NEP-233: Growing Your Own: Composting

Daniel Bowen, Rick Durham, Erika Olsen, Rachel Rudolph | Nov. 16, 2023 (New)

Composting is the controlled breakdown of materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps, also called organic matter. During composting, tiny microorganisms feed on these leftovers. Once the microorganisms are done eating, compost will be all that remains.

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NEP-231: Growing Your Own: Potatoes

Daniel Bowen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | Jul. 6, 2023 (New)

Potatoes grow well in the spring or fall. They are not roots but tubers, which are a type of stem. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins B and C, potassium, and complex carbohydrates.

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NEP-232: Growing Your Own: Sweet Potatoes

Daniel Bowen, Rick Durham, Rachel Rudolph | Jul. 6, 2023 (New)

Add sweet potatoes to your garden this year if you have enough space. Despite what their name suggests, sweet potatoes (sometimes written as the single-word "sweetpotatoes") are not related to white potatoes. They like to grow in warm weather. They are healthy and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

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NEP-222: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Summer Squash

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 19, 2020 (New)

Summer squash is a low-growing, bush-type squash. Examples are yellow (straight and crookneck), scalloped, and zucchini. They are fast growing and well-liked garden crops.

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NEP-224: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Tomatoes

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 19, 2020 (New)

Tomatoes are a popular summer crop that many consider to be a basic part of the home garden. However, growing tomatoes can require more labor compared to other vegetables, but the results can be very rewarding.

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NEP-223: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Collards

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 19, 2020 (New)

Collards (or collard greens) are quick and easy to grow. They can be planted in early spring and can withstand frosty weather. They can also be planted later in the summer to mature in the fall after weather becomes cooler.

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NEP-220: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Green Beans

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 27, 2019 (New)

Green beans are easy to grow and fairly quick to produce when picked while still green or immature. They are even more nutritious when allowed to slightly mature to produce "shelly" beans. Pole beans in the garden are often popular with children since the bean vines on their supports create great hiding places.

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NEP-221: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Peppers

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 27, 2019 (New)

Peppers are generally easy to grow and provide good summer crops that you can eat raw or cooked to add flavor to many foods. There are many different types of peppers, which are set apart by their shape or spiciness (heat), and most will grow well in Kentucky. Many heirloom, or vintage, varieties exist as well.

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NEP-219: Growing Your Own Vegetables: Preparing Your Garden

Rick Durham, Jann Knappage, Rachel Rudolph, Katie Shoultz | Aug. 27, 2019 (New)

This publication provides easy to follow advice on how to start and maintain your garden. For specific fruit and vegetable guides, refer to the NEP "Grow your own" series.