Good Growing

Have you ever wondered if trees and crops can grow together and actually benefit each other? Or maybe you've heard the term "agroforestry" and aren't quite sure what it means. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we dig into the world of agroforestry with MJ Oviatt from the Savanna Institute. From windbreaks and riparian buffers to growing nuts, berries, and more, learn how blending trees...

In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris Enroth kicks back over the Fourth of July weekend to flash back to a 2021 chat with Extension educator Elizabeth Wahle, who declares Spigelia her all-time favorite garden plant. Why? Picture a flower dressed for Mardi Gras with scarlet red petals, golden yellow tips, and a flair that hummingbirds can’t resist. Spigelia marilandica , als...

In this itchy edition of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth shares his annual run-in with one of summer’s most irritating pests—chiggers. Just in time for the Fourth of July, Chris dives into the myths, facts, and personal stories surrounding these nearly invisible arachnids. Learn what chiggers really are, how they bite, why nail polish won’t help, and what you can actua...

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Emily Swihart are joined by horticulture educator Ryan Pankau to unpack a 2024 study from the Illinois Natural History Survey. The topic? Chemical trespass—how herbicides and other pesticides are drifting into Illinois’ natural areas and impacting native ecosystems, impacting a keystone group of trees - oaks. Watch us on YouTube:...

Roses are grown in many gardens for their large, showy, often fragrant flowers. If you grow roses, you may have noticed something eating the leaves of your plants, causing them to become unsightly. While various insects will feed on roses, one of the most commonly encountered pests is rose roseslugs. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about these rose pests and how to manage...

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the fascinating world of milkweed—also known by its genus name, Asclepias. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast, pollinator advocate, or just curious about why this "weed" is the National Garden Bureau’s Plant of the Year, this episode is packed with insights. Watch us on YouTube: ht...

Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own grapes right from your backyard? Or maybe you have a grape plant or two and are unsure of how to care for them. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we demystify the art and science of growing grapes at home with commercial agriculture specialist Dr. Elizabeth Wahle. From selecting disease-resistant cultivars to growing and training grape vines...

Tired of being a mosquito magnet? In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson bust common mosquito myths and dive into what really works to keep those pesky biters at bay. From citronella candles and bug zappers to the viral “Bucket of Doom,” learn which repellents are backed by science—and which ones are just buzz. Whether you're planning a bac...

Peonies are a springtime showstopper, fragrant, full, and beloved in gardens across the world. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast and explore the history of peonies, their flower forms, and tips for growing, dividing, and relocating them. We also discuss why ants are drawn to their buds, what might be keeping your peonies from blooming, and how to make the most of their short but spectacul...

It’s late spring, which means buffalo gnats are back and biting. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we take a look at buffalo gnats, where they live, their lifecycle, what you can do to avoid their bites, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i0Hq-hZ6fFU   Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu   Check out the Good Growing Blog: https:// go....

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, horticulture educators with University of Illinois Extension, as they dive into the most pressing spring gardening questions. From getting seedlings ready for the great outdoors to how to water those newly planted Arbor Day trees and more, we've got some timely tips for the spring garden. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/ymjesr8Z24E Skip to what you want to k...

The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois, other ways we can support pollinators, and more!    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FWjduDGmGM    S...

From getting exercise to growing your own food to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to having a vegetable garden. However, sometimes, we run into space restrictions and give up hope of having our own vegetable garden. But does that have to be the case? Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about ways we can grow vegetables in small spaces, like cultivar selection, g...

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage pests effectively while promoting a healthy and sustainable garden environment. Discover practical tips for...

Join us on the Good Growing podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson. In this episode, we explore the differences between honeybees and native bees, their roles in our ecosystems, and the ongoing debate surrounding their impact on agriculture and conservation. Our special guest, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sreelaksh...

Spring has arrived, which means the gardening questions have started coming into Extension offices. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of the questions that have come into our offices. Learn about planting grass in the spring, managing invasive plants, fertilizing fruit trees, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2_8AUONLR44   Skip to what you want to know:...

Welcome to another episode of the Good Growing podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they dive into the fascinating world of spring ephemerals. These early bloomers emerge before trees leaf out, adding blooms to the landscape after winter's dormancy. In this episode, Ken and Chris discuss these unique plants and their lifecycles, give tips on growing spring ephemeral...

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/vJKpTfJabKk Skip to what you want to know: 0:27 Hey Ken! Soil test rep...

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...

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, inclu...

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...

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?...

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,...

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...

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.edu Ken Johnson: kjo...