Hort Culture Plant People

This week on Hort Culture, we're tackling the challenges of summer's scorching temperatures and offering tips to keep your lawn and garden thriving. But remember, while caring for your plants is important, taking care of yourself is paramount. We'll provide safety tips to help you stay cool and hydrated while working in the garden.

And in bittersweet news, we're saying goodbye to our longtime friend and co-host, Josh Knight. As Josh embarks on a new adventure in cooler climes, we celebrate his contributions to the show and wish him all the best in his new role. We're excited to see where his journey takes him and look forward to having him back on the show as a guest in the future.

So, tune in for expert advice, gardening tips, and a heartfelt farewell to a beloved member of the Hort Culture family.

How to Care for Your Garden in High Temperatures [https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/06/how-to-care-for-your-garden-in-high-temperatures/#:~:text=Water%20at%20the%20Right%20Time,6%E2%80%9D%20to%208%E2%80%9D).]

Stay cool, stay green and beat the heat with these tips for healthy summer plants [https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1688736064914]

Heat wave in the garden: How to identify and prevent heat stress in plants [https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/heat-wave-garden-how-identify-prevent-heat-stress-plants]

Heat-Related Illnesses and Agricultural Producers [https://ag-safety.extension.org/heat-related-illnesses-and-agricultural-producers/]

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

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

In this episode of Hort Culture, we dive into the delightful world of worm composting, also known as vermicomposting! These little wigglers aren't just good for scaring fishermen – they can be a gardener's secret weapon for turning kitchen scraps into a welcome compost addition to any garden.

We'll break down the basics of setting up your own worm bin, including the ideal habitat for your composting crew. We'll discuss what you can and can't feed your worms, and explore the fascinating science behind how they transform your waste into black gold for your plants.

Here are some of the questions we'll answer:

* What kind of worm bin do I need?
* What kitchen scraps do worms love (and hate)?
* How long does it take to get finished compost?
* How can I use worm castings in my garden?

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to turn your leftover lettuce cores and eggshells into a superfood for your garden. So, grab your coffee, put on your gardening gloves (metaphorically, for now), and get ready to learn all about the wonderful world of worm composting!

Vermicomposting NC State Extension [https://composting.ces.ncsu.edu/vermicomposting-2/]

Vermicomposting – Composting with Worms [https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/vermicomposting-composting-with-worms.html]

Indoor Worm Composting or Vermicomposting [https://extension.umd.edu/resource/indoor-worm-composting-or-vermicomposting/]



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

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

Tomato season is in full swing, but keeping those plants thriving through the summer heat can be a challenge. In this episode of Hort Culture, we tackle mid to late season tomato care. Join us as we discuss:

* Identifying and preventing common tomato problems like blossom end rot and sunscald.
* Maximizing your harvest with proper ripening techniques and sucker control.
* Extending the season: Learn how to keep your tomato plants producing delicious fruit well into fall.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a tomato newbie, this episode has tips to help you bring in a bountiful harvest. Tune in and get ready to enjoy the taste of summer!

An IPM Scouting Guide for Common Pests of Solanaceous Crops in Kentucky [https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/id/id172/id172.pdf]

A Beginner's Guide to Growing Your Own Tomatoes [https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/NEP/NEP224/NEP224.pdf]

Homegrown Tomato Troubleshooting [https://kentuckyhortnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/tomato-troubleshooting.pdf]

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

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

Join us as  we delve into the dynamic world of garden wildlife control. We will discuss different  strategies for managing critters that visit your garden spaces, from the humble rabbit to the crafty crow.   We will talk about strategies like exclusion, habitat modification, relocation, and repellents  that, in combination, will help you coexist with wildlife while protecting your precious plants. 

Kentucky Regional Wildlife Biologists [https://fw.ky.gov/More/Documents/regional_biologists.pdf]

Management of Wildlife and Domestic Animals on Your Farm [https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID243/ID243.pdf]

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook [https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdmhandbook/]

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

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

This episode of Hort Culture dives into the world of high tunnels and greenhouses in Kentucky! We're joined by special guest Arundathi Sharma, University of Kentucky Extension Associate for Floriculture and Controlled Environment. Arundathi will shed light on the fascinating adaptations and innovations Kentucky growers are using to thrive under cover.

Center for Crop Diversification-HighTunnel & Greenhouse [https://www.uky.edu/ccd/production/crop-resources/ht-gh]

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

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

Join us as we delve into the radiant world of the summer solstice and its impact on horticulture. Discover how the extended daylight influences plant growth, the best practices for summer planting, and the cultural significance of this celestial event in gardening communities around the globe. Join us as we explore the symbiotic relationship between the sun's peak and the flourishing of our gardens.

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

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