ID-36: Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers, 2026-28

Shawn Wright, Rachel Rudolph, Ric Bessin, Nicole Gauthier, Kimberly Leonberger, Ed Dixon, Henry Smith, April Lamb, Oluwaseun Kolawole | February 3, 2026 (Major Revision)

Successful vegetable production generally requires the grower to make daily decisions regarding pest management, irrigation, and cultural practices. Would-be growers unwilling to make serious investments of time (and money) should not attempt to expand beyond a space at the farmers’ market. It is important for vegetable growers to have a market outlet for their product before they choose to start production. Good marketing plans start with the customer and work backward to production. Potential growers should first determine exactly what buyers want, how they want it, and when they want it. They then must determine how these crops should be grown. Even selecting varieties and determining planting times are basic marketing decisions. Kentucky growers should pay particular attention to comparisons of marketing time required, compatibility with off-farm employment, compatibility with tobacco production, and other farm demands. Individual situations vary, and producers often must learn about their particular markets by starting small and getting a foot in the door.

ID-194: Diagnosing Plant Problems: Kentucky Master Gardener Manual Chapter 6

Jessica Bessin, Rick Durham, Nicole Gauthier, Adam Leonberger, Kimberly Leonberger, Matthew Springer, Lee Townsend, Stacy White, Erica Wood | January 16, 2024 (Major Revision)

For those with a green thumb, growing plants may seem easy. However, when plant problems arise, determining the cause of these issues can be difficult. Developing the skills necessary to determine the cause of a plant problem takes experience and time.

PPA-46: Plant Diseases: Kentucky Master Gardener Manual Chapter 5

Nicole Gauthier, Kelly Jackson, Kimberly Leonberger, Robbie Smith | January 16, 2024 (Major Revision)

Anyone who has ever planted a garden knows not only the rewards of beautiful flowers, fruit, and/or vegetables, but also the disappointment when plants become diseased or damaged. Many factors cause plants to exhibit poor vigor, changes in appearance, or even death.

ID-1: The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program

Sharon Bale, Tom Barnes, Jessica Bessin, Kenneth Clayton, Rick Durham, Bill Fountain, J.D. Green, Kelly Jackson, Krista Jacobsen, Jonathan Larson, Brad Lee, Kimberly Leonberger, Adam Leonberger, Gregg Munshaw, A.J. Powell, Edwin Ritchey, Rachel Rudolph, Robbie Smith, Matthew Springer, Lee Townsend, Nicole Gauthier, Stacy White, Mark Williams, Erica Wood, Shawn Wright | August 24, 2023 (New)

Plants are essential to life on earth. Either directly or indirectly, they are the primary food source for humans and other animals. Additionally, they provide fuel, replenish the earth's oxygen supply, prevent soil erosion, slow down wind movement, cool the atmosphere, provide wildlife habitat, supply medicinal compounds, and beautify our surroundings.

PPFS-GEN-19: Botrytis Blight

Michael Boice, Nicole Gauthier, Cheryl Kaiser, Kimberly Leonberger | November 8, 2021 (New)

PPFS-AG-H-1: Septoria Leaf Spot of Field Hemp

Nicole Gauthier, Kimberly Leonberger, Mostafa Rahnama | September 16, 2021 (New)

PPFS-OR-H-11: Common Problems of Annuals and Perennials: An Index

Ellen Crocker, Jamie Dockery, Nicole Gauthier, Jonathan Larson, Kimberly Leonberger | August 2, 2021 (New)

PPFS-OR-W-30: Common Problems of Common Trees: An Index

Ellen Crocker, Jamie Dockery, Nicole Gauthier, Jonathan Larson, Kimberly Leonberger | July 19, 2021 (New)

PPFS-OR-W-31: Common Problems of Common Shrubs: An Index

Ellen Crocker, Jamie Dockery, Nicole Gauthier, Jonathan Larson, Kimberly Leonberger | July 19, 2021 (New)

PPFS-OR-W-28: Laurel Wilt Disease and Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

Ellen Crocker, Tyler Dreaden, Nicole Gauthier, Jonathan Larson, Kimberly Leonberger | July 8, 2020 (New)

Laurel wilt is a newly discovered fungal disease that presents a major threat to sassafras in Kentucky. The disease was first detected in the U.S. in 2003 and in southwestern Kentucky in 2019. Currently, laurel wilt is known to occur in eleven southeastern states bordered by Kentucky (north), North Carolina (east), Florida (south), and Texas (west). Research is ongoing to determine the impact and distribution of both the laurel wilt fungus and the redbay ambrosia beetle that carries it.