Good Growing

As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape. Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore common (and not‑so‑common) tree troubles, including eastern tent caterpillars, bagworms, wood‑boring insects, ce...

Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that make spring such a special time of year.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kVE7rOXl-n4   Skip to wh...

In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health and property values, the hosts explore why trees matter and why their distribution across communities i...

Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois —or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast , horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig ( Ficus carica ) . From ancient history to modern backyards, we explore how figs grow, where they originated, and why cold‑har...

Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with...

Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens. This week’s episode answers attendee questions submitted at the Home Lawn & Garden Day in Bloomington–Normal. Ken and Chris discuss surprise cold s...

Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast , Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins. From early bloomers like crocus, daffodils, and spring ephemerals to peonies, magnolias, and everything in between, we flip t...

Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and more!       Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rX7QUDstn9E   Skip to what you want to know:     02:26 – 'C...

Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list. In this episode, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart walk through the selection process and describe the six unique crops chosen for the 2026 Grow Along program. Register for the Grow Along: https://go.illinois.e...

Curious about adding something a little different to your backyard orchard? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we dive into the flavorful world of lesser-known fruits you can grow right here in Illinois. From early‑ripening honeyberries and fall-bearing primocane blackberries to compact bush cherries and Illinois-born PRI apples, we explore unique fruit crops that offer exciting alternatives to...

Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth on a winter walk through the prairie as he demonstrates how to overseed an existing native prairie by hand.  Learn why winter is the perfect time for prairie overseeding, how they select their seed that is spread, and how to mix seed with a carrier for even spreading. Chris explains practical tips for seed collection, hand so...

Feeling a little low this winter? You’re not alone. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Family Life Educator Tessa Hobbs‑Curley joins us to discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual winter blues, coping strategies, and more.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NdOQ8xNM9aI   Skip to what you want to know:     03:14 – What is Seasonal Affective...

How do trees survive freezing temperatures without turning into popsicles? Well, they do kind of turn into popsicles, but they control which part freezes. In this Gardenbite of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth breaks down the fascinating science behind how trees and other plants make it through harsh winter conditions . Whether you’re a gardener, nature lover, or just c...

You’ve probably seen Ficus in living rooms, lobbies, or maybe even grown one yourself, but how much do you really know about these iconic houseplants? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the surprisingly diverse world of Ficus. From weeping figs and rubber trees to creeping figs and giant banyans, we dive into their history, care, different species, and more!    Watch us on Yo...

Welcome back to the Good Growing Podcast ! In today’s episode, we’re sharing a special throwback conversation with Dr. Michael Ward , ornithologist at the University of Illinois. We’re answering real homeowner questions about backyard birds—everything from bird feeders to territorial cardinals to preventing window collisions. If you’re wondering what to feed birds , how to clean feeders , why bird...

It’s a new year, which means a new gardening season will be here before we know it. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we look back on our most popular episodes and standout moments from 2025. From battling mosquitoes to celebrating pollinator plants like milkweed and mountain mint, we revisit the topics that sparked the most conversation. Plus, we share some of our plans for 2026, from...

Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) ! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast , Chris, Ken, and special guest Nick Frillman explore everything from tree identification and growing tips to wildlife connections and seed stratification . We’ll bust common myths—like whether persimmons need frost to ripen—and uncover quirky folklore, inc...

From pines and spruces to firs and cedars, evergreens are an important part of many landscapes in Illinois. Join us as we explore what makes these plants unique, how they thrive in tough conditions, and why they’re holiday favorites. Plus, we share some tips for caring for evergreens, choosing the right species for your landscape, and creative ways to repurpose your Christmas tree. Watch us on You...

Persimmons are sweet, native to Illinois, and sometimes astringent! In this episode of Good Growing , Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson sit down with Nick Frillman, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, to uncover everything you need to know about persimmons. From American vs. Asian cultivars to tips for growing them in Illinois, we cover cultivars, pollination, pruning, and harvesting tricks to avoid...

Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we explore the fascinating world of holly ( Ilex  spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to its role in modern landscapes. Learn about different species, tips for planting and care, how to ensure those iconic re...

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re battling invasive bush honeysuckle! In this Garden Bite, Chris from the Good Growing podcast walks you through effective late-fall control methods. Learn how to identify honeysuckle when everything else has gone dormant, why timing matters for herbicide applications, and the step-by-step process for the cut-stump treatment using glyphosate. From...

Have you ever had a container planter with perennials and excitedly waited for them to resume growth in the spring, but it never happened? Perennials in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, even if they are hardy to our area, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help these plants survive the winter, so...

Discover the fascinating world of cranberries in this episode of Good Growing . Horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the history, science, and cultivation of one of North America’s few commercially grown native fruits. Learn how cranberries evolved from wild bog plants to a global industry, why they float during wet harvest, and the unique challenges growers face in managing...

In this episode of Good Growing , horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the latest updates to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, which now includes nine newly listed invasive plant species. From the notorious Tree of Heaven to the sneaky Sericea Lespedeza. Plus, a tree many people have been waiting to be added to the list - Callery pear! Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 Hey...

It’s a Halloween Spooktacular! While they are usually overlooked, parasites are all around us. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the complex, surprisingly common, and sometimes creepy world of parasites and parasitoids with Dr. Kacie Athey. Learn how these tiny creatures attack and manipulate their hosts, the difference between parasites, parasitoids, and diseases, discover...