies, including organic repellents and motion-activated sprinklers, along with reminders about the importance of soil testing and reading plant labels before planting. Whether you’re starting your first flower bed or refreshing your vegetable garden for the season, this episode offers helpful tips, relatable gardening moments, and plenty of spring inspiration. This description was generated with the assistance of AI based on the episode transcript.

    38 min
  2. 11/25/2025

    Winter Houseplants

    In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, Sarah and Kate dive into the care, maintenance, and propagation of popular winter houseplants, focusing especially on holiday cacti. Sarah explains that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti are often confused with one another, and she describes how to tell them apart by examining their leaf shapes, growth habits, and flower characteristics. She also covers proper care practices, noting that these cacti prefer cooler indoor temperatures, indirect light, and increased watering and fertilization during bloom time. The hosts discuss the importance of pruning leggy plants and choosing the right type of fertilizer based on a plant’s needs, comparing slow-release pellets with liquid fertilizers. A major portion of the episode is devoted to hands-on propagation techniques. Sarah demonstrates how to take cuttings from holiday cacti, remove buds to redirect energy into root development, use rooting hormone correctly, and create a simple humidity “greenhouse” with a small pot and a sealed plastic bag. She also showcases water-propagation methods using snake plants and philodendrons, explaining how to identify nodes, avoid leaf rot, and successfully root cuttings in water. The episode concludes with a discussion of orchids—particularly Phalaenopsis varieties—and how to properly water, fertilize, and maintain them without damaging their sensitive root systems. Sarah encourages listeners to share stories of heirloom plants and reminds them that many houseplants can live for decades when properly cared for. The hosts wrap up with an invitation for listeners to contact the extension office for help and advice. Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI.

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Campbell County Cooperative Extension Office Podcast; blending the heart of home life with gardening. This Podcast from the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service offers seasonal tips, family wisdom, and homegrown inspiration for Kentucky families.