Good Growing

Chris Enroth

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Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Ep. 204 Decoding Soil Test Results: What those numbers really mean | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to the Good Growing Podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the world of soil testing. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understand how to unlock the secrets of your soil and boost your garden's productivity.Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/vJKpTfJabKkSkip to what you want to know:0:27 Hey Ken! Soil test reports have lots of numbers, what do they all mean?01:13 How do you collect a soil sample for testing? Do

Mar 21, • 36:19

Ep. 203 Native grasses and pollinators: The overlooked role of native grasses in supporting pollinators | #GoodGrowing

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TCE-wQyjn38  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken. How often do we discuss grasses in pollinator presentations?  02:

Mar 14, • 40:42

Ep. 202 The Humble Garden Pea: History and How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to another episode of the Good Growing Podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they delve into the fascinating world of garden peas, Pisum sativum. Explore the rich history of garden peas, from their origins in ancient agriculture to their role in the development of modern genetics. Get practical advice on planting, caring for, and harvesting garden peas, including tips on soil preparation, spacing, and dealing with common pests and diseases. From childhood m

Mar 7, • 34:54

Ep. 201 Chamomile: Discover 2025's herb of the year | #GoodGrowing

Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension as they delve into the fascinating world of chamomile, the 2025 Herb of the Year. In this episode, Chris and Ken discuss the different types of chamomile, including Roman and German chamomile, and their unique characteristics. Learn about the benefits of chamomile, from its use in herbal teas to its role in beauty products and even baby diapers. Discover the best practices for growing, harvesting,

Feb 28, • 32:35

Ep. 200 Monstera: From the rainforest to must-have houseplant | #GoodGrowing

Have you joined the Monstera craze? With their unique leaves and forms, Monsteras have become popular houseplants. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about Monstera plants, including their history, care, different species, and more!Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xyQlbH-7ws Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken. Have we spent lots of money on Monsteras?  01:15 – What are our experiences with Monstera?  04:00 – The history of Monstera and where do they com

Feb 21, • 43:45

Gardenbite: Tree Topping - A result of chainsaws and bad decisions | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth with University of Illinois Extension takes us on a deep dive into the controversial practice of tree topping. Often referred to as stubbing or hat-racking, tree topping involves cutting the canopy of a tree back to a uniform height, which can have disastrous consequences for the tree's health and safety. Chris rants, er...explains why this outdated method is harmful, detailing the science behind tree growth and the

Feb 14, • 9:28

Ep. 199 The return of the Grow Along | #GoodGrowing

Looking to try something new in the garden this year? You’re in luck because, back by popular demand, the Good Growing Grow Along returns with a fresh lineup of unique and beautiful plants for 2025. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about the plants we’ll be growing for this year's Grow Along, how you can participate, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4pCC_Ndkkeg  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily. What should we call this year’s Gro

Feb 7, • 51:05

Gardenbite: Calendula: An ornamental with many uses in the garden and kitchen | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our look at the 2025 year of plants with calendula. Known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, calendula is not just a beautiful addition to your garden but also a versatile plant with numerous uses both in and out of the garden. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rkYzhbt-7kU Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the w

Jan 31, • 10:06

Ep. 198 Clustered Mountain Mint Perennial Plant of the Year | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension delve into the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year: Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum). Join us as we explore the unique characteristics, growing tips, and ecological benefits of this native plant.Skip to what you want to know:00:35    Hey Ken! It is very cold outside.03:01    Does the cold affect Japanese beetle grubs?05:22    The 2025 Pere

Jan 24, • 32:52

Ep. 198 Discovering Dogwoods: From trees to shrubs and even groundcovers!

In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dive deep into the fascinating world of dogwoods (genus Cornus). Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll discover the diverse beauty and versatility of dogwoods, from majestic trees to charming shrubs and even groundcovers.Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/_eCVKqEyFm8Skip to what you want to know:00:35 Hey Ken!01:02 Hey Emily! Dogwood Shrubs02:45 Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)08:19 Red

Jan 17, • 54:45

Good Growing 2024 Year in Review: Top Episodes, Cicada Mania, and More | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken and Chris reminisce about 2024. We look at you favorite episodes and share our favorite moments. From cicadas to using dynamite to blow up your landscape, you will enjoy this trip down memory lane.Skip to what you want to know: 00:39 Hey Ken! How was winter break?02:01 How we assembled our year-in-review highlights.Top three YouTube podcast episodes03:51 Third-most popular YouTube episode - More than monarchsYouTube https://youtu.be/cLvl96PpqOg Audio htt

Jan 10, • 41:13

Ep. 195 Community Tree Care Series: Online learning for those who care for and about trees | #GoodGrowing

Illinois Extension's core mission is to be a source of research-based knowledge that helps community members solve challenges and improve their lives. On this week’s Good Growing podcast, Chris and Emily are joined by horticulture educators Sarah Vogel and Ryan Pankau to discuss the upcoming Community Tree Care series. This only learning opportunity is open to anyone who cares about trees or does the work of caring for trees. Listen to the end for a fun lightning round of tree questions with our

Jan 3, • 48:09

Gardenbite - Going Nuts Over Chestnuts: History, Growing Tips, and Culinary Uses | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this special gardenbite episode, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from the University of Illinois Extension revisits a fascinating 2021 webinar where the team delved into the world of tree nuts. This episode focuses on the beloved chestnut, featuring insights from horticulture educator Ken Johnson.Highlights:History and Significance: Discover the rich history of the American chestnut, once a keystone species in the eastern United States, and learn about

Dec 20, 2024 • 26:54

Ep. 194 More than red: The many colors and forms of poinsettias | #GoodGrowing

When most people think of poinsettias, they think of red, but they can be found in a variety of colors and forms. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss our trip to the N.G. Heimos Poinsettia Trial. Learn about the wide variety of colors and forms of poinsettias that were on display, some of our favorite varieties, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sPrESNYNOzk  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken. What was the poinsettia trail like?  03:37 – Recap of l

Dec 13, 2024 • 54:44

Ep. 193 Our Favorite Gardening Books for Winter Reading, Gifts, or Anytime of Year | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Emily Swihart joins Ken and Chris to discuss our favorite gardening and landscaping books. We discuss reference books, fiction and nonfiction, and even children's books. Beyond our favorites, we also interviewed our fellow horticulture educators to get their recommendations. This is a long episode this week. Be sure to utilize the timestamps below to skip to what you want to see.Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/RskDlYC8TRk 00:31 Hey Ken!01:00 Welcome Em

Dec 6, 2024 • 1:20:54

Gardenbite: Tips for selecting and transporting holiday plants| #GoodGrowing

The holiday season is here, which means evergreens, poinsettias, amaryllis, and other holiday plants have arrived in stores. Plants are often at the center of our holiday decorations and traditions and are frequently given as gifts. Whether you’re buying them as gifts or for yourself, learn about what to look for when selecting your holiday plants and how to transport them to avoid cold weather damaging them so they can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/

Nov 29, 2024 • 10:07

Gardenbite: Voles in the landscape & mice in the house | #GoodGrowing

This week, we have a Gardenbite excerpt from our webinar, in which we discussed wildlife damage in the home landscape. In this clip, Chris details two common rodents in Illinois that tend to pop up in the winter months around the outside and inside of our homes: the vole and the mouse. While the vole is an active pest outside during the winter, many Illinoisians also deal with mice in the home this time of year. Chris gives some tips and tricks for dealing with these two rodents and preventing t

Nov 22, 2024 • 15:02

Ep. 192 Season extension: Ways we can expand the growing season | #GoodGrowing

When cold weather arrives, it brings the end of the vegetable gardening season for many of us. That doesn’t have to be the case though. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss how we can expand our growing season beyond what's normal by using season extension. Learn about what season extension is, why we would want to use it, the different techniques you can use, and more!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B2REiv1lFYc Skip to what you want to know:    00:31 – Welcome, Ken. What are

Nov 15, 2024 • 44:42

Ep. 191 Late Season Garden Updates & Fall Horticultural Questions Answered | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris marvel at all the stuff they are still harvesting in their gardens. A touch of frost hasn't seemed to stop the tomatoes and peppers. When will the gardening season end!? Plus we look at the NOAA predictions for the coming month and answer your horticultural questions on black cherry aphid, lawn grub explosions across northern Illinois, and more. Plus if you've ever dealt with peach leaf curl, right now is a great time to considered treating you

Nov 8, 2024 • 33:06

Gardenbite: Windbreaks - the history, function, and benefits of diminished wind speeds

Windbreaks, also known as shelter belts, play a crucial role in protecting the land from powerful Midwestern winds. Traditionally used on rural lands, windbreaks are living barriers that intercept wind, thereby reducing velocity and impact. During this week’s Gardenbite, Horticulture Educator Emily Swihart looks back at the history of Roosevelt’s ‘tree army’ and planting efforts in response to the Dust Bowl provides best practices for maximizing results, and encourages communities to manage the

Nov 1, 2024 • 6:51

Ep. 190 Halloween spooktacular: Creepy crawlies | #GoodGrowing

It’s time for another Good Growing Halloween Spooktacular! We’re all dressed up again this year to talk about some creepy crawlies that have had or are still having an impact on humans or have a lot of lore behind them, including black widow and brown recluse spiders, stinging caterpillars, oriental rat fleas, lice, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DGbFkgEs2ZE Skip to what you want to know:    00:41 – Welcome, Ken. What are our costumes this year?  02:50 – Black widow spiders  1

Oct 25, 2024 • 47:36

Ep. 189 Getting garden tools ready for winter | #GoodGrowing

Now that the garden season is starting to wind down, it’s a good time to start thinking about getting our tools ready for winter. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we discuss some things we do to get our garden tools ready for winter, including cleaning, sharpening, winterizing, organizing, and more!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/o5VuG7Au7ng  Skip to what you want to know:    00:40 – Welcome, Ken, and time to clean up the garages.  02:10 – Cleaning and sharpening shovels  11:35 – S

Oct 18, 2024 • 47:40

Ep. 188 Fall Cleanup in the Yard and Garden | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris discuss why we clean up our gardens in the fall. Cutting down perennials, raking leaves, and pulling out spent vegetable plants is a common job for the gardener in the fall. As the autumn days get shorter our time is precious outdoors. What needs to be done now and what can wait until next year?Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/scU_YKv_gFESkip to what you want to know:00:29 Hey Ken! It rained!02:33 Fall clean up. Why do we do it?04:38 How do

Oct 11, 2024 • 36:53

Good Growing Grow Along final check-in for 2024 | #GoodGrowing

It’s time for our last Grow Along check-in for 2024. Each year we at Good Growing decide to try growing some new (to us) vegetables. This year we invited you to grow along with us. This video is for those who signed up to receive seed for our Grow Along. In this video, we are trying the fruits of our labor. We share some of the different ways we have prepared the produce we grew as part of the Grow Along.We want to hear back from you! You should have gotten an email with a survey link if you rec

Oct 7, 2024 • 24:25

Ep. 187 Fall garden to-do list | #GoodGrowing

October has arrived, and while it may not feel like it at times, so has fall. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we discuss some of the different things on our fall gardening to-do list, including caring for mums, moving houseplants indoors, planting garlic and woody plants, soil testing, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VbB2p-EyjDY Skip to what you want to know:    00:35 – Welcome, Ken and preparing for fall invaders.  03:10 – Planting and caring for mums in the fall

Oct 4, 2024 • 36:37

Gardenbite: Fall Flavors - Apple vs Pumpkin | #goodgrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Chris compares the essential fall flavors of apple and pumpkin. If you had to choose, what side would you fall on? Team Apple? Or Team Pumpkin?Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion o

Sep 27, 2024 • 6:16

Gardenbite: Toothache plant: What is it and how to grow it | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we’re trying something new: toothache plant. Learn more about this interesting plant, what happens when you eat it, and how you can grow it yourself!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z7ywlxrKWTM  Skip to what you want to know:    00:40 – Introduction to toothache plant  05:50 – Eating toothache plant reactions  10:20 – How to grow toothache plant  13:13 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Toothache plant picture: 葉子, Public Doma

Sep 20, 2024 • 16:09

Gardenbite: The Science Behind Fall Color | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever wondered what causes the reds, yellows, oranges, and maroons of autumn? There are lots of different plant pigments beyond the green color of chloroplast. In this episode horticulture educator Chris Enroth peers inside the processes of a leaf in the fall and how we get those spectacular autumn leaf displays.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2puA2uMoXEgSkip to what you want to know:00:18 Fall color lore00:33 What we thought was happening in leaves to produce fall color.01:0

Sep 13, 2024 • 10:21

Ep. 186 Managing weeds in the fall | #GoodGrowing

Have the weeds been popping up all over the place in your landscape? You’re in luck, fall is a great time to manage weeds. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss why fall is a good time to manage weeds, types of weeds, and different ways we can manage them. We also discuss some herbicide updates on Roundup and glyphosate as well as Dacthal. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R8N_ANQkUTw  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken! Tomatoes and peppers everywhere.

Sep 6, 2024 • 30:44

Ep. 185 Growing Hazelnuts in Illinois | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris talk about hazelnuts. Chris remembers hazelnut shrubs growing in the woods from his childhood, we compare European and American hazelnut species, talk about pests, what you might find if you go looking to buy hazelnut plants, and more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/tWgbcfiYIKgSkip to what you want to know:00:32 Hey Ken! The messy consumption of chocolate hazelnut spread in our houses.01:47 RIP Roger Cook02:56 Correction from a previous e

Aug 30, 2024 • 37:58

Ep. 184 Understanding the Power of Cover Crops: Tips for Home Gardeners

This week on the Good Growing Podcast: Join Ken and Chris as they delve into the fascinating world of cover crops! More and more home gardeners are discovering the benefits of using cover crops to enhance their gardens. Are you curious about how cover crops can transform your garden or landscape? Tune in to this week’s episode to uncover Ken and Chris’s top tips and insights on incorporating cover crops into your gardening routine.Watch us on YouTubeSkip to what you want to know:00:29 H

Aug 23, 2024 • 46:09

Ep. 183 Old-time garden remedies | #GoodGrowing

There are a lot of garden remedies that have been used throughout the years, and some of them are still recommended today. Do they work? Should we still be using them? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss some of these old-time remedies like vinegar, pruning paint, dynamite, pesticide concoctions, and more.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v64wU2PINS8  Skip to what you want to know:    00:45 – Welcome, Ken! Pest control in the past.  03:10 – Vinegar   06:22 – Pruning ta

Aug 16, 2024 • 43:28

Ep. 182 What’s Bugging Our Gardens and Trees in 2024 | #GoodGrowing

In this episode, we dive into the latest challenges facing gardeners and landscapers. From toppling trees to the potential for itchy mites dropping from the sky, Ken and Chris have a list of things that might be bugging your garden and landscape!Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/r3od_YL19_sSkip to what you want to know:00:38 Hey Ken!01:57 Chris found a pretty bug! A dog-day cicada.03:47 Updates from Ken and Chris' yards.07:06 What is this green bug eating my flowers?10:53 Issues with

Aug 9, 2024 • 39:36

Good Growing Grow Along second check-in

It’s time for another Grow Along check-in. Each year we at Good Growing decide to try growing some new (to us) vegetables. This year we invited you to grow along with us. This video is for those who signed up to receive seed for our Grow Along. In this video, we check in and share how our Grow Along crops are progressing in our gardens, answer some of your questions, and share some of our plans for the produce we harvest.We want to hear back from you! You should have gotten an email with a surve

Aug 6, 2024 • 37:46

Gardenbite: Fall Tree Planting | #GoodGrowing

Many of us skipped planting trees this spring to avoid damage from periodical cicadas. But now that we’re approaching fall, we have an opportunity to plant some trees. Our Gardenbite this week goes back to 2022 when we had a conversation with Emily Swihart about fall tree planting. We discussed what trees can be planted in the fall, things to consider when planting trees, how to plant and care for trees, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G3hUNwf3lcI  00:55 – We commonly he

Aug 2, 2024 • 23:28

Ep. 181 Plant problems we are seeing in 2024 | #GoodGrowing

Have you been having problems in your garden this year? We certainly have! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss some of the most common problems we’ve been seeing in gardens so far this year, including problems with coneflowers, oak wilt, fire blight, and blossom end rot. Plus, where have all the Japanese beetles gone? Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7O96jjEbZ3o Skip to what you want to know:    00:40 – Welcome, Ken! Garden updates and purple tomatoes!  07:40 – Coneflow

Jul 26, 2024 • 42:24

Ep. 180 Navigating Water-saving Products for the Yard & Garden | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast, Ken and Chris sift through a survey that asks homeowners about water-saving products that can be used during water restrictions. The duo go down the list of products suggested by the survey and discuss whether these items would truly help save water and benefit your plants during a severe drought. After debating the merits of the survey’s products, Ken and Chris provide some horticulturally sound water-saving tips for our Midwest yards and gardens.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1:04:05

Ep. 179 Plants we wouldn’t plant or would think twice about before planting again| #GoodGrowing

While we tend to focus on the positives of plants, not all plants work well in all gardens or for all gardens. Whether they are too aggressive, require too much time and maintenance, or we just don’t like them, there are a variety of reasons we may not want to grow certain plants. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss some of the plants we’ve grown in our gardens that we wouldn’t plant again and some that we would think twice about planting. It’s not all bad, though; we also discuss so

Jul 12, 2024 • 1:05:45

Gardenbite: Harvesting Sweet Corn & Two Common Sweet Corn Pests | #GoodGrowing

Our Gardenbite for this week goes back to 2021 where Ken and Katie answered all of Chris' sweet corn growing questions. Right now we are starting to see sweet corn getting ready to pick in Illinois. How do we know when sweet corn should be harvested? Plus, what about some common sweet corn pests that tend to show up in July like raccoons and corn earworms?Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.

Jul 5, 2024 • 9:32

Good Growing Grow Along 1st Check-in

Each year we at Good Growing decide to try growing some new (to us) vegetables. This year we want to invite you to grow along with us. This video is for those who signed up to receive seed for our Grow Along. In this video Emily, Ken, and Chris check in and share how this year's crops are doing in their gardens and our plans for culturing these plants through the summer. We want to hear back from you! You should have gotten an email with a survey link if you received Grow Along seed fro

Jul 1, 2024 • 17:06

Gardenbite: More than monarchs: Insects on milkweed | #GoodGrowing

Milkweeds have become a popular garden plant in the last several years. They are most commonly planted to help support monarch butterflies because milkweeds are the sole food source for monarch caterpillars. If you’ve ever gone out to check your milkweed plants for monarch caterpillars, you may have been surprised to find other insects living and feeding on your milkweed plants. After all, milkweeds are toxic to other animals. However, some insects have evolved to be able to feed on mil

Jun 28, 2024 • 10:09

Ep. 178 Tomatoes to Ticks and Beyond: Early Summer Garden Q & A | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris answer early summer gardening questions. From landscapes and lawns to tomatoes and ticks, we share recent questions we have been getting into our local Extension offices. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CFPmxJvc_kkSkip to what you want to know:00:31 Hey Ken!01:12 It's a hot one out there for only being June.02:55 What is causing all the tips of my branches to fall off or hang in the tree?06:52 Can you take the protective netting

Jun 21, 2024 • 32:32

Ep. 177 Getting your garden ready for vacation | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever gone on vacation only to come back to an out-of-control landscape or, even worse, dead plants? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about some steps we can take to get our landscapes ready for when we’re on vacation.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JiC1RavU3kk  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily!  01:45 – What kind of gardens do we have?  04:30 – What should we be thinking about when planning our gardens and vacations?  0

Jun 14, 2024 • 40:56

Gardenbite: Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes, Cause and PREVENTION | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we bring you a short gardenbite explaining what causes blossom end rot and why throwing eggshells in the planting hole at the beginning of the growing season might not be doing anything to help. Nick Frillman talks about calcium, tomatoes, and the best advice to prevent blossom end rot.Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Goo

Jun 7, 2024 • 6:13

Ep. 176 Native Grasses in the Prairie and Your Yard | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with Erin Garrett about native grasses and how to use them in our landscapes. Erin is a Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment educator with University of Illinois Extension who is a wealth of knowledge on native grasses and all things native plants! We dive into how these grasses function in a prairie and how that translates to your yard. Plus suggestions for what native grasses might work best to transform your landscape!Watch us on

May 31, 2024 • 48:38

Ep. 175 Eating periodical cicadas | #GoodGrowing

Are you an adventurous eater or interested in eating insects? You’re in luck! Many places in Illinois are awash in periodical cicadas, and while we usually think of them as food for birds and small mammals, humans can eat them too. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn how you can get in on the cicada-eating action. From Pesto Pizza to Cicada Sundaes, we’ve got you covered on how to collect, prepare, and enjoy periodical cicadas. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U_0K7

May 24, 2024 • 40:00

Ep. 174 Monarch Butterfly Science w/ Dr. Andy Davis | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we learn about monarch butterfly science from a leading scientist in the field of monarch butterflies, Dr. Andy Davis from University of Georgia. We learn some hard truths and ask do the monarch butterflies really need to be saved? What roles should humans have in monarch butterfly protection? All this and more (like cicadas and Joro spiders) in this week’s Good Growing podcast. Plus check out Brodie Dunn’s newest podcast Voice of the Wild. Brodie p

May 17, 2024 • 57:53

Ep. 173 Answering Common Lawn Questions | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris look at some common lawncare questions. What can you do about growing grass in the shade? Does crabgrass preventer go down when the forsythia bloom? And more!Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZM0sWiPKlTsSkip to what you want to know:0:50 Hey Ken! What's bocce ball?1:54 Weather and garden updates5:57 Good Growing Grow Along update. Seeds are on the way!6:44 Time to talk about lawns7:07 If you mow lower, does that mean you mow less of

May 10, 2024 • 37:13

Ep. 172 Growing fruit in containers | #GoodGrowing

Do you want to grow your own fruit but have limited space? Growing fruit in a container may be the solution for you! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we welcome back Bruce Black to talk about how we can grow fruit in containers, what fruit works best in containers, and more.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Khh6gbA5-yM Skip to what you want to know:    00:32 – Welcome, Ken! Update on Cicada Watch 2024.  02:30 – Welcome, Bruce! Sauk Valley Community College partnership and Gardening in

May 3, 2024 • 49:53

Ep. 171 Periodical Cicada Preparation, Protecting our baby trees! | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken has to work hard to contain his excitement for the upcoming periodical cicada emergence. Meanwhile, Chris has been building defenses to protect his newly planted baby trees. What do you need to know about the upcoming emergence of periodical cicadas? And while our established trees will be okay Ken and Chris talk about how to protect our smaller newly planted trees from cicada egg laying. Plus, everyone seems to highlight the potential damage to woody pl

Apr 26, 2024 • 33:40

Ep. 170 Gardening at night: Creating gardens to enjoy at night | #GoodGrowing

Do you enjoy spending your evenings outdoors? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about how you can create a garden to be enjoyed at night. Learn about night-blooming plants that can be incorporated into a ‘night/moon’ garden, landscape lighting, insects that come out at night, and more!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xWbZlTZbgPI  Skip to what you want to know:    00:28 – Welcome, Ken! Enjoying the unseasonably warm weather?  03:15 – Gardening by the moon, does it work?   06:55

Apr 19, 2024 • 36:12

April is Pond Management Time! Talking aerators, duckweed, and vegetated buffers | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast we rewind back to when we sat down in person with Duane Friend to discuss pond management. For this Gardenbite episode, we look specifically at aerators in ponds, duckweed, and having taller vegetation around ponds and in the drainage channels leading into the pond. You can find the entire episode at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt4E6uke72E Watch this on YouTube https://youtu.be/SFNec6M8J-wSkip to what you want to know:1:20 Aerators in

Apr 12, 2024 • 9:33

Gardenbite: Managing bagworms at home | #GoodGrowing

Have you had problems with bagworms in your landscape? Bagworms are troublesome insects that can make evergreens and other plants rather unsightly. Learn about the lifecycle of bagworms and how we can manage them, including how planting flowers can help.Want to see pictures? Check out the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/kZNKiu-x7rk USA National Phenological Network: https://www.usanpn.org/data/maps/forecasts/bagwormConservation biological control in urban landscapes: Manipulating para

Apr 5, 2024 • 10:57

Ep. 169 Growing Perennial Vegetables, Asparagus, Rhubarb & More | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken and Chris talk about perennial vegetables that we can grow here in Illinois. Many of the preparation and care instructions match with each crop and we describe those during our first crop, asparagus! We also chat about rhubarb, artichoke, chives, and horseradish. Are there others? What perennial veggies do you grow?Learn more about growing veggies at our website: https://extension.illinois.edu/gardeningPrevious episode on growing horseradish: ht

Mar 29, 2024 • 47:36

Ep. 168 Starting seeds at home | #GoodGrowing

Have you started your seeds yet? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about how you can start your own seeds. Learn about the benefits of starting your own seeds, where to start them, the equipment you’ll need, how we can reduce the amount of plastic we use to start seeds, troubleshooting, and more!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lNCwDYkdS50  Skip to what you want to know:    00:28 – Welcome, Ken! Have we started our seeds?  01:50 – What are people searching for on socia

Mar 22, 2024 • 1:00:32

Ep. 167 Garden Trends for 2024 | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we chat with horticulture educator Emily Swihart about garden trends to be on the lookout for in 2024. We talk about the rise in popularity of incorporating native plants, trying to make our landscapes more biodiverse, and also just plain fun horticulture trends like colors and using our gardens at night. Skip to what you want to know:17:06 The trend of eco-optimism.18:44 The trend of native plants.20:40 The trend of densely planted landscape beds.24:41 Chri

Mar 15, 2024 • 58:28

Gardenbite: Creating pollinator habitat at home| #GoodGrowing

Has the warm weather got you thinking about gardening, perhaps gardening for pollinators? Learn about how you can create a habitat for pollinators in your own landscape, from the types of plants, habitat for nesting and egg-laying, pest management, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu   Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsub

Mar 8, 2024 • 10:01

Gardenbite: Martha's Picks: Three native plants for your yard | #GoodGrowing

This week we take a look at a clip from 2021 when the Good Growing team sat down with three horticulturists/landscape designers to learn about their favorite native plants. We asked each one to come up with their top three favorites. In this clip, retired Illinois Extension educator Martha Smith showcases her three favorite native plants that she has growing in her yard. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/58IDd070g-QSkip to what you want to know:1:22 American fringetree (Chionanthus virg

Mar 1, 2024 • 16:01

Ep. 166 Grow something new with us: Good Growing Grow Along | #GoodGrowing

Do you like growing new things in the garden? Then come grow along with us! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we roll out our newest project, the Good Growing Grow Along. We’ve selected six new plants/cultivars to grow in our gardens, and you can grow them along with us. We also discuss some new plants that have been in the news lately. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sUH6D73-fFg  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily!  01:45 – What’s new in the plant

Feb 23, 2024 • 50:07

Ep. 165 Strategies for farming in contaminated soil Part II | #GoodGrowing

This week is the second half of our conversation with Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack details techniques that urban farmers and gardeners can use to avoid growing in contaminated soils. We also dive into the importance of soil testing and how to pick a soil lab and use the results to guide your amendment decisions. Throughout this process, Zack keeps bringing up the key point that often we can overdo it with amendments. He mentions how compost can become

Feb 16, 2024 • 31:07

Ep. 164 Urban Agriculture & Soil Contamination with Zack Grant Part I | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with local foods and small farms educator Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack describes what it's like to grow in urban conditions and how we inevitably encounter soil contamination. Plus we dive into his research on soil lead contamination and what contamination levels look like across Cook County. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ugAPOKIcr7wSkip to what you want to know:0:28 - Hey Ke

Feb 9, 2024 • 50:35

Ep. 163 Winter kids activities for both indoors and out | #GoodGrowing

Have you been stuck indoors with children this winter? Are they driving you crazy? You’re in luck! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Brittnay Haag joins us to talk about different garden and nature activities we can do with our kids, both indoors and out. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vn8HDTxy8DM Skip to what you want to know:    00:45 – Welcome, Ken, what’s the strange orange ball in the sky?  02:50 – Welcome, Brittnay. What does

Feb 2, 2024 • 35:02

Ep. 162 The science behind bee hotels | #GoodGrowing

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast features Ken and Chris in conversation with Brodie Dunn and Timo Wayman. The discussion revolves around a new research project on bee hotels that includes a citizen science component. Brodie and Timo share their insights on what they hope to discover through this scientific endeavor, and whether bee hotels are beneficial or detrimental to bees. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to this scientific cause and become a citizen scientist.

Jan 26, 2024 • 51:03

Gardenbite: Composting with worms indoors | #GoodGrowing

Have you been longing to get outside and play in the dirt? Then vermicomposting may be for you! Learn about how to compost indoors with worms, from containers to use, how to prepare the growing media and food, how to harvest your worm compost, and more!Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu   Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

Jan 19, 2024 • 8:27

Ep. 161 Winter Weather and How to Protect Your Plants | #GoodGrowing

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast is all about snow and ice. Ken and Chris discuss how to deal with snow and ice on trees and shrubs, problems to avoid with rock salt, tips for using deicers, and much more. Tune in to the Good Growing Podcast to learn more about how to protect your plants from the winter weather. Thank you for listening!Skip to what you want to know:0:34 Hey Ken! Winter has finally arrived in Illinois. Are we ready for the upcoming cold snap?1:51 How do we handle i

Jan 12, 2024 • 32:48

Gardenbite: Pruning backyard fruit trees | #GoodGrowing

It’s that time of year - time to start thinking about pruning your deciduous trees and shrubs. While many of our landscape trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need yearly pruning, the same can’t be said for fruit trees. Learn about why we should prune fruit trees yearly, the different types of pruning cuts we use, and more!  Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu   Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to th

Jan 5, 2024 • 7:32

Gardenbite: A second life to your cut Christmas tree | #GoodGrowing

In this Gardenbite, Chris explores the various ways to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Many Illinoisians have a Christmas tree disposal day where they can throw out a cut Christmas tree and the city will pick it up and turn it into woodchips. However, there are other ways to give your tree a second life. Chris discusses how to create a shelter for birds, turn the cut tree into food for wildlife, use cut evergreen branches as winter mulch to protect herbaceous perennials, and more!Conta

Dec 29, 2023 • 6:29

Ep. 160 Spice up your holiday with these holiday spices | #GoodGrowing

Join Ken and Chris on a journey around the world as they explore the fascinating history of quintessential holiday spices. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, you will learn about the origins of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, allspice, and ginger, and how they made their way to our spice cabinets. You will also discover what parts of the plants are harvested to produce these spices. And, if you’re a fan of the Spice Girls, you won’t want to miss Chris’s attempt to name th

Dec 22, 2023 • 53:06

Ep. 159 Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant | #GoodGrowing

Join us on a horticultural journey through the world of mistletoe. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of this parasitic plant. From its unique biology to its horticultural applications, we cover everything you need to know about mistletoe. We also discuss the plant’s role in the ecosystem and where you can find it in Illinois and beyond. Tune in to discover why mistletoe is more than just a holiday decoration!Skip to what you want to know:0:29

Dec 14, 2023 • 34:59

Ep. 158 All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at a holiday staple, the poinsettia. Join us as we discuss the myths and legends that surround the poinsettia, where they come from, how they’re grown, and more!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0jY1dNYQG5Y  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what kind of Christmas tree does Chris have?  02:50 – How do you pronounce poinsettia?  04:20 – Where do poinsettias come from? What are some other names

Dec 8, 2023 • 41:53

Ep. 157 All About Bed Bugs with Entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing

In this episode, Ken and Chris explore a timely and concerning topic—the resurgence of bed bugs making headlines globally! Join us as we delve into the pressing issue of bed bugs seemingly spiraling out of control. Are these tiny pests staging a global takeover once again? Our special guest, entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey, joins the conversation to address our lingering questions about bed bugs. From tips on avoiding these unwelcome companions during your travels to guidance on handling a bed bug

Dec 1, 2023 • 45:47

Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing

Thanksgiving is over, which means many of us will be going out to pick out our Christmas trees. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a trip back to 2020 when we talked with Robert Richardson with the Illinois Christmas Tree Association. Learn about the process of growing Christmas trees from when they go in the ground until you pick one out.  Want to see or listen to the entire show? Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on our website.YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z7D5ckMCEX

Nov 24, 2023 • 13:02

Gardenbite Turkey Talk: Tips for growing your own turkey | #GoodGrowing

This week the Good Growing podcast rewinds to when we chatted with local foods educator James Thueri all about turkeys. James talks about how the commercial producers get the turkey from egg to plate. Plus, James gives tips if for those interested in raising their own heritage breeds in their own backyard.Listen to the entire podcast https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-46-talking-turkey-and-backyard-livestock-james-theuriSkip to what you want to know: Skip to what yo

Nov 17, 2023 • 27:40

Ep. 156 Fall garden Q&A and garden updates | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re answering some of your fall gardening questions. Learn about overwintering mum and dahlias, white pines dropping needles, keeping feral cats out of gardens, and more! We also give an update on what’s going on with the leaves in our yards and how our gardens fared this year.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXgo-nq9KNo  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what’s up with the weather?  01:15 – Leaf report from our yar

Nov 10, 2023 • 35:47

Ep. 155 Stewarding our community tree canopies | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris and Ken chat with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel and horticulture program coordinator Jenny Lee promoting an upcoming series for tree care professionals called the Community Tree Care Series. During the online webinar participants will go from basics to more complex topics in tree care. It is a great opportunity for Illinois arborists needing CEUs or training staff who maintain trees. Register for the online Community Tree Care Series at ht

Nov 3, 2023 • 35:38

Ep. 154 Spooky plant diseases: Diseases that have changed the course of history | #GoodGrowing

We’re all dressed up for this week’s Good Growing podcast because it’s our Halloween Spooktacular! This year, we are joined by Dr. Chelsea Harbach to talk about some spooky plant diseases that have had some significant historical impacts. Learn about ergot, late blight, and coffee rust and how they’ve changed the course of history. Watch us, and see our costumes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oEzbf1LuLLg  Skip to what you want to know:    00:15 – Welcome, Ken and Chelsea, and what are we

Oct 27, 2023 • 45:05

Ep. 153 Talking Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Chris and Ken talk with Dr. Kacie Athey about the newest invasive insect found in Illinois, the spotted lanternfly. Even though it’s only currently in Cook County, this particular bug is likely to spread across the state and Midwest. Will spotted lanternfly devour everything in its path? Or will we barely notice its arrival? Find out this and more on this week’s podcast.Find out what you want to know:0:49 – Hey Ken. And Chris has trouble remembering what we’

Oct 20, 2023 • 34:54

Ep. 152 Creating a water-conscious landscape | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we welcome Emily Swihart back to talk about water-conscious landscaping! Learn why planning our landscapes with water in mind is important and how we can incorporate water-conscious landscaping into our landscapes.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hfIY5e0axak  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily, and are our landscapes ready for frost?  06:30 – What is water-conscious landscaping? Is it just a fancy way of saying xeriscaping

Oct 13, 2023 • 44:26

Ep. 151 How to grow and pick the perfect pumpkin | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken talk with commercial ag educator Nathan Johanning all about pumpkins! Nathan has been researching pumpkins with University of Illinois Extension for years and is himself a pumpkin grower. This week we dive into what is a growing season like for a pumpkin farmer, what are some of their biggest pests, how to pick the perfect pumpkin, and much more!Skip to what you want to know:0:34 – Hey Ken! Have we gotten our pumpkins yet?4:46 – Welco

Oct 6, 2023 • 45:52

Ep. 150 What's up with 2023 weather & what to expect for the winter | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken chat with state climatologist, Dr. Trent Ford. During the episode, we chat about what’s up with the weather for 2023. Soils are dry across Illinois. Is there any relief in sight? Will El Nino play a role in our weather this winter? Will it be a cold and snowy winter? Trent will share the Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for the fall and winter.Citizen Science Climate Data Collection OpportunitiesCheck out CocoRahs https://www.cocorahs.org/

Sep 29, 2023 • 39:34

Ep. 149 All About Mulch: Lay it on thick and keep it chunky | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we welcome Emily Swihart back to talk about mulch! Learn about what mulch is, what it’s good for, what mulches we should avoid using, and why our mulch should be thick and chunky. We also dispel some common misconceptions about mulch. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjo  Skip to what you want to know:    00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily, and Chris’ existential crisis  02:45 – What is mulch, and what is it good for?  04:50 – What are our f

Sep 22, 2023 • 42:05

Gardenbite: Moving houseplants indoors and overwinter care | #GoodGrowing

Now that night temperatures are starting to cool,  it’s time to start thinking about bringing houseplants back indoors for the winter. On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken Johnson discusses some steps we can take to successfully transition our houseplants indoors, as well as some tips on their care over the winter. Want to read more about moving houseplants indoors and houseplant pests? Check out these blog articles:Tips for moving houseplants indoors and overwinter care: https://ex

Sep 15, 2023 • 8:42

Gardenbite: Three tips for a healthier lawn | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris shares a Gardenbite of when retired horticulture educator Richard Hentschel visited the show in 2021 to talk about fall lawn care. During the show, Richard spoke about three things we could all do to reduce our lawn inputs. Want to see or listen to the entire show? Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on our website.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCWX2HzFpY8&t=151s Good Growing Podcast: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/

Sep 8, 2023 • 9:26

Gardenbite- Soil testing: Give your soil a check-up this fall | #GoodGrowing

Fall is almost here! On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken talks about something we should add to our to-do list for this fall: conducting a soil test. Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of

Sep 1, 2023 • 7:26

Ep. 148 Answering more of your summer garden questions | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we are answering more of your questions. We discuss the new invasive hornet that has been found in Georgia, coca mulch and worms in ponds, tree roots affecting building foundations, apple fruit rots, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fFmCDDUwXQ4 Skip to what you want to know:    00:05 – Welcome  01:20 – New invasive wasp found in Georgia, the yellow-legged hornet  07:47 – Be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly  11:10 – White “worms” i

Aug 24, 2023 • 35:26

Ep. 147 More than just mums: Fall blooming plants for the garden | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss fall-blooming plants. While we typically reach for mums, there are a lot of other plants we can use in our landscapes for an end-of-season flower show!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NYmaaXnh7JY  Skip to what you want to know:    00:33 – Welcome, Ken and have we followed our advice and started our fall vegetable gardens?    02:20 – Benefits of fall blooming plants for pollinators  05:05 – Goldenrods      06:25 – Solidago rugosa ‘Fi

Aug 11, 2023 • 33:34

Ep. 146 Time to start fall garden crops | #GoodGrowing

It may be hot out there, but fall gardening has already started in Illinois. This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken and Chris share how the summer veggies faired and then describe their plans for fall crops. Learn about what you can get started in August for harvest in October and even into the winter. Plus tips on gardening as the weather turns cold.Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/4l3AcXRNP8c 0:39 Hey Ken!1:10 – How has the summer garden faired this year? What we grew, what wo

Aug 4, 2023 • 36:59

Ep. 145 Preparing newly planted trees for success and periodical cicadas | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss newly planted trees. How to pick them, take care of them, and get them ready for something we haven’t seen since 1803!  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kFzOs7a3TCo  Skip to what you want to know:    00:40 – Welcome, Ken, what are we seeing for the first time since 1803?   01:35 – It’s still dry out there, and it’s getting hot…It’s been a rough year for trees.  05:32 – When should we be planting trees?  07:00 – Things to consider when

Jul 28, 2023 • 40:32

Ep. 144 Derechos & Tree Damage | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we relive the recent derecho with horticulture educator Emily Swihart. Emily and Chris swap stories about their experiences with past and present derechos. But what does all this wind do to our trees? We talk about cleaning up our trees after severe windstorms and how to prepare our trees for future wind events. Watch us on YouTube0:36 Hey Ken!2:05 Welcome Emily!3:20 Recounting the Iowa derecho8:01 What happened during the most recent July 2023 Illi

Jul 21, 2023 • 50:13

Ep. 143 Answering your summer garden questions | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we’re answering some of your questions that have come into our offices this summer. We discuss poison hemlock, aphids, Japanese beetles, green June beetles, galls on oaks, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AGe43Ff0eL0 Skip to what you want to know: 00:25 – Welcome, Ken, vacation and pet spider 05:45 – Should I avoid eating vegetables growing near poison hemlock? 10:35 – There are red insects all over my tomatoes and sunflowers. What ar

Jul 14, 2023 • 43:40

Gardenbite - Dealing with Storm Damaged Trees | #GoodGrowing

After a few rounds of severe weather in Illinois, Chris chats about what to do with a storm-damaged tree and how to make your trees more resilient to future storms. Find a Certified Arborist https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist Find your local Illinois Extension office https://extension.illinois.edu/global/where-we-serve Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the we

Jun 30, 2023 • 13:01

Gardenbite - Selecting a lawn care service | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris tackles a question about how to hire a lawn care service when facing a list of services to choose from. How does a homeowner decide what is best for their lawn? Does the lawn care service match with university recommendations? Find out on this week’s podcast! LawnTalk website https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lawntalk/index.cfm Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: go

Jun 22, 2023 • 18:52

Gardenbite - Fireflies and tips on conserving them |#GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken Johnson discusses fireflies. Learn about fireflies in Illinois, the threats to their populations, and how you can help conserve them in your own landscape. Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a

Jun 16, 2023 • 9:21

Gardenbite - How to hand water your landscape plants |#GoodGrowing

This week for the Good Growing podcast we have a gardenbite episode that dives into the basics of how to water your landscape and garden plants. While some may have built-in irrigation systems, many gardeners must reach for the hose to hand-water when times get dry, and right now times are VERY dry in central Illinois. Chris shows how to water and gives some great tips to know if you are irrigating enough or should be applying more water! Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/kUwhrFc0kkM St

Jun 9, 2023 • 7:54

Ep. 142 Dealing with dry weather and drought monitoring | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss the dry, hot weather we’ve been having recently. We discuss Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford’s recent blog post on the Increased Risk of Drought Conditions in Illinois, providing water to our plants, how you can help monitor drought conditions in your area, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RI4_daRf1O0 Skip to what you want to know: 00:25 – Welcome, Ken, how much have we been watering lately? 02:00 – What has

Jun 2, 2023 • 27:38

Ep. 141 Yard & Garden Considerations When Buying a Home | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we sit down with Illinois Extension communications specialist and first-time homeowner Emily Steele and walk through some of the basic To-Dos for a new yard/first-time yard owner. We dive into various topics from what to look for at house showings in the landscape to how to avoid termites and much more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/9Q-WiIYGjeM Skip to what you want to know: 0:35 Hey Ken! Summer beards and podcast camera angles 2:48 W

May 26, 2023 • 1:02:42

Ep. 140 Introducing the Illinois Pollinators website | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk with horticulture educator Ryan Pankau about the new University of Illinois Extension pollinator website, Illinois Pollinators. Learn about how this website came together, the information it covers, including different pollinators we find in Illinois, the importance of pollinators, plants pollinators use, pollinator habitat design, community science and education, pollinator research, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/894qscZJthk Skip

May 19, 2023 • 49:20

Ep. 139 Answering Soil Testing Questions | #GoodGrowing

This week Ken and Chris have compiled several homeowner questions all about soil testing. We share lots of resources to help the gardener and landscaper determine the status of their soils and eliminate the guessing game of soil management. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EztIDdWY6Qw Illinois Extension's one-stop website for soils including a list of soil testing labs: https://extension.illinois.edu/soil Check out these videos: How to Take a Soil Sample https://www.youtube.c

May 15, 2023 • 33:38

Gardenbite: Caring for spring blooming bulbs after flowering | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken Johnson talks about what we can do for our spring blooming bulbs to ensure a colorful display again next year. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. SoundCloud @user-555304

May 5, 2023 • 5:31

Ep. 138 Growing shiitake mushrooms | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we talk with Illinois Extension local foods educator Nick Frillman about growing gourmet shiitake mushrooms in your own backyard. Nick shows us the tools and methods used to turn fresh cut logs of white oak and sugar maple into inoculated “bolts” that will yield delicious shiitake mushrooms. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/MuP9exnHmaQ Skip to what you want to know 0:43 Hey Ken! New haircuts; frosty nights; Who likes mushrooms? 3:06 Welcome Nic

Apr 28, 2023 • 54:27

Ep. 137 Garden tools and gadgets | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we have a discussion about garden tools and gadgets. Learn about what we should be doing to get our tools ready for use this spring, some of our favorite garden tools, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8w Skip to what you want to know: 00:25 – Welcome, Ken, and what have we been up to in the garden? 02:15 – Don’t put your tomatoes out yet! 03:10 – Gardening needs patience 04:10 – What should we do to get our tools ready for

Apr 21, 2023 • 38:13

Ep. 136 Garden Q&A: All about soil and compost | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we dive into the world of soil and compost. Ken and Chris answer your questions asked by actual home gardeners. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/KR9CLt2izW4 Skip to what you want to know: Hey Ken! Spring, weather, and our new intro music Amending Soil Questions -3:09 Can you recommend a user-friendly home soil test for me to buy that will guide me through the amendment process? -6:33 How to amend heavy clay soil? -8:29 What kind of

Apr 14, 2023 • 34:39

Gardenbite: Companion Planting w/ Nick Frillman |#GoodGrowing

Do certain plants grow better together? While the research may be out for many claims of companion planting, some tried and true methods of vegetable garden plant combinations have worked for generations. Listen as local foods educator Nick Frillman gives some background on companion planting. Contact us! Nick Frillman: frillma2@illinois.edu Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: htps://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe

Apr 7, 2023 • 5:09

Ep. 135 Spring Garden Q & A | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, Chris and Ken sit down to go through some more spring gardening questions about seed starting, planting outdoors, planting in pots, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iWCVq7QALCE Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome Ken, and be on the lookout for Callery pear and honeysuckle 02:05 – Why is Chris sad? 04:09 – How many seeds per cell do you recommend for vegetable plants to get seed starts? 08:25 – Thinning seedling

Mar 31, 2023 • 31:22

Ep. 134 Growing Cut Flowers w/ Chris Lueking | #GoodGrowing

Never be without a vase full of flowers after listening to this episode of the Good Growing podcast. This week Ken and Chris chat with Chris Lueking, Illinois Extension horticulture educator, and owner of her own successful cut flower farm. Chris describes how she got started, things to consider when growing cut flowers, her top five go-to cut flowers, and more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/lYpBehI4Tqg 0:26 - Hey Ken 3:20 - Introducing Chris Lueking! 4:20 - How did Chris get s

Mar 24, 2023 • 44:03

Ep. 133 Early Spring Gardening Questions | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast Chris and Ken sit down to go through our piles of early spring gardening questions about frost dates, seed starting, and more. Plus, we warn our listeners and viewers to be careful when getting out into the garden too soon! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/kDjPF-UYDKQ Skip to what you want to know: 00:36 – Hey Ken, what’s going on in our gardens? 1:56 - We may not be done with winter just yet. Remembering spring snow in April 2022 3:39 - What the differen

Mar 17, 2023 • 16:44

Gardenbite: Growing Asparagus | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken Johnson talks about growing asparagus, including what type you should grow, how to plant, weed control, and fertilizing and harvesting. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. -- You can find us on most podcast platforms

Mar 10, 2023 • 7:43

Gardenbite: Our local food system through the eyes of bread | #GoodGrowing

This week Nick Frillman takes us on a journey of our local foods system through his very own kitchen and a single loaf of bread. Listen in to learn how you can support a local food system with your food dollars.

Mar 3, 2023 • 4:50

Ep. 132 Sunflowers for 2023 | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we welcome back horticulture educator Emily Swihart to finally talk about sunflowers! We discuss the history of sunflowers, some of their benefits to the environment and bees, what sunflowers we’ll be growing this year, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YLlwBnHp4qA Skip to what you want to know: 00:40 – Welcome Ken, and why isn’t Chris in Macomb? 01:45 – Welcome Emily 02:45 – An overview of sunflowers 04:00 – Sunflowers as food and

Feb 24, 2023 • 54:37

Ep. 131 New Flowers for 2023 | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we welcome horticulture educator Emily Swihart to share the new and strange seed we have ordered for our flower gardens for the 2023 growing season. We tease talking about sunflowers for the yard, but we don't get to them this week. So, look for that episode next week (we promise!). Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q_HGNwhTvqE Skip to what you want to know: 00:35 – Welcome Ken, and has Chris bought his seeds? 01:08 – What seeds has Ken started?

Feb 17, 2023 • 50:22

Ep. 130 New Veggies for 2023 | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we welcome horticulture educator Emily Swihart to share the new and strange seed we have ordered for our vegetable gardens for the 2023 growing season. Plus, Chris has a monumental task of narrowing down his list of shade trees to only one for his front yard. We tease talking about sunflowers and ornamentals for the yard, but we don't get to them this week. So look for that episode next week. Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/hww7vEXP3_0 Skip to what you

Feb 10, 2023 • 42:34

Ep. 129 Part 2 of growing ginger, turmeric, and galangal | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast, we finish our conversation on growing ginger, turmeric, and galangal. Last week we got through pre-sprouting indoors, this episode we dive into getting your sprouted rhizomes planted, growing, and then harvested. We take you through a growing season with these tropical spices in Illinois. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/mGrZgSxOXJk Skip to what you want to know: 0:44 Hey Ken! 1:26 Hey Nick! 1:48 Recapping last week 2:40 Planting sprouted rhizomes – Wh

Feb 3, 2023 • 46:00

Ep. 128 Growing ginger, turmeric, and galangal in Illinois, Part 1 | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we have the long-awaited, often teased episode on growing ginger, turmeric, and galangal in Illinois! We discuss what they are, why you may want to grow them, where to grow them, presprouting, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1V121FzkJus Skip to what you want to know: 00:40 – Welcome Ken and Nick 02:05 – Why would I want to grow ginger, turmeric, and/or galangal? 05:50 – What are the monetary and other incentives for growing

Jan 27, 2023 • 48:13

Ep. 127 A year in review of our 2022 vegetable gardens | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we look back at 2022 to review what went well in our vegetable gardens, and also some lessons learned from the struggles of growing food in Illinois. From annoying critters to the beauty provided by some of our edible crops we cover it all. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/cmDVlZ00ecU Skip to what you want to know: 0:37 Hey Ken! 1:21 Our year in review of the 2022 garden 2:02 Types of poblanos Chris tried in 2022 2:43 Raccoons had different idea

Jan 20, 2023 • 38:06

Gardenbite - Amaryllis care and getting it to rebloom | #goodgrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast Chris Enroth talks about amaryllis care and how to get it to rebloom for next year's holiday season. Check out the original text by Ken Johnson https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-12-03-how-take-care-amaryllis-and-get-them-rebloom Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during

Jan 13, 2023 • 10:40

Gardenbite: Some things to consider while going through garden catalogs | #GoodGrowing

Garden and seed catalogs have been arriving for a while now. When flipping through catalogs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices. Unfortunately, you probably don’t have room (or time) to grow everything you see, no matter how amazing it seems. So how should you go about choosing what to grow this year?

Jan 6, 2023 • 8:33

Ep. 126 Last-minute gifts for gardeners | #GoodGrowing

Did you put off gift-buying this year? You’re in luck! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re talking about last-minute gifts for gardeners. Get some ideas for gifts for the gardener in your life. We also take a look back on 2022’s podcasts and look forward to what the new year is bringing. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wO41vGCKKnw Skip to what you want to know: 00:40 – What’s the plan for winter break? 03:05 – A look back at 2022 08:10 – Last-minute gift ideas f

Dec 22, 2022 • 26:19

Gardenbite: Exploring reduced tillage in vegetable production | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast local foods educator Nick Frillman examines the impacts of tilling the soil and alternatives to lessen the damage tilling can have. Check out The Vegetable Beet podcast on reducing tillage when growing vegetables https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reducing-tillage-in-vegetable-production-an/id1511218540?i=1000583310715 Low and No-Till Gardening UNH document https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/10/low-no-till-gardening Contact us! Chris Enroth:

Dec 15, 2022 • 6:36

Gardenbite - Squirrels: Illinois species and their shenanigans

This week we take a clip from a webinar about wildlife damage in the landscape. In this clip Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks about the different species of squirrel that can be found in Illinois, identifying their damage and what to do to manage squirrels from damaging your home and garden. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/DjAM9YFgRqk Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illi

Dec 7, 2022 • 13:10

Ep 125 - Christmas trees: real, fake, potted, and alternatives

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re talking Christmas trees. We discuss some of the different types of trees you can find, which are more sustainable cut or fake trees, potted Christmas trees, as well as some alternatives to the typical evergreen tree. Watch us on YouTube: youtu.be/1Ask9-9KcPo Skip to what you want to know: 00:31 – How was your Thanksgiving? 01:45 – Christmas trees, what type do we have? 04:23 – What’s the best type of cut Christmas tree? 07:20 – Goo

Dec 2, 2022 • 29:52

Ep. 124 The Local Thanksgiving Challenge | #goodgrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we welcome a new podcast contributor, Nick Frillman! Nick is a local food system and small farms educator with University of Illinois Extension based in the Bloomington/Normal area. This week Nick, Ken, and Chris talk about the local Thanksgiving Challenge, which is sourcing items for the Thanksgiving meal from a local grower or market. Nick gives us some tips on what may be available locally and lets us know that local food at Thanksgiving doesn't ha

Nov 23, 2022 • 31:59

Gardenbite: Growing and harvesting cranberries | #GoodGrowing

The holidays are coming up, which means cranberries will be on many of our menus. Learn more about growing and harvesting these popular native fruits.

Nov 18, 2022 • 5:45

Ep. 123 Growing and Eating Black Walnuts | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we talk all about black walnut. This episode is full of information on black walnut from growing it to eating it. We start with learning to identify black walnut and where we would typically find it in the wild. Watch out for the tree of heaven as this non-native can be misidentified as black walnut. Then we welcome our special guest, Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator Jenna Smith. Jenna describes how we can harvest, store, and use b

Nov 11, 2022 • 39:08

Ep. 122 - Identifying and managing garlic mustard | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk with Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist Chris Evans and Media Communications Coordinator Emily Steele about garlic mustard. This invasive plant can be found in forested areas throughout the state of Illinois. Learn about why we should care about garlic mustard, how to identify and manage it as well as some research updates! See our smiling faces and garlic mustard pictures on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8LS9gLiT5uM 00:30 – Ginger, turmeric, and gal

Nov 4, 2022 • 46:39

Ep. 121 Spooktacular: Dangerous and Deadly Plants | #GoodGrowing

What do an ant and a rubber tree have to say about toxic plants? Apparently, more than one would think! This week Ken and Chris dress up in celebration of Halloween and talk about plants that could make you sick or *gulp* kill you! Did somebody eat something they shouldn't? Contact the Poison Control Hotline at (800) 222-1222 Those experiencing symptoms after eating a toxic substance should contact their physician, go to the emergency room, or call 911. See us all dressed up in our "

Oct 28, 2022 • 32:21

Gardenbite: Three favorite native plants for Illinois | #GoodGrowing

This week for the Good Growing podcast we throw it back to 2021 when Visiting Outreach Associate Layne Knoche gives his three favorite native plants to include in a home landscape setting. Of course, Layne has many more natives he would like to include, but we were mean and only let him give his top three! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SVMogGrQ1Hc Skip to what you want to know: 1:24 Slender mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium) 5:14 Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) 9:0

Oct 21, 2022 • 14:16

Ep. 120 - Some invasive plants in Illinois and their management | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we continue our discussion on problematic plants in the landscape by getting into some invasive plants we have in Illinois. We discuss invasive bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, teasel, and purple loosestrife. These plants are having negative impacts in many different environments across Illinois. Learn more about these invasive species, how we can control them as well as some alternative plants we can plant instead! See our smiling faces and pictures

Oct 14, 2022 • 48:40

KILL Your Callery Pear & Burning Bush and plant these instead | #GoodGrowing

Are they invasive? Not legally in the state of Illinois. (Yet!) But we are seeing Callery pear and burning bush escape from our yards into natural areas across the state. Today Ken and Chris talk about these two plants, give some background, and then what we can plant instead of these baddies! Watch us and see some pictures of the plants we mention on YouTube https://youtu.be/NcI0Q11AD0o Check out this article from Arnold Arboretum on the history and spread of Callery pear tree https

Oct 7, 2022 • 49:37

Ep. 118 - Good plant, bad plant part 1 | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about some problematic plants in the landscape, wintercreeper and Japanese barberry, They have been widely planted, but in many places, they have escaped cultivation and are now causing problems in natural areas. Learn more about these troublesome plants and some alternative plants we can plant instead! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-06EunFV3Gk 00:27 – Ready for colder weather and moving plants indoors 01:32 – Keeping cats out of potted plant

Sep 29, 2022 • 42:45

Ep. 117 - Growing Fall Strawberries with Grant McCarty | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with Illinois Extension small farms and local foods educator Grant McCarty. First, we dive into the odd crops we grew this year and then Grant talks about his latest research project on growing strawberries...for the FALL! In October, no greenhouse is needed to get a freshly picked strawberry in Illinois when you use day-neutral types. You may have a new crop to add to the garden after this. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/agZ

Sep 23, 2022 • 55:27

Gardenbite: Growing mums | #GoodGrowing

As we approach fall, chrysanthemums, aka mums, start appearing in nurseries and garden centers. They are a staple in many landscapes and can provide some much-needed color to our landscapes when many other garden plants are starting to decline. However, many people struggle to get mums to survive through the winter. So, what can be done to help mums survive in our landscapes?

Sep 16, 2022 • 6:31

Gardenbite: Landscape Fabric - Good or bad? | #GoodGrowing

This week on Good Growing we take an excerpt from our webinar on gardening myths to see if these are the best practices or not! In this video horticulture educator, Chris Enroth gives the scoop on the long-term effects on your garden when using landscape fabric. Watch the entire webinar on landscaping myths https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL2-Xs_Ji1c Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.ed

Sep 9, 2022 • 5:12

Ep. 116 - Tree planting and care with Emily Swihart | #goodgrowing

Trees are one of the biggest investments we have in our landscapes. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart about tree planting and care. We discuss how to plant and care for trees, some good trees for fall color, getting trees ready for winter, and more! See our smiling faces and some pictures over on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b4RWZi_7OsA 00:20 – Welcome Ken and artichoke flowers 01:50 – Why is Chris so i

Sep 2, 2022 • 46:19

Ep. 115 - Monarch Butterfly Status Update with Brodie Dunn

This week on the Good Growing podcast we chat with Brodie Dunn about the recent listing of the monarch butterfly as an endangered species by the IUCN. What does that mean for us in Illinois where monarchs spend their summers? We dive into the most recent scientific publications to determine how the monarch population is doing according to Community Science data. Plus, practices to help monarch butterflies. Is it all helpful? Or could some of it be detrimental? All this, plus information

Aug 26, 2022 • 44:48

Ep. 114 - Late blooming plants | #goodgrowing

We’re heading towards fall, which means it’s time for our third wave of blooming plants. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about some of our favorite late summer and fall looming plants. We also discuss some of our favorite grasses, which can also provide some color to our landscapes in the fall and more! See our smiling faces and plant pictures over on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PufaMV7DFJk 2:08 – Black-eyed Susan 3:38 – Disease-resistant black-eyed Susan cultivar 4:35 – Purple conef

Aug 19, 2022 • 45:43

Gardenbite: Planting a Fall Vegetable Garden

It may be hard to believe, but as we enjoy fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and other vegetables from our garden this summer, it's also time to start planting our fall vegetable gardens. Many vegetables that we grow in the spring can also be planted in late summer or early fall. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no

Aug 11, 2022 • 5:00

Ep. 113 - Growing horseradish with Elizabeth Wahle | #goodgrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about horseradish with commercial agriculture educator Elizabeth Wahle. We discuss where it’s grown commercially, how to grow it at home, our favorite ways to use horseradish, and more! Watch our smiling faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PXKp-MLkHAk 00:28 – Where has Ken been? 03:10 – Welcome Elizabeth 4:45 – What is horseradish? An herb, spice, vegetable? 5:36 – Where is horseradish grown commercially 6:40 – Why is Illinois the largest p

Aug 5, 2022 • 37:25

Gardenbite: Dealing with Hornworms on Tomatoes

Ack! What happened to the tomato plant!? Have you ever walked out to the garden to find out a hungry hungry caterpillar has stripped the leaves off your tomato plant? These are known as tomato hornworms. And in this week's Gardenbite, Ken Johnson describes the hornworm, a super neat way to find them, and how to control them. These are also pollinators, so if you prefer to give them a home Ken also has got you covered! Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscri

Jul 22, 2022 • 4:59

Ep 112 Summer Insect Pests in the Garden | #GoodGrowing

Summertime is insect time! As our days warm up so do our insect populations. While most are beneficial, we have a small number of pest insects that plague us every year in the garden and landscape! This week Ken and Chris chat about the most common ones we face every summer. Or watch our smiling faces on YouTube! https://youtu.be/zOH1s9IW2mw Skip to what you want to know: 0:21 - Hi Ken! Wait where’s Katie? 2:06 - Japanese beetles…again 7:04 - Protecting shade trees from Japanese be

Jul 15, 2022 • 21:19

Gardenbite - Harvesting Vegetables

We're heading into the heart of harvest season! Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks about how and when to harvest vegetables, so they are at their peak. Read the blog post: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-07-15-harvesting-garden-vegetables Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a p

Jul 7, 2022 • 9:34

Good Growing Gardenbite- Scouting in the Garden

As we enter the thick of the summer growing season, you may be noticing some pests and diseases problems. Listen in as we revisit Ken Johnson's article on Scouting in the Garden https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-06-24-scouting-garden to effectively identify any pests or diseases you might be experiencing.

Jun 28, 2022 • 3:05

Ep. 111 Tips for Pollinators & favorite plants | #goodgrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we are celebrating National Pollinator Week! We give helpful tips for helping out pollinators plus our favorite pollinator plants. Plus, tons of resources if you’re looking to include pollinator habitat in your landscape. Watch us YouTube https://youtu.be/YhxRfaGN2PU 0:26 - Hi Katie! 0:36 - Those Darn Racoons 2:25 - Hi Ken! 4:11 - What are pollinators? 8:10 - Tips for helping pollinators 8:51 - Reduce pesticide use and minimize pollinator exposure

Jun 24, 2022 • 37:20

Ep. 110 - Gardening in the heat | #GoodGrowing

It's getting hot! On this week's Good Growing podcast, we discuss gardening when the weather gets hot and tips to get you and your garden through the hot weather. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjUi2MSfgF8 Skip to what you want to know: 02:30 - Strawberry moon 03:20 - How are your strawberries doing? 06:10 - Staying safe while gardening in the heat 09:45 - Watering when it's hot 12:40 - Cool-season plants and the heat 14:00 - How will hot weather affect tomatoes? 15:25 - H

Jun 16, 2022 • 22:29

Gardenbite: Be on the watch for Spotted Lanternfly

On this week's gardenbite, Katie shares a blog post written by Ken Johnson about the Spotted lanternfly. The Spotted lanternfly is an invasive species with the potential to become a serious pest in the United States. Listen in to learn how it could become an issue and how to identify this pest.

Jun 10, 2022 • 5:32

Ep. 109 Growing Tomatoes & Peppers with Nick Frillman | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we chat with small farms and local foods educator Nick Frillman about getting our tomatoes and pepper off on the right foot (root?) this growing season. We chat about best practices for getting these very popular garden veggies growing. Plus dealing with the common hurdles of blossom end rot and cracking of the tomato skin. As a bonus, Nick asks us about our favorite tomato and pepper varieties at the end of the show. Time to take some notes for next year! Ski

Jun 2, 2022 • 1:06:01

Ep. 108 - Answering your weed management questions | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss some of your questions on managing weeds! Learn about managing quackgrass, bamboo, violets, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sFdJu4MCa4s Skip to what you want to know: 01:45 - Managing quackgrass in lawns 04:45 - How can I manage bamboo? 07:45 - How can I manage violets in my lawn? 09:30 - Herbicide damage complaint process 11:15 - Wrap-up, thank you's, and goodbye! Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide

May 27, 2022 • 13:40

Gardenbite- Identifying Jumping Worms

This week's Good Growing looks back on a past blog post by University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth about jumping worms. Jumping worms is an invasive species that we are currently hearing about in the news. Listen in to learn how to identify jumping worms and what to do if you find some.

May 19, 2022 • 3:24

Gardenbite: Good snakes for the garden & how to attract them

This week Good Growing looks back to our interview with Dr. John Vanek all about snakes. In this clip, John talks about ways to make our yards more snake friendly and what are some good ones to have in the garden. See our smiling faces at https://youtu.be/v6hl9FZSXdw Want to learn more about snakes and maybe how to discourage them from being in your yard or deal with a snake in the house? Check out our full interview with Dr. Vanek at https://soundcloud.com/user-555304573/ep-67-talkin

May 12, 2022 • 5:33

Gardenbite - Avoiding insect bites

This week Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks about some things we can do to avoid being bitten by buffalo gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

May 6, 2022 • 8:43

Ep. 107 Talking All About Illinois Extension with Judy Bingman | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s podcast, we chat with University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications manager Judy Bingman. Judy shares with us all things Illinois Extension including the history, goals, and future. She also shares some personal information about what motives her. Listen in to hear more. 3:09 Welcome Judy! 13:05 How did Extension get started? 14:46 Has the goal of Illinois Extension changed from when it was first conceived to today? 18:00 How did the pandemic change the

Apr 29, 2022 • 53:56

Ep. 106 Talking Spring Lawn Care and Organic Practices with Richard Hentschel | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we chat one last time with retiring horticulture educator Richard Hentschel. Richard dives into tips for spring lawn care and we get into environmentally friendly practices for our lawns and ask if they really work. Plus, Richard gives his parting tips to Katie, Ken, and Chris for their career with Illinois Extension. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6s6_WKlZTEo Jump to what you want to know: 03:50 Hello Richard! 04:38 How much of the US is covere

Apr 22, 2022 • 39:46

Ep. 105 Climate change and insects with Kacie Athey | Good Growing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we chat with Assistant Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist Kacie Athey about climate change and insects. We discuss what impacts our changing climate may have on insects, like will we see range expansions, more generations, more plant damage, phenology, and more! See our smiling faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DzEnKQG_F6w Skip to what you want to know: 03:53 – What is phenology? 04:35 – Welcome Kacie 05:15 – Climate change research on

Apr 14, 2022 • 42:10

Ep. 104 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Insects with Dr. Kacie Athey

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk to Dr. Kacie Athey about biocontrols. Dr. Kacie Athey is an assistant professor and faculty extension specialist at University of Illinois and contributes much of her research into non-chemical insect control in specialty crop systems. Join us as we discuss biocontrols, where to use them, and how they work. 5:20 Welcome back Kacie! 6:28 Where are you studying biocontrols? 8:02 What are biocontrols? 15: 29 What type of results did you g

Apr 7, 2022 • 45:03

Ep. 103 Talking Bats in Illinois with Dr. Joy O'Keefe | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we sit down to talk with Dr. Joy O'Keefe all about bats! Dr. O'Keefe is an assistant professor at University of Illinois and a wildlife specialist with Extension who studies bats and how humans can work to co-exist with our flying fellow mammals. In this show we learn about the importance of bats, how to attract them to our yards, and how to deal with a bat in the house. All this and much more! See our smiling faces on YouTube https://youtu.be/9fLLNt

Apr 1, 2022 • 53:49

Gardenbite - Spring garden cleanup and beneficial insects

This week Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks about how we should approach spring garden cleanup with beneficial insects in mind. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Mar 25, 2022 • 5:58

Ep. 102 The Historical Significance of Plant Diseases with Chelsea Harbach #GoodGrowing

In this week’s podcast, University of Illinois commercial ag educator Chelsea Harbach joins the Good Growing team to discuss the historical significance of plant diseases such as the Irish Potato Famine (the Great Hunger). Listen in to hear what happened and what caused it to happen! 3: 36 Plants get sick? What do they get sick with? 8:42 Are viruses living or not living? 10:44 The History of Robigalia, when Romans made sacrifices to the god Robigus to prevent rust in wheat. 23:40 As we cele

Mar 17, 2022 • 55:27

Gardenbite - Rubber Mulch in the Landscape

This week Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth dives into the world of shredded rubber mulch. He'll talk pros and cons of this automotive byproduct. Want to learn more about mulch? Who doesn't! Chris dives into the multitude of mulches in this blog. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-01-20-common-mulches-used-vegetable-garden Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsu

Mar 10, 2022 • 8:58

Ep. 101 Climate change and plants with Trent Ford

In this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk with Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford about some of the impacts we are seeing now and how climate change will affect our landscapes and agriculture in the future. We also discuss how to engage with climate change skeptics and what people can do to try and mitigate climate change. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G65eStr_RLA Skip to what you want to know: 03:35 – What’s the difference between weather and climate? 7:40 – Are we

Mar 4, 2022 • 53:53

Ep. 100 Fruit Tree Maintenance with Andrew Holsinger

The Good Growing Podcast crew celebrates their 100th episode by talking tree fruit maintenance with University of Illinois horticulture educator Andrew Holsinger. Listen in as they discuss pruning, disease management, mulching, and more. Be sure to stay until the end as Chris has a surprise segment. 4:05 Updates on Tree fruit school. 9:18 Best time to start pruning fruit trees 10:30 Best time to manage Peach leaf curl, cedar apple rust, and applescab 16:00 Best practices to keep your

Feb 24, 2022 • 38:14

Ep. 99 Talking nature's impacts on human health with Cara Allen #GoodGrowing

This week we are posting the first Good Growing (then called Green Speak) episode that we thought was lost to time. In 2017 with an idea for a podcast, Chris Enroth sat down and talked with Family Life educator Cara Allen about the effects of nature on human physical and mental health and how being outdoors as kids influenced our career choices. Plus answers to common home gardening questions. Skip to what you want to know: 5:19 Hello Cara! 7:25 Brain health and how it relates to gardening 9:1

Feb 18, 2022 • 34:46

Gardenbite- How Does Winter Help The Garden

On this week's Good Growing podcast, Katie talks about the benefits of winter to our gardens! You may be getting tired of the cold and snow from winter, but it does provide major benefits such as disease and insect control. Check out the Good Growing Blog extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing Want Good Growing updates? Subscribe at go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingSubscribe --- Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these produ

Feb 10, 2022 • 4:22

Ep. 98 Winter Hostful

On this week's Good Growing podcast, the hosts discuss our upcoming snow storm and some fun February garden activities that we can do. Join Ken and Katie to learn more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/CYXUL7n3_04 Check out Ken's article on Salt in the Landscape https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-11-28-salt-landscape Another article to check out is Forcing Branches which can be found here https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-02-06-bringing-spring-indoors

Feb 4, 2022 • 15:01

Ep. 97 Developing Team Leadership Skills with Dr. Travis Burke #GoodGrowing

Are you a farmer with employees? Do you manage crews for a landscaping company? What type of leadership skills does someone who grows plants for a living need? On this week's Good Growing podcast we chat with University of Illinois Extension's assistant dean Dr. Travis Burke about growing up on the farm in North Carolina and his five tips for being a good leader. Skip to what you want to know: 2:00 - Hello Travis! 3:30 - Growing up in North Carolina 7:07 - What led Travis to a career i

Jan 28, 2022 • 49:36

Ep. 96 Answering your winter gardening questions

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss questions we’ve gotten from webinars, blogs and articles we’ve written, and emails to the office the past year. We discuss feeding birds, pantry pests, managing mice, pruning trees, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yVbFgEHuYOo Skip to what you want to know: 4:30 - I’ve been using sunflower seed to feed my birds, but the blue jays, cardinals, and finches aren’t showing up. Why could this be? 8:35 - You mentioned burnin

Jan 20, 2022 • 31:24

Ep. 95 Talking Community Supported Ag (CSA) with Nick Frillman

In this week's podcast we talk with Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Nick Frillman about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Nick shares a lot of great information about what CSA is, how it works, and how to get involved in one. 2:51 Welcome Nick Frillman 3:11 What does CSA stand for? 4:19 What does community supported agriculture mean? 7:12 How are you so familiar with CSA already? 9:05 What are “shares” in a CSA system? 12:21 What products can you get in a CSA? 14:03 What

Jan 13, 2022 • 51:58

Ep. 94 Good Growing Holiday Hostful

On this week's Good Growing podcast, the hosts discuss some last minute Christmas gifts for a gardener, the winter solstice, and our recent winter weather. Listen in as they reminisce about the past year of podcasts. Where has Ken been? 1:34 Last minute Christmas gift ideas 2:43 Happy Winter Solstice! 7:37 Warm Winter Weather and Bats 8:23 Warm Weather and Wind Damage 13:06 Reminiscing about 2021 Podcasts 17:15 How to Take Care of Amaryllis and Get Them to Rebloom https://extension.il

Dec 22, 2021 • 23:13

Ep. 93 Talking all about nematodes with Chelsea Harbach #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we welcome Dr. Chelsea Harbach, commercial ag educator with University of Illinois Extension and nematode expert! We dive into what are nematodes and do Illinois gardeners need to worry about these microscopic worms swimming through the soil, plus the impacts that can occur on agricultural crops. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/rBKyuXzRfrQ 3:42 Introducing Chelsea! 9:49 What kind of work does Chelsea do at the Monmouth Research Farm? 12:22 What is a nem

Dec 17, 2021 • 44:52

Ep. 92 Talking Plant Diseases with Diane Plewa #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we chat with plant pathologist Diane Plewa about disease observations in 2021 and what gardeners can do when plant disease rears its ugly head in your garden. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/FQcZJ9fhhS4 2:51 Welcome Diane and learning about the University of Illinois Plant Clinic! 9:49 Were there any disease trends you noticed or did anything surprise you in 2021? 14:23 Are there any concerning plant diseases on the horizon? 26:37 How do plant

Dec 10, 2021 • 46:55

Ep. 91 Talking High Tunnel Production with Bronwyn Aly #GoodGrowing

Join the Good Growing crew as they chat with University of Illinois Extension Local Food and Small Farm Educator Bronwyn Aly as she shares with them some of the work being done at the Dixon Springs Research center. 2:49 Upcoming Good Growing Winter Webinar Series https://extension.illinois.edu/global/good-growing 4:50 Bronwyn tells us about her research at the Dixon Springs Research Center. See more of what she has been working on here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60mykiWvnhE&li

Dec 2, 2021 • 54:34

Gardenbite: A thankful gardener on this Thanksgiving #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, Chris talks about his list of things he is thankful for during this Thanksgiving week! If you've ever wondered what a gardener and Extension educator would have on their list of thanks, listen as Chris describes healthy soil, volunteers, and more! Check out the Good Growing Blog extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing Want Good Growing updates? Subscribe at go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingSubscribe --- Any products or companies mentioned during the po

Nov 23, 2021 • 5:24

Gardenbite: What's the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

In this week's Good Growing podcast Ken discusses the differences between sweet potatoes and yams, which may prove helpful come Thanksgiving. Check out the Good Growing Blog extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing Want Good Growing updates? Subscribe at https://go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingSubscribe --- Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Nov 18, 2021 • 7:45

Ep. 90 Good Growing Winter Webinar Series Promotion #goodgrowing

December 1st is the start of the Good Growing Webinar Series, and you won't want to miss it! Topics to be covered by the webinar series include Unique Plants for the Holidays, Going Nuts over Tree Nuts, Wonderful Winter Interest, and Dealing with Winter Wildlife Damage. Listen in to learn a bit more about each webinar topic and learn how to get registered! 1:52 Welcome Andrew! 2:41 Ken tells us about some of the unique plants he has received as Christmas gifts over the years. 6:30 A

Nov 10, 2021 • 14:40

Ep. 89 Fall Garden Cleanup Tips #GoodGrowing

After an unseasonably long wait for our first frost, we finally got hit the first week of November. Frost in the Midwest sets about a chain of natural events in the landscape as the world prepares for winter. What are some things to consider when putting the yard and garden to bed in the fall? The Good Growing crew discusses what is on their to-do list to get their gardens prepared for winter. Watch us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fcmbHDXzdY 1:27 - Talking the first frost - were

Nov 5, 2021 • 32:51

Ep. 88 Halloween Spooktacular #GoodGrowing

This week's Good Growing podcast is a Halloween Spooktacular episode. We're all dressed up for Halloween as we discuss soil testing, jumping worms, creepy crawlies moving indoors, how to dispose of pumpkins at the end of Halloween, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/joDWxklnbz4 00:20 - Costume reveals 06:28 - Soil testing 06:55 - Do we lack any nutrients in central Illinois soils? 10:45 - Do we test for nitrogen? 12:11 - Interpreting soil tests 13:32 - Jumpin

Oct 29, 2021 • 36:46

Ep. 87 Growing Paw Paws with Doug Gucker #goodgrowing

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker about Paw Paw trees. Doug explains to us how to get started with growing paw paws; he even shares the many ways this fruit can be enjoyed! Watch us on YouTube 3:20 Welcome Doug! 5: 27 What is the history of the Paw Paw tree? 8:43 How did you get interested in growing pawpaws? 11:40 What does a home gardener need to know to grow pawpaw and select the right tr

Oct 21, 2021 • 35:11

Ep. 86 Growing Garlic with Nick Frillman #goodgrowing

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Nick Frillman about garlic. We dive into growing this tasty spice starting right now, in the fall and then we go through the garlic growing season to harvest. We even talk about our favorite types, uses, and how can we select our harvest for replanting for next year’s crop. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/_T7QYXEcUWg Check out one of Nick’s partner organizations the Illinois You

Oct 15, 2021 • 55:25

Ep. 85 Favorite flowering plants with Elizabeth Wahle #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk with Commercial Agriculture Educator Elizabeth Wahle about some of her favorite plants. In addition to some of her favorite plants, we discuss her process of selecting plants, how she handles wildlife in her garden, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GMK4U0tKnvk Plants we discuss: Crocus, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Hellebore (Helleborus), Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium), Herbaceous

Oct 8, 2021 • 40:06

Gardenbites: Emerald ash borer and a final use for ash trees

In this week's Good Growing podcast Chris remarks on the observation of dying ash trees and one final landscape use for a dead ash tree. Check out the Good Growing Blog extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing --- Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Oct 1, 2021 • 6:34

Ep. 84 Illinois weather and climate with Trent Ford #GoodGrowing

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, we talk with Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford. We ask Trent about our weather observations from 2021 starting with the weeks of rain this spring, a humid smokey summer, to the abnormally dry autumns we've seen for the past several years including this one. Trent looks at the data to see how our observations trend with recorded weather patterns and what that means for the overall Illinois climate. Watch us on YouTube https://yo

Sep 24, 2021 • 36:00

Ep. 83 Fall garden updates with Grant McCarty #goodgrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk with Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty about how things are going in northern Illinois and some of the different crops he's been trying in his garden, like day-neutral strawberries, grapes, and fall-planted blackberries. We also discuss an orchard crawl Grant did, and Ken gives updates on his rice and glass gem corn. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPLfk0Mavp4 01:35 - Rice and glass gem corn update 03:45 - Welco

Sep 16, 2021 • 32:00

Building the Red Oak Rain Garden with Eliana Brown and Layne Knoche #goodgrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk with Eliana Brown, Water Resources Outreach Specialist, and Layne Knoche, Extension Outreach Associate, about the Red Oak Rain Garden. We go into detail on their process for redesigning the rain garden while remaining sensitive to the site two massive existing trees a red oak and a sycamore. Learn about how they graded the soils so carefully using an air knife to gently expose the tree roots. Learn about Layne’s design inspiration and how he

Sep 10, 2021 • 1:11:50

Talking designing pollinator gardens, dividing iris, lilac problems, and more! #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing Podcast Illinois Extension horticulture educators Ken Johnson and Chris Enroth talk about designing the pollinator display gardens for the upcoming Farm Progress show (August 31 - Sept 2). Including the struggle with finding late-season blooming plants in the nursery and some of our favorite late-season bloomers. Plus we talk about dividing iris, poorly developed apple fruit, squash bugs, and lilac problems. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/vNy592LYdO0

Aug 27, 2021 • 32:39

Ep. 80 Fall lawn care tasks and tips with Richard Hentschel #goodgrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we talk with horticulture educator Richard Hentschel about fall lawn care. We discuss why fall is a great time to do various activities in our lawns like seeding, fertilizing, and aerating. Plus, we answer some of your lawn questions! Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/QCWX2HzFpY8 03:10 - Lawns are often vilified, what are they good for? 08:05 - Seeding your lawn in the fall 13:00 - Fertilizing your lawn 19:15 - Aeration, what is it and how to do it 23:25 -

Aug 20, 2021 • 52:27

Ep 79. - Talking hemp, CBD, regulations, and more with Phillip Alberti #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we talk with Phillip Alberti, commercial ag educator and one of Illinois' leading hemp experts. Now that hemp is legal to grow in Illinois we have some questions about what we're seeing in the farm fields and hearing about in the news. Growing hemp comes with lots of oversight, investment, and risk! Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/RRiCa9ySTRE 3:19 What is hemp? Cannabis? Marijuana? Is this all the same? What is being grown here in Illinois? 7:0

Aug 13, 2021 • 55:19

Ep. 78 Tips for growing sweet corn - pests, harvesting and more! #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast, we are talking sweet corn. As we enter the later part of the season what are some things we need to know about growing sweet corn? Perhaps you've seen some unwanted pests or some fertility issues. What about harvesting and storing for a wintertime sweet corn treat? Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/6FIKy7H86Ms 2:11 Isn't it all corn just corn? What is sweet corn versus field corn? 3:31 What is the "milk stage?" And the different stages of pollin

Aug 5, 2021 • 31:18

Ep. 77 Tips for Container Gardening #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat about growing in containers. They discuss some unique plants they grow and cover why a soil-free mix is important, how they fertilize, some watering tips, and more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/-shjyu_ChKQ 1:01 What do we grow in containers? Ornamentals, veggies, and some unique plants. 8:44 Soil-free mix - why do we use it? Plus specialty mixes. 12:50 Benefits of soil-free potting mix 14:38 Selecting containers - material

Jul 30, 2021 • 35:02

Ep. 76 Algae blooms, pond weeds, and more with Duane Friend #GoodGrowing

We take a road trip to Jacksonville, Illinois! On this week's Good Growing podcast we chat in-person with Energy and Environmental Educator Duane Friend about algae blooms on ponds, other pond weeds, and more pond problems. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/Gt4E6uke72E 2:40 What's the difference between a pond and a lake? 3:48 How to identify an algal bloom and how do you know if it is dangerous? 8:34 Can you eat fish from a pond that has an algae bloom? 9:33 What about eating fis

Jul 23, 2021 • 24:13

Ep. 75 Wet weather problems in the garden

Have you had a lot of rain recently? On this week's podcast, we discuss some of the issues we can encounter in our gardens when the weather gets wet and steps we can take to manage them. We also discuss some of the beneficial insects we can find in our gardens. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/30sF7kqj7fU 03:20 - Wet weather and plant diseases 04:35 - Humidity and plant diseases 06:00 - Ways to prevent plant diseases 07:30 - Hail damage to plants 09:30 - Why are there so many crop dusters

Jul 15, 2021 • 22:16

Ep. 74 Talking summertime tomato growing

On this week's Good Growing podcast we dive into one of America's favorite garden vegetables, the tomato! Katie, Ken, and Chris enjoy growing tomatoes and describe how they grow tomatoes in their backyards. We tackle common tomato problems, some of our favorites, and how to save the harvest. All this and more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/MmkBN8tqLOs 3:30 How does Katie grow tomatoes? 4:00 Deer eating tomatoes? 5:40 What tomatoes does Ken grow? 7:33 What tomatoes does Chris gr

Jul 8, 2021 • 46:22

Ep. 73 Talking solar power for the home with Erin Garrett

Do you have a spot in the garden for some solar panels? What about the roof? For this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with Illinois Extension educator Erin Garrett about solar power for the home. If you are considering solar power for your home, we dive into some important considerations and a few extra questions on other renewable energy sources. 5:11 What is renewable energy and what options do those in Illinois have? 6:35 Is solar power the best option for Illinois homes? 9:14 Wh

Jul 2, 2021 • 55:32

Ep. 72 Talking field botany & rare plants with Sara Johnson

On this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we chat with Sara Johnson, a field botanist and research assistant with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Sara studies rare plants, and we discuss her recent thesis on a rare mint found in Florida. We talk about field botany and some good natural areas to go and visit in Illinois. Plus Sara shares some of the unique plants she grows in her own garden including some of the wild (and deadly) tomatoes (Solanum sp.). 2:49 What is Sara's favor

Jun 11, 2021 • 55:37

Ep. 71 Talking must-see botanical gardens and the joy of beech trees

On this week’s Good Growing podcast the crew chats with Extension horticulture educator Martha Smith about must-see botanic gardens and her favorite tree, the beech tree! From Longwood to Missouri Botanical Garden and much more, Martha points out some fantastic botanical gardens throughout the United States, and ones right here in the Midwest. We also discuss beech trees an under-rated and under-planted tree which happens to be Martha’s favorite tree. Martha shares her favorite beech tree culti

Jun 4, 2021 • 51:38

Ep. 70 Talking Tree Troubles with Sarah Vogel

On this week's Good Growing podcast the crew sits down with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sarah Vogel to talk about trees and some common problems we encounter in the home landscape. Sarah is a certified arborist and is based in Decatur, Illinois. On this show we get into: What are the main problems Sarah sees with home landscape trees There is conflicting advice on tree planting. What's the best way to plant a tree? What is root washing? Is it worth the extra effort? Wh

May 28, 2021 • 47:13

Ep. 69 All About Cicadas #goodgrowing

On this week's Good Growing podcast the crew chats about the upcoming Brood X emergence and why Ken is sad we don't live within their range. But we do talk about the best ways to eat cicadas plus who shouldn't eat cicadas. What should people expect who live within the Brood X range and how to protect young trees from cicada damage. All this and much more! Check out the Cicada Mania webpage https://www.cicadamania.com/ The Ohio State University's article on cicadas https://bygl.osu.edu/

May 20, 2021 • 29:01

Ep. 68 Answering your spring gardening questions

On this week's Good Growing podcast Katie, Ken, and Chris answer your timely questions about gardening in May. Dealing with late spring frosts and tomatoes. What to do about rhubarb that gets hit by frost? There are some landscape plants with black and brown foliage. Is this from the frost a few weeks ago? What should you do about cedar apple rust? If I spray 2,4-D on my lawn will it kill my hostas? Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/EZMyurxkCFY ___ Any products mentioned during th

May 13, 2021 • 13:06

Ep. 67 Talking Snakes with Dr. Vanek

On this week's Good Growing podcast we talk with wildlife biologist Dr. John Vanek all about snakes! Dr. Vanek has a specialty in herpetology and loves to study snakes. In this episode we discuss: Why are so many humans afraid of snakes? Is it learned behavior or something deeper in our brains? What snake will people commonly encounter outside in Illinois? Is it safe to handle any wild snake we find outside? How common are venomous snakes? What types do we have in Illinois? How can we tel

May 7, 2021 • 57:29

Ep. 66 Talking Natural Disasters in the Landscape with Carrie McKillip

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we sit down with University of Illinois Extension educator Carrie McKillip to talk about disaster preparedness and things we as residents in storm-prone Illinois need to consider. Carrie is a Community and Economic Development educator who specializes in helping communities prepare and respond to disasters. We chat about how she does that, keeping an emergency kit, should we be worried about earthquakes in Illinois, and preparing for the disa

Apr 23, 2021 • 53:26

Ep. 65 Talking spring flowers and photography with Wendy Ferguson and Mary Fischer

On this week's Good Growing podcast we share some recent photos of spring-blooming plants in our yards. Horticulture program coordinator and photographer Wendy Ferguson gives us some tips for improving our photography skills. Plus your home gardening questions answered. I have an image of our saucer magnolia taken at night. The flowers seemed to glow in the dark so I grabbed my camera, but the photo didn’t turn out well. Can I take a photo at night and get realistic images? Hellebores in bloom

Apr 15, 2021 • 57:23

Ep. 64 Talking Youth in Conservation with Mary Fischer

In this week's Good Growing podcast we chat with Mary Fischer about her work in building a coalition of conservationists with Illinois teenagers. Mary is working to expand the Master Naturalist program to teens to build a land ethic in the next generation and create ideas for future careers. Plus we answer your home gardening questions! Talking about Mary's work to build a Master Naturalist Youth program. What are some easy and inexpensive activities parents can do with their kids outdoors? (ma

Apr 9, 2021 • 48:37

Ep. 63 Talking Drones in Agriculture with Dennis Bowman

On this week's Good Growing podcast the groups sit down with Dennis Bowman to talk about using drones in agriculture. How much do you know about drones? 8:52 We have a true or false pop quiz with Ken and Katie to test their knowledge about drones. 4:30 What is the difference between GPS and GIS. Plus, Dennis answers your ag questions! Using Drones in Ag 9:38 Can anyone buy and start flying a drone? 15:24 What type of drone does Dennis fly? 17:42 Is it legal to leave while your drone f

Apr 1, 2021 • 47:55

Ep. 62 Talking Spring Garden and Landscaping Plans

On this week's Good Growing podcast hosts Ken, Katie, and Chris share what's going on in their vegetable gardens and what yard chores are on their to-do list. Is it time for spring cleanup? Ken notices some bees are out and looking for nesting locations and gives tips on providing that habitat while cleaning out some dead plants. Katie talks about lawn care and what we should be doing this early in the spring. Plus your questions answered! What kind of maintenance should be happening f

Mar 25, 2021 • 49:37

Ep. 61 Talking Birds, Bees, Flowers, and Trees with Andrew Holsinger

On this week's Good Growin podcast we chat about the team's upcoming Good Growing Garden Day all about pollinators. Andrew Holsinger joins us to dive into the topics we will discuss during the Garden Day webinar covering hummingbirds, pollinating insects, wildflowers, and native trees. Plus, we answer questions on these topics. More information on the event page https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2021-03-27-good-growing-garden-day-pollinators-webinar Register for the Good Growing

Mar 19, 2021 • 51:20

Ep. 60 Talking Cover Crops with Duane Friend

This week the Good Growing team chats with Illinois Extension educator Duane Friend about cover crops and soil organic matter. They discuss a recent article about how the Midwest is quickly losing carbon-rich topsoil and if that rings true for Illinois. Duane gives possible remedies to help conserve soil and how cover crops can play a role and how cover crops can be used in the home garden. Plus your questions: There is a funky smell in the air near the farm fields. Is this rotting cove

Mar 11, 2021 • 48:40

Ep. 59 Talking beekeeping with Jennifer Fishburn

Do you want to get started with beekeeping? Spring is the time to get your hive up and running. Our guest this week, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn, gets into the details of how to start a beehive. Plus, listener questions: Can beehives be kept in town? When should you start a hive? What do you need to set up a hive and keep from getting stung? What type of budget are we talking about for a beginning beekeeper? Do you need to provide things other than what's

Mar 4, 2021 • 32:23

Ep. 58 Talking maple syrup with Chris Evans

In this week's Good Growing episode we chat with Illinois Extension forestry specialist Chris Evans about maple syrup and how you can make maple syrup in your own backyard. Chris also answers listener-submitted questions on forestry. Want to watch the podcast? You can on YouTube https://youtu.be/j8MmgCrfVeM Maple syrup questions: Did the prolonged cold-snap affect maple syrup production? Does being in Southern Illinois affect maple sap? Can you use other species besides sugar maple? H

Feb 26, 2021 • 41:19

Ep. 57 Talking Birds with Dr. Michael Ward

We are talking all about birds on this week's Good Growing podcast. We chat with Dr. Michael Ward on the plight of birds. Are the declining populations dire? Why are Midwestern migrating birds being found in shark stomachs in the Gulf of Mexico? Dr. Ward tells what is being done across the borders, in Illinois agricultural lands, and how we can help in our backyards. Plus, Citizen Science opportunities anyone can do. Dr. Ward is a senior ornithologist at Illinois Natural History Survey

Feb 18, 2021 • 55:08

Ep. 56 Answering Native Plant Questions with Martha, Austin, and Layne

In this part two episode of our series on native plants, our special guests Martha Smith, Austin Little, and Layne Knoche answer listener-submitted questions about native plants. Want to watch the podcast? You can on YouTube https://youtu.be/9YJfLhH07vA Should we be planting nativars? What about the genetics spreading in the wild? Is it okay to dig up native plants you find in the wild? What native plants are recommended to plant in very dry and sandy soil? If you remove bush honeysu

Feb 12, 2021 • 33:35

Ep. 55 Talking Native Plant Picks with Landscape Designers

Check out Part One of our talk on native plants with Austin Little, Layne Knoche, and Martha Smith. All talented landscape designers, each guest shares their top three favorite native plants. You won't want want to miss this one as you plan ahead for this growing season. Want to watch the podcast? You can on YouTube https://youtu.be/UqvnZc_Y7rY What is a native plant and why should people incorporate these into the landscape? Austin's picks American persimmon Oakleaf hydrangea Gray do

Feb 5, 2021 • 1:02:13

Ep. 54 Talking Seed Catalogs with Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

In this week's Good Growing podcast we chat with Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, an Illinois Extension horticulture educator. We get into the thick of it as we talk seed catalogs and tips for navigating your way through the inundation of marketing from seed companies in these winter months. Plus your questions! What’s the difference between hybrids and GMOs? How can I avoid purchasing GMO seeds? What about certified organic seed? Should I throw away seed from last year? What are all these di

Jan 28, 2021 • 32:11

Ep. 53 Talking Seed Saving and Production with Gemini Bhalsod

In this week's Good Growing podcast we chat once again with Gemini Bhalsod, an Illinois Extension horticulture educator for Cook County. Gemini and the group dive into seed production and why we are already seeing shortages for the 2021 growing season. We also discuss how you can plan your garden for saving your seed this year. Plus your questions! Tomato seeds from last year have mold on them. Can they be saved? Is it too late to plant milkweed seed in January? Can I save seed from a sweet p

Jan 22, 2021 • 33:31

Ep. 52 Talking Illinois Extension & the College of ACES with Dean Kim Kidwell

In this week's episode, the Good Growing team sits down with Dean Kim Kidwell to talk about all things Illinois Extension and College of ACES (Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences). Dean Kidwell leads the College of ACES on the University of Illinois campus and oversees the efforts of Illinois Extension across the state. With so much on her plate, we cover lots of ground including the connection between Extension and ACES and how that translates to bridging the University of Illinoi

Jan 14, 2021 • 45:31

Ep. 51 Ask a Farmer with Matt Duesterhaus

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we talk with corn and soybean farmer Matt Duesterhaus about what’s life like for a farmer in Central Illinois. Matt talks about what led him to farming, what it takes to farm from money to knowledge, and what was farming like during 2020. Plus Matt answers your questions during our Ask a Farmer segment. Come learn about the people that cultivate our land to put food on our tables in this week's episode. Your Questions: Illinois seems

Jan 9, 2021 • 46:04

Ep. 50 Talking Pantry Pests with Sarah Hughson

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we chat with entomology specialist Sarah Hughson about pantry pests. Sarah dives into what to do about moths in your cereal and “maggots” in your flour. Still hungry? We also dig into cockroaches and ants. Put down the spatula because you won’t want to miss this episode! Plus your questions: What are those small moths flying around the kitchen and how do we get rid of them? Should you be spraying your pantry with bug killer? (Spoiler: it’s not a goo

Dec 23, 2020 • 42:57

Promoting The Urban Tree Conference

Good Growing loves trees and we are excited to promote the Urban Tree Conference. A month-long conference in an online format for January 2021. The Urban Tree Conference is host by the University of Illinois Extension. Conference dates: January 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. Register soon! go.illinois.edu/urbantree

Dec 23, 2020 • 6:06

Ep. 49 Talking Backyard Wildlife Damage with Peggy Doty

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we sit down once again with Energy and Environment educator Peggy Doty. We catch up from our last meeting as we ponder what happened to Bruno the Bear who wandered throughout Illinois this past summer. Peggy also talks about wildlife and some of the problems humans may encounter when an animal happens in to our yards. Peggy says with more people working from home we are noticing more wild animals in our yards, but they were always there, we just weren’t lookin

Dec 17, 2020 • 59:17

Ep. 48 Talking Christmas Trees with Robert Richardson

On this week's Good Growing podcast we sit down with Robert Richardson, president of the Illinois Christmas Tree Growers Association. Robert is also an accomplished Christmas tree grower north of the Chicago area. During the show, Robert gives the scoop on the high demand for fresh-cut Christmas trees in 2020. We learn what all goes into growing a Christmas tree and the years of patience it requires. We also get into Richard's important work with Trees for Troops. Plus your questions an

Dec 10, 2020 • 1:06:39

Ep. 47 Gifts for Gardeners with Jennifer Fishburn

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn hangs out with the group to chat about gifts for gardeners. They dive into fool-proof gift ideas for the gardener in your life. From types of clothing to tools to entertainment, your list of gifts will be full after listening to this podcast. We even added to our own lists of what we would like to get this holiday season. Plus, your questions: What is a fast-growing tree that doesn’t drop a lot of de

Dec 3, 2020 • 45:46

Ep. 46 - Talking turkey and backyard livestock with James Theuri

For this week's Thanksgiving episode the Good Growing team sits down with Illinois Extension local foods educator James Theuri to talk turkey! James gives us the background of turkey production and how you can raise a Thanksgiving turkey in your very own backyard. James also discusses turkey breeds and dealing with predators. Plus your questions: Is it wise to introduce sheep with chickens and cows on the same pasture? What can be killing my baby chicks? What to do when I first receiv

Nov 25, 2020 • 59:39

Ep. 45 Holiday wreaths, tree, spices, and more with Andrew Holsinger

On this week's Good Growing podcast Andrew Holsinger joins the group to talk about their upcoming webinar series. From Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday plants, spices, even feeding the birds this winter, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. Register for the webinars at the link below. • Christmas Tree Types: go.illinois.edu/GGChristmasTrees. • Fun with Foliage: go.illinois.edu/GGEvergreenFoliage. • Popular Holiday Plant Care: go.illinois.edu/GGHolidayPlantCare. • Holiday Spices: g

Nov 19, 2020 • 48:21

Ep. 44 - Pollinators with Kelly Allsup

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast Ken, Katie, and Chris chat with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Kelly Allsup about pollinators. Their conversation starts with monarch butterflies and community science projects geared toward studying monarchs and all pollinators. Plus your questions: What seed mix should we plant around our new beehive? What are some good late-flowering fall plants for migrating monarchs? Is it possible to have a butterfly garden without bees

Nov 12, 2020 • 54:19

Ep. 43 Talking Houseplants with Candice Hart

On this week's Good Growing podcast the crew speaks with State Master Gardener Specialist Candice Hart about houseplants. A special feature for this episode is a live audience during the recording. Ken, Katie, and Chris pop into the Knox County Illinois Master Gardener meeting to get live questions. Throughout the episode we cover: How houseplants react when they get moved inside for the winter How to overwinter rosemary Watering strategies for houseplants Can you root prune instead of

Nov 5, 2020 • 55:29

Ep. 42 Talking Spooky Plants with the Hosts

On this week's Good Growing podcast it is a hostful episode where we talk about spooky plants. We dive into plants with a sinister history like deadly nightshade. And plants that just look evil such as devil's walking stick. Plus, just some all-around cool plants like witch hazel and bloodroot. Then we dive into the plants that bite back and talk carnivorous plants. All this plus your questions on asparagus and an invasive grass known as common reed grass or phragmites. We also went al

Oct 30, 2020 • 29:42

Ep. 41 Spiders with Dr. Kacie Athey

On this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, we talk with entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey all about spiders! What are these creepy dudes doing in our house? Are they really dangerous? Dr. Athey dispels the myths and answers your spider questions. We talk about: Why do we see more spiders in the fall? What's the deal? Aren't spiders insects? Spider bites - what to look for. Do we swallow spiders in our sleep? Are daddy longlegs the most venomous spider in the world? What are these fa

Oct 22, 2020 • 37:45

Ep. 40 Pumpkins with Nathan Johanning

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with commercial agriculture educator Nathan Johanning about pumpkins! Nathan describes the ins and outs of growing this wonderfully diverse crop plus how to pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall décor. Plus, we discuss: • What to do to make pumpkins last longer • Can Jack-o’-lanterns be used for pie and vice versa? • Just starting out growing pumpkins? There’s a lot to know. Nathan gives two big considerations. • Can we grow pumpkins i

Oct 17, 2020 • 48:18

Ep. 39 Soils with Duane Friend

On this week's Good Growing podcast we are joined by energy and environment educator Duane Friend with Illinois Extension. Duane chats with Ken, Katie, and Chris all about soils and also helps us answer a question about ponds. In this episode we discuss: Parts of Illinois are listed in a drought. What is the outlook for next year and what should we be watering our plants? Is there a magic bullet for improving soil to fix sick plants? How often should we be testing our soil? What is a g

Oct 7, 2020 • 41:25

Ep. 38 Spring Bulbs with Martha Smith

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Martha Smith joins to talk about spring-blooming bulbs. With so many to pick from where does a beginner start? Martha gives some good bulbs for beginners and her favorites she has growing in her landscape. Plus, tips on how to plant them and keep the critters away. Plus listener questions: What do we recommend for a homeowner to incorporate more flowering plants in their lawn that can be mowed? How do you overwinter canna lily

Oct 1, 2020 • 49:17

Ep. 37 Garden Tool Maintenance with Richard Hentschel

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast horticulture educator Richard Hentschel returns to talk about rehabbing our garden tools after a long season of use and abuse. The group talks about their favorite garden tools, the one thing to avoid to keep tools working great, sharpening shovels and pruners, refreshing wooden handles, and winterizing the mower for winter. Plus we answer listener questions! What trees should I plant next to a wetland? Is it too late to plant cover crops? Are t

Sep 25, 2020 • 45:13

Ep. 36 Nature Journaling with Wendy Ferguson

On this week’s Good Growing podcast our very own producer, Wendy Ferguson, shares her expertise in nature journaling. Wendy is also the horticulture program coordinator for Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties for the University of Illinois Extension. During the show, we learn that nature journaling is deeply engrained in both art and science because it’s all about observation and discovery. We discuss: Is nature journaling new? And famous scientists and explorers that used t

Sep 17, 2020 • 44:31

Ep. 35 Gardening activities and kids with Brittnay Haag

In this week's episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we chat with horticulture educator Brittnay Haag about gardening and outdoor activities with kids. Brittnay gives tips for extending today's e-learning from the screen to the outdoors and working with plants. Topics discussed are: What are age-appropriate outdoor chores for kids? What about indoor gardening activities as the weather get crummy? An elementary school has access to a small prairie plot. What activities can teachers employ and are

Sep 10, 2020 • 28:50

Ep. 34 Storing Vegetables Over Winter with Bruce Black & Kristin Bogdonas

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, the group chats with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce Black. Bruce shares best practices for storing garden produce for consuming over the winter. Plus the team calls on nutrition and wellness educator Kristin Bogdonas to help answer questions about canning and pickling. Topics covered in today's episode: What do we need to store vegetables? What is Bruce's favorite vegetable to keep over winter? How long can we expect

Sep 3, 2020 • 52:55

Ep. 33 - Seed Saving with Gemini Bhalsod

During this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we talk with Gemini Bhalsod about seed saving. Gemini is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension in Cook County and a wealth of knowledge! Listen in as we discuss: • The Rose Garden Controversy • Can you save any kind of seed? • Processing heirloom tomato seeds • What’s the best way to store seeds over the winter? • How do we save seed potato and bareroot onion for planting next spring? • When is the best time to plant gar

Aug 27, 2020 • 29:19

Ep. 32 Hostful Goodness! Answering your home gardening questions

In another episode with our Good Growing hosts, we answering your gardening questions. This week we discuss: Dealing with cicada killers Can we plant strawberries and asparagus in August? Did bush honeysuckle kill my tree? What are these bee-like flies buzzing all over the place? When is watermelon ready to pick? Organic options when dealing with Colorado potato beetle Check out our webinars and YouTube channel Register for Getting Started with Compost https://extension.illinois.edu/e

Aug 20, 2020 • 35:39

Ep. 31 Sustainable Landscaping with Eliana Brown

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast Eliana Brown shares her knowledge of sustainable landscaping. Eliana is a water quality specialist with University of Illinois Extension. During the episode the team talks about: What is sustainable landscaping? Where would a homeowner start in making their landscape more sustainable? What about large scale projects? How big do you make a rain garden? Is there a sustainable way to control weeds? What about homeowner's associations wanting to b

Aug 14, 2020 • 46:30

Ep. 30 Lawns with Richard Hentschel

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, the crew is joined by University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Richard Hentschel. Richard dives into important and timely lawn care questions as summer days shorten and cooler nights begin to prevail. Topics covered include: What can I do to get lawns like my neighbors that hire companies to take care of theirs? What about lumpy yards? What should I do to rehab my lawn this fall? Should I be bagging my lawn clippings? What

Aug 7, 2020 • 47:08

Ep. 29 Hostful Goodness! Answering your home gardening questions

It is a Good Growing podcast episode full of hostful goodness! Today’s show features our intrepid hosts Katie Parker, Ken Johnson, and Chris Enroth as the answer a slew of home gardening questions. On this episode we dive into: What’s going on in the hosts’ gardens right now Settling soil around foundations Getting started with blueberries Why aren’t zucchini and cucumbers producing fruit? Dealing with yellow nutsedge in the lawn Why aren’t tomatoes turning red? Dealing with clay washout in a fl

Jul 30, 2020 • 47:58

Ep. 28 - Talking Forestry and Invasive Species with Chris Evans

On this week's Good Growing podcast the group chats with Extension Forestry and Research Specialist Chris Evans. Chris updates the group about his work on controlled burns in woodland settings, herbicides for invasive species, and how they use drones in forestry work. Plus Chris helps answer questions on: Are invasive species increasing ticks populations? Maple syrup production in Southern Illinois What to do with woods completely overrun with bush honeysuckle Where do you start when creating a

Jul 25, 2020 • 53:59

Ep. 27 Unique veggies and fall gardening with Grant McCarty

This week the Good Growing team welcomes local foods educator, Grant McCarty to the show. Grant enjoys trying new and unique vegetables and talks about what he has growing in his garden. Time to get a pen and paper out to start making that list of veggies to try for next year! Grant also gives tips for gardeners looking to the fall gardening season. Do you have your garlic ordered yet? We also answer your home gardening questions. This week’s questions include: What’s eaten all my cucumber leave

Jul 15, 2020 • 39:03

Ep. 26 Bruno the bear and other wildlife with Peggy Doty

On this week's Good Growing podcast, the crew is delighted to welcome Peggy Doty, Energy and Environment educator with University of Illinois Extension. Peggy works closely teaching youth about natural resources and specializes in wildlife topics. Peggy and the Good Growing team chat about the Bruno the Bear and dealing with large predators in Illinois. Plus Peggy helps us answer these homeowner questions: What to do about rabbits eating everything in the garden Keeping raccoons out of the attic

Jul 9, 2020 • 57:54

Ep. 25 Tree Troubles with Ryan Pankau

This week on the Good Growing podcast the crew talks about the trouble with trees with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Ryan Pankau. Ryan brings his wealth of knowledge and experience on arboriculture (the study of trees). In this episode the group discusses: The common problems that occur at the base of the tree trunk Can you train a new redbud from seedlings? A young maple tree leafed out and then suddenly died. Could it be from the weird growth on the trunk? W

Jul 3, 2020 • 38:47

Ep. 24 Japanese Beetles with Andrew Holsinger

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, Andrew Holsinger joins the crew to talk about everything Japanese beetles. We discuss nearly every angle of dealing with this invasive and incredible nuisance. We dive into: If home gardeners can feel overwhelmed, what about farmers dealing with Japanese beetles? How do commercial orchards deal with these pests? What can you do to protect your large shade trees? What about backyard fruit trees? If you control the Japanese beetle grubs in the

Jun 24, 2020 • 41:20

Ep. 23 Compost and Ponds with Duane Friend

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, Extension educator Duane Friend joins Ken and Katie to talk about compost and dealing with pond weeds. In this episode they cover topics on: Recommended composting methods How often should you stir compost? Can you compost weeds that have been sprayed with herbicide? Can you compost dog and rabbit waste? How do you get rid of algae on your pond? Why causes tiny pinholes in tomato leaves? How often should you water a tomato grown in a container?

Jun 17, 2020 • 40:58

Ep. 22 Tree Diseases with Travis Cleveland

On this week's Good Growing podcast the team talks with Travis Cleveland about tree diseases. Travis is an Extension Specialist in the field of plant pathology and woody plant material. On this episode the Good Growing team talks about: The difficulty in plant disease diagnosis and the importance of good photos. What's happening with Virginia creeper with spots on the leaves? An older silver maple is dropping leaves and it's spring. What's happening? Why do all the sycamores have empt

Jun 12, 2020 • 39:58

Ep. 21 Micro Propagation and Community Gardens with Bruce Black

Horticulture educator Bruce Black joins this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast to talk about micropropagation and starting a community garden. Plus your home garden and landscaping questions. In this episode we chat about: Micropropagation What are some tips for starting a community garden? Who/What are eating the cucumber seeds? Oaks dropping leaves Small holes in radish leaves Watch Bruce's recent gardening webinars: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH8QA5Yn_PdZFinAj

Jun 2, 2020 • 39:17

Ep. 20 Pollinators and Q & A with the Hosts

On this episode of the Good Growing podcast your host Chris, Katie, and Ken chat about what going on in their yards and gardens plus answers to listener questions. What to do with swarming honeybees Remedies for soils with excessively high phosphorous levels Dealing with carpenter bees nesting in decks and wood siding Can you grow industrial hemp in your garden? Dealing with weeds growing between patio pavers Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu K

May 29, 2020 • 29:43

Ep. 17 Weed Woes with Michelle Wiesbrook

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with University of Illinois pesticide safety and weed specialist, Michelle Wiesbrook. During our conversation we dive into the following topics: Options for Illinois residents seeking pesticide applicator licenses Controlling weeds in a driveway What can we do about knotweed and black medic What herbicides can you spray when establishing a prairie What are the options for spraying herbicides around chickens and ducks How do you contro

May 18, 2020 • 36:26

Ep. 16 Landscape Design Tips with Martha Smith & Murder Wasps

This week Martha Smith joins the Good Growing team to talk all about landscape design. Martha is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension and has previous experience as a landscape designer. During this episode the group talks about: What's blooming in their yards What does Martha recommend for new gardeners as they start designing their yard Where can homeowner look to get information on plants before going to the garden center What to do with a soggy part of the

May 8, 2020 • 40:38

Ep. 15 All about tomatoes! With guest Andrew Holsinger

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture Andrew Holsinger joins the gang to talk all about tomatoes. Tomato topics discussed: Physiological leaf roll vs. herbicide injury Flower drop Cracking tomato skin Novelty tomatoes Staking tomatoes Growing tomatoes in containers Controlling tomato disease Blossom end rot Controlling stinkbugs on tomatoes Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu Katie Parker keparkr2@illinois.ed

May 1, 2020 • 26:16

Ep. 14 Growing Mushrooms with Michelle Berg Vogel & Your Gardening Questions

In today's episode of the Good Growing Podcast Michelle Berg Vogel joins Ken, Katie, and Chris to talk about growing your very own mushrooms at home. Plus tips for hunting the elusive morel mushroom. All this plus your home gardening questions answered. On this episode we answer the following homeowner questions: 1. What to do about spider mite damage on Dwarf Alberta spruce 2. Can I still get seed online during the Coronavirus pandemic? 3. What can I do about voles in my yard? 4. What

Apr 24, 2020 • 37:47

Ep. 13 Answering Insect Questions with Kelly Allsup

Join the Good Growing crew as they answer your insect questions. Ken, Katie, and Chris welcome special guest Kelly Allsup, horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension. Kelly's passion is insects and shares her knowledge with the podcast to answer your insect questions. Following are the questions we discuss in this episode: 1. Brussels sprouts never get very big, what can they do get bigger sprouts. 2. A high school greenhouse is seeing aphids, whiteflies, and gnats

Apr 20, 2020 • 41:03

Ep. 12 Your Home Gardening Questions Answered with Ken and Katie

On this spring episode of the Good Growing podcast we answer questions we received from Illinois home gardeners. Ken Johnson, horticulture educator, and Katie Parker, local foods & small farms educator, join Chris to answer the following questions: 1. Dealing with squash bugs 2. What to do about landscape fabric and rock mulch 3. Can you garden where a house burned down? 4. Protecting apple trees from spring freezes. Check out our blog chocked full of articles on home gardening, la

Apr 10, 2020 • 19:20

Ep. 11 The Truth about the Woolly Bear Caterpillars with Chris Enroth

Most people know few insects by name. One of the more popular, at least this time of year, is the woolly bear or woolly worm caterpillar. This caterpillar is the larval form of the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia Isabella). A white to orange to yellow moth that frequents lights at night in the midsummer. But is the woolly bear caterpillar able to predict how cold this winter will be? Or is this hogwash? Extension educator Chris Enroth lays to rest the myth of the woolly bear caterpilla

Nov 7, 2019 • 6:29

Ep. 10 Compost Tea - Miracle Product or Snake Oil with Chris Enroth

Will compost tea save the world? Not according to current science. Science and the compost tea industry disagree on the effects of compost tea. Listen in as horticulture educator Chris Enroth saves you time, money, and electricity by keeping compost in the landscape. Leave the tea in the kitchen.

Aug 26, 2019 • 7:19

Ep. 9 Cover Crops with Duane Friend

On this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Extension educator Duane Friends pops by to chat about cover crops. Duane explains the importance of using cover crops, how they are a great tool for soil management, choosing cover crops, and more! Got questions? Contact Duane friend@illinois.edu Contact Chris cenroth@illinois.edu Check out Chris' blog post on cover crops https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hkmw/eb382/entry_13816/

Feb 27, 2019 • 34:09

Ep. 8 Dealing with a Mouse in the House

On this episode of the Good Growing podcast, Chris shares his recent experience with a mouse in his house. He gives tips and tricks for dealing with these unwanted guests in the middle of winter. Check out Illinois Extension's website Living with Wildlife https://extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/

Jan 31, 2019 • 15:04

Dealing with Storm Damaged Trees Part 2

In part two of this two-part episode, Chris chats with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Andrew Holsinger and Ryan Pankau about storm damaged trees. Ryan shares his experiences as an arborist cleaning up after storms, how to make your trees more resilient to storms, and his recommended trees to plant that can resist wind damage. Plus, Ryan answers several of Chris and Andrew's questions. Check out Part One of this episode where we dive into what to do when we emerge from o

Jan 9, 2019 • 31:18

Dealing with Storm Damaged Trees Part 1

In part one of this two-part episode, Chris chats with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Andrew Holsinger and Ryan Pankau about storm damaged trees. Andrew tells about how nearby Taylorville, Illinois recently experienced a tornado. And Ryan gives us tips on what to look out for when we first emerge from our shelters and basements. Then Ryan gives tips on what to consider when hiring a certified arborist. Check out Part Two of this episode where we dive into how we

Dec 21, 2018 • 18:35

Ep. 5 Pruning Fruit Trees with Andrew Holsinger

On this episode of the newly branded Good Growing podcast, Chris talks with Andrew Holsinger about pruning fruit trees like apples and peaches. Andrew tells us when and how to prune, plus answers to your pruning questions. Check out Andrew's webinar on growing your own backyard tree fruit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yozx6OaTPxE

Dec 7, 2018 • 21:40

Ep. 4 Beneficial Insects with Kelly Allsup

Chris chats with horticulture educator Kelly Allsup about beneficial insects. They talk about Kelly's start in horticulture and how that led her to insects. The two then dive into how to attract beneficial insects, what plants work best, and what is Kelly's favorite beneficial insect. Plus your insect questions.

Nov 19, 2018 • 33:01

Interpreting Soil Test Results with Duane Friend

I sit down and chat with Extension Energy & Environmental Stewardship Educator Duane Friend on interpreting soil test results and what are the important takeaways when reading a soil test. Also, we talk about how Duane got involved working in the field of natural resources and some research he's doing on cover crops. Link to soil test result we refer to during the podcast https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hkmw/downloads/75048.pdf Link to soil labs found throughout Illinois https://

Oct 29, 2018 • 29:00

Lawn Care in the Fall

Join Chris as he welcomes University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Richard Hentschel to the podcast. Together they discuss Richard's background in the green industry and important fall lawn care topics. Plus your lawn care questions!

Oct 25, 2018 • 31:12

Guest Ken Johnson talks Japanese Beetles

Extension Horticulture Educator, Ken Johnson, sits down with Chris to talk everyones favorite bug to hate, the Japanese beetle.

Sep 6, 2017 • 24:27