In this episode of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, titled "The Ultimate Guide to Home Composting," host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes Jessica Hopkins, the horticulture extension agent from Harrison County. The focus is on the fundamentals of home composting and how it benefits Kentucky gardeners.







Kristin introduces the episode, highlighting the discussion on equipment, materials for composting, ways to maintain an efficient compost pile, and how to troubleshoot common composting problems. She encourages listeners to grab their gardening gloves as they dive into the topic.



Jessica explains that composting is the natural decomposition of organic materials, which can be sped up by gathering these materials in a specific location. The resulting compost enriches soil, benefiting gardens and lawns.







She elaborates on basic materials useful for composting, noting that the process can be as simple or complex as desired. She suggests starting with spent plants, raked leaves, and other organic materials. Various composting systems are discussed, including an open pile, enclosed bins made from pallets, and purchased composters that can speed up the process.



Kristin and Jessica discuss the importance of sunlight for decomposition, stating that full sunlight is preferable but partial shade is acceptable. Essential hand tools for composting include shovels and rakes for turning the compost.



As they delve into setting up a compost bin, Jessica describes the need for a mix of brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials at a ratio of about 25 parts brown to 1 part green. Brown materials include dry leaves and cardboard, while green materials encompass fresh grass clippings and kitchen scraps.













The conversation turns to items to avoid adding to the compost, such as meat, bones, dairy, and diseased plants, as they can attract pests and cause odor problems. Jessica emphasizes that animal manure should not be used in backyard composting due to potential pathogens, as home compost piles generally do not reach the necessary temperatures for safe breakdown.







They also discuss maintaining a proper balance of greens and browns, as well as the importance of oxygen, moisture, and temperature for effective decomposition. Kristin and Jessica outline that compost should be moist but not overly wet. Turning the compost pile every few days or once a week is encouraged to ensure proper aeration.







Jessica explains that compost may take varying amounts of time to mature, depending on numerous factors, and provides guidance on troubleshooting issues like unpleasant smells or slow decomposition. She identifies causes for rot or ammonia smells, which could indicate imbalances of air and moisture or incorrect ratios of greens and browns.



As the episode comes to a close, they discuss resources available for beginners, particularly emphasizing the importance of consulting local extension services for reliable inf...

In episode forty-four of the Sunshine Gardening Podcast titled "How to Protect Urban Trees from Stress," host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes Jared Weaver, the parks forester and arborist for the city of Bowling Green, KY. They discuss the various challenges that urban residential trees face and provide listeners with practical tips to protect urban trees and maintain tree health.







Kristin introduces the episode by stating its focus on trees and the stressors impacting them in urban landscapes, including surface roots, thinning grass, drought, and insect damage. She emphasizes the importance of matching the right tree to the correct location, referencing Jared's insight that the wrong plant in the wrong place causes significant stress to trees.



Jared elaborates on his role in managing trees across various parks and landscapes in Bowling Green, detailing responsibilities that include planning the urban forest, planting, pruning, controlling pests, and tree removal. A central point of their discussion revolves around the most significant stressor for urban trees: improper placement of plants that do not match site conditions like sunlight and drainage.



Throughout the conversation, they discuss several specific tree species, with Jared highlighting the challenges of planting dogwood trees in full sun, as they are naturally understory trees. They also discuss root systems, particularly the challenges trees face in compacted urban soil, and how surface roots can cause issues for homeowners.



The pair covers insect management without defaulting to chemical treatments, explaining that many insects are part of a healthy ecosystem. Jared shares strategies for mitigating pest problems, including raking up leaf litter to reduce insect eggs.



Jared also addresses the issues caused by drought, concentrating on the need for deep watering to promote healthy root growth. He explains that newly planted trees should be watered deeply and infrequently, contrasting that method with the irrigation needed for turf grass.



The benefits of mulch are discussed, highlighting how it can regulate moisture and temperature for newly planted trees. They stress the importance of winter watering, particularly for evergreen trees, to ensure they remain hydrated during dry conditions.



Fertilization practices are addressed, with an emphasis on the need for soil testing to avoid unnecessary application of fertilizers. Jared mentions the utility of certified arborists for specific tree care needs, directing listeners to the resource https://www.treesaregood.org/ for locating professionals.







Lastly, the episode concludes with a discussion on protecting trees from string trimmer damage, focusing on the importance of maintaining mulch around the base of the tree and exploring methods to aid in tree recovery from injuries. Kristin wraps up the episode by thanking Jared and encouraging listeners to check their website for additional resources, review the podcast, and continue learning about tree care. The episode emphasizes environmental stewardship and proactive approaches to urban tree management.





Episode 44 Resources:



Tree Week Activities: https://www.bgky.org/tree/treeweek



Stress and Decline in Woody Plants,

The episode begins with host Kristin Hildabrand welcoming listeners to the Sunshine Gardening podcast. She introduces the topic of self-wicking containers and raised bed gardening, expressing excitement about the innovative methods that gardeners will love. Kristin introduces the guest, Dr. Steve Higgins, from the University of Kentucky's Biosystems and Engineering department.







Kristin notes that April is National Gardening Month, highlighting the timing as perfect for discussing gardening improvements, particularly self-wicking raised beds. Dr. Higgins explains that a self-wicking raised bed has an impervious bottom that holds a water table, allowing plants to self-water. He mentions his experience building raised beds that can hold up to 300 gallons of water, minimizing the need for frequent watering.



Benefits of Self-Wicking Gardens



As they discuss the advantages of self-wicking raised beds, Dr. Higgins emphasizes the ergonomic benefits for older gardeners and the ability to grow robust plants, like tomatoes, that can handle heavy rain without splitting. He shares his journey of starting with five-gallon buckets and gradually transitioning to larger systems, leading to significant productivity in his garden.







Mechanics of Self-Wicking Gardens



Kristin and Dr. Higgins examine the mechanics of these raised beds, describing a typical design that includes a perforated pipe at the bottom to store water, with the soil on top. They discuss how the setup promotes healthy root systems through capillary action, making the plants more resilient to stress and diseases. Dr. Higgins notes that after initial establishment, the need for surface watering disappears as the plants access moisture from below.







Cost of Self-Wicking Gardens



They also cover the cost of building these raised beds, approximately $350 for a 4x10 bed, and the materials used, including treated lumber and specific liners to prevent wood rot. Maintenance of these beds is low, and they can work well for both vegetables and perennials.



Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Higgins briefly mentions his concerns about salt buildup in the soil, which he has not experienced. Kristin invites listeners to check the show notes for more information, including linked publications on self-wicking gardening.



Resources:



Self-Watering Wicking Container, AEN-157: https://publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AEN157.pdf



Raised Wicking Beds, AEN-158: https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AEN158.pdf

In the podcast episode "How to Identify and Control Invasive Plants with Dr. Ellen Crocker," host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes listeners to the Sunshine Gardening Podcast and emphasizes the importance of understanding invasive plant species for Kentucky gardeners. Kristin introduces her guest, Dr. Ellen Crocker, an associate professor in forest health extension at the University of Kentucky, who discusses the critical issue of invasive species and their impact on local ecosystems.







Kristin notes that many landowners frequently ask about controlling various invasive plants they encounter. Dr. Crocker explains her responsibilities in supporting forest health through education and collaboration, offering insights into managing invasive species and researching related issues like Laurel Wilt Disease affecting sassafras trees.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t52_mSJRD_E&list=PLAQAtSKcnAGMMdjtpR_563X1og8eZ2Swh&index=18




Dr. Crocker describes the harmful effects of invasive plants in Kentucky, defining them as non-native species that create negative impacts. She details specific invasive plants, like the Tree of Heaven and bush honeysuckle, discussing how they can overtake native plants and disrupt ecosystems. Additionally, she mentions how these invasives can obstruct landowners' management goals, reducing plant and wildlife diversity.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=366wEke_SMc&list=PLAQAtSKcnAGMMdjtpR_563X1og8eZ2Swh&index=5




Kristin highlights the widespread issue of Callery pear, discussing its aggressive growth and the problems it creates in local landscapes. At the same time, Crocker shares her experiences with other invasive plants like bamboo and winter creeper, highlighting challenges in controlling these species without proper knowledge.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLMMjehQtSQ&list=PLAQAtSKcnAGMMdjtpR_563X1og8eZ2Swh&index=21




The conversation continues with Dr. Crocker, who provides insights into effective management strategies for invasive plants. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and mitigation before they become a significant problem. She encourages collaboration with knowledgeable professionals and utilizes resources such as the Kentucky Division of Forestry for guidance.



Dr. Crocker references several case studies showcasing successful management efforts of invasive species, including challenges faced at the University of Kentucky's Arboretum and innovative approaches by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for managing bush honeysuckle through aerial herbicide applications.



As the episode progresses, Kristin inquires about public involvement in preventing the spread of invasive plants. Dr. Crocker urges listeners to report sightings of invasive species using platforms like iNaturalist, sharing a success story where a landowner reported the new invasive mile-a-minute weed, resulting in a successful removal effort.



The discussion turns to resources available for identifying and managing invasive plants. Dr. Crocker specifically mentions the field guide to Kentucky's invasive plants, which she has edited. She highlights its usefulness for gardeners and landowners, including identification tips and management practices.



Field Guide to Kentucky's Invasive Plants



The episode concludes with Dr. Crocker encouraging listeners to manage invasive species proactively.

In episode forty-one of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes Matt Dixon, a senior meteorologist from the University of Kentucky's Ag Weather Center. The episode focuses on weather impacts on farming practices and introduces the innovative new weather alert app designed for the agricultural community in Kentucky.



Kristin begins by highlighting the importance of weather in agricultural conversations across the state. She then asks Matt to elaborate on his UK Ag Weather Center responsibilities. Matt explains that the center aims to minimize weather-related surprises for farmers and the general public in Kentucky by providing crucial ag weather products, models, and tools. He details his involvement in writing the USDA crop progress report, assisting with frost advisories, and monitoring drought conditions, emphasizing the need for precise weather communication.



As the conversation progresses, Kristin inquires about Matt's background and training. He shares his journey from growing up in Southwest Indiana, experiencing a significant tornado event, to studying atmospheric sciences at Purdue University and earning a master's degree at Mississippi State. He discusses how his experiences and collaborations with specialists at the University of Kentucky have shaped his approach to agricultural weather predictions.



Weather Alert App- Available for Download



The discussion transitions to the new weather alert app, launched to enhance Kentucky farmers' weather preparedness. Matt outlines the app's key features, including current conditions, hourly and daily forecasts, high-resolution radar, lightning tracking, and the provision of critical alerts. He highlights the absence of ads as a significant user benefit and reveals that the app has garnered around five to six thousand downloads with active usage.



Kristin and Matt explore how the app empowers farmers by providing crucial data for decision-making, such as spraying conditions and weather alerts. Matt also mentions future phases of the app that will incorporate agricultural tools and disaster preparedness resources, aiming to make it the go-to AgWeather app for users.



Weather Alert App with QR Codes



Kristin asks Matt about common misconceptions about agricultural weather forecasts to foster understanding. Matt clarifies that while short-term predictions are often seen as more reliable, technological advancements have improved the accuracy of longer-range forecasts, which can significantly aid farmers in planning.



Toward the end of their conversation, Kristin asks about success stories from app users. Matt shares a particularly impactful account from a farmer who praised the app for being usable even with limited internet connectivity.



Finally, Kristin wraps up the episode by thanking Matt for his insights and encouraging listeners to explore the app and resources available through the show notes. She invites feedback and questions while reminding everyone to subscribe for more gardening insights and to look ahead to the upcoming growing season.



The episode concludes by reminding listeners of the podcast's aim to inspire and inform gardeners in Kentucky. It emphasizes the importance of weather awareness in successful gardening.



Resources:



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