Family Roots and Garden Boots

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the sweet sound of birds getting ready for a brand new season! In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, we’re diving into a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature—creating bird nesting wreaths.Joined by special guest Aubree Dawson from the Campbell County Extension, we explore:-Why birds are so active (and noisy!) this time of year-How and why birds build their nests-A simple, family-friendly DIY project using natural materials to help support local wildlife-Tips for safely and responsibly gathering materials from natureWhether you're looking for a creative outdoor activity with the kids or just want to bring more wildlife into your backyard, this episode is full of inspiration. You might even spot birds stopping by your wreath to gather materials for their nests!

In this powerful episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, titled “Code RED – Mental Health,” Sarah and Kate shift the focus from gardening to emotional well-being, introducing listeners to the Code RED Universal Safety Plan — a practical, easy-to-use tool designed to help individuals navigate mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Drawing from formal suicide prevention trainings, the episode walks through the four key components of Code RED: Contact(who you can reach out to for support), Delay (your reasons for living and things to look forward to), Relax (healthy coping strategies like nature, journaling, and mindfulness), and Distract (simple actions to interrupt overwhelming thoughts). With honest conversation, Kentucky-specific statistics, and relatable real-life examples for both adults and children, Sarah and Kate emphasize the importance of having a plan before a crisis happens. They also highlight resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reinforcing that help is always available. This episode offers hope, prevention tools, and practical steps for anyone navigating a difficult season.

In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, “Garden Planning and Winter Safety,” Sarah and Kate talk about how winter is the perfect time to start planning for a successful spring garden. They share tips on choosing seeds, mapping out garden spaces, and reflecting on last season’s successes and challenges. The conversation also covers practical winter safety advice, including how to dress for cold weather, stay safe while working outdoors in snow and ice, and recognize potential cold-related risks. This episode encourages listeners to stay productive during the winter months while keeping safety a top priority when spending time outside.

In this uplifting New Year’s episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, Kate and Sarah dive into reflection, growth, and practical goal-setting as 2026 approaches. They explore how to look back on the past year—celebrating what energized us, learning from what challenged us, and recognizing what may be draining our time and emotional energy. Instead of traditional resolutions, Kate introduces the idea of setting SMART goals and choosing a meaningful theme for the year, while Sarah shares how small, sustainable habit changes can lead to long-term success. Together, they discuss paying it forward, gratitude, and the importance of involving kids and families in creating intentional New Year goals across health, relationships, chores, learning, and kindness. The episode also offers age-specific ideas for preschoolers, kids, and teens, plus a thoughtful look at mindfulness, gardening inspiration, and winter activities to stay grounded through the colder months. It’s a warm, encouraging conversation designed to help families start the new year with purpose, positivity, and connection.

In this episode of Family Roots and Garden Boots, Sarah and Kate dive into the care, maintenance, and propagation of popular winter houseplants, focusing especially on holiday cacti. Sarah explains that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti are often confused with one another, and she describes how to tell them apart by examining their leaf shapes, growth habits, and flower characteristics. She also covers proper care practices, noting that these cacti prefer cooler indoor temperatures, indirect light, and increased watering and fertilization during bloom time. The hosts discuss the importance of pruning leggy plants and choosing the right type of fertilizer based on a plant’s needs, comparing slow-release pellets with liquid fertilizers.A major portion of the episode is devoted to hands-on propagation techniques. Sarah demonstrates how to take cuttings from holiday cacti, remove buds to redirect energy into root development, use rooting hormone correctly, and create a simple humidity “greenhouse” with a small pot and a sealed plastic bag. She also showcases water-propagation methods using snake plants and philodendrons, explaining how to identify nodes, avoid leaf rot, and successfully root cuttings in water.The episode concludes with a discussion of orchids—particularly Phalaenopsis varieties—and how to properly water, fertilize, and maintain them without damaging their sensitive root systems. Sarah encourages listeners to share stories of heirloom plants and reminds them that many houseplants can live for decades when properly cared for. The hosts wrap up with an invitation for listeners to contact the extension office for help and advice.Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI.

In the newest episode of “Family Roots and Garden Boots,” titled “Holiday Stress,” hosts Sarah and Kate discuss how to manage holiday stress, find balance, and bring more meaning to the season. They share practical self-care tips for adults—like setting boundaries, avoiding overscheduling, and prioritizing connection over perfection—and offer age-based advice for helping children navigate the excitement and chaos of the holidays. The hosts also talk about mindfulness practices, homemade and meaningful gift ideas, and how to honor traditions while staying flexible. Throughout the episode, they remind listeners that the holidays are about connection, gratitude, and peace, not perfection.

In Fall Gardening Part 2, we dig even deeper into preparing your garden for the season! From the quirky history of why tomatoes are called vegetables, to saving seeds from your favorite flowers, storing dahlias and cannas, planting bulbs, and even protecting your plants from curious deer — this episode is packed with practical tips and fun garden stories. Plus, we cover how to transition tropical plants indoors and what veggies to plant now for a tasty fall harvest.🎧 Tune in and get your garden ready to thrive this fall!

SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR Pt. 2 [email protected]@uky.eduIn “Fall Gardening Pt. 1,” we dive into everything you need to know to get your garden ready for the cooler months — from planting leafy greens and root crops, to refreshing your annuals, to lawn care and even what to do with all those fall leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips (and a little gardening joy) to help you make the most of the season.

Topics Covered; Routines, Supplies and Food, Attitudes, Playdates, Reading Books, Anxiety, After School Blues, Well Balanced Diet.

Topics Covered; What is Extension Office?, Annual vs Perennial, Planting a Diverse Landscape, Farmers Markets, Weeding, and Best Management Practices.