Luke Owen is our Commercial Horticulture Agent for Buncombe County. In his role, he conducts plant diagnostics for pests/diseases, holds license certification classes (i.e. pesticide license, landscape contractors license, etc.), and workshops centered around horticultural best practices. He also works with green industry professionals including landscapers, contractors, and architects as well as commercial nursery, fruit, and vegetable growers here in Buncombe County.

The favorite part of Luke's job is interacting with green industry professionals and growers every day. They are innovative problem solvers that are inspiring to work with. Being able to see them successfully incorporate new practices and expand on what they are already doing in their day-to-day tasks to become more profitable, and sustainable in the long-run is very rewarding to see.

Luke grew up in Balsam Grove, NC (in Transylvania County) and has worked in ornamental crop research labs both on campus in Raleigh, as well as the Mills River Research Station. He has also worked in nurseries, as well as tree-care services while going to school at NC State University.

Luke is currently trying to learn how to play the banjo (very much a beginner according to him), and enjoys attending and watching NC State basketball and football games. He has a red footed tortoise named Rudy who is about 6 months old.

Call Luke at our office at 828-255-5522 with your commercial horticulture questions!