CCD-CP-74: Turfgrass Sod Production

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Jan. 2, 2019 (Minor Revision)

Sod production involves growing a solid stand of high quality turfgrass and then harvesting the grass along with roots and a thin layer of topsoil. Many sod producers also transport and install the sod. The primary markets for sod are landscapers and building contractors. Sod is used in parks, golf courses, athletic fields, schools, garden centers, home lawns, road construction sites, commercial properties, and cemeteries. The 2014 USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties reported slightly less than 1,000 acres of sod harvested in Kentucky. The value of sod sales in Kentucky was split almost evenly between wholesale and retail sales.

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CCD-CP-136: Organic Cucurbits

Matthew Ernst | Dec. 13, 2018 (New)

Cucurbits, vegetables in the family Cucurbitacae, include cucumber, pumpkin, squash, muskmelon and watermelon. Certified organic cucurbits are produced without using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, according to organic crop production standards regulated by the National Organic Program (NOP). For more information on the exact requirements to be organic certified in Kentucky, please visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture website. Growers commercially producing cucurbits in Kentucky's climate must manage key insect pests such as cucumber beetle and squash bug as well as economically important diseases such as bacterial wilt, cucurbit yellow vine decline, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. This profile provides an overview of organic cucurbit production in Kentucky, including market demand potential, key production considerations, and baseline economics

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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.