Hort Culture

Plant People
  • 5.0 (16)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!

  1. Winter Is Prime Time: Inside Extension Horticulture Programming

    4D AGO · VIDEO

    Winter Is Prime Time: Inside Extension Horticulture Programming

    In this episode of Hort Culture, join us as we  talk about winter programming and why the “off-season” is actually the busiest time of year for Extension horticulture. We explore how county agents plan classes, from popular homeowner topics like tomatoes, strawberries, microgreens, and apple grafting to hands-on library programs and commercial grower support. This episode highlights the value of local Extension offices, free or low-cost educational opportunities, and how community input helps shape programs that meet real needs. Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service County Offices National Institute of Food and Agriculture Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    48 min
  2. Growing Second Chances: A Master Gardener Program Inside Prison Walls

    JAN 18 · VIDEO

    Growing Second Chances: A Master Gardener Program Inside Prison Walls

    In this special seasonal episode of the Hort Culture podcast, join Ray as he sits down with Boyd County Horticulture Extension Agent Lori Bowling to explore a truly impactful and unique horticulture program: the Federal Correctional Institution Master Gardener Program in Ashland, Kentucky. Lori shares the origin story of the program, which began more than two decades ago with a simple orchard planting and evolved into a full Kentucky Master Gardener certification offered inside a federal prison. Listeners learn how incarcerated participants complete the same rigorous coursework and volunteer requirements as any Master Gardener, while gaining valuable job skills, purpose, and confidence. The conversation highlights the program’s far-reaching benefits, including the production of tens of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year that are donated to River Cities Harvest and distributed to food-insecure families across Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. This episode powerfully illustrates how horticulture education, community partnerships, and Extension programming can change lives—both inside and outside prison walls—by growing food, skills, and hope. River Cities Harvest Boyd County Extension Horticulture Program Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    45 min
  3. 20 Questions: Plant Edition

    JAN 11 · VIDEO

    20 Questions: Plant Edition

    Jessica and Alexis play 20 questions, plant style and discuss everything from what plants they always kill to what they'd do if they weren't horticulturists.  Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    54 min
  4. Kid Friendly Horticulture

    JAN 4 · VIDEO

    Kid Friendly Horticulture

    In this special episode, Jessica and Alexis talk about kid friendly horticulture activities with advice straight from the 5 year old source! Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    40 min
  5. The Off-Season That Isn't: Winter Planning for Gardeners

    12/28/2025 · VIDEO

    The Off-Season That Isn't: Winter Planning for Gardeners

    In this episode of Hort Culture, join the hosts in a conversation  on garden and farm planning and calendars.  they begin this episode with a discussion about slowing down over the holidays and what gardeners actually look forward to during winter break—whether that’s comfort food traditions, couch time with cheese boards, or a quiet walk in the woods. The discussion naturally turns toward seed catalogs, garden planning, and why winter is anything but “off-season” for plant people. The heart of the episode dives into the often-overlooked reality of garden and farm planning calendars. From seeds and bulbs to plugs, crowns, and bare-root plants, the hosts break down why many orders for the next growing season are placed months—or even a full year—ahead of time. They explore issues like variety scarcity, pricing incentives, weather-related production risks, and the differences between home gardening and commercial-scale ordering. Practical examples—garlic, strawberries, dahlias, tulips, potatoes, and specialty crops like ginger—help illustrate how timing, flexibility, and experience all play critical roles. The takeaway is clear: successful growing starts long before planting day, and understanding the ordering timeline can save frustration, money, and missed opportunities in the garden or on the farm. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    1h 1m
  6. Reflections on 2025 & Winter Trees

    12/21/2025 · VIDEO

    Reflections on 2025 & Winter Trees

    Brett reflects on his favorite episodes of 2025 and leafless trees in winter.

    12 min

  7. 12/14/2025 · VIDEO

    Fresh Flavors in Cold Weather: Growing Herbs Indoors

    In this episode, the Hort Culture crew dives into the joys and challenges of growing herbs indoors during the cold season. After swapping stories about Kentucky snow days, childhood folklore, and the chaos of cabin-fevered kids, the hosts transition smoothly into practical horticulture: how to bring fresh flavors and greenery into the home when outdoor gardens are asleep. The conversation covers the best herbs for indoor growing—from Mediterranean sun-lovers like basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage, to reliable cool-season performers like parsley and cilantro, and the ever-vigorous mint and lemon balm. The hosts emphasize realistic expectations: herbs grow slower indoors, flavors can be milder, and supplemental lighting is often essential. They explain how to choose the right pot sizes, avoid moisture‐retaining soils, fertilize lightly, and select the brightest window available (while watching out for drafts). Listeners get guidance on starting seeds indoors, preventing leggy seedlings with close grow lights, and even strengthening plants through airflow or the classic “pet your seedlings” method. Microgreens also make an appearance as a fast, rewarding winter crop. The episode wraps with encouragement: don’t be too hard on yourself, try different methods, and remember you can always snag a starter plant or a cutting from a friend. Indoor herbs bring freshness, flavor, and a bit of mental sunshine to the darkest winter days. Growing herbs indoors adds flavor, saves money Growing Herbs Indoors Indoor Herbs Culinary Herbs Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    46 min
  8. Gifts for Gardeners

    12/05/2025 · VIDEO

    Gifts for Gardeners

    In this episode of Hort Culture,  we provide fun and practical advice on gifts for gardeners! We kick things off by chatting about the start of meteorological winter, the first snow, and our own fun holiday traditions—think pocket-sized cheese advent calendars and big batches of homemade pasta sauce. Then, we dive right into the main event: finding the perfect gifts for the plant people in your life. We share a genius watering hack for indoor plants: forget the tiny watering can! For folks with lots of houseplants, we highly recommend a portable, rechargeable camping shower pump used with a 5-gallon bucket on a rolling cart. Beyond that, we suggest essential gear like a nice pair of high-quality pruners and a nifty little earth auger that attaches to a hand drill, which makes planting bulbs and plugs super fast. And don't forget maintenance—a small, handheld sharpener for pruners is a cheap but incredibly useful gift! If you want something more thoughtful and lasting, we suggest living plants like an Amaryllis or Christmas Cactus, or even saved seeds or perennial plants, which are beautiful, enduring symbols of care. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram!

    51 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hort Culture, where a group of Extension professionals and plant people talk about the business, production and joy of farming. So, join us for a chat on the culture of horticulture. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram!

Information

  • Creator
    Plant People
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Hort Culture