Season 2 Episode 7: What's happening around PA?

04/29/24 • 48 min

Weeks of rain and several days of warm weather have sparked an array of color and growth in Pennsylvania's landscapes. On the latest episode of The Green Industry podcast, our team examines the changes in plant and insect life occurring statewide. We delve into the prevalence of invasive species and wonder if there is connection between the uptick in 'mulch volcanoes' and social media.

Episode Hosts/Speakers:
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)

Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension (host)

Tim Abbey, Penn State Extension (host)

Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)

Caption – A mulch volcano around the trunk of a shade tree. Photo courtesy of Tom Butzler

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Episode Hosts/Speakers:
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)

Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension (host)

Tim Abbey, Penn State Extension (host)

Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)

Caption – A mulch volcano around the trunk of a shade tree. Photo courtesy of Tom Butzler

Previous Episode

Season 2 Episode 6: Christine Williams, Owner of Little Swatara Creek Flowers

Little Swatara Creek Flowers was born when Christine Williams decided to grow the flowers for her daughter's wedding on their family farm. This choice led to a shift, with cut flowers gradually taking over parts of the land traditionally dedicated to livestock and crops. Join us as we dive into how this business came to life, highlighting the importance of soil health and the knowledge Christine acquired to kickstart her journey into cut flower farming.
Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)
Tom Butzler, Penn State Extension (host)
Christine Williams, owner of Little Swatara Creek Flowers
Image: Sunflowers are just one of the crops grown by Little Swatara Creek Flowers. Photo courtesy of Tom Butzler

Next Episode

Season 2 Episode 8: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension Horticulturist

Join the Keeping It Green podcast as they explore the role of a generalist in horticulture education with Penn State extension horticulturist Emelie Swackhamer. For decades, Emelie has been helping farmers, growers, homeowners, and landscapers with plant issues. In this episode, she shares her expertise on problems like the spotted lanternfly and delves into the challenges facing our native beech tree, particularly beech leaf disease, including the life cycle of the disease and how nematodes are spread. The discussion expands to address invasive species, pondering how to deal with them amidst ongoing trade and the movement of firewood. Are we destined for constant invasions of pests in the future? The crew philosophizes on the topic, exploring potential solutions and the realities of invasive management. And how does Emelie pass the time during her long walks from Maine to Florida?

Episode Hosts/Speakers: Margaret Pickoff, Penn State Extension (host)

Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension (host)

Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension
Picture caption: Symptoms of beech leaf disease include darkening and thickening of the tissue between leaf veins that are most visible when viewed against the light sky. Photo: Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State