The Sunshine Gardening Podcast Kristin G. Hildabrand

In episode 30 of The Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand introduces the focus of the discussion to be the SOW Garden app and its applicability to Kentucky gardeners. The show's introduction underscores the podcast's aim to inspire gardeners with helpful advice and particular attention to plants suitable to Kentucky's gardening conditions.















Kristin begins by welcoming Dr. Rick Durham from the University of Kentucky. They jump right into the topic with Rick outlining his background in horticulture as an extension specialist with a broad scope of responsibilities in consumer horticulture. He then delves into the origin of the SOW Garden app, initiated by Alabama Cooperative Extension and adopted by Kentucky with local data inputs. The 2023 launch in Kentucky has given local gardeners a customized tool.







The app's core utility gets highlighted next, with its three main features—My Garden, a library of plants, and a journal function—each designed to aid in planning and managing gardens. My Garden allows the user to schedule multiple gardens and set reminders for planting, while the library houses extensive information about common vegetables, such as planting dates and care instructions. The journal records plant progress and issues that arise during the growing season.







SOW Garden App- Create a Garden







SOW Garden App- Crop Information







SOW Garden App- Planting Date







Kristin probes further into how the app could assist with pest control. Rick emphasizes that the app suggests potential problems but refrains from giving specific pesticide recommendations. Instead, it points users towards local extension offices for tailored advice.







They discuss how the app aids beginning gardeners with its repository of basic plant information, such as expected yields, spacing, and soil pH levels. The conversation touches upon various plant suggestions and the importance of local knowledge for practical gardening.







Regarding the accessibility of the SOW Garden app, Rick assures listeners that it is free and available for iPhone and Android users. While the app can adapt to location changes for custom advice, it also encourages users to seek more in-depth assistance and publications from their county extension offices.







SOW Garden App







To conclude the episode, Kristin reiterates the value of using the SOW Garden app for garden planning and management and informs listeners they can find a link to download the app in the show notes on their blog. The parting message invites listeners to leave reviews and reach out with questions or episode suggestions, wrapping up the episode with encouragement for the gardening community to keep learning and growing their gardens.







Links:







SOW- A Planting Companion: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sow-a-planting-companion/id840347996







SOW- A Planting Companion on Google Play: a href="https://www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.aces.SOW&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank" rel="...

In the Sunshine Gardening podcast episode 29, entitled How to Grow Guide for Dazzling Dahlias in Kentucky, host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes listeners to a show dedicated to cultivating dahlias. She introduces guest Dennis Morgeson, a Horticulture Extension Agent from Washington County, who possesses a wealth of knowledge on growing these flowers in Kentucky.















Kristin begins by highlighting the beauty and variety available in Dahlia blooms and touches upon their tropical origins. Dennis explains his love for dahlias, mentioning their ease of growth and the possibility of preserving them year after year with proper care.







Dahlia Varieties







The conversation shifts to selecting the right dahlia varieties for Kentucky, with Dennis advising against expectations for "dinner plate" size blooms due to the state's heat. He recommends 'Kelvin floodlight' for those seeking larger flowers and emphasizes the influence of weather on bloom size.



























































Dennis discusses the importance of proper cultivar selection and techniques like pinching to maximize bloom size. He mentions different dahlia series, including the Bishop series, with its smaller red flowers and purple foliage, which proves easy to grow in Kentucky.







Soil Preparation & Planting







As per soil preparation, Dennis underscores the need for loose, humus-rich soil with good drainage to prevent tubers from rotting. He encourages incorporating organic matter like aged manure or peat to amend Kentucky's clay soil.















Dennis instructs for soil temperatures above sixty degrees when planting dahlias, typically around mid-to-late April or May in Kentucky. He advises proper plant spacing, with larger dahlia types needing at least eighteen inches. He also recommends staking the taller dahlia varieties to prevent wind damage.























Fertilization is discussed. Dennis recommends a half cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, followed by monthly applications until August. He highlights the significance of soil testing to avoid guessing fertilizer needs.







Dahlia Pests & Harvesting Tips







Dennis covers common pests, such as slugs, Japanese beetles, and thrips, offering various control methods, from slug bait and soapy water for beetles to insecticidal soaps and protective mesh for thrips.







The episode also addresses best practices for harvesting dahlia blooms, emphasizing cutting stems and placing them in hot water to prolong indoor vase life.

The Sunshine Gardening podcast episode, hosted by Kristin Hildabrand, features Ray Tackett, an expert in horticulture and the extension agent in Bourbon County, Kentucky. This 28th episode is dedicated to growing microgreens at home and provides an in-depth guide for novice and experienced gardeners.















Ray begins the episode by expressing his enthusiasm for microgreens. He notes their potent flavors and versatility in various dishes, such as sandwiches and smoothies. He emphasizes their substantial nutrient content despite their small size.















Kristin introduces Ray, speaks of his expertise, and sets the stage for the discussion about microgreens—their selection, cultivation, and harvesting. Ray clarifies the difference between sprouts, microgreens, and baby greens, explaining that they are harvested at different stages and have distinct growing processes.







In the detailed discussion, Ray offers practical advice for growing microgreens, starting with seed selection. He recommends beginners opt for easy-to-grow varieties like arugula, kale, radish, broccoli, and mustard. He advises against starting with more challenging varieties, such as amaranth or peas, with specific requirements like pre-soaking.



























Ray then covers the materials and equipment needed for growing microgreens at home. He stresses the importance of a shallow container with drainage holes, high-quality, unfertilized potting soil, and a light source (ideally natural sunlight, but grow lights can also be used). He suggests a dark cycle for sprouting the seeds to ensure better germination and then providing them with four to six hours of light per day.















Watering from the bottom is recommended to prevent diseases and contamination. Ray mentions that microgreens typically do not require additional nutrients aside from what is already in the seed. He also shares a tip about adjusting the pH level of the water for better results, using lemon juice to bring it down to around pH 6.







Moving on to the harvest, Ray says that microgreens are ready when they develop their first set of true leaves, typically in about two weeks. He instructs how to cut the microgreens cleanly and stresses the importance of sanitation—always starting with fresh potting mix after each harvest.









https://videopress.com/v/TjNmHIF9?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Harvesting Microgreens with Kitchen Scissors







Regarding storage, Ray indicates that microgreens should not be washed before refrigerating and can be kept in the fridge for five to seven days. He stresses that they should only be washed before use to prevent rapid degradation.







Lastly, the episode touches on the culinary uses of microgreens. Ray enthusiastically talks about adding microgreens to sandwiches, smoothies, wraps, and salads and refers to them as "vegetable confetti" due to their vibrant colors.









Meat Pizza with Microgreens







a href="https://warrencountyagriculture.

Welcome to The Sunshine Gardening Podcast, where we help your garden grow! I’m your host, Kristin Hildabrand. In today's episode, episode 27, we spotlight the enriching Horticulture Webinar Wednesday program offered in Kentucky.







Today, we discussed with agent Kelly Jackson the essentials of the Horticulture Webinar Wednesday’s program and explored the growth of this educational initiative. You'll get an insider's peek at the topics covered, the engaging educational content, behind-the-scenes of the webinar series, the growth it has witnessed, and how these webinars can help enrich your horticultural skills. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s dive in!















Interview with Kelly Jackson







1. Tell us a little bit about the Horticulture Webinar Wednesday program. How did it get started? What can we expect from the programs offered? (starts at 3:02)















2. Do programs vary from month to month? (starts at 4:38)







3. Who generally teaches these programs? (starts at 7:21)







4. It takes several people to plan the Horticulture Webinar on Wednesday's program. Who else is involved with the planning for this program? (starts at 9:36)







5. What episodes have been the most popular? (starts at 11:31)







6. How long are the sessions? (starts at 13:22)







7. How do people register? What is the best way for them to gain access to the training? Do you register for each class? (starts at 15:28)















6. Where can people find more about the Horticulture Webinar Wednesday series? Check the links section at the bottom of the show notes for clickable links to all the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays page and their social media pages.







Conclusion







That's it for today's Sunshine Gardening Podcast episode! I hope you feel inspired to check out the Horticulture Webinar on Wednesdays and expand your gardening knowledge. Thank you to Kelly Jackson for being our guest on the podcast today!







The show notes for episode 27, which can be viewed on the blog at warrencountyagriculture.com, provide details for connecting with the Horticulture Webinar Wednesday program on social media and learning how to register for the next webinar.







Before we say goodbye, please subscribe to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast for more gardening tips, wisdom, and inspiration delivered right to you. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.







Until next time, keep your hands dirty and your hearts full. Happy gardening!







Links:









https://kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/









https://www.youtube.com/c/HorticultureWebinarWednesday







https://www.facebook.com/UKYHortWedWeb

















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Welcome to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, where we aim to help you nurture your passion for gardening! I’m Kristin Hildabrand, your host. In today’s episode, we talk with guest Kenneth Clayton, University of Kentucky Extension Associate in Turfgrass, who will share some valuable tips on spring lawn care for Kentucky. We will discuss the dos and don'ts of maintaining a healthy Kentucky lawn, from rejuvenating grass to avoiding common pitfalls. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to cultivate a lush, thriving lawn that will last throughout the season. So, dust off your lawnmowers, roll up your sleeves, and join us as we dive into spring lawn care!















Interview with Kenneth Clayton:







1. Can you explain the dos and don’ts of Spring Lawn Care in Kentucky? What should we do first? starts at 2:42.















2. Would you recommend seeding the lawn in the spring if you want to improve it significantly if it is thinning? starts at 7:07.









* Spring is the second best time for seeding the home lawn in Kentucky.







* It is a little more challenging because grassy weeds are now germinating.







* If seeding in the spring, you don't want to apply the pre-emergent herbicide.









3. Talk to us about weed and feed products in spring. Yes or no? starts at 8:47















4. What are your guidelines for fertilizing the lawn in the spring? starts at 10:02















5. Spring mowing will soon start. What general recommendations do you give for mowing? starts at 15:18.















6. Are there things we should avoid for spring lawn care in the Kentucky lawn? starts at 19:23.









* Don't just fertilize to fertilize. You may not need fertility if the grass is healthy and growing well.







* Nitrogen may be the only ingredient needed. Usually, a healthy Kentucky lawn requires 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Soils are generally rich in phosphorus and potassium.







* Don't scalp the lawns.







* If you do get rain and can't get mowed, raise the mower's height and come in a couple of days later to mow it down so that the clippings do not smother the lawn.









7. What do you recommend for areas in the lawn that receive a lot more shade and not a lot of sunlight? starts at 21:33.















8. If homeowners have questions about home lawn care for Kentucky, do you have a website where they can get more information?









* https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/









Thank you for listening to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast! We hope you found today's episode on the dos and don'ts of spring lawn care in Kentucky informative and helpful in enhancing your gardening skills. Remember, proper care and attention are crucial for maintaining a rob...

Welcome to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, where we explore everything related to gardening to assist you in creating the garden of your dreams. I'm Kristin Hildabrand, your host. In today's episode, episode 25, we'll discuss a topic that every homeowner thinks about as spring approaches: weed control on the lawn.







We will speak with an expert and UK Extension Associate in Turfgrass, Kenneth Clayton, about common spring lawn weeds found in Kentucky, pre-emergent herbicides and how they work, and the optimal timing to control grassy weeds effectively. We will also recommend helpful resources to help control spring weeds on Kentucky lawns.







So, grab your gardening gloves and favorite beverage, and let's learn how to transform your yard into the envy of the neighborhood. Let's get started!















Episode 25 Information:







Several homeowners come into the office asking questions about weed control for Kentucky lawns during the spring. What weeds are in the lawn in the spring? Can you give some examples? (starts at 2:12)































What control measures are best for those weeds during the spring? (starts at 5:15)







Can you explain pre-emergent herbicides? How do they work? (starts at 7:03)







Can you explain the timing and when to apply those pre-emergent herbicides? Does the forsythia shrub in bloom help with the application? (starts at 8:53)







What are some common examples of pre-emergence herbicides for lawns? Where can we purchase them? (starts at 12:21)







Is there a good resource to recommend using pre-emergent herbicides for the lawn?









* Preemergence Herbicides Cooperative Extension Service for Kentucky Lawns: AGR-272: Preemergence Herbicides for Kentucky Lawns (uky.edu)







* Identification and Control of Henbit and Purple Deadnettle: AGR-226: Identification and Control of the Very Similar Winter Weeds Henbit and Purple Deadnettle (uky.edu







* Weed Control for Kentucky Home Lawns: AGR-208: Weed Control for Kentucky Home Lawns (uky.edu)









Get ready because Kenneth Clayton is returning in the next episode to share all the dos and don'ts for spring lawn care in Kentucky! Keep an eye out for this exciting segment in the future!







That concludes another episode of the Sunshine Gardening Podcast! We hope you enjoyed learning about spring weed control and gained valuable insights to help you tackle those pesky invaders in your Kentucky lawn. A big shout-out to our guest, Kenneth Clayton, for joining us today! To access the show notes for episode 25, please visit our blog at warrencountyagriculture.com!







Before we wrap up,