Growing Appalachia: Building Farms & Community
In this episode of Hort Culture, the hosts chat with Kayla Preston from Grow Appalachia about the growth of high tunnels and sustainable farming in Appalachia. Kayla shares how Grow Appalachia evolved from a community gardening program into a major resource for farmers through education, technical assistance, and conservation support.
The conversation explores the early days of building high tunnels in Eastern Kentucky, the challenges growers face with season extension, soil health, and tunnel maintenance, and how organizations like Grow Appalachia help farmers succeed beyond simply installing structures. The episode also highlights the importance of community partnerships, practical farmer education, and the growing impact of protected agriculture across Kentucky.
GROW Appalachia
Resource Library
Contact Page
UK Center for Crop Diversification
UK CCD High Tunnel Resources
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com
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