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 explains how precision agriculture is enabling farmers to wor...

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 feel more confident when choosing the right cuts of meat, selectin...

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 landscapes, for a quick Q&A packed with practical tips to help you get growi...

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 beyond the vase. From budget-friendly flowers to simple techn...

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 health issue. Cantrell explains what radon is, why it’s the second-leading cause of lung c...

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 dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science...

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 Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES),...

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 and scheduling inspections, you’ll learn six essential tips to maintain a...

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 weather and climate, how the El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts hurricane activ...

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 scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Plus, learn how composting can save you mone...