Hort Culture

In this late-summer conversation, Brett, Jessica, and Ray reflect on the ups and downs of Kentucky's growing season—from soggy spring fields to dry summer lawns. The team swaps stories of favorite seasonal treats (popsicles, cider donuts, and cheeseburgers), then dives into the real-world challenges growers and homeowners faced this year. Topics include: * Weed wars in a wet spring – why mowing sometimes beat cultivation for managing crabgrass. * Tree troubles – diagnosing stress in mature trees vs. uncovering girdling roots in young plantings. * Fruit frustrations – winter injury, fluctuating temperatures, and a tough season for peaches, blackberries, and strawberries. * Tomato trials – delayed ripening, leaf roll, and how environmental stress shows up differently across cultivars. * Lawns across Kentucky – brown patch in wetter areas vs. drought stress and crabgrass explosions further south. * Farmers' market quirks – why produce prices don't always follow supply-and-demand logic. The hosts wrap up with a reminder to support local orchards and agritourism farms this fall—whether for apples, cider, hayrides, or those elusive cider donuts Brett is still chasing. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

This week on Hort Culture,  we welcome two special guests—Zoey and Kallise, summer interns at the Mercer County Extension Office. Fresh off their last day on the job, they share the whirlwind of experiences that shaped their summer: from planning Cloverbud Camps, to assisting  with youth programs like international cooking classes and heritage day camps. The conversation highlights just how much extension work overlaps across program areas—horticulture, 4-H, family and consumer sciences, and agriculture. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at county fairs, campfires, home visits, and even a memorable day spent recipe-testing fried apple pies. Along the way, everyone opens up about hobbies (from vintage bikes to quilting), surprising lessons learned, and the personal connections to plants and gardening that continue to grow. For students curious about extension careers—or anyone who wants a taste of the dynamic work happening in local offices—this episode is both inspiring and down-to-earth. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Internship Program [https://ces-personnel.ca.uky.edu/internship-program] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this late-summer conversation, Alexis, Brett, and Ray reflect on the nostalgia of print magazines, book fairs, and the "adult book fair" season of seed catalogs. The crew dives into the realities of August in the garden—plants looking tired, leaf spot showing up, and the challenge of keeping things alive through heat and humidity. They explore how August serves as a natural transition point: a pause between the frenzy of spring planting and the rush of fall preparation. From buying discounted shrubs and busted soil bags to ordering cover crops, garlic, and seeds before they sell out, the team shares practical tips for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Discussion also turns to disease management strategies, irrigation struggles, and the importance of recordkeeping—reminding listeners that now is the perfect time to take notes, review finances, and plan rotations for next year. As always, the hosts mix humor and storytelling with hands-on advice, wrapping up with a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do in August is step back, breathe, and prepare for what's ahead. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team is joined by Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Extension Entomologist, for a fascinating discussion on the complex and often surprising relationships between insects and plants. From pollinators that fuel our food supply to pests that challenge our landscapes, Dr. Larson shares insights on how these interactions shape both natural ecosystems and home gardens. The conversation dives into beneficial insects, pest management strategies, and practical tips for gardeners looking to support pollinators while protecting their plants. Whether you're curious about native bees, biological control, or just want to understand what's really happening when bugs meet blooms, this episode offers expert knowledge with plenty of real-world takeaways. Entomology at the University of Kentucky [https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/] Arthro-Pod Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arthro-pod/id920537000] Firefly Festival [https://visitowensboro.com/event/firefly-festival-know-glow/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this reflective episode, Brett and Ray take a deep dive into how Kentucky agriculture—and Extension work—has transformed over the past few decades. Starting with a lighthearted chat about summer, fall cravings, and the buzz (and hype) around AI, the conversation shifts into a second chapter of Ray's career story, following the earlier "Hands in the Dirt, Head in the Clouds" episode. Ray shares first-hand memories from his early days in Extension in the mid-1990s, when answering a client's question meant sifting through filing cabinets, making long phone calls, and sometimes hauling around a Motorola "bag phone." The discussion traces how technology, from networked computers to AgDiscs and eventually the internet, changed how agents work and how clients access information. A major focus is the seismic impact of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement and the 2004 end of the tobacco quota system—events that reshaped Kentucky farming and spurred a search for alternative crops and markets. Ray and Brett explore both the opportunities and challenges of this transition, from diversification efforts and Kentucky Proud branding to the hard realities of marketing perishable crops. Throughout, they connect past changes to present questions about AI's role in Extension—its potential as a tool, its limits, and the enduring importance of research-based information and human expertise. The episode blends history, personal experience, and forward-looking perspective on how agricultural outreach adapts to waves of technological and economic change. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team welcomes Powell County Extension Agent Jason Vaughn to dive deep into the evolving culture of American lawns—from golf courses to backyards. Jason shares his journey from mowing lawns in Clark County to managing some of the most prestigious golf courses in the U.S. The conversation explores the "business in the front, party in the back"approach to lawn care, affectionately dubbed the "mullet lawn philosophy." Listeners will learn about: * The real reason raising your mower height is a game changer * Why fall is the best season for weed control * Common lawn myths (including the overuse of lime) * The case for wild blackberries over cultivated ones * How home lawn care differs from professional turf management * And why sometimes, the lawn is worth keeping—especially for play, aesthetics, or just zoning out with a mower From clover-friendly backyards to the newest trends in golf course design (think wild, low-input fescues), this episode blends practical advice with personal stories and humor. Whether you're a lawn purist or a prairie convert, there's something here to help you rethink your green space. Tips and Recommendations for Maintaining Home Lawns [https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/tips-and-recommendations-maintaining-home-lawns] Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky [https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AGR55.pdf] Turfgrass Science University of Kentucky [https://ukturf.ca.uky.edu/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this flavorful and thoughtful episode, Alexis, Brett, and Ray kick things off with a nostalgic ode to summer fruits—watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches—and the sensory memories they stir. The team shares light-hearted stories that transition seamlessly into a deeper conversation about branding, authenticity, and storytelling in agriculture. What does it mean to create a brand that feels both personal and professional? How do farmers and producers balance authenticity with marketing strategy? The hosts explore how their own approaches to branding—whether through daily social media posts or curated seasonal photo shoots—reveal not just products, but values and lived experiences. With examples from Wild Roots and reflections on photography, audience perception, and storytelling structure, this episode offers practical insights for anyone trying to craft a compelling brand in the food and farming space. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a budding entrepreneur, the message is clear: your story matters—and how you tell it makes all the difference. Marketing & Promotion Resources [https://ccd.uky.edu/resources/marketing] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this lively and laughter-filled midsummer episode of Hort Culture, the crew is joined by Emma Lee, UK Extension Agent from Estill County and the voice behind the popular UK Houseplant Education videos. The gang dives deep into the world of houseplants—dispelling myths, sharing war stories, and celebrating the trials and triumphs of indoor gardening. Emma shares the origin of her houseplant video series, created as part of her graduate work and fueled by her newfound obsession with foliage. From low-maintenance starter picks like Tradescantia and heartleaf philodendron to the surprisingly dramatic Calathea, the crew debates plant preferences and pet peeves. Succulents? Not as simple as social media makes them seem. Other topics include: * The social media-fueled rise of trendy houseplants * Why some plants just aren't for you—and that's okay * Emma's bioactive frog tank turned Calathea haven * Bonsai tangents and plant pricing bubbles * "Plants don't read the books": what really works at home Whether you're team succulent or team "please stop mixing cactus with peace lilies," this episode offers a down-to-earth and refreshingly honest take on houseplant culture. Show Notes & Resources: * University of Kentucky Houseplant Education [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567332444862] * Resources for Home Growers: Houseplants [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/growers/home/houseplants] * Indoor Plants [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/ho103.pdf] * Caring for houseplants in the winter [https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu/2021/hort/caring-houseplants-winter]

In this episode, the team dives deep into the world of mechanical and cultural weed control. What starts as a fun discussion about corvids and birdwatching  quickly transitions into the heart of the episode—how growers manage weeds without chemical inputs. The crew explores the overlap between cultural and mechanical practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, hoeing, solarization, and high-wheel cultivators. Ray shares nostalgic stories from the 1980s of farming with mules and mechanical tillers. Brett puts modern weed control into historical and economic context, and Alexis gets excited about the future—robotic weeders, solar-powered machines, and the upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day. From stirrup hoes to camera-guided cultivators, they explore how growers of all scales can improve efficiency, reduce herbicide use, and build healthier soils. Special Mentions: * Merlin Bird App from Cornell Lab * Kentucky High Wheel Cultivator * Walk-behind tractors * Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day * Electrical weed control research * The upcoming Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day on September 23rd Call to Action: Visit ccd.uky.edu [https://ccd.uky.edu/] and click on the Mechanical Weed Control Field Day (link below) tab to register. Learn about tool demos, solarization research, grant opportunities, and eat a free ice cream sandwich in exchange for your feedback! Center for Crop Diversification  [https://ccd.uky.edu/] 2025 Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Da [https://ccd.uky.edu/mwcfd]y Weed Management [https://www.rs.uky.edu/consumer/extension_pdfs/agr205.pdf]

In this midsummer episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Joe Kuosman, Lexington-based giant pumpkin grower and co-founder of West Sixth Brewing. The conversation starts with heat survival tips from the hosts (spoiler: giant hats and shade are a must), then dives headfirst into the fascinating world of giant pumpkin cultivation. Joe shares how his pumpkin passion was planted decades ago in Pittsburgh through a combination of family gardening, seed catalogs, and curiosity. He walks listeners through the evolution of giant pumpkin growing—from seed selection to fertilization, pest control, and even protecting pumpkins from sun damage and cracking. Highlights include: * Joe's personal best: a pumpkin just under 800 pounds. * Tips for beginners: start with quality seeds, don't overthink it, and enjoy the process. * The space commitment: 1,000 square feet per plant. * Kentucky's climate challenges and how growers adapt. * The wow-factor of displaying pumpkins. * How giant pumpkins become a gateway to growing other "giant" fruits and vegetables. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and quirky charm. Whether you're dreaming of a blue ribbon or just want to see a pumpkin grow 30 pounds a day, Joe's story will squash your doubts and seed your excitement. Tune in if you've ever wondered: * Can a pumpkin really weigh as much as a Toyota Corolla? * What does it take to grow a 1,000-pound pumpkin in Kentucky? * How do you turn a massive pumpkin into a community spectacle? Kentucky Giant Pumpkin Growers (Facebook) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/343008306858614/] Growing Giant Pumpkins in the Home Garden [https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1646] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this lively and informative episode, the Hort Culture team dives deep into the seasonal challenges facing Kentucky gardeners, particularly the rising threat of plant diseases during a historically cool and wet spring. Join Brett, Alexis, and Ray start for a chat about plant health and integrated pest management (IPM). Listeners get an in-depth look at the "disease triangle" — the key combination of a susceptible host, conducive environment, and active pathogen — and why this year's weather has been perfect for early disease outbreaks. The team shares real-world examples from tomatoes, zinnias, squash, and even bonsai trees, emphasizing the importance of timing, cultural practices, and preventative treatments. They clarify that "pesticide" is not a dirty word, breaking down the term to include both organic and conventional options, and reinforcing the necessity of following label instructions precisely. The conversation covers tools and equipment for small-scale spraying, the differences in approach between home gardeners and commercial growers, and why sometimes, even with the best practices, a plant may still succumb to disease — and that's okay. The episode closes with practical tips for identifying issues, using extension resources, scouting effectively, and leveraging tools like the UK Ag Weather app for disease alerts. Related Links & Resources: * UK Ag Weather Center App [https://weather.uky.edu] Get real-time alerts on disease and weather conditions specific to Kentucky. * Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications] * Homeowner's Guide to Fungicides [https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/sites/plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/PPFS-GEN-07.pdf] (University of Kentucky): * Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Basics [https://ipm.ca.uky.edu] * UK Extension Office Directory [https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county] Find your local office for help with plant diagnostics and advice. * Pesticide Safety Education Program [https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/uk-pesticide-safety-education-program-psep] – UK Extension  Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this engaging summer episode of Hort Culture, the crew welcomes Trevor Terry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, for a spirited and insightful conversation that blends passion, policy, and plant nerdiness.  After kicking things off with lighthearted chatter about their favorite warm-weather drinks (kombucha and icy watermelon blends included), Trevor dives into his unconventional journey from humanities grad to horticulture leader — including a Derby weekend epiphany and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to help launch Kentucky Fresh Harvest, the state's first high-wire, high-tech tomato facility. Trevor shares his excitement about the growth of protected agriculture in Kentucky — from 1.4 million sq. ft. in 2017 to nearly 14 million sq. ft. today — and what that means for the future of food production in the Commonwealth. The group also unpacks the impact of shifting federal funding, disease challenges like Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries, and the surprising scale and potential of Kentucky's cut flower industry. Whether you're into tomatoes, spreadsheets, or just love a good horticulture underdog story, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder of the resilience and innovation driving Kentucky agriculture forward. Tune in to hear: * Trevor's origin story and tomato tech breakthroughs  * Why controlled environment ag isn't just hype in Kentucky  * Big data meets backyard gardening  * The power of unified voices in horticulture advocacy  Episode-Related Links: * Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) [https://kyhortcouncil.org/] Learn more about KHC's mission, grower resources, grants, trainings, and member associations. * USDA Census of Agriculture [https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/] Data source discussed regarding growth in protected ag and cut flowers. * University of Kentucky Horticulture Extension [https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu/] Trusted info on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production in Kentucky. * Kentucky Department of Agriculture [https://www.kyagr.com/] Programs and support for growers, including Kentucky Proud. * Kentucky Center for Ag & Rural Development (KCARD) [https://www.kcard.info/] Business development assistance for Kentucky farms and agribusinesses. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this nostalgic episode, Brett and Ray hold down the fort while their co-hosts are away, turning the podcast into a "man cave" for the day. What starts as a lighthearted check-in on their recent challenge to "sit under a tree" turns into a conversation tracing Ray's agricultural roots in eastern Kentucky. Ray shares vivid memories of his childhood growing up on a farm in the eastern foothills—years spent with cattle, square bales, vegetables, and tobacco. He reflects on the sights, smells, and experiences that shaped his deep connection to the land and growing things, from running barefoot through hay fields to handpicking truck loads of beans with his siblings. Listeners get an intimate portrait of life in Appalachian Kentucky during the 1980s and '90s, the central role of tobacco in rural economies, and Ray's unexpected return to agriculture via Berea College. With humor, humility, and insight, Ray describes the lessons learned—like knowing what you can and can't control—that have guided his path into Extension work. This episode is a time capsule of Kentucky's farming heritage and a tribute to the labor, love, and land that define it. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, Alexis, Brett, and Ray dive into a heartfelt and often hilarious conversation about how plants intertwine with memory, grief, celebration, and personal identity. What begins with snack talk and Brett's possum joke evolves into a rich discussion about the power of plants to mark life's most meaningful moments—from memorial trees and generational houseplants to the sensory triggers tied to loved ones and childhood. The crew shares stories of plants passed down through families, the emotion of planting in memory of someone, and the surprising ways a smell, flower, or species can evoke someone's presence. They explore the symbolism of trees and flowers associated with different people in their lives, including themselves—Alexis as a witch hazel, Ray as a serviceberry or hemlock, and Brett as an atlas blue cedar or beech. This episode is a tribute to how deeply rooted plants are in who we are and how we remember. If you've ever gifted a plant, inherited one, or found comfort in tending to one, this one's for you. Topics covered: * The humor and chaos of recording a podcast about plants * Memorial and celebration plants * Generational plants and heirloom species * Sensory memory and plant associations * The hosts' personal "plant alter egos" Quote of the Episode: "We come from snacks and to snacks we shall return." Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode of Hort Culture, the team explores the many facets of scaling horticulture operations—from small market gardens to multi-acre farms—and how those decisions affect production, marketing, labor, and personal lifestyle. They discuss how growers move from hands-on producers to business managers as scale increases, and the importance of aligning farm size with personal goals and family needs. The conversation covers retail versus wholesale sales, labor management, equipment investments, and the risks of burnout when scaling too fast. Drawing on Kentucky's agricultural history and emerging trends like high-tunnel tomatoes and cut flowers, the hosts offer practical insights on balancing the economics of scale with lifestyle choices, market realities, and the nuances of different distribution channels. Scaling Up Your Vegetable Farm for Regional Markets [https://attra.ncat.org/publication/scaling-up-for-regional-markets/] K-Card Beginning Farmer Resources [https://www.kcard.info/beginning-farmer-resources] UK Department of Ag Economics Publications, Budgets & Decision Aids [https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications-budgets-decision-aids] Center for Crop Diversification Decision Tools [https://ccd.uky.edu/resources/decisiontools] 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, the team is joined by Jack Baggett to dive into the world of urban forestry, community engagement, and the impact of the Tree City USA and Tree Campus Higher Education programs in Kentucky. Jack shares his fascinating career journey — from working with swine operations in Kansas to becoming a certified arborist and leading community forestry efforts. He reflects on his time with Cooperative Extension, running Master Gardener programs, managing farmers markets, and serving as an urban forester in Fairfax County, Virginia. The conversation highlights: * What it takes for a city to achieve Tree City USA designation * The benefits for communities — from grant opportunities to civic pride * How Tree Campus Higher Education is growing across Kentucky * Strategies for expanding urban forestry into underserved regions * Fun stories about community tree celebrations, Arbor Day events, and... chickens named Dorothy!  Jack also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between city officials, Extension agents, and community members to build greener, healthier towns. Sprinkled throughout is the usual Hort Culture humor — from favorite snack chat to "manifesting horticulture swag." Arbor Day Foundation [https://www.arborday.org/] Kentucky Division of Forestry [https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx] Kentucky Division of Forestry-Contacts [https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/about-kdf/Pages/default.aspx] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this special episode, Brett and Alexis hold down the fort while Ray and Jessica are away, diving into a season of wild weather, emerging garden diseases, and some exciting updates from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD). They chat about wet spring conditions fueling botrytis and other fungal issues, share a clever DIY tree watering hack, and preview the Kentucky Mechanical Weed Control Field Day happening September 23. Plus, they reflect on recent CCD programs, the launch of a revamped website, and the importance of systems thinking in horticulture. With humor, honesty, and a bit of horticultural chaos, they highlight the wins and weeds of 2025 so far. Center forCrop Diversification [https://ccd.uky.edu/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this thoughtful and laugh-filled episode, Alexis and Brett dive deep into the rhythms of seasonality in horticulture—not just in terms of plant growth, but also the marketing windows and human habits that shape the industry. Fresh off a hectic Mother's Day, they reflect on the exhaustion and triumph that comes with spring's Super Bowl of floral sales and discuss how local growers plan months (or years!) in advance to hit these narrow seasonal targets. They explore key calendar touchpoints like Valentine's Day, July 4th, and fall agritourism season, showing how consumer expectations align with bloom cycles, harvests, and farm labor. With stories of sprouting potatoes, sleepy kittens, and missing appendixes, the episode blends real-life farming humor with insight into the planning behind peonies, pumpkins, and produce. Listeners are invited to consider the deeper labor and lead time behind seasonal products—and why diversification might be exciting but exhausting. Whether it's bouquets or jam jars, Brett and Alexis remind us that timing is everything... and sometimes, just because it's possible doesn't mean it's sustainable. Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]

In this episode, the Hort Culture team welcomes Matt Dixon, senior agricultural meteorologist at the UK Ag Weather Center, for a deep dive into Kentucky's unpredictable weather patterns and their impact on farming. Matt shares how his love for both meteorology and agriculture—rooted in his watermelon-tossing youth—led to a career helping farmers interpret and respond to volatile weather conditions. The conversation covers climate trends, how the Kentucky Weather Alert app supports growers statewide, and why Mesonet stations are vital for hyper-local forecasting. Matt also reflects on memorable weather events, explains what makes Kentucky's weather so wild, and previews future updates to his app designed specifically for agriculture. A must-listen for anyone who starts their day by checking the radar. UK Ag Weather Center [https://weather.uky.edu/] Weather Alert App [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weather-alert-app/id6470309148] Kentucky Mesonet at WKU [https://www.kymesonet.org/] National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) [https://ncdp.columbia.edu/] 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 explore the topic of branding for farms and businesses. After chatting about spring rains, gardening chores, and Kentucky's unpredictable late frosts, we shift to a lively discussion with Brett from the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) about their "Marketing for All" project. We emphasize that marketing—especially branding—is essential for selling crops and not just growing them. Branding involves defining the core message and values of a business, guiding all marketing activities. The CCD team offers a brand builder worksheet to help farmers clarify their identity across several spectrums (e.g., personable vs. professional, modern vs. classic). We also discuss differences between price-driven and credence markets, customer behavior at markets, and how different types of farms might approach marketing. Key tips include using consistent imagery, breaking tasks into simple steps, and leveraging email as a powerful, underused tool. Listeners are encouraged to check out CCD resources and reach out with questions. Marketing for All [https://ccd.uky.edu/training] Center for Crop Diversification [https://ccd.uky.edu/] Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@l.uky.edu Check us out on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/hortculturepodcast/]