A Growing Passion, an Emmy-winning lifestyle program, will stream now with KPBS+ and air on KPBS TV on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. The program focuses on San Diego County’s agriculture and horticulture, reflecting a growing earth-friendly movement.

San Diego: A Floricultural Hub

San Diego is recognized as one of the nation’s leading producers of cut flowers, contributing nearly $78 million to the economy each year. The program explores the reasons behind this success and highlights the importance of the floriculture industry to the region.

Challenges Facing Local Growers

Despite its success, San Diego’s flower growing industry faces increasing pressure. Rising costs of land and water resources pose significant challenges to local growers. A Growing Passion investigates these difficulties and how they are being addressed.

Meeting the Growers

Host Nan Sterman visits several resilient growers who are working to ensure the survival and continued success of San Diego’s floraculture industry. The program features Dawn and the Rainbow Hill Protea crew after harvest, and noted floral artist and educator René van Rems with Sterman.

KPBS+ and Viewing Options

A Growing Passion is designed for ease of viewing on various devices, including Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices. KPBS+ offers access to even more shows with a KPBS Passport account. Viewers can also watch KPBS’s four TV channels – KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7, and FNX – in real time.

A Focus on Sustainability

More San Diegans are prioritizing socially, environmentally, and economically responsible choices. This program highlights earth-friendly gardens, organic foods, and habitat restoration efforts. It showcases how San Diego grows and celebrates sustainable practices.

Jen, a web producer at KPBS since 2000, is responsible for program promotion and the KPBS community calendar. Originally from Las Vegas and a UNLV graduate, she contributes to keeping the community informed.

KPBS provides local news without a paywall, supported by community funding. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is also implementing closer tracking of response times following a recent audit.