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.

PR-869: 2024-2025 Specialty Crops Research Report

Brent Arnoldussen, Cindy Finneseth, Rachel Rudolph, Daniel Becker, Christine Bradley, Kathryn Pettigrew, Martin Polo, Ginny Travis | January 9, 2026 (New)

Similar to the last compilation of reports (PR-832), this features work from the last two years. Additionally, readers will likely have noticed the name change from Fruit and Vegetable Research Report to Specialty Crops Research Report. With the addition of new faculty in the Department of Horticulture and the expansion of interest in cut flowers and ornamentals, we thought it appropriate to update the publication’s name. Readers will still find rigorous and interesting trial information and perhaps find something new they may want to trial on their own farms. Research was conducted by University of Kentucky faculty, staff, and students from the horticulture department, as well as faculty, staff, and students of Kentucky State University.

NEP-251: Growing Your Own: Soil Testing

Erika Olsen, Bethany Pratt, Rachel Rudolph, Rick Durham | September 30, 2025 (New)

Every time you grow something, the plant takes nutrients from the soil. Testing a soil sample before planting your garden can help you know what nutrients or other chemicals are present in your soil. The results recommend what fertilizers you may need to add for a successful crop. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants.

NEP-250: Growing Your Own: Winter Squash and Pumpkins

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 26, 2025 (New)

Winter squash and pumpkins are grown until their ripe fruit has a hard rind and mature seeds inside. It can be fun to harvest their fruits for decoration or store them to eat in the winter.

NEP-249: Growing Your Own: Cabbage

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 4, 2025 (New)

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that is rich in vitamins. In Kentucky, it can grow from March to December. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked.

NEP-248: Growing Your Own: Peas

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | September 2, 2025 (New)

Peas are a cool-season crop that are high in fiber and low in fat. Pea pods or shelled peas are a crispy, sweet snack and fun to pick and eat.

NEP-247: Growing Your Own: Raspberries

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | August 21, 2025 (New)

Raspberries can be costly to buy, but you can grow them in your backyard. Plant their perennial roots and your raspberry patch will grow new canes each spring. You can pick your own fresh berries for years to come.

NEP-246: Growing Your Own: Carrots

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | August 21, 2025 (New)

Carrots are a sweet and tasty cool-season vegetable. They have a lot of vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Also, pulling fresh carrots out of the ground is always fun for kids—and adults.

NEP-244: Growing Your Own: Strawberries

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | June 13, 2025 (New)

Strawberries produce fruit in May and June. Even in a small garden, there is room for one or two strawberry plants that can bear fruit for several years.

NEP-243: Growing Your Own: Blackberries

Erika Olsen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | June 2, 2025 (New)

Blackberries are a delicious and healthy fruit but can be costly to buy. You may have picked wild blackberries in Kentucky. Why not plant some blackberry varieties in your backyard that will produce better fruit? Plant their roots and your blackberry patch will grow new canes each spring. You can pick your own fresh fruit for years to come.