http://statebystategardening.com/ky/blog_02_summary/ en tlweiss@aol.com Copyright 2012 2012-03-30T13:13:04+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/happenings_in_boone_county/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/happenings_in_boone_county/ Gardening classes and Volunteer  events in Boone County Kentucky I just got an email from the Boone County Cooperative Extension on classes and events available to gardeners in the Cincinnati/Kentucky area. The Boone County extension is approximately 20 minutes from the Covington/Cincinnati International Airport.  There is so much to do out at this facility and it is located near the Boone County Arboretum. There are a number of events and opportunities to volunteer and work alongside of some very gifted gardeners and mentors. What a great way to spend a day chatting, learning, gardening and making some great new friends.  There is even a free class being offered on ornamental trees and landscaping with them Tuesday April 17, 2012. The website is filled with so many great links to other events as well. See  you there! http://ces.ca.uky.edu/boone/   2012-03-30T13:13:04+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/mason_bees_the_super_garden_pollinators/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/mason_bees_the_super_garden_pollinators/ Mason Bees Osmia lingaria How to increase garden productivity without getting stung. After visiting the grocery store last week I am not afraid to admit I am still reeling from the sticker shock of $3.99 for a simple Red Pepper. After coming to grips with the ever increasing food costs I left the grocery store, yes I had the Red Pepper, however I vowed not to have to buy anymore Red Peppers (unless a special occasion) again until mine ripen. I realized at that point although that I am going to need many more Red Peppers and squash and other delicious veggies if I am going to take on the grocery stores. I could buy from the local farmers market but I still thought I have the soil, water and lots of the same sun. I am even more charged with becoming a self sustaining family to my best ability. I can do this. I am a gardener. I do have regular Honey Bee hives and I am excited about their prospects however this afternoon I read an article that Mason Bees are less likely to swarm or sting and their pollinating abilities are unmatched. Could it be true even more happy pollinating in my garden?  Since this project requires very little from me other then carrying out my drill, and extension cord I am presently heading out to drill some holes in a log. Once the task is completed I will securely place it in a tree close by a second garden I am planning. A note should be made that Mason Bees need mud and if you do not have a water source nearby you will need to supply some area where mud can be acquired by the bees.  Although all of  this should make for an interesting science experiment and theory I am not sure my results will be notable the first season, although I look happily for ward to the results. Since the Mason Bees have already started their mating and nesting leaving me  a bit behind in the condo building department. I must act quickly and probably into the night, I will post pictures with An update shortly regarding any success  I might incur. The positive aspects of the Mason Bee are fairly simple, their nests; Mason Bees do not have hives, they are inexpensive to construct as a simple piece of untreated lumber 4 inches by 4 inches by 6 inches or more in length with holes drilled 1 inch apart with a 5/16 inch drill bit is all that is required for their nesting demands. It has been recommend to me by a number of sources that like with my Honey Bee hives painting a brightly colored design on the outside is helpful for the bee so that it can more easily locate their particular hive. Well off to build my Mason Bee Condos. You can find many different site which offer information and helpful project plans, but I am going with the simplest and easiest this time. Next week Bluebird Houses! 2012-03-29T22:53:25+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/first_flight_of_the_honey_bee/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/first_flight_of_the_honey_bee/ My honey bees have taken their first cleansing flight. I am excited by their slow but pure activities. To my bees their first flight is akin to our spring cleaning. How exciting it is to know the wonders they do for both my garden and the world. I believe sometimes the poor Honey Bee does not get the attention it deserves and unfortunately from people that are not familiar with the Bee, associate it with the more aggressive wasp and yellow jacket. Honey Bees are only aggressive when provoked or they feel their hive is in danger. This is a organized community with each bee assigned a job and the guard bees take their jobs very seriously. As a "newbie" bee keeper, I have walked a difficult path as I try to determine the "Good" Bee Keepers from the "not Good" Bee keepers. Some Bee keepers are  unscrupulous and have no ethics,they look at the bee industry as a way to make money and do not care if they sell hives that might be carrying mites or other disease that could contaminate and even kill nearby hives. I almost got caught in that and luckily common sense prevailed and a experienced mentor who I was lucky to find through a local bee keeping organization alerted me to the unreliable dealer. Along the way I have learned that there is a underworld of bee Keepers, one may even be living next door to you and even if you live in a city many rooftops are playing hosts to local bee keeper hobbyist and their bees. The most important thing I believe from the stand point of a neighbor, the bee keeper needs to keep local individuals aware that there is a hobbyist hive nearby and in most areas you are required to register yourself as a beekeeper with your local government. I had always known that bees were responsible for the pollination of most of our agriculture, 80% brought it all closer to home. Honey Bees unfortunately get a bad wrap and rather unjustly of being similar to the aggressive wasp and yellow jackets. Honey Bees are not  naturally aggressive and spend their lives working in organized communities where each bee has an assigned job.  So now I have these wonderful Italian Honey Bees that will hopefully spend their summer days pollinating my fruit trees, rose bushes, native plants. Their existence has even encouraged me to expand my heirloom vegetables, and fruit tree collections. Yes I have those beautiful heirloom seeds germinating away. With all of the above said I expect fully to have a pantry full of canned fruits and vegetables and a garden full of incredible colors, bees wax candles to light next winters cold nights and honey to sweeten my days. All of this is a small compared to what I as a single human will be doing while I let the bees work away, for my community and planet So if one of my bees finds his way onto your balcony or into your yard please do not swat him, flap at him or spray him we all need him more then he will ever know. 2012-02-29T17:39:17+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/winter_days_projects/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/winter_days_projects/ Winter Projects Outside its cold and grey, but inside its the perfect day to go surfing; on the web that is. We live in such a wonderful age today where finding the right project to fit our needs and goals for our gardens is only a click away. Having just moved to a new property this past fall, the idea of laying out a new garden and flower beds seems like a daunting task to say the least. I want to try and stay environmentally friendly as possible, while creating a look that is unique to me. As a gardener I understand it is my responsibility to set an example and to help others learn and find ways that can help our wonderful planet. So armed with a large mug of coffee and a view of my future garden I began my task. Several hours later I find myself excited and filled with renewed energy to get my gardens planted. The deck off of the kitchen is my first area of attention and the ideas below are not only earth friendly but economical as well. both being wise choices. My first of many projects is from http://www.thetinylife.com/gardening-small-space/ . The gutter planters will be perfect to line the rail of the decking outside my kitchen.  This project will allow me to be able to enjoy fresh herbs and assorted lettuces in a unique raised planting bed. Raised planter like this one is great for people that have back or knee problems as well as or have limited space.How will I do it? The website comes with directions but at first blush it seems quite simple. Measuring the needed amount of gutter, I will use a pair of tin snips to get the needed length, drilling drainage holes with a large drill bit. Finally adding end caps which I might have to buy from a local Home Improvement store if I cant salvage any and then attaching to the railing on the decking with wood screws should accomplish the task. If I am feeling extra creative I might paint them in bright colors for extra fun. . For seeding I found a great site that included how to make your own planting dibble http://beekman1802.com/general/a-homemade-dibble.html. A dibble is what can be used to make equally spaced and depth holes for seeds. The dibble can be made in different shapes and sizes with a minimal amount of equipment and materials. Since I will be planting a trough type of garden I will use a 1 inch x 4 inch x 2 feet for easy handling and workability. This site is definitely worth spending sometime exploring.   If I really plan and organize myself and my projects I can make my own seedling cups from toilet paper rolls with the directions I found at http://savingslifestyle.com/2011/06/stockpiling-reminder-roll-toilet-paper/ . I must have known I was going to find this project as I have been saving toilet paper rolls for about 3 months and have enough to make quite a few seedling cups that will get started under the grow light in the next few weeks. Once I complete this project I have another one waiting in the wings on different planters and ways to stack them..and wait till you see what I can do with old shoe storage hangers! Did I mention my Pallet planter? With matching lounge chairs? Being green is going to be so much fun this year and its going to save me so much Green! 2012-01-18T19:50:57+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/green_gift_from_the_garden/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/green_gift_from_the_garden/ To much fun! I was recently invited to visit a local paper making art studio. I had no idea such an incredible and creative environment existed or that I could take classes in paper making, book binding, Japanese paper making and a number of other great programs. The afternoon started with a stroll of the grounds where even though the studio is located in a very urban environment they grow their own trees from which they strip and make pulp(slurry). The cores of the trees are then used for a number of other green projects throughout the area and are free to visiting floral designers and artist in the local area. Fueled by all of the possibilities at my hands for the lost art of paper making I did some quick research and found a number of great projects to introduce children to paper making, conservation and recycling. The best part was these three ideas could be incorporated into one winter afternoon with some old recycled paper, a blender, water, seeds(not necessary but adds to the fun of it) and old felt or similar materials and it seems children as well adults of all ages enjoyed the project! Had I thought this out a bit better the artistic different possibilities were endless! Ideally making the paper without the seeds and printing on it for Christmas cards what could be more fun for a ladies night out? Perhaps next year. The creative possibilities are endless! Note: I was able to locate a paper pulp(known as a slurry) from a supplier near where I lived to give me a more finished product. The product was sold in 5 gallon buckets by type (there were a number of color, texture and base component choices) however in a pinch the recipe from ehow.com was equally as much fun.       Read more at http://www.ehow.com/how_4464555_make-seed-embedded-plantable-paper.html 1. Collect a large pile of recyclable paper and tear it into very small pieces. Place the pieces in the blender jar. Fill the blender jar one-half to one-third full. 2 .Pour warm water into the blender jar over the pieces of paper. Fill the blender to the top line with warm water. Turn the blender on low for about 10 seconds. Increase the speed (or use the "Blend" button) for about 30 seconds or until no visible paper flakes remain. 3. Sprinkle one-half to a teaspoon of flower seeds into the mixture and stir well (do not blend). Set the strainer on the cup or bowl and pour the mixture into the strainer. Use the spoon or spatula to press the mixture against the strainer and squeeze out more water. 4. Lay the piece of flannel or felt onto a flat surface and dump the mixture onto the fabric. Use the spoon or spatula to spread it out on the fabric into the shape you want. Spread it as thin as you can so that it will dry quicker. 5. Use the sponge to flatten the mixture and absorb more of the water from the paper mixture. Press firmly with the terry cloth or microfiber towel to absorb still more water. 6. Allow the paper to dry on the top and then turn it over. Allow the other side to dry completely. Use the paper to make a note card or postcard. Include instructions for your recipient, letting them know that they can plant the paper directly into the ground or soil in a pot. 2011-12-30T21:03:08+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/peony_division/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/peony_division/ Faced with winter at my doorstep and my Peonies (Paeonia) in need of division, I remembered back to my first time dividing these spring beauties. At that time I was a novice gardener and was overwhelmed on how to handle them. I had heard so many horror tales and the intranet was not what it is today so exact information was hard to get. Peony (Paeonia) division can be completed in a few short easy to follow steps. Working with clean tools and being careful not to transfer disease or fungal infections from any ill plants to healthy ones is one of the most important aspects of the transfer although tricky is easy enough to avoid. How To Divide Peonies 1. Prepare a site for the divided Peonies, making sure the area has good light and is somewhere you can enjoy the Peonies fragrance and beauty daily during the blooming season. Keep in mind that Peonies do not like to be disturbed as they have a fine root system and only need to be divided every 4-5 years. 2. Cut back your summer stalks to about four inches with a sharp clean pruner. Remove and discard all leaves from the growing area, this is done to discourage any fungal or disease growth that may transfer from Peony to Peony. 3. Dig a wide area around the Peony crown making sure to try not to damage the tender buds and to get enough of the root as possible. 4. Remove as much soil from the crown area as possible by using a hose or gentle spray faucet. I like to place the roots that need to be  cleaned in a 5 gallon bucket of water to presoak off some of the soil while I work on the others. I then use another 5 gallon bucket for the cleaned roots to drain and air dry a bit before I begin to divide them.  5. At this point there is usually a tangle of roots and buds. Looking at the buds separate the crowns by leaving at least one but three eyes is best of buds on each section that is separated out. I have some that may have only one eye or bud and some with two or three, its more how nature has laid out the Peony crown and its not always accurate or easy to cut so many two or three eyed sections. 6. Cut the sections into 4-6 inch lengths with the buds intact using a clean knife or clippers. Keeping the clippers or knife clean at this point is fairly easy and can be done by making a bleach and water solution of a 9 part (water) - 1 part (bleach) ratio and then dipping your cutting utensil in the solution between cuts. 7. The sections you have made by are now ready to be planted in the ground.   8. Place the crown with the buds  upwards just above the soil line. Peonies have the hardest time transferring well when they are placed to deeply in the ground; so correct placement no deeper then 2 inches is paramount to a successful division. That's it!   2011-11-30T23:08:55+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/i_ve_got_the_beet_chocolate_beet_cupcakes_with_white_chocolate_icing/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/i_ve_got_the_beet_chocolate_beet_cupcakes_with_white_chocolate_icing/ Chocolate Beet Cupcakes with White Chocolate Icing Regular and Gluten free recipes Thick dense, delicious chocolate cake with a tender moist crumb. Hiding inside healthy yummy beets. These cupcakes are a sure way to help use up your beets from your garden. I know it was great fun to grow them but now that you have them who wants them? Admittedly beet lovers are a fairly small crowd especially among the young set, like children and teens. But add it to a yummy cake batter and top with smooth icing these cupcakes will go from after school to the church bake sale or a sit down dinner for the boss and his wife and never let on what is in the ingredients. Chocolate Beet Cupcakes makes 24 cupcakes, or 48 mini cupcakes or (1) 9 x 13 sheet pan or (2) 9 inch loaf pans Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1/1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 3 large eggs beater 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cup cooked and shredded beets or 1 can beets without the juice 2 teaspoon vanilla Directions Preheat oven 350 F Combine flour, salt, baking soda, sugar and cocoa in a bowl whisk to combine. In a mixing bowl combine the eggs and oil. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until well blended. Slowly beat in dry ingredients until well mixed add the beets. Pour batter into well greased and floured tins. Bake at 350 F for 25-35 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly. Gluten Free Chocolate Beet Recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup cocoa 1 cup apple sauce 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 3/4 cup gluten free flour blend (use one that contains xanthan gum or add 1 1/4 tsp xanthan gum) 11/2 baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sale 3 eggs well beaten 1 1/4 cups cooked mashed beets or 1 can drained beets that have been mashed Directions: in a bowl mix all of the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. In a mixing bowl combine oil and applesauce, add vanilla, mix well, add the dry ingredients mix until entirely combined. Add mashed beets blend for two minutes on medium speed. Pour batter into greased and floured pans or tins. Bake at 305 F for 25 - 30 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool before icing. White Chocolate Butter cream Icing ingredients 6 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped pieces 1/4 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup powdered sugar Directions Melt the white chocolate and the whipping cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until almost melted, mix until meted, set aside. In a mixing bowl cream the butter and shortening together increasing speed until they are very well blended and the mixture it begins to get light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar at this point and then add the cooled white chocolate mixture. The chocolate mixture should be room temperature at this point. Continue to whip until light and fluffy.    2011-10-28T16:56:14+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/so_many_apples_so_little_time_spiced_applesauce_from_your_slow_cooker1/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/so_many_apples_so_little_time_spiced_applesauce_from_your_slow_cooker1/ Slow Cooker Spiced Applesauce   Like most of gardeners by now I have an abundance of crisp apples. I was tired of Apple Pies and Apple fritters and not to mention so was my waistline. Trying to join the Health conscious nation I opted for Applesauce, which I will continue to use in my other recipes to replace butter fats and oils proportionally. I had never made Applesauce before and I was definitely not a big fan of it, nor was my family, I still decided to try it and planned on using it disguised in my cooking if it was poorly received. To my complete surprise not only was my family converted so was I. Hot spiced applesauce just plain in a bowl as I sat on my deck appreciating nature was what I believe memories are made of. Slow Cooker Spiced Applesauce ingredients: 6 peeled and cored Granny Smith Apples cut into 1 inch pieces 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 tablespoon Apple Pie Spice 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, ( you can use less or substitute 1/2 Splenda, or similar product and 1/2 light brown sugar or purist and totally omit this) Directions: Peel and core the apples placing them with the water in a Slow Cooker on the low setting for 6 hours or until the apples are tender. Remove the apples and using either a rice masher or a food processor puree the apples adding in the spice mix and sugar. Continue until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Enjoy warm or refrigerate until serving.  2011-10-27T16:53:45+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/kentucky_farms_for_pick_your_own_fruits/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/kentucky_farms_for_pick_your_own_fruits/ Thinking of something different to do this weekend with the kids, your sweetheart or just yourself? Kentucky has a number of great Pick your Own (PYO) available in most counties. I found most of the information I needed tp get started at : http://www.pickyourown.org   Kentucky's U-Pick Farms and Orchards, sorted by county Adair County The Berry Patch - pyo strawberries, already-picked strawberries Friendship Pike, Campbellsville, KY 42718. Phone: 270-699-1595.. Open: seven days a week from sunrise to sundown, except on Sundays when we open at 1 pm, during May and early June; For already picked berries, please call ahead so that we May serve you better! Rainy Hollow Blueberries - blueberries, 6531 Milltown Road, Gradyville, KY 42742. Phone: 270-378-5410. Alternate Phone: 270-250-1365.Open: Monday through Saturday, from 6 am to 7 pm; Closed on Sunda Boone County Benton Farms - u-pick pumpkins, school field trips, u-pick Sweet corn, green beans. 11946 Old Lexington Pike, Boone County, Walton, KY 41094. Phone: (859) 485-7000. Fax: (859) 485-3777.   Open: Saturdays and Sundays only from 11:30am to 6 pm. Pumpkin Days Weekends in October. Hayrides, barnyard animals for viewing.                                                                                                                              Fryman Farms - blackberries, pears, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, Fresh eggs 9716 East Bend Rd, Burlington, KY 41005. Phone: 859-586-4576.. Open: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm : Saturday and Sunday 7am to 5pm.  Strawberries May 1 to June 1 , Blackberries June ;Raspberries [red] July Pumpkins September. Payment: Cash, Check. . Bring a container to pick in. Call for availability. (UPDATED: February 15, 2011) (ADDED: March 19, 2010) McGlasson Farms - strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, Other fruit or veg, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area 5832 River Road, Hebron, KY 41048. Phone: 859-689-5229. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am to 5pm Strawberries late May to mid June, July 1 through October 31 for all other fruits and vegetables Payment: Cash, Check. Turnip and Mustard greens available for pick your own Bourbon County Reed Valley Orchard - U-pick apples (including Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Mutsu, Stayman Winesap, York, Granny Smith, Fuji, and many more), pears (including Asian/Nashi), peaches, blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries, Pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds. 239 Lail Lane, Paris, KY, 40361. Phone: 859-987-6480. Open: July to Nov* Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5:30 pm; Closed Sunday and Tuesday; Open Labor Day. (* hours change with daylight savings time); December: call for hours. . Follow signs to Apple Barn. Pancakes, & Daylily Jubilee - Jun 25, 8am to 6pm. Back Forty Nature Walk & Country Festival - October 1. Country store, restrooms, school and group tours by appointment, guided orchard tours, historic stagecoach walking trail (self-tour), gift shop, candy, apple cider, slushies, picnic area. Bracken County Bracken Berry Farm - blackberries, raspberries, rhubarb, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand 4020 Woodward Road, Germantown, KY 41044. Phone: 606-728-5419. E Crops are usually available all year. Open: In season7 days Sunday up to Sunday down. Call first. Blackberries will start the 1st week in July. Raspberries will start the 1st or 2nd week in August. Payment: Cash, Check. We have delicious honey and home made preserves made with 100% all natural ingredients!!! Brackenridge Berry Farm - blueberries 1090 Belmont Road, Brooksville, KY 41004. Phone: 6067352490.  Belmont, the farm is on the right. Open: Monday through Sunday 8am to 5pm Berries become available toward the end of June, through July, and may progress into August. Payment: Cash, only. Hillside Orchard - apples, pumpkins, raspberries, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours 4979 Aa Highway N, Foster, KY 41043. Phone: 606-747-5635.  Crops are usually available in August, September, October, November, December. Open: May to December 24; Friday 3 pm to 7 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 7 pm. Payment: Cash, Check. ( Carlisle County Twin Willows Farm - blackberries, blueberries, peaches 2874 S.R. 1372, Bardwell, KY 42023. Phone: 270-562-0792.  Crops are usually available in June, July, August. Open: Monday to Saturday, Please call for picking times as this will be our first picking year and I do not want to disappoint customers. Payment: Cash, Check. We also sell Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses. Great trail horses and very family friendly. Casey County Rainbow Harvest Farm - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, prepicked produce, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand 175 East Brushy Branch Road, Liberty, KY 42539. Phone: 606-787-9142.Open: From June 1st until October 31st we are open 7 days a week from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm All other dates, call to get jams, jellies, juice and gift boxes. Strawberries are available from June 1st until first frost in October; Blueberries in June and July, Blackberries from late June till mid-August, and raspberries from August 1st until first frost in October. Payment: Cash, Check. We carry a full line of jams and jellies, both regular and sugar free. We also produce fruit juices. We also have gift boxes available for presents. Christian County Amazing Acres - blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours 3445 Deason Lane, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. Phone: 270-881-2445.  Directions:  Open: by appointment Please call first No DROP INS Payment: Cash, Check. Our farm has pet-able KY wildlife Christian Way Farm - peaches, pumpkins, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours 19590 Linville Road, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. Phone: 270-269-2434. Fax: 270-269-8100.  Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Open: April thru July for Spring/Summer scheduled farm tours. September thru October for scheduled weekday farm tours. Open Saturdays September and October to the public from 10 am to 5 pm. Payment: Cash, Check. Spring tours emphasize teaching visitors about how farmers grow our food.  Lost Valley Farm - strawberries, pumpkins, corn maze 3867 State Route 175N, Bremen, KY, 42325. Phone: (270) 525-9720. Open: Early May - strawberries. Jun 1-Nov 1, M/ W/F & Sat; 1pm-6pm. October 1-October 31: Please call to arrange tours in Oct. . U-Pick: Strawberries, upon request. October - Group tours to corn maze and pumpkin patch. School tours, hay rides, air-conditioned market, bathroom with hot water. Lovell's Lacy Orchard & Pumpkin Patch - apples, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 22850 Coal Creek Road, Hopkinsville, KY 42240. Phone: 270-269-2242. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. Peach / Vegetable Season : June 15th - September. 1st Apple Season: September 1st - Thanksgiving Pumpkin Patch: September 15th Payment: Cash, Check. We grow a large variety of unusual pumpkins that can not be found at other patches.  (UPDATED: August 14, 2009) Daviess County Blueberries of Daviess County -blueberries Hill Bridge Road, 270-929-8083, Utica, KY  42376   Home Phone:  270-926-6510.  Reid's Orchard - Strawberries, peaches, apples, horse and wagon rides 4812 KY 144, Owensboro, KY 42303. Phone: (270) 685-2444. Open: 8-6. Also, fall decorations, relishes, fruit butters, jellies, holiday fruit baskets Apple Festival - October 21st & 22nd 10-6 on Saturday, 12-6 on Sun. Crafts, food, carnival rides. Live band. Fayette County Duntreath Farm - U-pick apples. 4954 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511. Phone: 859-299-2254. . Open: Year round by appointment only.  Kelley Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, blackberries, pumpkins, winter squash, 6483 Old Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40515. Phone: 859-948-8700. Fax: 859-543-9464. Open: Wednesdays: 5:00 pm— 10:00 pm Fridays: 5:00 pm— 10:00 pm Saturdays: 11:00 am — 10:00 pm closed Sundays. Corn Maze and Fall Festival September 9th - October 30 2010. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard.  Reed Valley Orchard - Blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries 239 Lail Lane, Paris, KY 40361.  Phone: (859) 987-6480. Our varieties of blackberries are all thornless and begin ripening early to mid July. They will be available into late August. Black raspberries: Sweet and full of flavor. These black jewels are a treat to any palette. Picking season mid June to July. Blueberries: You can pick your own and save! If you need a large quantity pre-picked, please phone ahead and reserve  You may want to check out our blackberries when you call or visit, they mix very well to make a fantastic blackberry, blueberry jam (aka black & blue). Come on down to the valley and enjoy our Kentucky fresh blueberries beginning mid June through mid August.  Grant County Barker's Blackberry Hill Winery - blackberries 16629 Mt. Zion-Verona Road, Crittenden, KY 41030. Phone: (859) 428-0377. open 8 a.m. til dark (call first).follow signs to winery.   Farmer Bill - U-pick pumpkins, gourds, cushaws, corn maze, petting zoo, playground, hayrides, haunted barn, etc. Country Christmas: carriage rides, Christmas trees, wreaths, and crafts. 1790 Baton Rouge Road, Williamstown, KY, 41097. Phone: 859-823-1058. Phone: 859-824-7612.  Open: June to October; December. For events and times go to website. Local crafts and gifts. Certified kitchen, restrooms. School tours, private parties (birthday, etc.) Farmfest - September thru October: Keith's Produce - corn (sweet), strawberries, 1090 Day Road, Dry Ridge, KY 41035. Phone: 859-391-4433. Open: Strawberries: May 24 to June 15 Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 7:30 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm; Please call before coming to be advised of crop and weather conditions; Sweet Corn: July 1 to September 30 Monday to Friday by appointment.  Strawberries: May 24 to June 15; Sweet corn: July 1 to September 30 by appointment. Payment: Cash, Check. Pennington Family Farms & Country Pumpkins - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beans, corn (sweet), herbs/spices, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 2165 Sherman Mount Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY 41035. Phone: 8594282229. Alternate Phone: 8593912057.Open: Spring and Summer Months -  We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. October 17th - cornhole tournament; October 31st - end of the year bash - live music, costume contest, etc. see facebook events page for details. Graves County The Berry Farm - strawberries, U-pick and already picked, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours 2966 Hudson Road, Fulton, KY 42041. Phone: 270-468-0110. Alternate Phone: 270-970-1000. . Open: Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm; Closed Sundays. Strawberries: late April - first week in June. Payment: Cash, Check. We grow Chandler strawberries on black plastic. We also offer school tours featuring hayride, observation beehive, games, strawberry picking.  Grayson County VanMeter Family Farm - strawberries, 164 Old Peonia Loop Road, Clarkson, KY 42726. Phone: 270-242-9056. Open: Tuesday and Saturday, from 1pm to 8pm; Call for appointment for other days; Closed Sunday.  Green County Sangreal Farms - blueberries, pumpkins, walnuts, Christmas trees-you choose and you cut, Christmas trees- you choose and we cut, Living Christmas trees (to plant later), saws provided, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field 910 Bramlett Kemp Road, Greensburg, KY 42743. Phone: 270-932-2366. Open: Most days 8am - Evening. Call first. Blueberries: June to July Pumpkins: October Trees: Year round Payment: Cash, Check. Sangreal Farms is approx 280 acres bordered by Russell Creek. Great canoeing, hiking, fishing and primitive camping. Bring your 4 wheeler or horse and enjoy the day. Spring Hollow Farms Herb Cottage & Berries - follow organic methods, blackberries, blueberries, herbs/spices, other berries, raspberries, and prepicked produce 383 Happyville Road, Greensburg, KY 42743. Phone: 270-932-6233. Open: Closed Sundays. No set hours. Call before making the drive. Blueberries May 20 to July 15,Red Raspberries Late August to mid-October, Black raspberries June to July, Blackberries Aug and September. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, only. Herb Cottage is closed for the winter season. Greenup County Higgins Farm - Blueberries, restrooms Hoods Run, Greenup, KY 41144. Phone: 606 8313089. Open: June through July Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm.  Payment: Cash, only.  Hardin County Rosenberger Farm - strawberries! 10500 Rineyville Big Springs Road, Rineyville, KY 40162. Phone: 270-862-9252. Open: Sun-up to sun-down the entire season which is usually the month of May. picnic tables, small lunch menu, bottled drinks available, port a potties. Payment: Cash, Check, No credit cards. Will barter for goods or labor.  Brangers Hydroponic Farm - UPDATE June 7, 2008: "We have sold the strawberry part of the farm to another individual and we still sell blueberries but not u-pick" 1969 Bethlehem Academy Road, Cecilia, KY 42724. Hart County Blueberry Croft Farm and Nursery - No pesticides are used, blueberries, 710 Jericho Church Road, Cub Run, KY 42729. Phone: (270) 908-0703.Open: Closed Sundays; Open June and July, by appointment only; Call (270) 908 am to 0703 to see if blueberries are available. Picking updates June and July, by appointment only; Call (270) 908 to 0703 to see if blueberries are available. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Payment: Cash, only. Blueberry plants for sale. Dennison's Roadside Market - U-Pick strawberries, blackberries and pumpkins. 5824 S Jackson Hwy, Horse Cave, KY 42749. Phone: (270) 786-1663. Fax: (270) 786-5884. Open: Apr-October 31, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5pm; Sun, 12pm-6pm.  Antique Tractor Show - Sep 24-25. Hayrides available in fall, petting zoo, straw tunnel. Restrooms. Henderson County High Hill Orchard - vegetables and fruit (specifics unknown) 1018 Alves Ferry Road, Henderson , KY 42420. Phone: 270-546-7442. Open: Summer and early fall, most days. Payment: cash, credit cards.   Hillcrest Baskets & Greenhouse - blackberries, flowers, herbs/spices, lavender, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, already-picked produce (of the pyo crops), gift shop, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 4201 Anthoston-frog Island Rd, Henderson , KY 42420. Phone: 270 827 2275. Alternate Phone: 2705777575. Fax: 270 827 2275.Open: April - October as in season for each crop; Open Fridays and by appointment; 9 am to 4pm Basket shop open year round. Picking updates:  Handmade Kentucky-Crafted baskets, classes on weaving and caning. Garden classes for children and adults. Farm animal petting and feeding educational tour. Greenhouse packs full of flowers, bedding plants, herbs and landscape shrubs. Fresh from the Garden produce.  Henry County Blueberry Hill Farm - blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, farm animals, school tours 5380 Campbellsburg Road, Campbellsburg, KY 40011. Phone: 502-532-0110.Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: Wednesdays and Saturdays- please check our website for current information and schedules or call first to check. Blueberries are normally available the second week of June; We will have berries up through the first week of August; Our U-Pick prices will be $12;00/gallon; Our 'Picked for You' pumpkins will be available roadside from the last weekend in September through October. Payment: Cash, Check. Asparagus is available each April and May in either green or purple. The price is $2.75 bundle Blueberry Hill Farm also sells fresh brown eggs. These eggs are laid from non-medicated chickens that run free on roughly 3/4 acre. Our eggs are $2.00 dozen. When the bees cooperate we will also have honey available in 1lb. jars for $4.75 each.  Jefferson County Hidden Hollow Orchard and Wildlife Sanctuary - apples, U-pick and picked to order 3200 Apple Hill Road,  Louisville, KY 40245. Phone: (502) 243-4196. Alternate phone: (502) 897-0719.  Open:  July 1-November 1, daylight-dark. 50 varieties of you-pick and market apples to order, nestled in a wildlife sanctuary. (UPDATED: October 11, 2010) Tower View Farm and Nursery: You-pick thornlessblackberries, raspberries, green beans. U-Cut: fresh flowers. Christmas trees, Restrooms 12523 Taylorsville Road, Jeffersontown, KY, 40299. Phone: 502-267-2066. Fax: 502-267-2094. Open: Jan 1-Dec 31, Monday through Saturday, 8am to 7pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm.  Handmade rocking chairs, Amish furniture, handmade baskets, crafts, afghans, wood bowls, gourmet coffee, school tours by appointment. Christmas trees grown in Kentucky. Nursery items also available, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, mulch, etc. Kenton County Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, snacks and refreshment stand, petting zoo, school tours and much more around Halloween (see the listing under pumpkin patches!) 12478 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. Phone: 859-356-1669.  Crops are usually available in June, October. Open: Saturday 11am to 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm; Pumpkin Patch is open the last weekend in September and the month of October up until Halloween Payment: Cash, Check. Hay rides, maze and petting farm. Original antique barns on 110 acres.  Larue County Heartland Blueberries -  blackberries, blueberries, prepicked produce, restrooms 3704 New Jackson Hwy, Hodgenville, KY 42748. Phone: 270-358-5837. Crops are usually available in June, July. Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8am to 7pm. Blueberries are ripe June through July; Our dates will be updated when picking season gets closer. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard.   Hinton's Orchard & Farm Market (formerly the Tommy Bennett Orchard) - U-pick peaches, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours 8631 Campbellsville Road, Hodgenville, KY 42748. Phone: 270-325-3854.  Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Open: July-Labor Day: Tues-Saturday from  9 am to 6pm Labor Day-September: Monday to Saturday from  9 am to 6pm October: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 6pm, Friday & Saturday from  9 am to 9pm Corn Maze opens Labor Day weekend. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard.  Lawrence County Madison County Acres of Land Winery - U-pick table grapes 2285 Barnes Mill Road, Richmond, KY, 40475. Phone: 859-328-3000. Open: March to December, Tue-Sunday, 10-am to Dark. Directions: I-75 to exit 87. Travel west on Highway 876, six miles from the interstate. Winery is on the right. Restaurant, winery, gift shop, tasting room, restrooms, vineyard tours, community building for wedding receptions reunions, and corporate picnics. McCracken County Green's 'Silo House' Farms - blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, flowers, melons, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, school tours 7435 New Hope Church Rd, Paducah, KY 42001. Phone: (270) 534-1005. Alternate Phone: (270) 210-5789. Fax: (270) 534-1005. Strawberries: April 7 to May 15, Blackberries: June 1 to August 31, Blueberries: June 1 to July 31. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. We also have an extensive variety of trees and ornamental shrubs. Wurth Farms LLC - pumpkins, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, birthday parties, school tours 1720 South Friendship Road, Paducah, KY 42003. Phone: 270-554-1403Crops are usually available in October. Open: Saturday 9am to 6pm weather permitting and Sunday noon to 5pm also weather permitting. Open to the public every weekend (Saturday & Sunday only) in October Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. Meade County Roberts Family Farm - blackberries, pumpkins, winter squash, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours 125 Kennedy Road, Guston, KY 40142. Phone: 2704222361.  Crops are usually available in September, October. Open: Monday thru Friday, 6 pm til dark Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm til dark farm opens 2nd weekend in September and runs til October 31st; open 6 til dark on weekdays and 1 til dark on weekends Payment: Cash, Check. Also prepicked gourds, straw bales, cushaw, dried gourds, indian corn, corn fodder and more. Menifee County Crisp, Greene Garden - No pesticides are used, cucumbers, herbs/spices, onions, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked 2451 Peter Trace Rd, Means, KY 40346. Phone: 606-484-0131. Alternate Phone: 606-768-6150.  Open: Pick your own vegetables from July through September 8:00 am through 5:00 pm; Monday through Saturday. . Pick your own vegetables from July through about September. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Payment: Cash, only. Metcalfe County Bluegrass Blueberries - blueberries 8080 Subtle Road, Edmonton, KY, 42129. Phone: 270-432-5836.  Family run nursery specializing in blueberries only, both fruit and plants for sale. Plants available year around, can be shipped or picked up at farm, credit cards accepted, please phone for farm tour or visit as we do not have set business hours, we specialize in helping new growers and first time back yard gardners.  Come and be a part of the annual Edmonton CB Foods Blueberry Festival held at the Edmonton CB Food store in mid June, blueberry pie eating contest, drawings and lots of other fun things to do. For more information on Festival dates phone Paul or Tana Shade at 270-432-4674. At the Bluegrass Blueberries Farm & Nursery enjoy the farm animals including Miniature Horses, Alpacas, Miniature Donkey, rare Sundog Toy Cattle  and other various farm animals. Look over the pre Civil War Log Cabin and enjoy a day of family fun picking blueberries. Please phone ahead as we have no set business hours. Blueberry fruit available during season, usually end of May to middle of July, phone ahead for appointment or to place an order. Handicap welcome, restroom facilities on site. Fuller's Hillside Nursery - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, 9315 Summer Shade Road, Summer Shade, KY 42166. Phone: 270-646-8620 Open: Call for appointment to pick; Already picked blueberries are available upon request/ We will begin picking the end of June and will continue picking through the month of July; We also sell blueberry bushes. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, only. We have grown our Jersey blueberries organically for 3 years and I hope to have my Organic Certification in hand before we begin to pick. Come visit us at the 8th Annual Blueberry Festival in Edmonton June 26 & 27th.   Montgomery County Bramble Ridge Orchard - apples, blackberries, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, face painting, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours 2726 Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353. Phone: 859-498-9123.  Open: Tuesday to Saturday , 9 am to 5 pm Open Sundays in September and October. Payment: Cash, Check. Nelson County Bardstown's Ceder Springs Berry Farm - blackberries, 391 Hunters Lane West, Bardstown, KY 40004. Phone: 502-460-0465 Crops are usually available in July, August. Open: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Blackberries: Call for available picking times and directions. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, only. Owen County Ayres Family Orchard - apples, blackberries, grapes, pears, peaches, persimmons, plums, Other fruit or veg, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours 525 Wilson Lane, Moterey, KY 40359. Phone: 502-514-1594. Alternate Phone: 402-484-5236. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 8, Saturday 8 am to 8, Closed Sunday.  Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers. (ADDED: September 04, 2009) Perry County Holliday Farms - flowers, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, face painting, farm animals, school tours below Homeplace Clinic, Airy, KY 41701. Crops are usually available in October. Open: weekends 9 am to 6 pm; Call on weekdays; groups of 10 or more please call ahead Payment: Cash, Check. Pulaski County Burnside Florist And Greenhouses - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, 5780 South Highway 27, Somerset , KY 42501. Phone: 606-271-0342.  Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Open: "Monday to Sunday 8am to 5:30 pm". Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. We also sell blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry plants.  Haney's Appledale Farm - pumpkins, PYO apples 8350 West 80, Nancy, KY, 42544-8756. Phone: 606-636-6148. Open: March to Dec, Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 5:30pm; Sunday, 1pm-5:30.  sweet corn, green beans, melons in season. Apple cider, apple cider slushies (in season), bakery items, jams, jellies, honey, sorghum, candies. Gift shop items. Food & drink. Farm tours, school tours (school days only), restrooms. Wilson's Cedar Point Farm - blackberries, strawberries,  Upick and pre-picked strawberries. 66 Garfield Tarter Rd, Nancy, KY 42544. Phone: 606-305-8762. Alternate Phone: 606-305-6647. Open: every day from 9am to 8pm during the 2010 strawberry picking season; We foresee being open til the end of May possibly longer. We open May 10 for the 2010 strawberry picking season; The season usually lasts about a month. Payment: Cash, Check.  Rockcastle County Sigmon Farms - Homegrown Mixed Vegetables, Pumpkins, Pumpkin Festival, Farm Tours. 477 Rimmell Cemetery Road Mt. Vernon, KY 40456. Phone: 606- 256-2781. Email: sigmonfarm@hotmail.com. Open: 9am- 9pm. A visitor suggested this farm, saying they have "a variety of home grown products ,Beef Cattle, Hogs, Goats, Garden Plants, alfalfa and Mixed Hay, Straw and Field Corn.  Provide farm tours for school children and special education children. Produce top notch Alfalfa hay and mixed orchard grass. Grow beef cattle and meat hogs. Also have a large number of goats.  Russell County Frenchvalley Farms - U-pick blueberries, pumpkins, mums, gourds, Indian corn. 1842 N. Main Street, Jamestown, KY, 42629. Phone: 270-343-5052. Open: Apr-Nov, Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 8am to 5pm; Sunday, 1pm-5pm; (Central Time Zone).  Mums/Pumpkins Weekends-first two weekends in October. Giant pumpkin giveaway each weekend. Triple Creek Berry Farm - blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (black), U-pick and already picked, farm market 3805 West Highway 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642. Phone: 270-507-6292. Open: Thursday to Saturday, from 6 am to 1 pm; June 15 to August 15; Closed Sunday to Wednesday.  We are a Kentucky Proud farm, use organic methods to grow our berries, so no chemical pesticides are used. We will pick for you, just call to schedule a time to pick up your berries. We have berry bushes for sale, and will conduct educational tours at your request. Evans Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, grapes, pears, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 180 Stone Road, Georgetown, KY 40324. Phone: 5028632255. Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 6:00pm, Sundays from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Fresh vegetables all spring and summer, peaches, apples and pumpkins in the fall, Bushels of Family Fun all year long in our playland and petting zoo! Festivals include: Sweet Corn Festival third Saturday in July, Apple Festival second weekend in September and Harvest Festival beginning the third weekend in September and continuing through the end of October. Come explore all we have to offer at Evans Orchard!. Goose Creek Berries - beans, beets, blackberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, onions, peas, peppers, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, prepicked produce, PYO vegetables, restrooms 1287 Newtown Pike, Georgetown, KY 40324. Phone: 502-316-4336. Crops are usually available in April through October. Open: See our website for current hours We are a KY Proud producer.  Payment: Cash,  Visa/Mastercard and Discover.   Shelby County Cedar Haven Farm - Certified Organic, blackberries, U-pick and already picked 8 Earthaven Drive, Waddy, KY 40076. Phone: 502-682-7988. Open: July 15 through August 15 Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 12 noon. Directions: We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, Check.  Gallrein Farms - U-pick strawberries, pumpkins, Hayrides to pumpkin patch in fall. Free petting zoo. 1029 Vigo road, Shelbyville, KY, 40065. Phone: 502-633-4849.  Open: Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm; Sunday, 1pm-5pm.  Mailing address: 1826 Cropper Road. Prepicked: Specializes in sweet corn, with 18 varieties on 100 acres. Also prepicked strawberries, blackberries, apples and pumpkins.  Bedding plants (annual flowers-perennials-herbs), hanging baskets. Honey, jams, jellies. Fruit and vegetable dressings. Handmade Amish furniture.  Picnic pavilion with heat and air, tables/chairs. School and group tours welcome by appointment. Restrooms. Spencer County The Berry Farm: You-pick and market blackberries, seedless grapes, gourds, turnips, rhubarb, sweet corn, cabbage, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes and pumpkins. Taylorsville, KY. Phone: 477-2334. Open: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 2-7 pm, through November 1 Cheeks Produce: Market home-grown beans, sweet bicolor corn, super-sweet bicolor white corn, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, romaine and buttercrunch lettuce. Other fruits and vegetables, bedding plants, hanging flower baskets, sorghum, local honey and "sugar-free" jams. 4578 Taylorsville Road, Taylorsville, KY. Phone:  477-1277. Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm ; Sunday, noon-7 pm , through Dec. 24.  Blueberry Orchard: You-pick blueberries 2 miles off Ky. 1066, Taylorsville, KY. Phone: 252-8239. Open: from late June through July on Wednesday-Sunday, 8am to dark.  Fairfield Fruits - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, 6130 Little Union Road (Kentucky State Route 652), Fairfield, KY 40071. Phone: 502-507-1248.. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, June 20 to August 15. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only.  Taylor County The Berry Patch - strawberries, 2218 Old Greensburg Road, Campbellsville, Kentucky, KY 42718. Phone: 270-699-1595.. Open: seven days a week from sunrise until dark; Sundays we open at 1pm. Strawberries by the gallon available for sale or pick your own; Berries are available from approximately May 10 to early June. Payment: Cash, Check. Burton's Garden Center - U-pick blackberries 2212 Saloma Road, Campbellsville, KY, 42718. Phone: 270-789-1239. Fax: 270-789-1239. Open: Apr  to October, Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm; Closed Sun. Restrooms. Trimble County Bray Orchards & Roadside Market - U-pick strawberries, green beans, apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, hayrides to pumpkin patch 2580 Hwy 42, Bedford, KY, 40006. Phone: 502-255-3607. Open: May  to October 30, daily, 8:30am to 7pm; October 31-Nov 30, daily, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Directions: FMailing address: 196 Bray Ridge Road. Jams, jellies, bakery items. Homemade ice cream, soft drinks. Trimble County Apple Festival in Bedford - September 10-11. Picnic tables. School tours. Restrooms. Warren County Jackson's Orchard and Nursery - U-Pick apples, peaches and pumpkins; Corn maze, straw castle, wagon rides. 1280 Slim Island Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Phone: (270) 781-5303.  Open Monday-Saturday mid-April through August and seven days a week September through November (8am-6pm Mon.-Sat., 1-6pm Sun.) Our customers can pick their own apples starting Labor Day weekend through mid-October. Restrooms available. Picnic area. Concessions with fried pies, apple cider slushes, ice cream, hot dogs, soft drinks, carmel apples. Credit cards accepted in gift shop. Cash only at concessions and fall activities. Fall corn maze, hay rides, petting farm, inflatables, straw castle, face painting. School tours: Sep & Oct. Washington County 1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor - Apples, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo 2941 US150 Perryville Road, Springfield, KY 40069. Phone: 859-336-3075. Fax: 859-336-3076. Crops are usually available in April through September. Open: Overnight Accommodations - Year-round ($100-$175/night - includes Homemade Dessert and Full Country "Gourmet" Breakfast), Alpaca & Llama Shearing Day (mid-April, call for date), Alpaca Fiber Festival (First Saturday in October), Farm Store Open to Public - Thursday-Sunday, 12noon-5pm EST or Call for an Appointment, Historic Home Tours - $5/person or $4/child, Extended Farm Store Holiday Hours 10am-8pm EST, Daily in Nov. & Dec.), Holiday Open House (First Saturday in December). Available for private groups: Family Reunions, Retreats, Business Socials - call for details and pricing. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Asian Pears, apricots, persimmons, mulberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes! Whitley County Double Hart Farm - U-pick strawberries, tomatoes, and green beans 6550 Cumberland Falls Road, Corbin, KY, 40701. Phone: 606-523-0465. Open: May  to September, Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm.  Woodford County Boyd Orchards - apples, blackberries, grapes, pears, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, black), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. Phone: 859-873-3097. Apple Days Festival - September 19 and 20 Scarecrow Festival - September 26 and 27 Ole Cider Days Festival - October 3 and 4 Fall Festival - October 10 and 11 Pumpkin Festival - October 17 and 18 October Festival - October 24 and 25 Harvest Festival - October 31 and November 1. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover.  Wildside Winery - blackberries, blueberries, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties 5500 Troy Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. Phone: 859-321-5046.  Crops are usually available in June, July, August. Open: Tuesday through Saturday 1 pm to 7 pm. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. We grow blackberries and blueberries for our berry wines but we do pick your own as follows: You pick and we split the berries so that we each get half. You don't pay. Call us before coming out to see what the quantities are at the time. Then enjoy a free wine tasting if you like. See you at Wildside.        Harvest Calendar Approximate - weather affects the dates, so always call before you go! FRUIT VEGETABLES Apples June 30 to November Asparagus April 20 to June 1 Blackberries   Beans June 20 to October 3    (thorny) June 30 to July 20 Beets May 30 to November 30    (thornless) July 15 to Aug. 5 Broccoli June 1 to July 15 and October 1 to November 15 Blueberries June 15 to July 30 Cabbage June 1 to July 30 Cherries (tart) June 14 to June 23 Carrots June 25 to November 20 Grapes August 15 to October 15 Corn (sweet) July 10 to Oct. 5 Muskmelon July 15 to September 8 Cucumbers June 25 to September 25 Peaches June 15 to August 23 Eggplant July 10 to October 1 Pears August 15 to October 10 Garlic July 15 Plums July to September Lettuce May 15 to July 1 and September 1 to October 10 Raspberries June 20 to July 3 Okra July 12 to October 1 Fall raspberries August 1 to August 15 Onions (green) April 15 to July 1 Strawberries May 17 to June 15 Peas May 30 to July 1 Watermelons July 25 to September 8 Peppers July 15 to October 22   Potatoes July 1 to October 30 Pumpkins August 15 to November 30 Radishes May 20 to June 20 Spinach, other greens spring and fall Squash June 10 to October 1 Sweet potatoes September 15 to Dec. 15 Tomatoes July 10 to October 15 Turnips September 20 to Dec. 20       2011-09-30T09:40:23+00:00 http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/honey_bees_and_me/ http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/ky/blog_02/honey_bees_and_me/ I never gave the honey bee much thought. Oh I appreciates their hard work in my gardens, and admired their devotion. I have always loved the taste of honey and can remember cold October afternoons chewing on freshly cut honey combs at a local farm. But I never really thought about them. I stumbled across some article on the intranet discussing Colony Collapse and other problems our Bees and bee keepers are facing in what started to seem to me to be a dwindling art. I then watched the newly release documentary on honey bees called Queen of the Sun, where their plight is discussed along with the economic repercussions for the world and environment.  I was moved and humbled by such greatness from such a small animal. As a true believer in learning lost crafts and arts I decided that honey Bees will be my next adventure.  With the fall about to settle in I have begun to look deeper into this project and have started to rope off where I will keep my honey bees and build my honey house. I look forward with great joy to be able to not only give my friends and family gifts from my gentle honey bees but also being able to give back to the environment which has taken such incredible care of all of us.     "There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance." Thoreau 2011-09-28T19:12:22+00:00