Cultivating Curiosity

Organic food is everywhere, but what does that label really mean?

How do organic farmers manage weeds and pests without conventional herbicides and pesticides? What makes soil health so central to organic production? And can practices developed for organic farming benefit agriculture more broadly?

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia assistant professor Kate Cassity-Duffey, who specializes in organic produc...

Turn on the faucet, and water comes out. For private well owners, though, that water has a story that starts far below ground.

Where does well water actually come from? Why are some wells hundreds of feet deeper than others? And if your water looks, smells and tastes fine, do you still need to test it?

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water management specialist Gary Hawkins answer...

What does precision agriculture actually look like in the field?

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we're joined by Luan Oliveira, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension precision agriculture specialist, to break down how artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous sprayers, drone technology and smart farming tools are reshaping modern agriculture.

Oliveira e...

Ever daydream of being the envy of the neighborhood with a phenomenal, fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs that people can't get enough of?

Ahead of what many people consider the beginning of grilling season, we’re joined by Alex Stelzleni, professor and director of graduate studies for the University of Georgia Department of Animal and Dairy Science. In this short interview, Stelzleni provides quick, expert tips that will help you...

Spring has a way of showing up all at once, and suddenly, the garden is calling. Whether you’re planting a backyard garden or a few containers on a patio, this episode of Cultivating Curiosity will help you start the season with confidence.

We’re joined by Heather Kirk-Ballard, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in sustainable urban landsca...

Choosing the right flowers and knowing how to care for them can make the difference between a bouquet that fades fast and one that lasts.

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Julie Campbell, an assistant professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, shares practical, research-based advice on selecting long-lasting varieties, caring for bouquets at home and extending their usefulness ...

Radon doesn’t smell. You can’t see it. And most people don’t realize it’s in their home until someone tells them to look.

January is National Radon Action Month. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Rebecca Cantrell, radon educator for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, discusses why this invisible gas is a serious and often overlooked public healt...

As the holidays approach and kitchens heat up, food safety becomes just as important as the meal itself.

In this short episode, we revisit timeless advice from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension food safety specialist Carla Schwan, an assistant professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Manpreet Singh, professor and former head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, now serving as an associate ...

What do hoop houses, vertical farms and DIY hydroponic systems all have in common? They are all part of controlled environment agriculture, or CEA — a rapidly growing field that lets farmers, researchers and even home gardeners produce crops year-round by shaping the growing environment. 

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we sit down with Rhuanito Ferrarezi, associate professor of horticulture in the University of...

Did you know your septic system is basically a mini wastewater treatment plant in your own backyard? In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension water resource expert Gary Hawkins shares the science of septic systems and offers simple steps homeowners can take to keep them working properly. From what not to flush and how to avoid “commode overload” to protecting your drain field...

June marks the start of hurricane season in Georgia — and there’s no better time to prepare than on a sunny day. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we’re joined by Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and director of the UGA Weather Network, to unpack what hurricane season means for Georgia residents. Pam breaks down the terms residents often hear but may not fully grasp, explaining the difference between w...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food sc...

As temperatures rise and Georgians head outdoors, the battle against bloodsucking pests begins in earnest. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we are joined by CAES entomologist Nancy Hinkle and public health Extension specialist Elmer Gray for a practical, no-nonsense look at two of the South’s most irritating pests: ticks and mosquitoes. In the first half of the episode, we learn essential advice on tick prevention an...

Happy New Year, listeners! In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest New Year’s resolutions: improving time management. Joined by Travis Mountain, UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in financial planning, we break down 10 practical strategies from the popular UGA Extension publication 10 Strategies for Better Time Management. From tracking how you spend your time to delegating tasks and conquering procrastination, t...

Managing a hub of innovation is no small feat, but for Eric Elsner, superintendent of the J. Phil Campbell Research and Education Center, it’s a daily opportunity to make an impact. In this episode, Eric shares how he oversees multidisciplinary research projects designed to tackle real-world challenges Georgia farmers face. From managing collaborative studies to supporting student workers in unique hands-on learning experienc...

In this episode, we’re joined by Bethany Harris, director of the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, to discuss her vision for the center as it works to meet the growing needs of urban agriculture in Georgia. As cities across the state expand, so does the need for innovative agricultural practices that support sustainable growth and resilient communities. Harris shares how the center is driving collaboration and research ac...

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Kaitlyn Casulli, assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension process specialist in the CAES Department of Food Science and Technology, shares her journey into food science and her fascinating work with food safety, thermal processing and her efforts to support the craft beverage industry in rural Georgia. She also introduces the new Value-addition Institute for Business Expansion (VIB...

Do you know where your T-shirt got its start? In this episode, we travel to Tifton, Georgia, to speak with Camp Hand, assistant professor in the CAES Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and a key member of the UGA Cotton Team. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of cotton agronomy, the importance of UGA's experiment stations and the collaborative nature of the cotton industry in Georgia. Camp shares insights into the sustainab...

In this episode, we sit down with Ty Brooks, farm director at UGArden, UGA's student community farm. Join us as Ty shares his journey and insights into the daily operations of UGArden, a unique space dedicated to research, teaching and outreach. Discover how UGArden engages students through internships, volunteer opportunities and hands-on learning experiences while giving back to the community by combating food insecurity. Ty disc...