Looking Back to Grow Forward

Before you dive into next year’s seed catalogs, take a little time to look back at the season you just finished. In this episode of Hort Culture , co-hosts Ray, Jessica, Alexis, and Brett welcome Annie Scott, Extension Associate with the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification, to talk about the value of an end-of-season farm debrief. The conversation covers what growers should be reviewing while the season is still fresh, including production, marketing, finances, goals, and those important observations that don’t always show up on a spreadsheet. Annie and the crew discuss how good records can help growers figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what deserves another try. They also explore opportunity cost and quality of life, asking an important question: Just because something is profitable, does that mean it’s still the right fit for you, your farm, and your family? Along the way, expect the usual Hort Culture detours into seed catalogs, midnight releases, Harry Potter, Big Blue Madness, and the dangers of saying, “I’ll remember that later.” Whether you’re running a CSA, growing for market, raising cut flowers, or simply planning for another growing season, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best way to move forward is to spend a little time looking back.