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

Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky

Turfgrass Science University of Kentucky

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com

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