CCD-CP-114: Pumpkins

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Dec. 10, 2018 (Minor Revision)

The name "pumpkin" is commonly applied to any plant in the taxonomically diverse Cucurbita genus that produces the characteristic yellow to orange, round fruit. Pumpkin cultivars may belong to one of several species: Cucurbita pepo, C. maxima, C. moschata and C. mixta.

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CCD-CP-19: Strawberries

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Dec. 4, 2018 (Minor Revision)

To many, nothing says summer like the first local ripe strawberries of the season. A versatile fruit, strawberries (Fragaria spp.) can be consumed fresh, frozen or in processed foods. Growers able to provide the earliest crop of these popular berries will often have the marketing edge

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CCD-CP-125: Watermelon

Matthew Ernst, Shubin Saha | Nov. 19, 2018 (Minor Revision)

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a warm-season crop in the Cucurbit family. Watermelons are grown across the state, including larger areas in Casey County, Lincoln County, Hart County, Allen County and Daviess County. Kentucky farms annually harvest more than 1,000 watermelon acres, the Commonwealth's second largest fresh market vegetable by area.

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CCD-CP-15: Peaches

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Nov. 15, 2018 (Minor Revision)

The peach (Prunus persica), which originated in China, is a member of the rose family. In the past, commercial peach production in Kentucky has been profitable only in western counties, in southern counties, and in areas along the Ohio River. However, over the past 15 years as winters have become warmer, peach growers are also doing well in areas west of the mountains, as long as good sites that avoid late spring frosts are selected.

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CCD-MP-9: Marketing Organic Produce

Matthew Ernst, Tim Woods | Oct. 26, 2018 (Minor Revision)

This fact sheet summarizes concerns for Kentucky produce growers that are interested in beginning or expanding the marketing of organic produce. It is intended only as a starting point; further information will be found through various university and government resources and by consulting with experienced growers of organic produce.

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CCD-CP-73: Ornamental Grasses

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 26, 2018 (Minor Revision)

Ornamental grasses are popular for use in commercial and homeowner landscapes. Attractive foliage, showy flowers and distinctive seed heads make many annual and perennial grasses suitable for fresh and dried floral arrangements. Ornamental grasses can be added to an existing nursery operation or become the focus of a specialty nursery.

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CCD-CP-5: Elderberry

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 12, 2018 (Minor Revision)

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadnesis) is a large shrub or small tree native to Kentucky. The small fruit has prominent seeds and are produced in large clusters. While elderberries are not normally eaten fresh due to their tartness, wild and cultivated elderberries can be processed, either alone or with other fruit.

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CCD-CP-121: Summer Squash

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 10, 2018 (Minor Revision)

Summer squashes (Curcurbita pepo) are warm-season cucurbits that are harvested when the fruits are immature. The most common summer squash types include yellow (crookneck and straightneck) and zucchini. Also included in the summer squash group are scallop squashes and cocozelle. Summer squashes grow on plants with a bush growth habit, rather than vining.

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CCD-MP-24: Selected Internet Resources for Herb Marketing

Matthew Ernst | Sep. 9, 2018 (New)

This list of internet resources has been selected for the benefit of Kentucky commercial producers wanting to learn more about marketing herbs. The broad definition for herbs (herbaceous plants valued for their flavor, scent or medicinal properties) was used in gathering this information. These online resources are provided strictly for informative purposes only; the list does not constitute endorsement of herbal uses, products, businesses or cultural recommendations for herb production. Producers should always research herb production, uses and markets on their own before beginning production.

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CCD-CP-98: Field-grown Tomatoes

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Aug. 3, 2018 (Minor Revision)

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a warm-season crop that originated in South America. Tomatoes are one of the most popular and profitable crop alternatives in Kentucky. Growers able to provide the earliest locally grown tomatoes can often demand a premium price.