In episode 30 of The Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand introduces the focus of the discussion to be the SOW Garden app and its applicability to Kentucky gardeners. The show's introduction underscores the podcast's aim to inspire gardeners with helpful advice and particular attention to plants suitable to Kentucky's gardening conditions.

Kristin begins by welcoming Dr. Rick Durham from the University of Kentucky. They jump right into the topic with Rick outlining his background in horticulture as an extension specialist with a broad scope of responsibilities in consumer horticulture. He then delves into the origin of the SOW Garden app, initiated by Alabama Cooperative Extension and adopted by Kentucky with local data inputs. The 2023 launch in Kentucky has given local gardeners a customized tool.

The app's core utility gets highlighted next, with its three main features—My Garden, a library of plants, and a journal function—each designed to aid in planning and managing gardens. My Garden allows the user to schedule multiple gardens and set reminders for planting, while the library houses extensive information about common vegetables, such as planting dates and care instructions. The journal records plant progress and issues that arise during the growing season.

Kristin probes further into how the app could assist with pest control. Rick emphasizes that the app suggests potential problems but refrains from giving specific pesticide recommendations. Instead, it points users towards local extension offices for tailored advice.

They discuss how the app aids novice gardeners with its repository of basic plant information, such as expected yields, spacing, and soil pH levels. The conversation touches upon various plant suggestions and the importance of local knowledge for practical gardening.

Regarding the accessibility of the SOW Garden app, Rick assures listeners that it is free and available for iPhone and Android users. While the app can adapt to location changes for custom advice, it also encourages users to seek more in-depth assistance and publications from their county extension offices.

To conclude the episode, Kristin reiterates the value of using the SoGarden app for garden planning and management and informs listeners they can find a link to download the app in the show notes on their blog. The parting message invites listeners to leave reviews and reach out with questions or episode suggestions, wrapping up the episode with encouragement for the gardening community to keep learning and growing their gardens.

Links:

SOW- A Planting Companion: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sow-a-planting-companion/id840347996

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.aces.SOW&hl=en_US&gl=US