Pesticides, Pathogens & Powdery Mildew: Gardening in a Kentucky Summer

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
  Get real-time alerts on disease and weather conditions specific to Kentucky.
• Kentucky Plant Pathology Extension Publications
  
• Homeowner’s Guide to Fungicides (University of Kentucky):
  
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Basics
  
• UK Extension Office Directory
  Find your local office for help with plant diagnostics and advice.
• Pesticide Safety Education Program – UK Extension 

Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: [email protected]

Check us out on Instagram!