Good Growing

Overview of Honeyberry from University of Minnesota

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:07:03 -0600

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.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XUGiBe3RrFw

Skip to what you want to know:
1:21 Decision-making process for choosing the 2026 Grow Along seeds
6:55 Rebel Starfighter Prime
11:45 Poppy ‘Amazing Gray', 'Shirley Supreme', and 'Black Swan'
20:18 Sweet Pepper ‘Nadapeno’
24:41 Cucumber Mexican Sour Gherkin/Mouse Melon
28:24 Ground Cherry
35:15 Savory ‘Summer Compact'
41:46 When/where can you sign up and when will seeds be shipped?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:13:00 -0600

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 the usual.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XAVtrBFKB40

Skip to what you want to know:

01:30 – Welcome, Grant McCarty! Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy.

03:22 – Some not-so-successful crops for Grant in northern Illinois.

07:35 – Where in Illinois can we reliably grow/harvest peaches?

09:53 – Honeyberries. How to grow and what do they taste like?

14:52 – Are honeyberries problematic like many other honeysuckles?

17:32 – Primocane fruiting blackberries.

21:38 – Is the care of primocane blooming blackberries different than other blackberries?

23:45 – Is there a link to Illini Hardy blackberry?

27:20 – Bush cherries. How are they different than cherry trees?

33:57 – Apples. What are PRI apples?

38:51 – High-density apples

44:31 – Any PRI resources out there?

48:10 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

More information:

Haskap/Honeyberry, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Haskap/Honeyberry-University of Saskatchewan Resources

The PRI Apple Breeding Program

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Grant McCarty: gmccarty@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Mao Clinic: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:56:00 -0600

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 sowing methods, using locally sourced seed from community seed shares, and how overseeding supports long-term prairie health.

Perfect for native plant lovers or anyone curious about hands-on conservation work that can be done in the winter. Tune in, learn the process, and discover how hand-sown prairie seeds can transform local landscapes over time.

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF6gGjGbjxU

Rezab Mix
Golden Alexander - Zizia aurea
Hairy Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum pilosum
Foxglove beardtongue - Penstemon digitalis
Grass-leaved goldenrod - Euthamia graminifolia
Slender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Showy goldenrod - Solidago speciosa
Rattlesnake Master - Eryngium yuccifolium
Missouri Ironweed - Vernonia missurica
Rigid Goldenrod - Oligoneuron rigidum
Prairie Coreopsis - Coreopsis palmata
Tall Coreopsis - Coreopsis tripteris
Virginia Spiderwort - Tradescantia virginiana
Yellow Crownbeard - Verbesina helianthoides
Wild Senna - Senna hebecarpa
Black-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta
Evening Primrose - Oenothera biennis
False Sunflower - Heliopsis helianthoides
Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:13:00 -0600

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 Disorder (SAD)? How is it diagnosed?

06:14 – How is SAD different from just feeling bummed about the weather?

10:11 – How is fall/winter SAD different than spring/summer SAD?

12:35 – Do certain groups, such as farmers or gardeners, experience SAD differently?

19:42 – What about children and SAD?

22:46 – How does less green in our environment affect mental health?

32:31 – What are some strategies to help us cope with SAD?

45:56 – Resources to learn more about SAD

47:56 – A little more on light therapy

51:04 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

More information:

National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Illinois Extension: How to manage the winter blues

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Mental Health America: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:22:00 -0600

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 curious about the secret life of plants, this episode gives you a clear and engaging look at what happens inside trees during winter—and how you can help prepare your landscape plants to survive cold stress.

Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:23:00 -0600

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 YouTube: https://youtu.be/2hx5VXZrJmg

Skip to what you want to know:

00:41 – There are a lot of ficus species!

02:12 – Ficus species native to the United States, and what are strangler figs.

07:08 – What are Ficus?

12:25 – General care of Ficus houseplants.

22:23 – Common Ficus houseplants

23:38 – Ficus benjamina (weeping fig)

27:14 – Ficus elastica (rubber tree)

33:15 – Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig)

36:03 – Ficus benghalensis (banyan, Ficus Audrey)

42:35 – Ficus maclellandii (banana/long leaf fig, Ficus Alli)

45:31 – Ficus microcarpa (Ginseng ficus, Chinese banyan, Indian laurel)

49:09 – Ficus pumila (creeping fig)

53:08 – Ficus propagation

56:37 – Less commonly encountered ficus houseplants

59:12 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

More information:

National Garden Bureau

Ficus: Trees and Vine of Florida (University of Florida)

Gods and Monsters: The Genus Ficus (Brooklyn Botanic Garden)

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: The Science of Backyard Bird Care | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:10:00 -0600

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 birds hit windows, or how to attract more colorful birds to your yard, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you create a healthier, more bird‑friendly backyard.

Watch this on YouTube https://youtu.be/jKHrH_eeGFo

The full conversation with Dr. Ward https://youtu.be/HxZ3HiI69hs

Skip to what you want to know:
01:30 How do we discourage barn swallows from building nests underneath overhangs?
03:52 Should we feed birds bread, crackers, and other human food?
05:10 Is there anything we can do to stop birds from hitting our windows?
07:33 What can we do about a territorial cardinal?
08:47 Should we feed birds all year? When is the best time to feed birds?
10:33 I only get sparrows at my feeders. How do I attract more types of birds?
12:22 Do we need to provide birds with water in the winter, or do they use snow?
13:18 How often and with what should we clean birdfeeders?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 237 Looking back on 2025 and looking forward to 2026 | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:27:00 -0600

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 expanding native plantings to growing food and flowers for community donation, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-1T-xDTG_W0

Skip to what you want to know:

01:30 – Most popular podcasts of 2025

09:07 – Our favorite episodes and things we learned

17:43 – Reflecting on the 2025 growing season

30:53 – Looking ahead to the 2026 growing season

46:41 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Ep. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:31:00 -0600

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, including the famous fork, knife, or spoon winter prediction.

Skip to what you want to know:

00:33 Hey Ken!
01:28 Where can we find persimmon growing naturally in Illinois?
05:31 Sprouting persimmon seeds.
07:51 What animals are eating and moving the seeds around Illinois?
08:49 Folklore: Do persimmons require a frost to ripen?
10:15 Can persimmon seeds predict the future winter weather?
15:07 Other persimmon myths/facts
16:56 Persimmon is the sweetest fruit native to Illinois.
17:54 Where can we go to learn more about persimmons?
19:18 Svannah Institute persimmon breeding
19:29 University of Connecticut Climate Smart Orchard Handout
19:50 Thank yous and Happy New Year!

Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok
Cliff England - persimmon breeder
James (Jim) Claypool - persimmon breeder (deceased)
Cornell - http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/mfruit/persimmons.html
Savanna Institute - https://www.savannainstitute.org/persimmon/

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:27:00 -0600

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 YouTube: https://youtu.be/5y6VlnF24go

Skip to what you want to know:

00:34 – Welcome. Talking evergreens and episode 300!

03:02 – Definition time: evergreen, conifer, deciduous conifer, etc.

06:51 – What is the benefit of retaining leaves (being evergreen)?

08:59 – Common evergreens in Illinois landscapes

09:17 – Pines

10:52 – Spruce and fir trees

14:58 – Unusual fir Christmas tree problems no scent and weak limbs

17:26 – Is a Douglas-fir a true fir tree?

19:15 – When a pinecone isn't a pinecone, differentiating conifer cones

21:10 – Cypress family - bald cypress, arborvitae, eastern red cedar

25:38 – Holly

26:50 – Yew

30:45 – Planting evergreens

36:02 – Christmas trees as fire hazards

38:26 – Christmas trees after the holidays

41:46 – Scientific names

43:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

More information:

Is It Pine, Spruce, or Fir? - https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-80

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:08:00 -0600

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 that dreaded cottonmouth.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:39 Hey Ken! Have we ever eaten a persimmon?
01:42 Welcome Nick!
03:24 What is the difference between the Asian and American persimmon?
08:10 Which type of persimmon is grown in Illinois?
12:01 What is the comparison of astringent vs. non-astringent persimmon?
16:47 What do we need to know about sourcing persimmon trees?
19:45 What are some improved cultivars of persimmon available for sale?
20:09 https://nafex.org/
21:46 How are these trees sold? Bareroot or potted?
22:45 American persimmons sold for deer hunting
23:54 Where do persimmons need to be planted?
24:28 Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=3176
25:52 How does pollination work with persimmons?
30:39 What type of pruning is needed to grow persimmons?
33:31 What other maintenance needs to occur when growing persimmons? Fertilizer? Irrigation?
35:01 What pests can be problems with persimmons?
36:39 How do you know when persimmons are ripe and ready to pick?
41:16 What about the dropped persimmon fruit on the ground?
44:39 How should we store persimmons?
48:03 The difference in flavor and texture of American and Asian persimmons
50:03 What are some processing methods for preserving persimmons?
53:03 Thank yous and coming up next week!

Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=3176

Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:32:00 -0600

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 red berries appear, and even some surprising uses for holly. Whether you’re decking the halls or planning your garden, this episode has everything you need to know about this holiday favorite.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ymwu5eIsyaw

Skip to what you want to know:

00:37 - Welcome, Ken. Talking holly this week.

01:47 – Holly mythology

05:10 - General growing conditions and care of holly

07:47 - Holly are dioecious, what does that mean? How does that affect pollination and fruit production?

13:21 – Pruning hollies

16:19 – Holly species (some)

17:28 - Ilex glabra – Inkberry

22:26 - Ilex crenata - Japanese holly

26:06 - Ilex decidua – Possumhaw

28:07 - Ilex verticilata – Winterberry

31:39 - Ilex x meserve - Blue holly

35:05 - Ilex aquifolium - English holly

36:58 - Ilex opaca - American holly

41:00 - Ilex cornuta - Chinese holly

42:56 – ‘Nellie Stevens’

45:59 – Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’

47:17 – Holly and wildlife

50:11 – Tea made from holly and a taste test

58:09 – Holly and deer and rabbits

59:06 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:15:00 -0600

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 hand-pulling small plants to tackling large shrubs with saws and chainsaws, this episode covers the tools, techniques, and tips you need to reclaim your woodland understory. Grab your gloves and join us as we keep slaying that honeysuckle!

Watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/fDynOj5pOOg

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:32:00 -0600

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 we can enjoy them come spring.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CUbR7Dt7uws

‌

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:46:00 -0600

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 seasonal demand. From Indigenous traditions to modern farming techniques, this episode dives deep into cranberry botany, sustainability, and the economics behind your favorite holiday berry.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:39 Hey Ken! Ken loves cranberries and the holidays.
01:26 We studied for this one, promise!
01:56 What are cranberries? A look into history.
04:23 America's Founding Fruit: The Cranberry
14:57 Chris' favorite quote, cranberries are like cats
16:12 The anatomy of a cranberry. Why do they float?
18:34 Taste testing our fresh cranberries.
19:41 Difference between dry and wet harvest of cranberries
26:04 Boom and bust of the cranberry market
28:15 A year of growing cranberries from a farmer's perspective - Planting cranberries
32:01 What does a cranberry field look like, and where do they get the water?
33:31 Cranberries in the spring planting, irrigation needs, and pollination
36:35 Summer in the cranberry field - ripening
36:53 Fall in the cranberry field -harvest
37:32 Wet harvest
39:23 Dry Harvest
40:48 The cranberry fields in the winter - protecting from winter injury
44:59 Can you grow the American cranberry in the backyard?
46:59 https://www.cranberries.org/bog-cup-activity
53:11 Thank yous and coming up next week

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/eat/recipes/cranberry-pumpkin-muffins

Cranberries https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-11-12-cranberries

America’s Founding Fruit: The Cranberry in a New Environment, by Susan Playfair https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/A/bo44311431.html

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:07:03 -0600

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 Ken! Are we done gardening yet? What we're doing with all our ginger.
03:03 News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on 9 new invasive plant species
04:36 Tree of Heaven
08:11 Garlic mustard
10:23 Leafy spurge
12:58 Sericea lespedeza
16:06 Japanese stiltgrass
18:05 Amur corktree
20:01 Black and pale swallow-wort
22:22 Callery Pear
27:54 What does this mean to be listed as an invasive species?
37:37 What is a native plant?
39:59 Do other countries deal with invasive species?
42:37 Thanks yous and coming up next week!

Illinois Extension Press Release: Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/nine-new-invasive-species-regulated-illinois-expansion-exotic-weeds-act
USDA Plant Guide: Leafy Spurge https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg12069.pdf
Illinois Regulations Regarding Invasive Plant Species https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/regulations

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 230 From alien wasps to zombie ants, parasites are all around | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 06:47:00 -0500

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 mind-controlling fungi that infect insects, and more!

Watch us on YouTube:

Skip to what you want to know:

02:47 - Welcome, Dr. Kacie Athey!

04:46 – What are parasites? How are they different than diseases?

06:21 - What are some parasites we commonly encounter or affect humans?
09:59 - Parasites 'in the garden' - parasitoid wasps

17:22 - Parasitoid wasps and hornworm caterpillars

23:30 - Parasitoid wasps and aphids

25:37 - The (sometimes) bizarre world of hyperparasitoids.

37:33 - Cordyceps - The Last of Us comes to insects

44:28 - A few more examples of parasites manipulating host behavior

48:44 - A few parasitic plants

54:37 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Alabagrus kaciejoae

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Illinois Spotted Lanternfly Homeowner’s Guide

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 229 Why Leaves Change in the Fall and Which Trees Do It Best | #Good Growing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:23:00 -0500

In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the science and spectacle of fall foliage. From the pigments behind the seasonal color shift to their favorite underappreciated trees (sorry, maples), the duo explores what makes autumn leaves so dazzling—and why some years are better than others. Learn the difference between carotenoids and anthocyanins, discover native trees that deserve more love, and find out which species drop all their leaves in one dramatic swoop. Plus, a fun detour into the origins of the words “fall” and “autumn,” and a few honorable mentions that might surprise you.
Whether you call it fall, autumn, or harvest season—this episode is packed with colorful insights!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t2VGsf8SPiU

00:41 Hey Ken!
01:46 Is it the Autumn or Fall season?
04:47 The process occurring inside the leaves that causes color change.
11:42 Ideal weather for fall color.
13:14 Native trees for fall color (besides maples)
14:15 Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica
17:55 Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua
23:54 Sassafras, Sassafras albidum
28:05 Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum
29:03 Oaks, Quercus spp.
31:23 Gingko, Gingko biloba
35:59 Honorable Mentions
36:10 Redbud
36:47 Honeylocust
37:04 Flowering dogwood
37:13 Bald cypress
39:30 Poison ivy
40:34 Thank yous and coming up next week

Read more about it:
Falling for Autumn - https://weconservepa.org/blog/falling-for-autumn/
Beyond maples: Trees for fall color - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-10-20-beyond-maples-trees-fall-color

Dive Deeper into Fall Color Pigments
Gardenbite: The Science Behind Fall Color - https://youtu.be/2puA2uMoXEg

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep 228 Should they stay or should they go: What should we do with fallen leaves? | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:18:00 -0500

The arrival of fall means vibrant colors and a whole lot of leaves on the ground. So, what should we do with all those leaves? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss whether or not we should remove leaves from our landscapes, and if we do, what can we do with them?

Watch us on YouTube

Skip to what you want to know:

00:38 - Are leaves starting to drop near us?

02:10 – Fall color update

03:53 - Should we remove our leaves or leave the leaves? Impacts on insects.

13:15 - Recommendations for fall leaves and helping insects

15:29 - What can be done with leaves?

28:42 - How do we use leaves in our landscapes?

36:18 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Ep. 227 Stink Bugs, Lady Beetles & Boxelder Invasions: Fall’s Uninvited Houseguests | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:55:23 -0500

As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many insects begin their annual migration—straight into our homes. In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the biology and behavior of three common fall invaders: the brown marmorated stink bug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the boxelder bug.

Learn how these insects respond to seasonal changes, why they choose our homes for overwintering, and how to identify them accurately. The hosts also discuss the ecological impact of invasive species, like the stink bug and Asian lady beetle, and share practical, research-based strategies for keeping these pests out of your living space.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:43 Hey, Ken! It rained, but it is still dry.
03:59 Now is the time of year when certain insects take refuge in our homes.
04:42 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
14:17 Multi-colored Asian lady beetle
22:30 Boxelder Bug
27:05 Keeping fall-invading insects out of your home.
29:07 Exclusion
32:34 Do insecticides work to keep them out?
34:40 How to handle them when they get inside
38:15 Thank yous and coming up next week

Read More:
Fall House Guests - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-10-01-fall-house-guests
Ladybugs everywhere: Preventing and managing multicolored Asian lady beetles - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-11-01-ladybugs-everywhere-preventing-and-managing-multicolored-asian-lady

Pictures:
Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Bill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.org
William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org
Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org
Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org
Kristie Graham, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org
Jack Rabin, Rutgers NJ Agric. Expt. Station, Bugwood.org
Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 226 Spotted lanternfly in Illinois: Where it is and what to look for | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:16:00 -0500

Have you heard about the spotted lanternfly and wondered where it is in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Kelly Estes, State Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator, about the arrival of this invasive insect. Learn about how spotted lanternfly got here and where it’s been found, what it looks like, where to look for it, how to report it, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q9YSSOuSkfY

Skip to what you want to know:

01:35 - Welcome, Kelly Estes! What is your role with University of Illinois?

05:06 - What is spotted lanternfly? Why should we be concerned?

06:18 - How did spotted lanternfly get here?

07:17 - Is spotted lanternfly present in Illinois?

08:39 - Is there any type of quarantine set up for spotted lanternfly?

10:03 - The spread of spotted lanternfly.

11:46 - If we live somewhere with spotted lanternfly, what should we expect?

13:39 - Spotted lanternfly life cycle and identification.

19:20 - If we don't live in an area with spotted lanternfly, where should we be looking for them?

20:28 - Should we kill tree of heaven or leave some to scout for spotted lanternfly?

22:37 - If I see a spotted lanternfly, what should I do?

28:11 - Squashing spotted lanternfly, sticky traps, and spotted lanternfly awareness.

32:20 – Raining honeydew and other nuisance problems
37:31- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Read more about it:

Report sightings of spotted lanternfly in Illinois to lanternfly@illinois.edu

Spotted Lanternfly Summit

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 225 Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners & Communities | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:09:00 -0500

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Colleen Reuter, Environmental Compliance professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore the world of green infrastructure and stormwater management.

From rain gardens and rain barrels to depaving driveways and even the surprising role of beavers in flood control, this episode dives into practical, research-based strategies that homeowners and communities can use to reduce erosion, manage runoff, and improve water quality.

We also preview the upcoming Illinois Green Infrastructure and Erosion Control Conference, a free, public event packed with expert speakers, hands-on solutions, and professional development opportunities.

Conference Info: October 28 at the iHotel in Champaign, IL
Register at: ccstormwater.org
Registration deadline: October 14

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpiuAlNO1As

Skip to what you want to know:
00:43 Hey Ken! It rained...a little.
02:18 Welcome Colleen Ruhter!
03:05 Who are the partners for the Green Infrastructure and erosion control conference, and what is green infrastructure?
04:38 Why is managing stormwater important?
06:44 How does an impervious surface affect stormwater runoff?
11:25 What is depaving, and why is it a good idea for people to depave their landscape?
16:10 How do rain gardens help manage stormwater?
19:52 Are rain barrels effective when dealing with typical amounts of stormwater runoff?
23:37 Why are fall leaves a problem with stormwater management?
25:09 Is it useful for communities to work together to reduce pollution in the stormwater system?
29:03 Separating combined storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems.
32:01 Are there any good examples of communities that have incorporated green infrastructure into their stormwater system?
32:56 One of the conference topics is going to be about beavers. Are beavers considered a good stormwater management tool?
35:10 Where can people go to learn more about the conference and about stormwater management?
37:57 Thank you and coming up next week.

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 224 Fall gardening questions answered | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:36:00 -0500

Even though it’s been dry, that hasn’t stopped the garden questions from coming in. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of your questions, as well as some of the most common gardening questions on the internet! From watering lawns and planting bulbs and perennials to dealing with ants, black spots on maple leaves, and more! Plus, we celebrate National Houseplant Week and pawpaws.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FI0D5Z2mfYQ

Skip to what you want to know:

01:17 – It's still dry outside and National House Plant Week

04:05 - Getting houseplants ready to bring back indoors

05:39 - Pawpaws are ripening!

11:09 - Lightning round: questions from the internet and you

12:14 – How do I keep ants out of my yard?

13:36 – What are the black spots on my maple leaves?

14:36 – Can I still plant perennials and trees in the fall?

15:23 – Is it too late to sow fall vegetables?

16:44 – Should I cut back my perennials now?

17:58 – My annuals look bad right now. What should I do?

19:00 – Can I collect seeds now for next year?

20:28 – How often should I water my lawn in the fall?

21:57 – Is now a good time to aerate and fertilize my lawn?

23:09 – Should I treat crabgrass right now?

24:56 – Is it time to plant spring bulbs?

26:30 - Should I test my soil in the fall?

27:51 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Monstera: From the rainforest to must-have houseplant: https://youtu.be/3xyQlbH-7ws

Growing Pawpaws in Illinois with Doug Gucker: https://youtu.be/m_cCkGqjp80

Illinois Extension Soil Testing website: https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-testing

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 223 Preparing for Fall Drought in the Garden and Landscape | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:26:13 -0500

In this episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the challenges of gardening during Central and Southern Illinois’ increasingly dry fall season. From flash droughts and cracked lawns to watering strategies for trees, shrubs, and cover crops, they share practical advice for managing your landscape in low-moisture conditions. Plus, a timely reminder about fire safety and a segment they have dubbed "Hose Talk." Tune in for expert insights and seasonal tips to keep your garden growing—even when the rain won’t fall.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/9PXCI5ddpBI

00:33 Hey Ken! It is dry.
01:37 How dry is it? Drought levels and recorded precipitation amounts.
04:34 Dry conditions in southern Illinois and a flash drought.
07:32 NOAA predictions for the next three months.
09:13 How does a fall drought affect our gardening this time of year?
11:59 Fall lawn planting. To seed grass or not to seed grass?
16:44 Watering trees in preparation for winter is a critical fall drought task.
19:26 Hose talk!
22:27 Planting fall cover crops during dry weather.
24:44 Fires during dry fall weather.
28:26 Thank you, and see you next week.

US Drought Monitor: Illinois https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?IL

NOAA Drought Forecasts https://www.drought.gov/forecasts

Blog posts by Illinois Climatologist Trent Ford:
Sept 4, 2025, August Ushered us From Summer to Fall https://stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/09/04/august-ushered-us-from-summer-to-fall/

Sept 11, 2025, Drought is Intensifying in Illinois https://stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/09/11/drought-is-intensifying-in-illinois/

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Teasel - An invasive species coming to a roadside near you? | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:22:00 -0500

If you’ve driven along any interstates or highways in Illinois, there’s a good chance you’ve seen tall plants with spiky flower heads. Teasels have become an increasingly common sight across Illinois. While they may appear attractive, especially for cut flower arrangements, these troublesome plants can form large colonies that outcompete and choke out native plants.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_wKeJ61A20o

‌

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 222 Monarch Butterfly Conservation: Should You Rear Them Indoors? | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:16:22 -0500

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from University of Illinois Extension explores the adversaries of the monarch butterfly, including the controversial practice of captive rearing.

Although we do not recommend captive rearing, there may be times when it is wanted for educational purposes. Can it be done responsibly? Chris shares best practices for raising monarch caterpillars indoors. Instead of captive rearing, support habitat conservation efforts! Learn how programs like Monarch Waystations and pollinator gardens can help restore critical habitat.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/Yfzxnvpco0M

00:32 The dangers encountered by monarch butterflies
02:07 Predators!
02:17 Disease!
03:18 A historic shift in habitat for monarch butterflies
04:04 Introducing the concept of captive rearing of monarch butterflies
07:17 Why captive rearing is not recommended
07:27 A loss of fitness
09:21 Artificially overpopulating an area with monarch butterflies
10:38 If you are STILL going to captive rear monarch butterflies, here are some tips.
11:44 What to feed your monarch caterpillars (cats)
14:21 What type of container to use
14:57 Placement of rearing cage
15:14 Check and clean containers daily
15:42 The stages (instars) of the caterpillar
16:11 The walkabout and final molt into a chrysalis
18:19 Emergence of the adult butterfly from the chrysalis
18:51 Releasing the adult
19:00 Not everything works out with the rearing process
19:19 Don't handle monarch caterpillars
19:51 How many caterpillars are responsible for rearing?
21:53 If captive rearing is discouraged, what can be done to help monarch butterflies?
23:49 efforts to support monarch butterfly habitat
24:32 Monarch Waystation Program
29:15 Upcoming Monarch Migration Festival. Thank you and see you next week!

Monarch Migration Festival, Sept 6, 2025 https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2025-09-06-11th-annual-monarch-migration-festival

Xerces Society Keep Monarchs Wild https://www.xerces.org/blog/keep-monarchs-wild

Monarch Butterfly Science w/ Dr. Andy Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIt-zkivDjI

Monarch Butterfly Status Update w/ Brodie Dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmqQlyPY1TA

University of Illinois Extension Pollinator Pockets https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pockets

University of Illinois Extension Pollinator Website https://illinoispollinators.org/

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 221 Compost your way: Passive and active composting styles | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:25:00 -0500

In this episode, Chris and Ken delve into the complex world of composting. From their passive piles that simply sit and rot (no judgment!) to active setups that require thermometers, turning, and possibly even a chipper shredder. Learn what compost actually is (hint: it’s not soil), how to build a pile that works, and why moisture matters. Don't feed the landfill. Feed your soil!

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/LWrdiau0aiA

Skip to what you want to know:
00:37 Hey Ken! Do we compost at home?
02:43 What is and is not compost?
06:51 How do we go about making compost?
07:09 Types of composting.
10:52 Where is a good spot to locate a compost pile?
14:13 How big should a compost pile be?
15:09 Materials to go into a compost pile. Talking about the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio
18:27 Building your compost pile. Measuring materials and layering.
20:21 Tables listing C:N ratios of different compost materials https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6956
22:13 Different styles of compost bins
23:23 Compost bin plans https://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=G4020-01* https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/designs_for_composting_systems.pdf
24:53 Is it allowed to compost in your area, or what rules do you need to follow?
25:23 Reduce the mass of the compost materials.
27:28 Can you compost in the winter?
28:54 Holding compost materials over winter for use in spring.
30:27 Counter-top composter
32:30 How do you know when compost is ready to be used?
35:18 What's happening in the compost pile when decomposition is occurring?
36:50 Tips for and tools for turning compost and measuring interior temperature
41:12 Sifting Compost
42:35 Ways to use your compost
44:37 What moisture level should we keep our compost piles?
45:25 Compost tea
49:04 Compost vs. fertilizer
54:13 Thank you and see you next week!

Illinois Extension’s soil and composting website (includes links to soil testing labs) https://extension.illinois.edu/soil

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 220 From the ground up: How to create and care for raised bed gardens | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:32:00 -0500

Thinking about building raised beds, but not sure where to start? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss the benefits and challenges of raised bed gardening. From building materials to filling beds, get tips for construction, irrigation, and maintenance. Learn how raised beds can improve accessibility, reduce compaction, and what plants to grow in them.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5ooWAxzir6g

Skip to what you want to know:

00:48 – Welcome, Ken. How are our tomatoes looking?

03:13 - Why would we want to go through the effort to build a raised bed?

08:43 - What are some drawbacks of raised beds?

11:09 - What materials can be used to build raised beds?

09:57 – Wood: untreated, treated, logs

16:30 – Composite lumber

18:11 – Metal

20:52 – Stone/rock, bricks, and concrete

22:35 - Raised bed construction tips

28:04 - What should raised beds be filled with?

36:38 - Can you put stuff in the bottom of a raised bed so you don't have to fill it as much?

38:53 - Do you need to kill grass before filling raised beds?

40:40 - Raised bed maintenance - settling soil and irrigation

48:10 - What can be (or what do we) grown in raised beds?

55:21 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Oregon State University - Pressure-treated wood for raised bed construction: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/pressure-treated-wood-raised-bed-construction-willamette-valley

Evaluation of substrates in constructed, raised-beds for vegetable culture: https://openscholar.uga.edu/record/12578

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

English: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000696.pdf

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 219 Tree identification: Learning to name the trees around you | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 06:31:00 -0500

Ever wondered how to tell one tree from another—or why it even matters? Check out this week’s Good Growing podcast, where we dive into the magical world of tree identification with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel. From leaf shapes and bark textures to Latin names and mnemonic tricks, learn how recognizing trees can help you care for them better, diagnose problems, and deepen your connection with nature.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_7IMFXaOqNc

Skip to what you want to know:

01:20 – Welcome, Sarah!

02:28 - Why is tree identification important?

05:53 - Do you remember the first tree you learned to identify?

11:09 - What are the basics when it comes to identifying trees?

15:44 - Are there tools to help with tree ID?

22:37 - Is learning Latin names necessary?

29:30 - Any upcoming tree ID walks?

31:53 - Tree ID recap, process to identifying an unknown tree.

34:41 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Forest Trees of Illinois: https://pubsplus.illinois.edu/products/forest-trees-of-illinois

Tree Owner’s Manual: http://www.treeownersmanual.info/

Illinois Trees:

Spanish: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000702.pdf

Illinois Extension - DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties: https://extension.illinois.edu/dmp

Community Tree Care Series: https://extension.illinois.edu/plants/community-tree-care-series

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 218 Midsummer Lessons: What’s Growing (and Dying) in Our Yards | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 06:38:00 -0500

In this candid and photo-filled episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson take you on a tour of their own backyards. You will see the good, bad, and pretty. Learn about battling verticillium wilt and jumping worms to celebrating volunteer wildflowers and thriving pollinator beds. During the show, Chris tries a cucumber melon for the first time, and Ken shares his ever-expanding front yard prairie project. They share what’s working, what’s not, and what they’ve learned during a hot, humid, and rain-soaked Illinois summer.

Watch us on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RYNgQSKxXxc

Skip to what you want to know:
00:39 Hey Ken!
01:12 The growing conditions up to this point in our 2025 gardens
04:11 A dead tree and confirmed diagnosis: Verticillium wilt. Dealing with Verticillium wilt of trees and shrubs.
08:37 Checking out how things are growing in Ken's backyard
13:15 Chris found the invasive jumping worm in his landscape bed
20:27 Checking in on Ken's vegetable garden
29:16 Is this a melon or a cucumber? It's a cucumber melon!
31:55 Passive tick control - tick tubes
34:04 Ken's passive mosquito control - mosquito bucket of doom!
36:07 What's growing along Ken's driveway?
37:09 Check out our hydrangeas
40:57 Ginger midsummer update
45:00 Ken’s summer wildflower display - Kill your lawn!
51:37 Thank yous and coming up next week

Gardenbite: Wasps, the unsung heroes of our gardens | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:44:00 -0500

Wasps often get a bad reputation for being aggressive and painful pests. However, they play important roles in our gardens. From pollination to pest control, wasps are more helpful than many people realize. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about the benefits of wasps and how to safely manage them in your landscape.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uw7BSf9kUQ0

Pollination Success Following Loss of a Frequent Pollinator: The Role of Compensatory Visitation by Other Effective Pollinators - https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plx020.

Yellow Jackets May Be an Underestimated Component of an Ant-Seed Mutualism - https://www.jstor.org/stable/3877985.

‌

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 217 Agroforestry: Blending trees, crops, ecology, and economy | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:48:00 -0500

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 with agriculture can boost biodiversity, protect soil and water, and even support your bottom line!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0oVLH5i9Us

Skip to what you want to know:

00:35 - Welcome back, Ken. What's our agroforestry experience?

02:45 - Welcome, MJ Oviatt

06:34 - What is agroforestry? Does it work in Illinois?

10:29 - Is agroforestry focused on economics? Or ecology?

14:06 - What benefits does agroforestry provide to a farm or property?

17:42 - Are there barriers that keep property owners from incorporating agroforestry?

22:52 - What kind of plants can be used for windbreaks?

27:32 - Is there a wrong way to create a windbreak?

33:12 - What are riparian buffers? What are the benefits of these?

42:47 - Does the Savanna Institute have examples of agroforestry in practice? Do you provide education for landowners?

49:31 – Savana Institute's work on hazelnuts

54:18 - MJ, what species would you want in your own agroforestry project?

57:46 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Savanna Institute: https://www.savannainstitute.org/

Perennial AF Podcast: https://www.savannainstitute.org/perennialaf/

MJ Oviatt: https://www.savannainstitute.org/staff-mj-oviatt/

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Spigelia a native plant for your landscape | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:35:00 -0500

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, also known as Indian Pink or Carolina Pink, might become your new favorite native plant!

Gardenbite: Dispelling Myths and Telling the Itchy Truth About Chiggers | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

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 actually do to protect yourself. Whether you're gardening, hiking, or dodging fireworks, this Garden Bite will help you stay itch-free and informed.

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/D1Wkcf0qQaY

Good Growing Blog Post https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-07-02-unseen-menacechiggers

Kansas State University https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/03/entomology-chiggers-in-kansas.html

University of Missouri https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7398

Ep. 216 Chemical Trespass in Illinois: How Herbicides Are Impacting Native Trees and Ecosystems | #GoodGrowing

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:18:41 -0500

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: https://youtu.be/44Ue4HbGS7Y

Skip to what you want to know:
00:33:12 Hello Emily!
01:35:06 Welcome, Ryan Pankau!
02:18:18 What report are we talking about? Understanding the extent and consequences of chemical trespass for Illinois ecosystems
02:57:12 How has the landscape of Illinois changed historically to where we are today?
10:16:15 What is chemical trespass?
12:58:18 What organizations conducted this study?
16:49:15 What type of data was collected? What species seemed to be most impacted?
19:14:23 What is the ecological impact of pesticide trespass in our forests?
24:30:24 Does this just impact trees on the edges of fields or throughout a forest?
25:20:02 What did the data show in the collection samples?
27:31:09 What was the percentage of chemical trespass observed?
29:56:00 Can we solely rely on visual assessment to determine levels of herbicide trespass?
33:32:06 What they didn't find much of - dicamba and neonics
34:46:00 What does a tree that has been impacted by herbicide drift look like?
40:32:17 The importance of the lab tests in this study.
41:02:16 What do you do when your tree is impacted by herbicide trespass?
48:50:01 Can you prevent this damage or is there a way to protect trees and gardens from being damaged?
56:51:03 While there seemed to be a big focus on herbicide trespass, the study found a lot of fungicide in the later season samples. What is the impact of fungicide?
1:01:12:15 Our key takeaways from this report

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Emily Swihart eswihart@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

All photos by Chris Enroth
Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Why are there holes in my roses? Roseslugs | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:32:00 -0500

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 them.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fo836_3pgl8

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 215 Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the year | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 06:52:00 -0500

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: https://youtu.be/Qw24JnUOitQ

Skip to what you want to know:
00:46 Hey Ken! How do you say Asclepias?
01:28 What's in a name? A scientific name!
03:08 What is Asclepias (milkweed), and how many species of Asclepias are out in the world?
04:11 History of Asclepias.
07:37 Uses of milkweed outside of the garden
09:30 The negative image of milkweed in the agricultural community
12:02 Milkweeds for the garden. Listing the species of Asclepias native to Illinois. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutplants/wildaboutplantsmilkweeds.html
13:28 The most common milkweeds we often see in a home landscape
15:17 Our favorite milkweeds that we grow
21:32 Key identifying characteristics of Asclepias
23:05 Milkweed and pollination: who is the best pollinator for the job?
24:41 Milkweed pollination biology https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/nvpmctn12764.pdf
27:39 Milkweed toxicity and monarch butterflies
28:34 All the other insects using milkweed besides the monarch butterfly
30:16 What is the best milkweed for monarch butterflies?
30:44 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2018.00169/full Monarch Butterflies Show Differential Utilization of Nine Midwestern Milkweed Species
37:35 Talking about honeyvine milkweed
42:19 How do you harvest and grow milkweed seeds?
45:56 Transplanting milkweed
47:09 milkweed maintenance
48:45 Mowing for monarchs https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-08-28-mowing-monarchs
52:08 Who decreed 2025 the year of Asclepias?
53:34 Thank you and see you next week!

Photos:
Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension
Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension
Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension
5347031 - William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or snack | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:42:00 -0500

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, managing pests, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUxI1tupXNI

Skip to what you want to know:

00:23 - Welcome, Ken. What's your favorite way to consume grapes?

02:17 - Welcome, Elizabeth.

03:47 - What are the key things someone should consider before planting grapes in their backyard?

05:40 - Are there specific grape varieties that are best suited for beginners or small spaces?

08:27 - Can people grow grapes in containers?

10:55 - How big will a typical grape plant get?

12:01 - How important is climate and soil type when choosing grape varieties?

16:31 - When is the best time of year to plant grapevines?

19:11 - What kind of support structures do grapevines need (e.g., trellises, arbors)?

22:25 - Herbicides and the problems they can cause on grapes

24:10 - Do we need more than one type of grape for pollination? Are they self-pollinating?

25:26 - What are the most common mistakes new growers make?

29:07 - How do you prune grapevines, and why is it so important? Plus, a few more common grape growing mistakes.

34:31 - What pests or diseases should backyard growers watch out for?

40:20 - Growing grapes organically in Illinois

43:10 - What should someone do if their vines aren't producing fruit?

45:53 - Are there any low-maintenance grape varieties - "plant and forget"?

49:03 - How do you know when grapes are ready to harvest?

50:56 - Any tips for storing or preserving grapes after harvest?

54:15 - Elizabeth, what's your favorite way to consume grapes, what is your favorite grape variety, and why?

56:56 - Any final words of encouragement for someone thinking about starting their grape-growing journey?
58:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away |#GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 30 May 2025 06:28:00 -0500

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 backyard BBQ or just want to enjoy your garden in peace, this episode is your go-to guide for mosquito control that actually works.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/dpAHAqJ2WhM

Skip to what you want to know:
00:40 Hey Ken!
03:20 What makes people attractive to being bitten by mosquitoes?
05:55 Mosquito control that doesn't work
07:50 Purple Martins
10:40 Mosquito sonic repellents.
11:59 Bug zapper lights
16:49 A pan of soapy water.
17:49 Using mouthwash
21:38 Stuff that kind of works
21:44 Mosquito-repelling plants
24:46 Citronella candles
26:51 Mosquito control that can work
27:03 Fogging/spraying an area
30:56 Mosquito bucket of doom!
36:30 Habitat modification
41:47 Stay inside
44:03 Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing
45:44 CO2 Traps

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 23 May 2025 06:33:00 -0500

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 spectacular bloom season.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_CB0qzCxJ5Q

Skip to what you want to know:

00:33 - Welcome, Ken. How do you pronounce peony? Peonies and the rain.

02:12 - History and types of peonies

07:27 - Peonies as cut flowers

13:48 - Bloom times and cultivars

17:02 - Flower forms

22:20 - Why do we see ants on peony flowers?

25:38 - Peony diseases

30:33 - Moving and dividing peonies

35:52 - Breeding your own peonies

40:57 - The story of Peonydale

47:23 - Why aren't my peonies blooming?
50:17- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Gardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnats | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 16 May 2025 06:32:00 -0500

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

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 211 Gardening Tips for Spring: Hardening Off Plants and Managing Pests | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Thu, 08 May 2025 22:56:55 -0500

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 know:
00:56 Hey Ken!
01:29 How do I prepare my seedlings for planting outside? What does it mean to harden them off?
03:48 What if the garden isn't ready for planting, but our plants are outgrowing their pots?
06:20 How do I water my newly planted trees from Arbor Day? Specifically, Canadian hemlock.
10:45 Small caterpillars are eating all the needles off my Mugo pine! What are they, and how do I stop them?
14:31 Why are my blackberries dying back? It seems like the frost keeps killing them.
21:02 What do you do about a bumblebee nest near your front door?
24:03 Xerces Society moving bumblebee nest https://xerces.org/bumble-bees/nesting-overwintering
25:34 Illinois State Beekeepers Association https://www.ilsba.com/contact.html
25:58 Swarmed Website https://beeswarmed.org/
26:30 The difference between a bumblebee and a yellow jacket wasp
27:06 Rabbits are eating my arborvitae. What can I spray to stop them?
31:07 So long and thank you!
31:44 But wait, there's more! How do you tell the difference between a caterpillar and a sawfly?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 210 No Mow May: What is it and does it work in Illinois | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 02 May 2025 06:38:00 -0500

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

Skip to what you want to know:

00:29 - Welcome, Ken. Where has spring gone?

03:06 - What is No Mow May?

06:57 - Some problems with No Mow May

13:44 - Dandelions, are they good for pollinators?

19:16 - What can we do to provide early-season resources for pollinators?
35:26- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Ep. 209 Vegetable gardening in small spaces | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:47:00 -0500

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, growing in pots, seasonal planting, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lVDite6vvGE

Skip to what you want to know:

00:30 - Welcome, Ken. More plants for small spaces and our experiences with gardening in small spaces

03:18 - Happy Arbor Day

04:54 - Gardening in small spaces - selecting smaller plants

09:47 - Growing in containers

23:00 - Fruit plants for containers

28:10 - Using trellising to save space

34:30 - Growing in raised beds to save space

37:28 - Planting seasonally

40:03 - Incorporating food crops into landscaping (edible landscaping)

43:52 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Pictures:

Watermelon Cal Sweet Bush - All-American Selections

Pepper Pot-a-peno - All-America Selections

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Management of Invasive Plants and Pests of Illinois

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 208 IPM: Techniques, Tools, and Tips for a Healthier Garden | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:36:31 -0500

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 scouting, diagnosing plant problems, and using pesticides responsibly. Plus, hear fascinating insights about lightning-resistant trees and the role of beneficial insects in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you master IPM and keep your garden thriving.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5hYQSQSRhaU

Skip to what you want to know:
00:36 Hey Ken!
01:13 Can trees benefit from lightning strikes?
05:40 Diving into and defining I.P.M. - Integrated Pest Management
06:16 What is a pest? It all depends (mostly).
11:17 Where do we begin our IPM strategy?
20:12 The foundation of an IPM structure (system).
21:13 Management techniques used in IPM (the pillars).
21:35 How do you scout for IPM?
23:50 Using good plant culture to avoid growing issues.
29:33 Controlling pests mechanically/physically.
34:29 Using other living things to help control plant pests.
40:04 Can you buy beneficial insects to be released in a garden to help control pests?
44:34 The fourth pillar of an IPM program - pesticides
50:25 Synthetic vs. biorational (organic) pesticides
57:42 Categorizing pesticides - contact vs. systemic
1:04:20 How do we use pesticides to limit the impact on bees?

How some tropical trees benefit from being struck by lightning: evidence for Dipteryx oleifera and other large-statured trees https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Ep. 207 Bee Conservation: Honeybees, Native Bees, and Their Roles | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:36:19 -0500

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 Sreelakshmi Suresh, shares their extensive experience in bee research, including insights into honeybee foraging, the waggle dance, and the challenges facing bee populations today. Discover how honeybees and native bees contribute to pollination, the economic implications of honeybee declines, and the importance of preserving native bee habitats.

Whether you're a beekeeper, gardener, or simply curious about bees, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging discussions. Tune in to learn more about the buzz around bees and how you can support these vital pollinators.

Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RbTg_6SFYwE

Skip to what you want to know:
00:34 Hey Ken! How is spring treating us with the recent freeze?
01:52 Welcome, Sreelakshmi Suresh!
02:35 What is the difference between honeybees and North American native bees? Are they at odds?
04:11 Sreelakshmi's background and experience with bees
07:58 What is a honeybee waggle dance?
12:41 What's with the recent headlines of honeybee hives being lost at record rates?
16:16 What does the loss of honeybees mean for our food system, and should we all keep bees to help?
26:19 Do honeybees harm native bees?
37:58 Can honeybees and native bees coexist in a high-quality prairie?
45:56 Can honeybees' foraging preferences influence a native plant community?
50:33 How many species of bees are there in the world? In Illinois?
53:00 Talking about our favorite bees
55:51 Carpenter bee fun fact
57:22 Thank yous and see you next week!

Ep. 206 Answering your spring gardening questions | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:32:00 -0500

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:

00:27 – Welcome, Ken. Have we gotten our garden seeds started, a Good Growing Grow Along seed update, and an anniversary.

05:28 - I have a bare patch of ground, when should I plant grass seed?

08:38 – What is this plant?

09:27 – What is causing the stippling on the rhododendron leaves?

13:13 – My African violet has mealy bugs. How do I get rid of them?

16:18 – Bradford pear is becoming invasive but can still be bought. What are you doing to stop it from being sold?

21:57 – Managing honeysuckle, can I spray now?

24:38 - Wintercreeper

26:35 – What do we do about our homes being invaded by the multi-colored Asian lady beetle?

30:18 – How much fertilizer should I put on my fruit trees?

33:59 - Will cicadas affect my trees this year?

37:14 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Bush honeysuckle management

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates and A Guide to the Butterflies They Support

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 205 Spring Ephemerals: Discovering Hidden Woodland Treasures | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:00:05 -0500

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 ephemerals in your garden, and describe detailed insights into common Illinois spring ephemerals.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:36 Hey Ken!
00:45 Are the spring ephemerals emerging in our yards and around us?
02:52 What is a spring ephemeral?
05:23 Where do we commonly find spring ephemerals?
08:14 Are Spring bulbs the same as spring ephemerals?
11:51 When do you commonly see spring ephemerals emerge in Illinois?
12:40 Can we plant spring ephemerals in our yards?
14:16 Can spring ephemerals be used under evergreens?
15:10 Should you buy bareroot or seed to start your spring ephemeral garden?
20:19 The interesting way many spring ephemerals have their seed dispersed.
22:23 Talking about specific species of spring ephemerals.
22:32 Skunk cabbage
24:46 Dutchman's Breeches
27:56 Jack in the Pulpit
32:25 Virginia bluebells
36:26 Yellow Trout Lily
38:40 Mayapple
42:36 Bloodroot
44:54 Forest debris and invasive species competing with spring ephemerals
46:45 Spring beauty
50:23 Don't dig up spring ephemerals from natural areas
52:46 Plan for a succession of plants to fill in the holes left by spring ephemerals when they are done for the year.
54:12 Thank you, and coming up next week

Links to our articles on spring ephemerals
Spring brings spring beauties to the landscape https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-04-15-spring-brings-spring-beauties-landscape
A plant of many colors: Virginia bluebell https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-03-15-plant-many-colors-virginia-bluebell
A favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-17-favorite-spring-ephemeral-bloodroot
Trillium: Good things come in threes https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-04-07-trillium-good-things-come-threes

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0500

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 reports have lots of numbers, what do they all mean?
01:13 How do you collect a soil sample for testing? Do many gardeners test their soil in Illinois?
08:08 What do we do with our soil sample? Buy a home test kit? Use a soil lab?
08:56 How to find a soil lab.
11:27 Stick with Midwestern soil labs.
13:23 Showing our soil test results
14:01 Ken's soil test report from Lukeman Garden's Extension Demonstration Garden
17:11 Ken's soil test recommendations - corn, soybeans, grains, and legumes
19:12 Chris reads his soil test report (lawn)
31:08 Chris' soil test recommendations for lawn.
34:02 Thanks and coming up next week

Illinois Extension Soils Website https://extension.illinois.edu/soil
Soil Test Lab lists https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-test-labs
Testing Your Soil w/ Duane Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv7iocI90os
Collecting Soil Samples with Chris Enroth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1G1tso_N40

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:36:00 -0500

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?

02:20 – What type of grasses are we talking about?

03:10 – Which native grasses do well in gardens?

06:15 – Native grasses as pollinator nesting and overwintering habitat

13:28 – Cleaning up plant debris from the garden

17:05 – Native grasses as larval food sources

23:20 – Native grass pollen as a food source

28:58 – Selecting and incorporating native grasses in the landscape

38:58 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Fall garden clean-up

Spring garden clean-up

Role of grasses in a pollinator garden

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Year of the Monstera, National Garden Bureau
A Revision of Monstera (Areaceae)

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:15:00 -0600

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 memories of canned and frozen peas to the joys of growing your own, this episode covers everything you need to know about these humble yet delightful vegetables.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:37 Hey Ken! What type of peas did we eat growing up? Canned, frozen, or fresh?
02:44 National Garden Bureau Plant of the Year - The Garden Pea
03:23 Is it time to plant garden peas in early March?
06:15 The history of the garden pea. Domestication
09:39 Why did humans pick the garden pea for domestication 10,000 years ago?
11:54 The dawn of a sweeter garden pea.
14:31 Talking about Gregor Mendel and the birth of modern genetics.
17:07 Growing garden peas
18:09 Shelling peas
19:03 Snow/Sugar peas
19:41 Snap peas
22:01 Growing requirements spacing, soil, trellising, etc.
24:16 What pea cultivars does Ken grow in his garden?
27:28 Using peas as a bioassay.
28:20 How deep do you plant pea seeds?
29:24 Garden pea problems
32:14 Thank yous and coming up next week.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:10:00 -0600

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, and using chamomile in your garden and home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious about this versatile herb, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to explore the wonders of chamomile and how it can enhance your garden and lifestyle.

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDqLJBDEogw

Skip to what you want to know:
00:30 Hey Ken! Do you like to drink tea?
00:59 Herb of the year - Chamomile. Have we tried chamomile tea?
02:18 What is the proper way to pronounce "chamomile"?
03:22 The different species of chamomile, look-a-likes, and chamomile adjacent.
07:24 Pineapple weed
08:37 Stinking Chamomile
09:35 Dyer's Chamomile
10:53 The economics of chamomile
12:30 How is chamomile harvested commercially (past and present)
15:33 Recommended varieties of German chamomile
18:17 What is Roman chamomile used for?
19:45 Growing German chamomile
22:54 Recommended growing conditions for German chamomile
24:37 Harvesting German chamomile flowers
25:59 Chamomile is also attractive to pollinators
26:42 Drying and steeping times
30:38 Thanks yous and coming up next week

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:22:00 -0600

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 come from?

07:10 – What is the growth habit of Monstera, and what do they look like?

09:25 – Why are there holes (fenestrations) in the leaves?

13:30 – Growing Monstera

18:35 – Monstera toxicity

19:15 – Monstera deliciosa

24:43 – Propagating Monstera

26:25 –Monstera adansonii

28:17 – Monstera esqueleto

30:50 –Monstera obliqua

34:05 –Monstera epipremnoides

35:55 –Monstera Peru

37:22 –Monstera standleyana (cobra monstera)

39:00 – Some more resources

40:50 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Revision of Monstera (Araceae: Monsteroideae) of Central America

The adaptive function of leaf fenestrations in Monstera spp (Araceae) a look at water, wind, and herbivory, May 2011

Flower and Fruit of the Monstera Deliciosa

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:16:00 -0600

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 negative impacts of removing significant leaf cover. He also discusses the legal liabilities homeowners face with poorly managed trees and who to turn to when you need a tree care professional. Tune in to learn why tree topping is like giving your tree a bad haircut and discover better ways to care for your landscape investments.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5YHneEN0zyA

Skip to what you want to know:
01:58 Tree topping has been done for generations. Are you saying Grandma was wrong?
02:27 What happens when you top a tree?
02:59 The rise of epicormic shoots!
03:58 Epicormic shoots are WEAK!
04:20 Watch out for widowmakers!
04:54 Will I get in trouble for having widowmakers in my trees?
05:29 What can I do to avoid tree care people that top trees?
05:53 How do we prune shade trees without tree topping?
06:22 Topped trees are ugly!
07:28 What about this thing called pollarding? Is that the same as tree topping?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk
Chainsaw footage provided by Storyblocks

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 06:22:00 -0600

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 Grow Along?

02:25 – What is the Good Growing Grow Along?

04:30 – What has changed from last year’s Grow Along?

07:15 – How can I register for the Grow Along?

09:55 – What will we be growing this year for the Grow Along?

10:25 - Papalo ‘Butterfly’

15:40 - Sweet pepper ‘Christmas tree’

19:40 - Melon ‘Kajari’

23:18 - Tomato ‘Black Krim’

27:02 - Toothache Plant ‘Bullseye’

30:55 - Basil ‘Dark Purple Opal’

34:50 - Celosia ‘Mega Punk’

39:40 - Cosmos ‘Seashells Mix’

43:50 - Zinnia ‘Old Mexico’

48:23 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Join us for the Good Growing Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong

Starting seeds at home: https://youtu.be/lNCwDYkdS50
Toothache plant: What is it and how to grow it: https://youtu.be/Z7ywlxrKWTM

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

Drumroll provided by Storyblocks

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 06:47:00 -0600

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

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:15:00 -0600

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 Perennial Plant of the Year is Clustered Mountain Mint
07:04 Native range
09:15 What does clustered mountain mint look like?
11:30 Pairing mountain mint with other plants.
12:34 Growth habit (form).
12:51 Full sun to part shade plant, but what happens if it gets too much shade?
13:42 Recommended locations to plant clustered mountain mint
15:05 Thoughts about potential aggressive behavior.
17:07 Why was this plant selected as perennial plant of the year?
17:45 The minty smell of clustered mountain mint.
19:52 Other mountain mints you may find in Illinois.
22:13 Mountain mint is a valuable plant for insects.
25:30 The seasonality of mountain mint.
27:12 Looking for mountain mint species at the garden centers.
29:34 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Perennial Plant Association, Perennial Plant of the Year - Clustered Mountain Mint https://perennialplant.org/page/2025PPOY

Characterization of Odorants in Clustered Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum muticum
Assessing pollinator richness on urban-grown mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) populations
Variation in Insect Richness on Six Prairie Plant Species

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us
614?country=us

Ep. 197 Discovering Dogwoods: From trees to shrubs and even groundcovers!

Chris Enroth — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:43:06 -0600

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/_eCVKqEyFm8

Skip to what you want to know:
00:35 Hey Ken!
01:02 Hey Emily!

Dogwood Shrubs
02:45 Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
08:19 Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
14:07 Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
15:15 Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba)
16:02 How to identify dogwoods

Dogwood Trees
20:46 Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
29:00 Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
31:43 Cornelian cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)
34:34 Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

Dogwood Groundcover
36:31 Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Dogwood problems
38:47 Dogwood borer
40:06 Dogwood anthracnose
42:58 Spot anthracnose
43:16 Septoria and Cercospora leaf spots

45:06 Fun facts we learned about dogwoods!
51:46 Thank yous and coming up next week

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu
Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us
614?country=us

Ep. 196 Good Growing 2024 Year in Review: Top Episodes, Cicada Mania, and More | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:53:35 -0600

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 episodes
03:51 Third-most popular YouTube episode - More than monarchs
YouTube https://youtu.be/cLvl96PpqOg
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/gardenbite-more-monarchs-insects-milkweed-goodgrowing
06:08 Second most popular YouTube video from 2024 - Plants We Wouldn't Plant Again
YouTube https://youtu.be/XHqaxZPzlVU
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-179-plants-we-wouldnt-plant-or-would-think-twice-about-planting-again
07:52 Most popular YouTube video from 2024 - Plant problems we are seeing in 2024
YouTube https://youtu.be/7O96jjEbZ3o
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-181-plant-problems-we-are-seeing-2024-goodgrowing

Top three audio podcast episodes
10:56 Third favorite audio episode - Native Grasses in the Prairie and Your Yard
YouTube https://youtu.be/EaFf5zziNiQ
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-176-native-grasses-prairie-and-your-yard-goodgrowing
13:25 Second favorite audio podcast of 2024 - Monarch Butterfly Science with Dr. Andy Davis
YouTube https://youtu.be/zIt-zkivDjI
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-174-monarch-butterfly-science-w-dr-andy-davis-goodgrowing
18:16 Favorite audio episode from 2024 - Growing Perennial Vegetables, Asparagus, Rhubarb, and More
YouTube https://youtu.be/Q9PYXesCPXE
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-169-growing-perennial-vegetables-asparagus-rhubarb-more-goodgrowing

Our favorite moments and episodes from 2024
20:23 Old Timey Remedies - Dynamite in the Landscape
YouTube https://youtu.be/v64wU2PINS8
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-183-old-time-garden-remedies-goodgrowing
22:27 Ken's favorite part of 2024 was cicada-mania
YouTube https://youtu.be/U_0K70ajACM
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-175-eating-periodical-cicadas-goodgrowing
24:18 Thinking back on the Good Growing Grow Along
YouTube https://youtu.be/aC0JUpFpYsQ
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/good-growing-grow-along-final-check-2024-goodgrowing
26:51 Attending the 2024 N.G Heimos Poinsettia Trial
YouTube https://youtu.be/sPrESNYNOzk
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-194-more-red-many-colors-and-forms-poinsettias-goodgrowing
29:06 Our favorite gardening books episode
YouTube https://youtu.be/RskDlYC8TRk
Audio
31:14 A favorite moment - everyone eating toothache plant flowers
YouTube https://youtu.be/Z7ywlxrKWTM
Audio https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-193-our-favorite-gardening-books-winter-reading-gifts-or-anytime-year

33:44 Lessons from the garden for 2025
39:42 Thank yous and coming up next week!

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:45:00 -0600

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 guests.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C01ODX3-7u8

Skip to what you want to know:

01:10 – Welcome, Sarah Vogel and Ryan Pankau. Introducing the Community Tree Care Series.

02:00 – Introductions. Who you are, where you are located, and how you became interested in trees.

08:47 – What is the Community Tree Care Series?

10:48 – Community Tree Care Series is open to anyone.

11:20 – Why we care about community trees.

14:00 – When trees face a natural disaster.

18:20 – How to sign up for the Community Tree Care Series.

21:53 – A summary of what topics are included in the series.

27:46 – Yet to be announced in-person sessions

32:08 – Lightening Round with tree people

33:09 – What is your favorite tree species and why?

37:28 – What is the most interesting tree fact that you know?

39:43 – What tree do you associate with your childhood?

41:41 – Do you have any tree related New Year’s Resolutions?

45:29 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

For more information or to register for the Community Tree Care Series: https://go.illinois.edu/CTC2025

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinos.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0600

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 its tragic downfall due to the chestnut blight.

Chestnut Varieties: Explore different types of chestnuts, including American, Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnuts, and understand their unique characteristics and uses.

Growing Chestnuts: Gain practical tips on how to grow chestnuts, including site selection, soil requirements, and pollination needs.
Pest and Disease Management: Learn about common pests and diseases that affect chestnuts, such as chestnut weevils and phytophthora root rot, and how to manage them effectively.

Harvesting and Storing: Get expert advice on the best practices for harvesting and storing chestnuts to maintain their quality and flavor.

Culinary Uses: Find out how to prepare and enjoy chestnuts, from roasting them over an open fire to incorporating them into various recipes.

Restoration Efforts: Hear about the ongoing efforts to restore the American chestnut through traditional breeding and transgenic approaches.

Join us for an informative and engaging episode that will deepen your appreciation for chestnuts and their role in our ecosystems and culinary traditions.

01:16 Chestnuts - What are they?
02:36 Chestnut vs. horse chestnut
03:30 The different species of chestnuts
04:20 The history of the American chestnut.
06:34 The arrival of Chestnut blight
08:28 Chestnut growing recommendations
11:04 Chestnut cultivars
11:43 Chestnut pollination
13:29 Chestnut pests (insects)
16:11 Chestnut pests (critters)
17:41 Chestnut diseases
19:03 Harvest and storing chestnuts
21:21 How to eat chestnuts
23:08 Bringing back the American Chestnut
25:32 So long until next year!

Watch the entire Going Nuts Over Tree Nuts webinar where we also discuss walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd1ix1H3bco

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:27:00 -0600

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 last year’s poinsettia podcast

07:05 – A little more on the trial and how it was laid out.

09:55 – What we saw/our favorites

10:25 – Red poinsettias (Kayla Red, Roccostar Red, Gloria Red, Q-ismas Bond, and Advent Red)

18:30 – Marbled poinsettias (Amarena Early Glitter, Early Elegance Glitter, Tapestry, Ice Punch, Robyn Marble, Princettia Sparkling Rouge, and Freya series – marble)

30:56 – White poinsettias (Flurry White and Frozen)

33: 50 – Novelty poinsettias (Autumn Leaves, Viking Cinnamon, Q-ismas Cozy Oak, Orange Glo, Luv U Pink, Enduring Pink, Mars Pink, Princettia Queen Shell Pink, Golden Glo, Green Envy, and Q-ismas Qozy Mojito)

49:05 – A few more poinsettias we saw

51:25 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more: https://youtu.be/0jY1dNYQG5Y

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:41:08 -0600

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 longer episode, so be sure to use the timestamps in the episode description to jump to your favorite sections. Happy listening!

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/RskDlYC8TRk

00:31 Hey Ken!
01:00 Welcome Emily!
01:35 What are our reading habits?
03:38 How do we choose books to read?
07:13 Reading older books.
10:39 Horticulture references
10:55 Diseases of Trees and Shrubs by Wayne Sinclair and Howard Lyon
11:02 Bark: A Field Guide to the Trees of the Northeast by Michael Wojtech
12:26 Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allan Armitage
13:53 The Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants by Peter D'Amato
14:54 Caterpillars of Eastern North America by David Wagner
15:57 The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator by Timothy Winegard
16:37 Wicked Bugs by Amy Stewart
18:13 Bees: An Identification and Native Plant Forage Guide by Heather Holm
18:20 Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm
22:25 How Plants Work by Linda Chalker-Scott
22:34 Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon
24:26 The Informed Gardener by Linda Chalker-Scott
25:15 The History of the Garden in Fifty Tools by Bill Laws
28:22 Management of Invasive Plants and Pests for Illinois by Illinois Extension
28:41 Forest Trees of Illinois by Illinois Extension
29:27 Books by Doug Tallamy
29:43 Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy
30:03 The Nature of Oaks by Doug Tallamy
31:49 The Living Landscape by Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke
35:16 Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
36:08 Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer
36:58 The Sioux Chef by Sean Sherman
38:45 The Leaves on the Trees by Thom Wiley
40:51 Bug Hotel by Libby Walden
41:47 Colors of Insects by Laura Purdie Salas
42:14 Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton
42:39 As An Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas
43:39 From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
45:05 The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
46:31 A Perfect Red by Amy Butler Greenfield
49:40 Urban Forests: A natural history of trees and people in the American cityscape by Jill Jonnes
51:41 Hortus Curious by Michael Perry
52:29 Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History by Bill Laws
54:38 The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
56:52 Vascular Flora of Illinois by Robert Mohlenbrock
57:13 Circe by Madeline Miller
57:48 Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein
58:49 Well-Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust
59:41 Nature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy
59:57 Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West
1:02:53 Plants of the Chicago Region by Floyd Swink and Gerould Wilhelm
1:03:36 A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
1:07:21 Illinois Wildflowers by Don Kurz
1:07:38 Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss
1:08:03 The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants by Hilary Cox and Neil Diboll
1:08:49 The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa Mason Ziegler
1:10:17 The Propagation Handbook by Hilton Carter
1:11:24 Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
1:12:58 The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
1:17:05 Closing thoughts
1:17:45 Thank yous, goodbyes, and coming up next week

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:17:00 -0600

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/yUWWqRRAjEk

Skip to what you want to know:

00:35 – Tips on selecting holiday plants

00:44 – Poinsettias

02:20 – Christmas cactus

03:20 – Amaryllis

04:15 – Norfolk Island Pines

05:30 – Inspecting and transporting plants to avoid damage

07:50 – What to look for when selecting Christmas trees

09:19 – Wrap-up and goodbye!

Need information on caring for your holiday plants? Check out these Good Growing articles:
Poinsettias
Holiday cacti
Amaryllis
Norfolk Island Pines
Caring for Christmas trees

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Duration of Daylight/Darkness Table

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:53:59 -0600

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 their damage this winter.

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/Si2Q9HpKpFI

Dealing with Winter Wildlife Damage - Good Growing Winter Webinar https://youtu.be/84aZvRWl9VA?si=FvcB7qDyZRzJLlcY

1:34 Voles
8:37 Mice

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:27:00 -0600

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 our vegetable gardens looking like?

03:05 – What are our experiences with season extension?

04:25 – What is season extension?

06:20 – Effect of daylength on plant growth

10:25 – What kind of crops are we talking about when it comes to season extension?

13:26 – Cloches

16:27 – Temperature/heat management

17:55 – Floating row cover

22:00 – Low tunnels

24:05 – High tunnels and caterpillar tunnels

34:20 – Greenhouses (controlled environment)

37:20 – Cold frames

40:25 – Hot frame

41:46 – Starting seeds indoors

43:10 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

How to Build a Low Tunnel Part 1 - Bending low tunnel frames
How to Build a Low Tunnel Part 2 - Installing greenhouse poly plastic

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:21:57 -0600

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 your peach tree. Check out the recommendations in this week's podcast.

Skip to what you want to know:

00:37 - Hey Ken! It's warm outside for being November.
01:44 - What are we still picking from the garden?
04:38 - What does NOAA predict for our upcoming weather patterns?
09:30 - Answering your gardening questions: Why does my rose have a stem covered in thorns? Moreso than normal!
15:28 - Why are lawn grubs so bad this year?
23:40 - What is causing my cherry tree leaves to curl in the spring? When I notice in the summer I can't find anything.
28:23 - Peach leaf curl shows up in late spring, but it can be treated right now in the fall!

European Chafer Grub Feeding on Warm-season and Cool-season Turfgrasses, Native Prairie Grasses, and Pennsylvania Sedge https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/18/3/article-p329.xml

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:38:00 -0500

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 urban forest to capture windbreak benefits.

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

614?country=us

Ep. 190 Halloween spooktacular: Creepy crawlies | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:23:00 -0500

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

11:30 – Brown recluse spider

15:50 – Identifying brown recluse spiders

18:30 – Venomous vs poisonous

19:20 – Stinging caterpillars

22:40 - Saddleback caterpillar

24:55 - Puss caterpillar

28:30 – Oriental rat flea and plague

35:47 – Lice

36:25 – Body lice

39:30 – Head lice

41:30 – Pubic lice

45:22 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Southern black widow (University of Florida) - https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/spiders/black_widow_spider.htm

Brown recluse (Colorado State University) - https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/brown-recluse-spiders-in-colorado-recognition-and-spiders-of-similar-appearance-5-607/

CDC lice guidelines - https://www.cdc.gov/lice/caring-head/index.html

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 06:13:00 -0500

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 – Sharpening cultivators/hoes

14:52 – Caring for wooden handles

18:05 – Motor oil to protect metal? Other ways to prevent rust and lubricate tools

21:10 – Caring for and sharpening pruners

32:10 – Getting lawnmowers ready for winter

42:50 – Organizing tool storage areas

45:35 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

How to grow and care for fall mums in your garden
How to grow garlic

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:07:00 -0500

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_gFE

Skip 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 does cleaning the vegetable garden break disease cycles?
11:53 Adding amendments to the vegetable garden.
13:55 Using manure in the garden.
16:32 Shifting gears to our yard, should we be mowing shorter for our last mowing of the year?
18:21 What about fall leaves? Should we shred them or leave them on the lawn?
22:30 Do trees and shrubs need water as part of putting the landscape "to bed?"
25:06 Cleaning up our perennial plants in the fall. Deadheading aggressive seed producers.
26:59 Cutting back perennials can wait until spring, at least for the plant's sake. Your situation may be different though!
32:30 Brief tool talk. (preview of next week)

Fall garden clean up with pollinators and other wildlife in mind https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-10-22-fall-garden-clean-pollinators-and-other-wildlife-mind

When should I start cleaning up my garden?
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-02-when-should-i-start-cleaning-my-garden

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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

Chris Enroth — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:32:05 -0500

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 received Grow Along seed from us. How is your crop progressing? Have you been able to harvest anything? And more. Please use the survey link sent to you in the most recent email that included a link to this episode.

We are treating this as a quasi-trial of these crops. So, we are asking for some specific details on your growing conditions. If this year works out, we may make these "trials" more official.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aC0JUpFpYsQ

Got questions? Contact us at
Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu
Emily Swihart eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing
Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 06:38:00 -0500

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

08:05 – Moving houseplants indoors

13:50 – Planting garlic

21:20 – Testing soil and where to send it

25:00 – Planting trees and shrubs and protecting them from deer

29:10 – Lawn work and dry weather

35:20 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Soil testing

Soil test labs

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Gardenbite: Fall Flavors - Apple vs Pumpkin | #goodgrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:29:13 -0500

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?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Mysterious Invasion [ Cinematic Trailer ]
Volodymyr Piddubnyk

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 06:18:00 -0500

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 Domain, iNaturalist

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

614?country=us

Gardenbite: The Science Behind Fall Color | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:08:43 -0500

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/2puA2uMoXEg

Skip to what you want to know:
00:18 Fall color lore
00:33 What we thought was happening in leaves to produce fall color.
01:06 What triggers fall color to begin?
01:19 Senescence
01:32 Resorption
02:08 Abscission layer
02:34 What role does fall color play in leaf senescence?
03:44 Leaf pigments: carotenoids
05:18 Tannins
05:55 Anthocyanins
09:06 What autumn weather produces the best fall color?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Ep. 186 Managing weeds in the fall | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:47:00 -0500

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.

02:15 – Managing weeds in the fall

02:50 – Why focus on weeds in the fall?

04:15 – Annual weeds

10:00 – Biennial weeds

11:40 – Perennial weeds

14:40 – Changes to Roundup

24:20 – EPA emergency stop order for use of Dacthal

27:40 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Illinois Extension garlic mustard - https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/invasive-garlic-mustard

When Roundup Isn’t Roundup: Clearing up the confusion between products (Purdue University) - https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/when-roundup-isnt-roundup-clearing-up-the-confusion-between-products/
EPA stop use (Dacthal) - https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-emergency-order-stop-use-pesticide-dacthal-address-serious-health-risk-4

Illinois EPA Clean-Sweep Program - https://agr.illinois.gov/pesticides/pesticide-clean-sweep-program.html

Henbit picture: "Henbit Colony" (CC BY 2.0) by klm185

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Abscisic acid triggers whole-plant and fruit-specific mechanisms to increase fruit calcium uptake and prevent blossom end rot development in tomato fruit

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

Ep. 185 Growing Hazelnuts in Illinois | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:19:35 -0500

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/tWgbcfiYIKg

Skip to what you want to know:

00:32 Hey Ken! The messy consumption of chocolate hazelnut spread in our houses.
01:47 RIP Roger Cook
02:56 Correction from a previous episode on calcium in fertilizer
04:03 Our initial experiences with hazelnut
05:49 Hazelnut origins: Where do they come from? Are there multiple species?
06:57 Comparing American and European hazelnut
09:31 Flavor of American hazelnut vs. European hazelnut
11:00 Another common name for hazelnut is "filbert"
11:45 Eastern Filbert Blight and its impact on hazelnut production in the US
15:23 Where can American hazelnut be planted and grown?
19:53 Pests of hazelnut in Illinois
22:05 Walking through a year in the lifecycle of the hazelnut
26:50 Selecting your hazelnut plants. Seedlings, cultivars, hybrids, oh my!
32:36 Pollination is not so straightforward. There are some considerations when it comes to selection.
35:57 Thank yous!

Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative https://www.midwesthazelnuts.org/

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/
Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 07:09:00 -0500

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 YouTube

Skip to what you want to know:

00:29 Hey Ken!
01:15 What is a cover crop and what would a home gardener use them to accomplish?
02:26 Why do people use cover crops: To help rebuild soil structure.
04:20 Why do people use cover crops: To break up soil compaction
04:40 Why do people use cover crops: Weed suppression
04:57 Why do people use cover crops: Fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil
05:22 Why do people use cover crops: Build up organic matter
05:38 What types of cover crops do we have to choose from?
08:07 Why do people use cover crops: It can look pretty
09:37 Why do people use cover crops: Attract pollinators or beneficial insects
10:02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLvJLHERYJI
10:45 Why do people use cover crops: Scavenge nutrients from the soil
13:36 Chris likes to use cover crops that winterkill.
15:37 Ken's preferred cover crop mix.
17:55 Why we terminate (kill) cover crops.
21:21 Ways to terminate (kill) your cover crop.
26:51 How soon can we plant into a recently terminated cover crop?
30:01 Drawbacks of cover crops
33:15 How do you choose what cover crop to use in your backyard?
34:57 Purdue Extension document - Cover Crops in the Home Garden https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-324-W.pdf
37:11 Cover crops and competition with nearby crops.
41:04 Can't we leave our dead vegetable crops in the ground and get the same results as a cover crop?
43:53 Why do people use cover crops: Allelopathic effects in the soil that can prevent weed seed germination.
44:22 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Ep. 183 Old-time garden remedies | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 06:49:00 -0500

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 tars and paints

08:12 – Epsom salt

10:22 – Eggshells

16:05 – Dynamite!

27:55 – Old-timey pesticides

28:25 – Tobacco

30:45 - Forsyth’s Composition

33:00 – 1849 concoction for mildew on peaches

35:30 – Heavy metals

37:40 – Dish soap

38:40 – Oils

40:00 – Can water burn plants?

41:03 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Gillman, Jeff. 2008. The Truth about Garden Remedies : What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why. Portland: Timber Press.

Landscape Architecture Magazine – Planting with Dynamite

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:46:00 -0500

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_s

Skip 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 a pin oak tree dropping limbs and leaking fluid from a hole in the trunk
17:50 The problem with aphids this summer. So many! Why?
21:02 Why did my ash tree fall over? It seemed healthy and we treated it for EAB every year."
26:48 What are these bumps on my magnolia tree? Magnolia scale is everywhere this year!
33:32 The rise of oak leaf gall mite? Makes people itchy.
38:05 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Good Growing Grow Along second check-in

Chris Enroth — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:15:00 -0500

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 are treating this as a quasi-trial of these crops. So, we are asking for some specific details on your growing conditions. If this year works out, we may make these "trials" more official.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k0Qj0zQRs-A

Grow and harvest okra: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/raise-grow-harvest-eat-repeat/2020-08-11-growing-and-harvesting-okra

Selecting okra pods and how to reduce the
slime: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LjXEK855rqs

Freezer pickles: https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/freezing-garden-produce-best-results

Got questions? Contact us at
Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu
Emily Swihart eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Gardenbite: Fall Tree Planting | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:38:00 -0500

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 hear fall is a good time to plant trees. Is this true? Why or why not?

03:27 – What are some things we need to consider when planting trees?

07:19 – What do we mean by a tree is planted too deep?

09:20 – Should we amend the planting hole? Digging the planting hole.

12:20 – Should burlap and wire cages be removed from ball and burlap trees?

15:25 – Should newly planted trees be staked?

20:29 – After planting care

24:47 – Wrap-up, thank you, and goodbye!

Check out the full original version, Tree planting and care: https://youtu.be/b4RWZi_7OsA

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

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Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:42:00 -0500

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 – Coneflower rosette mite damage vs aster yellows

13:50 – Oak wilt

15:20 – Identifying red oak group and white oak group

18:00 – Oak wilt symptoms

19:55 – Submitting samples

22:05 – Spread by root grafts

25:05 – Fungicide treatment?

27:35 – Fire blight in ornamental pear

33:05 – Blossom end rot in tomatoes

36:58 – Where are all the Japanese beetles?

40:08 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

University of Illinois Plant Clinic: https://extension.illinois.edu/plant-clinic

Talking summertime tomato growing with #GoodGrowing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmkBN8tqLOs

What causes blossom end rot of tomatoes?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK1UUJXpTrc

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/oO3BYDiOzww

Skip to what you want to know:
03:02 The survey we are discussing today regarding water-saving products from the lawn and garden. Impacts from water restrictions.
07:36 Going through the survey results.
12:26 Natural fertilizers. Water Saving Product?
16:08 Soil Wetting Agents. Water Saving Product?
21:49 Compost. Water Saving Product?
25:28 Liquid lawn fertilizers and soil moisture monitors. Water Saving Product?
30:35 Artificial Turf. Water Saving Product?
33:53 Soil amendments. Water Saving Product?
36:56 Granular lawn fertilizer. Water Saving Product?
40:35 Herbicides and fungicides. Water Saving Product?
42:17 Polymer pellets (hydrogels). Water Saving Product?
47:11 Recommendations for saving water in Illinois gardens and landscapes.
47:32 Soil amendments based on soil test results.
48:27 Planting vegetables in blocks rather than rows.
48:35 Siting plants based on their water requirements.
49:51 Select plants adapted to your site conditions.
50:12 Shade cloth in vegetable gardens.
51:00 Enhance and protect shade trees.
52:55 Eliminate non-functional turf.
53:32 Break up impervious pavement surfaces.
54:55 Water collection devices.
56:02 What about graywater in Illinois?
56:48 Watering properly and efficiently.
57:59 Drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
58:51 Prioritizing what plants get watered and which are on their own.
01:02:07 Thank yous! See ya next week!

Mulch episode https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjo

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:28:00 -0500

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 some plants we will always plant in our gardens.

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XHqaxZPzlVU

Skip to what you want to know:

00:35 – Welcome, Ken and Emily! How are the gardens doing?

03:55 – Why we chose these plants

05:00 – Never again plants

05:15 – Early sunflower

09:25 – Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina'

10:45 – Pink celery

12:50 – Cauliflower

16:20 – Maple trees

23:53 – Daylilies (ditch lilies)

28:25 – Mountain mint

30:50 – Common milkweed

32:40 – Think twice before planting again

30:50 – River oats

35:05 – Arborvitae

37:55 – Vegetable garden

41:20 – Passionflower

43:05 – Sweet corn

43:20 – Roses

45:40 – Stock and snapdragons

48:15 – Lamb’s-ear

49:42 – Peanuts

51:15 – Lemon seeds

54:12 – Whorled milkweed

56:40 – Must plant every year plants

57:10 – Sunflower, snapdragons, cover crops

58:40 – Kale, trees

59:35 – Something new, garlic, tomatoes, gladiolus

1:03:12 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Norway Maple Woes: Why it’s on my Do Not Plant list: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-07-05-norway-maple-woes-why-its-my-do-not-plant-list

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:18:09 -0500

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?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Good Growing Grow Along 1st Check-in

Chris Enroth — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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 from us. Did you get your seed in the ground? What was the germination rate? (We are finding out that it's not so great for certain crops!) And more! Please use the survey link sent to you in the most recent email that included a link to this episode.

We are treating this as a quasi-trial of these crops. So we are asking for some specific details on your growing conditions. If this year works out, we may make these "trials" more official.

Got questions? Contact us at
Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu
Emily Swihart eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing
Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR
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Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/
Ivy https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902
Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:38:00 -0500

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 milkweed and, like monarch caterpillars, have become milkweed specialists.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cLvl96PpqOg

Photos

Red milkweed beetle

"Red Milkweed Beetle - Tetraopes tetropht" (CC BY 2.0) by Judy Gallagher
Red milkweed beetle eyes - By Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1514284

Swamp milkweed leaf beetle

Adult – Thomas Irvine (CC BY 4.0), iNaturalist
Larva – dbugs, Public Domain, iNaturalist

Milkweed bugs – Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension

Milkweed tussock moth

Newly hatched caterpillars and damage - Erin Lalime (CC BY 4.0), iNaturalist
Older caterpillar - "255/366 Milkweed Tussock Moth - Euchaete" (CC BY 2.0) by Judy Gallagher
Adult moth - Dan MacNeal (CC BY 4.0), iNaturalist

Oleander aphids - Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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_kk

Skip 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 off your trees and shrubs now that the cicadas are gone?
08:35 What's wrong with my tomatoes!? Why are the leaves curling?
15:38 How do you control weeds in an asparagus patch?
19:12 My lawn is thin. What type of fertilizer should I put down now to have a better lawn?
21:52 I have carpenter bees nesting in my barn. What can I do to stop them?
24:35 Where can I get ticks tested to see if they are carrying a disease?

Additional resources mentioned during the show:
Causes of rolling wilted tomato leaves https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-06-20-causes-rolling-wilted-tomato-leaves
Carpenter bees: Destroyers of wood or beneficial pollinators? https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-05-05-carpenter-bees-destroyers-wood-or-beneficial-pollinators
CDC tick testing decisions https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite/index.html

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:37:00 -0500

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?

08:27 – Getting plants water

11:22 – How can we prepare our potted plants?

14:05 – How does Emily ensure plants are getting water?

17:32 – How do you ‘train’ someone looking after your garden?

23:36 – What can we do about pests, diseases, and weeds before we leave?

27:10 – Vacation vs. leaving for a few months

28:30 – Getting your lawn ready

30:50 – Taking equipment in for maintenance while you’re gone

33:04 – Preparing houseplants for vacation

37:15 – Be careful of too much water

38:42 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

How Should I Water My Plants blog post: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2017-10-11-how-should-i-water-my-plants

How to hand water your landscape plants Gardenbite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUwhrFc0kkM

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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.

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 31 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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 YouTube https://youtu.be/EaFf5zziNiQ

Skip to what you want to know:
0:31 Hey Ken! Remembering cicada pizza and growing sedges from seed.
5:01 Welcome Erin! Superman Festival in Metropolis, Illinois. Cicadas are LOUD!
8:43 The role of grasses in prairie.
12:57 Are native grasses different from the ornamental grasses we plant in our yards?
15:20 Seems like a lot of non-native lawn grasses are cool-season grass. Do we have any native cool-season grasses?
16:53 What are the benefits of growing native grasses?
19:12 Are there any drawbacks to using native plants in the landscape?
22:16 What species of native grasses are recommended for the home landscape?
28:03 When planting native grasses with flowers, does it help to plant the flowers first and then later the grasses? Plus talking seed ratios of grasses and forbs (wildflowers)
30:13 Buffalograss is a native grass that grows low and is used for lawns in some areas. Is buffalograss a good lawn alternative in Illinois?
34:21 Fun with nimblewill
36:57 What tips does Erin have for creating backyard meadows or prairies?
44:18 Where can people go to find out more information about native grasses?
46:55 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Illinois Extension Grasses Website https://extension.illinois.edu/grasses
Grasses at a Glance Video Series https://go.illinois.edu/GrassVideos
Grasses at a Glance blog https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/grasses-glance
Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/spotlight-natural-resources

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Ep. 175 Eating periodical cicadas | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 24 May 2024 06:37:00 -0500

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_0K70ajACM

Skip to what you want to know:

00:35 – Welcome, Ken! We are excited about eating cicadas!

02:00 – Welcome, Kristin and Kacie!

03:07 – How to collect periodical cicadas for eating.

06:35 – Any considerations or things to look out for when collecting periodical cicadas for eating?

08:25 – Kristin, any hesitations, and how did you come up with the recipes?

11:00 – Periodical Pesto Pizz-zz-zz-za

13:02 – Eating the blanched cicadas, what did they taste like?

14:25 – More on the Periodical Pesto Pizz-zz-zz-za

15:05 – Battered Cicadas with Spicy Lime Aioli

17:37 – Cicada Sundae’s

18:45 – Roasting cicadas

20:02 – What we’re our favorite recipes?

24:02 – Are there any benefits to eating insects?

26:37 – Are periodical cicadas a practical food source? What insects are?

29:10 – Where are insects eaten around the world? Getting over the cultural stigma of eating insects.

34:10 – How would we rate the meal?

36:48 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Cicada recipes: https://go.illinois.edu/CicadaRecipes

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Kristin Bogdonas: kmbogdo@illinois.edu

Kacie Athey: kathey@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:38:13 -0500

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 plays us short clips of recorded wildlife sounds and talks about what we are hearing. Voice of the Wild covers mostly birds, but Brodie’s latest episode is about the American sycamore tree. https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/voice-wild

Dr. Davis’ blog https://www.monarchscience.org/
Engage with monarch scientists on the Thoughtful Monarch Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/565065511941624

Skip to what you want to know:
0:35 Hey Ken! Latest cicada report. What's happening in Jacksonville?
2:05 Brodie Dunn's new podcast, Voice of the Wild
2:49 Welcome Dr. Andy Davis
3:51 The Thoughtful Monarch Facebook page
6:17 Andy's background
8:15 Will we see fewer monarchs this summer in the US and Canada because of the low overwintering counts in Mexico?
16:00 What about the possibility of monarch butterflies being listed as an endangered species?
19:36 The problem with rearing monarchs.
31:08 www.monarchscience.org
32:15 The gap between science and the public.
33:54 What about rearing monarchs in schools to teach kids about insects?
38:57 What are some of the issues with growing tropical milkweed?
46:20 What can people do if they stop rearing monarchs and planting tropical milkweed? How can they redirect their energy into something that may benefit monarch butterflies?
48:18 Some interesting behavior of the non-native Joro spider and monarch butterflies.
52:42 Once Joro spiders get to Illinois will they cause ecological havoc?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Ep. 173 Answering Common Lawn Questions | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 10 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500

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/ZM0sWiPKlTs

Skip to what you want to know:
0:50 Hey Ken! What's bocce ball?
1:54 Weather and garden updates
5:57 Good Growing Grow Along update. Seeds are on the way!
6:44 Time to talk about lawns
7:07 If you mow lower, does that mean you mow less often?
8:28 How high should we mow our cool-season lawns?
11:22 Can fertilizer help recover from mowing stress? But what exactly IS fertilizer to plants?
12:41 The one-third rule of mowing.
14:43 Why don't more people bag their clippings to reduce thatch?
18:24 Should we apply our spring weed'n'feed when the forsythia blooms?
24:31 How do I get grass to grow in the shade of a tree?
24:31 I keep planting Kentucky 31 bluegrass, but it looks terrible. What do I need to do differently, to make it grow well?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Ep. 172 Growing fruit in containers | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 03 May 2024 07:22:00 -0500

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 the Air

07:35 – What are some advantages of growing fruit in containers?

10:28 – Can we plant ‘normal’ sized fruit plants in pots?

13:27 – Ballerina (columnar) apple trees

15:45 – What other fruits can we grow in containers?

18:14 – Container fruit cultivars

18:25 – Apples

20:37 – Blueberries and brambles (raspberries and blackberries)

24:55 – Strawberries and pineberries

27:30 – What type of container should we use? What are chilling hours?

31:15 – Where should we place our container fruit? Winter protection.

35:36 – What should we fill our pots with? Fertilizing, watering, and lowering pH for blueberries.

41:30 – Pest management for container fruits

43:40 – Final recommendations, pollination, and resources

48:20 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Gardening in the Air: https://extension.illinois.edu/plants/gardening-air

Container Gardening infosheet: https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/how_to_grow_fruits_vegetables_herbs_in_containers.pdf

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Bruce Black: brucejb@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:23:58 -0500

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? While our established trees will be okay, Ken and Chris will talk about how to protect our smaller newly planted trees from cicada egg laying. Plus, everyone seems to highlight the potential damage to woody plants, but a periodical cicada emergence is truly a sight to behold. Ken tells us the benefits of having billions, if not trillions, of cicadas pop out of the ground.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RADnUB7GXXI

Skip to what you want to know:

0:35 Hey Ken! How's the garden coming along this spring?
3:40 What's the difference between a periodical cicada and an annual cicada?
7:40 When will it be peak cicada? Will it be earlier than expected with our mild winter?
10:31 Does double brood emergence mean double the cicadas in one area?
12:04 Do periodical cicadas occur in other places in the world?
13:07 How many cicadas should we expect in a given area?
15:39 Do cicadas eat anything after they emerge as adults? Is there anything we need to protect from them?
17:09 Cicada egg-laying damages our trees.
26:28 Is there any benefit to periodical cicadas?
30:00 If all these animals can eat cicadas, can humans eat them too?

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:17:00 -0500

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 – What are some plants can be grown for ‘night’ or ‘moon’ gardens?

07:52 – Flowering tobacco

08:40 – Dragon fruit and night-blooming cereus

09:36 – What is pollinating these flowers?

11:00 – More plants for the night

11:00 – Angel’s trumpet

14:35 – Evening-primrose (Oenothera )

16:38 – Four o’clock

18:10 – Caladium

18:46 – Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’

19:26 – Dusty miller

20:05 – Moonflower

23:46 – Incorporating landscape lighting

26:56 – Some drawbacks of lights at night

31:00 – Insects at night

34:18 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Talking Bats in Illinois with Dr. Joy O'Keefe: https://youtu.be/9fLLNtNHkpI

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:12:52 -0500

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-w

Skip to what you want to know:
1:20 Aerators in ponds. Do they work? What about aerating ponds during the winter?
4:18 Can you prevent duckweed from returning to your pond year after year?
7:27 What about using vegetation to improve water quality for ponds?

Gardenbite: Managing bagworms at home | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 06:48:00 -0500

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/bagworm

Conservation biological control in urban landscapes: Manipulating parasitoids of bagworm (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) with flowering forbs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1049964405000733

Photo Credits:

Bagworms on defoliated plant: "Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis" by Adam Kranz is marked with CC0 1.0.
Bagworm eggs: "Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis" by askalotl is marked with CC0 1.0.
Bagworm on broadleaf plant: "Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis" by Daniel Estabrooks is marked with CC0 1.0.
Female bagworm moth: Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
Male bagworm moth: "Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis" by Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago is marked with CC0 1.0.
Bagworm moths mating: Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Bagworm eggs: "Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis" by Adam Kranz is marked with CC0 1.0.
Parasitoid wasp: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:06:22 -0500

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/gardening
Previous episode on growing horseradish: https://youtu.be/PXKp-MLkHAk

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/Q9PYXesCPXE

Skip to what you want to know:
0:27 Hey Ken!
4:14 Diving into perennial vegetables
4:44 Asparagus - What do we like about asparagus? Smelly pee and astronauts.
6:19 What do you get when you order asparagus? Seed vs. living crowns
8:13 Preparing a site for planting asparagus.
12:51 How to plant asparagus.
14:04 When can you start harvesting asparagus?
17:15 Should you cut or break the asparagus spears when harvesting?
18:32 Weed control in asparagus (and pretty all other types of perennial vegetables)
21:21 Asparagus fall color.
21:57 Asparagus pests
23:04 Asparagus cultivars
24:57 Rhubarb
27:07 Rhubarb care
29:05 Should you remove the rhubarb flowers
31:55 Can you eat rhubarb after a frost?
34:07 Artichoke
39:27 Chives
40:56 Horseradish
45:48 What perennial veggies did we miss? Thank you's and coming up next week

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Ep. 168 Starting seeds at home | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:15:00 -0500

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 social media when it comes to seed starting?

05:00 – Why would we want to start our own seed?

09:50 – Where should we start seeds?

14:55 – What materials will we need to start seeds?

15:10 – Containers

18:20 – Humidity domes?

19:55 – Fans?

21:30 – Heat mats?

24:00 – Lighting

31:00 – Growing media, peat, coconut coir, etc.

36:30 – Ways to reduce the amount of plastic in seed starting. Soil blockers, peat and paper pots, etc.

50:15 – Problems that arise with seed starting. Leggy plants, damping-off, fungus gnats, and algae

59:00 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

When should I start my seeds?: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-02-10-when-should-i-start-my-seeds

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

Ep. 167 Garden Trends for 2024 | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:28:00 -0500

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 Chris attempts to start a trend.
25:25 The trend of improving our urban forests and putting a stop to the maple trend.
29:17 The trend of environmental justice.
32:19 The trend of the color of the year – chartreuse.
37:19 The trend of the gothic garden (dark colors).
42:36 The trend of cemeteries as a park-like space for the public to gather.
45:52 The trend of nighttime gardens. Night-flowering plants and night lighting.
49:49 The trends we want to let go.
54:58 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Cicada Article https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-02-22-cicadas-are-coming-periodical-cicadas-illinois-2024

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Gardenbite: Creating pollinator habitat at home| #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:17:00 -0600

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!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0600

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-Q

Skip to what you want to know:
1:22 American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) a.k.a White fringetree
4:50 Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) a.k.a. Blackgum
8:17 Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
11:57 Discussion on Martha's picks including:
-Butterfly milkweeds performance in hellstrips
-EAB on fringetree
-How the container size and shape can influence the success of planting butterfly milkweed

See this episode in its entirety which includes Layne's and Austin's favorite natives: https://youtu.be/UqvnZc_Y7rY

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:08:00 -0600

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 world in 2024? – glowing petunias

06:50 – What’s new in the plant world in 2024? – purple tomatoes

13:00 – Is there a benefit to growing new things in the garden?

18:03 – Introducing the Good Growing Grow Along!

22:00 – Runner Bean ‘Black Knight’

23:50 – Okra ‘Candle Fire’

27:45 – Mizuna ‘Japanese Pink’

30:45 – Acorn Squash ‘Honey Bun’

33:20 – Cucumber ‘Lemon Cuke’

37:05 – Southern Pea (Cow Pea) ‘Hog Brain’

41:20 – How do I participate in the Good Growing Grow Along?

47:00 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Join us for the Good Growing Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:35:28 -0600

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 a major water polluter if used too ambitiously.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/wY4MmIUjftA

Skip to what you want to know:

0:55 What materials do you use to cap and fill on top of contaminated soil?
- Landscape fabric, woodchips, 50/50 soil/compost mix
5:30 Based on the budget and scale of your site, how do you approach contaminated soils?
6:27 What options are available when considering cap and fill.
7:29 Diagrams of cap and fill techniques.
9:11 Issue of the use of compost and nutrient runoff concerns.
14:15 Soil testing - where can people go to learn about soil testing and how to do it. https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-testing
17:47 Importance of soil testing and how we use it to manage soil fertility and reduce pollution.
23:41 Applying scientific research to the varying agricultural systems.
27:49 Take-home message covering the past two episodes.
29:34 Thank yous and coming up next week. Big surprise!

Soil Scientist, Andrew McQuire's Blog recommended by Zack https://extension.wsu.edu/grant/andrew-mcguires-homepage/

Check out SoSuCo’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sosuco_urban_ag/
SoSuCo YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYr1qobBXdo&list=PLffsjFIQsK0ZG_Sx29hoGsrVlzh_IxzB_

Is there lead in your soil? New Chicago-area map tells you https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/there-lead-your-soil-new-chicago-area-map-tells-you

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.
--
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Ep. 164 Urban Agriculture & Soil Contamination with Zack Grant Part I | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0600

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/ugAPOKIcr7w

Skip to what you want to know:
0:28 - Hey Ken! What type of soils are we dealing with at our homes? Could it be contaminated?
3:10 – Welcome Zack Grant! Zack’s Extension demo site SoSuCo (Southside Suburban Cook County). What type of soil does Zack grow in Cook County?
8:44 – What is urban agriculture and what type of crops are grown in these environments?
11:04 - Getting to know SoSuCo. The different demonstration plots and seeing what Zack grows there.
17:56 – Zack’s vlog Urban Ag Connect and the challenges of trying to get research-based info out in the social media world.
20:58 – How do urban soils differ from other soils? What is the primary concern?
26:58 – What about arsenic in rural areas?
30:24 – Talking about on-site (in situ) remediation of cap and fill
31:44 – Bioremediation, does it work to use plants to remove heavy metals from soil?
33:43 – Talking about Zack's soil lead contamination project with Dr. Andrew Margenot. How they used a portable x-ray device to scan soils to determine chemical composition and contamination levels.
40:15 – Results of lead soil testing in Cook County. And what thresholds of lead are okay to work in?
44:09 – What are the risks when growing in contaminated soil? What are the pathways for exposure?
45:34 – What are best practices to minimize exposure?
46:22 – Are there other datasets for other soil contaminates?

Check out SoSuCo’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sosuco_urban_ag/
SoSuCo YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYr1qobBXdo&list=PLffsjFIQsK0ZG_Sx29hoGsrVlzh_IxzB_

Is there lead in your soil? New Chicago-area map tells you https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/there-lead-your-soil-new-chicago-area-map-tells-you

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 06:17:00 -0600

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 Chris think of when he hears McLean County?

04:20 – Why is it important for kids to go outside?

06:08 – Getting kids to help in the garden.

08:14 – Gardening activities for the indoors during the winter

13:20 – What about outdoors? Outdoor winter activities for kids.

20:45 – Valentine's Day is coming up: gift ideas that kids can make.

27:20 – Fun with birds! Observing and feeding

33:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

How to make homemade seed cards: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-02-11-how-make-homemade-seed-cards-valentines-day

Great Backyard Bird Count: https://www.birdcount.org/

Create a Winter Bird Haven: https://youtu.be/_yLih1FYRfM

Make a toilet paper roll bird feeder: https://youtu.be/EQcbfivmyvQ

How to Make a Bird Food Garland with Popcorn, Cranberries, and More: https://youtu.be/IyozQ-KuCVA

Make your own suet log bird feeder: https://youtu.be/3Rr0ZssYbBM

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing

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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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Ep. 162 The science behind bee hotels | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

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.

Skip to what you want to know:

0:28 Hey Ken! Bugs are cool now and what kind of bee hotels do we have?
2:48 Welcome Timo and Brodie from the most podcast-y location we've ever had on the show!
4:07 What drew Timo to studying insects?
7:10 What are bee hotels and how do the help bees?
11:44 Do only bees use bee hotels? What about wasps and other insects?
Problems with bees hotels.
13:34 Predation from natural enemies if bees and wasps like the cuckoo wasp (cleptoparasites).
15:19 Diseases showing up in bee hotels.
16:40 What about invasive bees using bee hotels?
19:10 How much research is out there regarding bee hotels?
27:31 How do bees utilize bee hotels?
30:06 Is there a recommendation on where to put a bee hotel in the landscape?
31:32 How do the bee babies get out of the galleries drilled into the wood?
34:11 What could someone look for when buying a bee hotel? Should people buy bee hotels!?
35:22 Talking about the bee hotel research. How can Illinoisians contribute to increasing our knowledge?
44:29 How can people learn more about this project or contact Timo?

go.Illinois.edu/BeeHotel

Urban environments have species-specific associations with invasive insect herbivores https://doi.org/10.1093/jue/juac011

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Gardenbite: Composting with worms indoors | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:47:00 -0600

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!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

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 ice and snow weighing down tree limbs?
4:35 What trees are better adapted to dealing with ice and snow? Needled evergreens vs. deciduous.
6:07 Talking how branch angles influence the strength of limbs. What branch angle is best?
8:02 Protecting columnar, upright trees and shrubs.
9:20 Where is the best spot to place piles of shoveled/plowed snow?
11:48 The pitfall of shoveling salt-laden snow into one spot.
12:11 Talking deicing salts. What are they and how it can damage plants.
13:35 Salt’s effect on soils.
15:58 Salt spray and how plants near roads are often affected.
17:58 Discussion of salt tolerant plant lists.
19:22 Alternative to rock salt (sodium chloride).
24:20 Tips on using deicing salts.
27:15 The benefits of snow.
31:00 Thank you’s, goodbye, and coming up next week.

Salt Tolerant Plant List https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A3877.pdf

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Gardenbite: Pruning backyard fruit trees | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:08:00 -0600

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!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing

Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:29:58 -0600

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!

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 07:34:02 -0600

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 them all!

Skip to what you want to know:
0:35 Hey Ken, Spice Girls and how Taylor Swift impacted the Christmas tree grower industry
3:13 What’s the difference between a spice and an herb?
4:27 The history of the Spice Trade.
8:19 Nutmeg, what is it, where was it found, how is it used?
9:19 Nutmeg vs. mace
11:48 Harvesting nutmeg
14:40 The history of what the Dutch did to the people of the Banda Islands in the name of nutmeg
16:50 Cinnamon, what is it, where does it come from?
19:00 The different types of cinnamon
21:30 The human labor involved in getting cinnamon to the table.
22:50 Can we grow any cinnamon tree in Illinois?
24:08 Cloves, what is it and where does it come from?
26:15 How are cloves harvested and processed?
29:11 What is an orange pomanders? And other historic clove uses.
32:47 Allspice, what is it and where does it come from?
35:18 What is allspice used for in cooking? Cincinnati-style chili?
36:48 Harvesting and processing of allspice.
37:37 Growing allspice and the other spices we’ve talked about so far at home.
39:34 Peppermint, how is this different from other mints?
42:33 A cautionary tale of growing mints in the ground.
45:11 Ginger, both a spice and an herb!
47:00 Ken’s experience growing ginger this past year and what how he uses it in the kitchen.
48:25 The commercial growing of ginger and the process of growing it in Illinois vs. the tropics.
51:35 Thank yous, happy spicey holidays, and coming up next week.

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:08:46 -0600

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 Hey Ken
2:18 Digging into the legends behind mistletoe. Druids, Vikings, and other symbolism.
7:30 Where do you find mistletoe? What are the differences?
9:40 Mistletoe in Illinois and North America
12:02 What does mistletoe translate to mean?
12:36 What is mistletoe? Is mistletoe a parasite? How does it grow?
18:16 How does mistletoe interact with the environment. Is mistletoe good for the ecology of a site?
25:43 How do you control mistletoe if you don’t want it in your tree?
28:55 Chris learns about kissing under the mistletoe and how it’d done.
30:28 Is mistletoe used for anything besides kissing random people?
32:36 Where does mistletoe sold in stores come from?
33:19 Thank yous and coming up next week!

Check out this article on Mistletoe: Pathology, systematics, ecology, and management https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/epdf/10.1094/PDIS-92-7-0988

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 06:01:00 -0600

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 it goes by?

06:40 – How did they get the name poinsettia?

07:45 – The complicated legacy of Joel Roberts Poinsett

13:40 – What do poinsettias look like in their native habitat, and how have they changed in cultivation?

16:50 – The poinsettia market

20:20 – What does it take to get a poinsettia to flower?

24:26 – How should poinsettias be transported from the store to your home?

27:55 – What should you do once you get your poinsettia home?

30:05 – How do they keep poinsettias so compact?

34:00 – Are poinsettias poisonous?

36:41 – What other colored poinsettias are out there besides red?

39:45 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Poinsettia Care Guide - https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/poinsettia_infosheet.pdf

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0600

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 discovery in your home, we cover it all. Tune in to the latest episode of the Good Growing Podcast for an informative discussion on bed bugs!

Skip to what you want to know:
0:41 Hey Ken! Are we ready for winter?
3:36 Welcome back Kacie! What is Dr. Athey’s experience with bed bugs?
6:25 What is going on in the world with bed bugs all over the news?
10:00 Why are we concerned about bed bugs? Do bed bugs spread disease? What are their bites like?
14:19 What about the stigma and anxiety associated with bed bugs? How do we tell the difference between actual bed bugs and the anxiety that causes phantom itching? In some cases, a serious mental health issue is known as delusionary parasitosis.
18:12 Why are bed bugs so difficult to control now? And why are we seeing cases of bed bugs today?
21:11 Where do we look for bed bugs whether in our home or a hotel?
25:36 What do we do with our luggage at a hotel?
28:07 What is the recommended treatment to get rid of bed bugs?
Heat vs. insecticides
Diatomaceous earth
Clean the clutter!
31:07 What about clothing and bedding items? Will cold temperatures work just as well as heat?
33:30 Have bed bugs always been part of human society? What’s the history?
34:50 Bed bugs have been with us a long time. We list some fun bed bug names.
37:00 What do we expect to see for bed bug populations in the future?
38:21 What are bat bugs?
40:28 What can we do to avoid bringing bed bugs home when we travel?
42:20 Dr. Athey’s PSA – Be skeptical when a person posts a blurry picture on social media and claims it is a bed bug!
43:40 All done this week! Thank you’s and next week.

Resources:
Using Heat to Kill Bed Bugs https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/bb-heat1.pdf
The History of Bed Bug Management: With lesson from the past https://agresearch.montana.edu/wtarc/producerinfo/entomology-insect-ecology/BedBugs/BedbugsMangement.pdf

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 05:30:00 -0600

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/Z7D5ckMCEX8

Good Growing Podcast: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-48-talking-christmas-trees-robert-richardson

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:09:01 -0600

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-theuri

Skip to what you want to know:
Skip to what you want to know:
1:30 James warns against doing a rabbit program near Easter
2:59 Are most turkey growers making all their money just from Thanksgiving?
4:45 How long does it take to grow a turkey?
6:36 How far apart is the value of heritage turkeys versus commercial breeds?
8:56 What is the main commercially bred meat-producing turkey sold in grocery stores?
11:05 Are the larger meat birds too large to naturally breed? Do they need artificial insemination?
11:37 Chickens have a problem with predators. Can turkeys defend themselves?
14:46 If a person would like to grow their own Thanksgiving turkey, is this something we can do on our own? What space does a turkey need?
16:36 How do you care for turkey poults (babies) when they arrive?
19:00 What breeds of turkey would a homeowner want to raise?
Bourbon red
21:00 Bronze
21:50 Royal Palm
23:15 Slate
24:48 Is it better to order poults or hatch your own poults?
27:02 Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

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 yards and what we are doing with them

06:50 – How did our gardens fare this year?

15:05 – I didn’t get my mums planted; can I overwinter them?

16:43 – Should I worry about white pines dropping needles? Will spraying an anti-desiccant help?

20:55 – How can I overwinter dahlias?

23:42 – Toads coming in with potted plants

25:06 – What can I do to keep feral cats out of my garden?

29:52 – What are the black and orange bugs all over the place?

34:32 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

What new vegetables are we growing in 2023 (and a shade tree) - https://youtu.be/hww7vEXP3_0

What new flowers are we growing in 2023 - https://youtu.be/q_HGNwhTvqE

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

Ep. 155 Stewarding our community tree canopies | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:51:19 -0500

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.

Skip to what you want to know:
0:28 - Hey Ken! Are we ready for the first big freeze?
3:46 - Welcome Sarah and Jenny!
4:22 - What is the Community Tree Care Series and how did it get started?
7:09 - Is this course all online or is it in-person?
9:50 - The difference between forestry and community forestry (urban forestry)
11:23 - Who should sign up for the Community Tree Care Series?
13:09 - What can I expect to learn from the three webinars?
Session 1
15:11 - Session 2
17:07 - Session 3
19:42 - Plus there are in-person sessions to help identify needs for that local community tree population! Where will they be and what to expect from these?
22:25 - How do we sign up? go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries
23:24 - Is there a fee?
24:18 - What are the most common mistakes when it comes to tree care that this series will help to eliminate?
The four horsemen of tree failure (treepocolypse?)
26:54 - The problem with mulch and trees
28:36 - Why is it important to train tree professionals about tree care beyond cutting and removal of trees?
33:55 - Thank you's and coming up next week

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

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 dressed up as this year?

04:40 – Ergot and the Salem Witch Trials

11:10 – Ergot in current times

15:35 – The Irish Potato Famine

23:20 – The start of plant pathology

24:40 – Diagnosing diseases in current times

28:00 – How did late blight get to Ireland?

30:00 – Are modern-day crops at risk?

32:33 – Coffee leaf rust

39:34 – Why do the British drink tea instead of coffee?

41:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

I See Dead Plants Podcast: Coffee rust - https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/podcast/episode/s1-e6-coffee-rust-the-parasite-that-wants-to-ruin-your-morning

Contact us!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

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’re talking about this week
3:29 – Welcome Dr Athey!
4:24 – Will they eat everything? Who needs to be concerned about spotted lanternfly?
7:48 – Where can you find spotted lanternfly as of this recording? (10/17/2023)
8:46 – Where does spotted lanternfly come from?
9:21 – How are they being spread?
11:10 – What does a spotted lanternfly look like?
14:07 – What is their lifecycle? What should we expect to see through the year?
16:04 – Spotted lanternfly’s celebrity status
18:36 – How do I keep them out of my yard?
20:16 – What to do if you see a lanternfly?
20:48 – What are ways we can manage spotted lanternfly?
22:45 – Description of their egg cases
23:55 – Where would you scout for adults?
25:16 - Does spotted lanternfly smell bad when smashed like a brown marmorated stinkbug?
27:57 – Does the bright color of the insect mean it’s dangerous?
28:53 – How will the swarming behavior affect things?
29:28 – Dr. Athey’s heads up about periodical cicadas coming in 2024.

Report spotted lanternfly sightings at lanternfly@illinois.edu

Talking Spiders with Dr. Athey https://goodgrowing.transistor.fm/episodes/ep-41-spiders-with-dr-kacie-athey

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:30:00 -0500

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?

07:55 – Do we need to worry about saving water in Illinois?

11:15 - What are some ways we can incorporate water-conscious landscaping into our landscapes?

11:50 – Right plant, right place

18:05 – Mulch

22:47 – How do lawns fit in?

24:43 – Irrigation systems

31:20 – Vegetable gardens use a lot of water, how can we be water-conscious in them?

36:50 – What about harvested water?

38:32 - Now that plants are starting to lose their leaves and go dormant, do we still need to worry about watering them?

43:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Check out other Good Growing Podcast episodes!

2023 weather and what to expect for the winter: https://youtu.be/RYXakCpxO2c

All about mulch: https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjo

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

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 – Welcome Nathan! Learning Nathan’s background in growing pumpkins.
5:17 – How does the pumpkin crop look for 2023?
9:16 – How do you deal with pumpkin viruses?
11:29 – What is Nathan’s favorite pumpkin? Which one is the most popular?
15:01 – What’s the process of growing a pumpkin? What is it like to be a pumpkin farmer?
Ordering seed
Starting seed
Transplanting out to the field
Scouting for disease
Scouting for insect pests (namely squash bugs)
Encouraging pollinators
Practicing IPM
Looking to harvest
Protect the stem!
24:46 – What is downy mildew? Is it a serious problem for pumpkins in Illinois?
27:02 – Does trap cropping work to help control insect pests of pumpkins?
30:56 – What do you look for when picking out a pumpkin? And how do you store it?
33:58 – How can we dispose of pumpkins?
39:20 – What are everyone’s thoughts on pumpkin spice?
41:42 – For those who like to eat pumpkin seeds, what’s a good cultivar for hull-less seeds?
44:38 – Thank you’s and coming up next week!

Find a Pumpkin Smash near you
https://www.scarce.org/pumpkins/#locator

The great debate! Fall Flavors: Pumpkin vs. Apple
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-09-24-fall-flavors-pumpkin-vs-apple

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0500

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 Opportunities
Check out CocoRahs https://www.cocorahs.org/
Check out CMOR https://go.illinois.edu/cmor
Contact Trent Ford twford@illinois.edu

00:31 - Hey Ken

3:16 – Welcome Trent! What’s up with the weather for 2023?

8:16 – What is the report from the farmers this year? What is harvest shaping up to be?

10:49 – Western Illinois seems to be in and out of drought this year. What does the US Drought Monitor show?

12:46 – How is El Nino going to influence our Midwestern weather this winter?

17:40 – How is reoccurring drought affecting our perennial plants like trees?

20:23 – What are the fall and winter predictions for 2023 from Climate Prediction Center?

23:06 – What influences our Illinois climate?

23:40 – What questions about Earth’s climate keeps Trent up at night?

28:55 – What is the most common question a state climatologist answers?

32:42 - What are ways people can report climate data for Citizen Science efforts?

37:53 – Thank yous and coming up next week!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:30:00 -0500

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 favorite types of mulch?

09:20 – Any drawback to using woodchips as mulch?

12:12 – Most effective mulch attributes

14:15 – Much repelling water

15:25 – Is rubber mulch a good choice?

18:25 – Are rocks and landscape fabric a good mulch option?

23:40 – Astroturf as a mulch?

25:25 – Is allelopathy a problem with mulch?

26:50 – Will mulch from diseased trees infect plantings?

31:06 - Will decomposing wood mulch tie up nitrogen in the soil?

32:00 – Should we or should we not use landscape fabric?

33:45 – Is there a best time of year to put mulch down in the landscape?

40:10 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

Gardenbite: Moving houseplants indoors and overwinter care | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0500

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://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-09-09-tips-moving-houseplants-indoors-and-overwinter-care
Houseplant pests and how to manage them: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-01-14-houseplant-pests-and-how-manage-them

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

--
You can find us on most podcast platforms.
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Gardenbite: Three tips for a healthier lawn | #GoodGrowing

Chris Enroth — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0500

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/ep-80-fall-lawn-care-tasks-and-tips-richard-hentschel-goodgrowing

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:35:02 -0500

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” in a pond after using cocoa mulch. What are they, and how do we manage them?

18:30 – Will tree roots interfere with the foundation of a home?

23:00 – Water lotus is taking of my pond, what can I do to get rid of it?

29:20 – Large black spots on my apples, what is causing it and how do I get rid of it?

34:00 - Wrap-up, thank you’s, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Photo credits:

Yellow-legged hornet nest By Francis ITHURBURU - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25339575

Yellow-legged hornet By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52006827

Cheese skipper maggots by Deborah Kent

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

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Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/

Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:33:00 -0500

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 ‘Fireworks’

08:00 – Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)

09:02 – Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

11:10 – Managing Canadian goldenrod

12:11 – Goldenrod and allergies

13:40 – Asters

13:55 – New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

16:26 – Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

17:30 – Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii) ‘Iron butterfly’

19:25 – Black-eyed Susan ‘American GoldRush’

21:07 – Sweet Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

22:20 – Bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)

23:50 - False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra) 'Bleeding Hearts'

25:37 - Perennial sunflowers

26:38 – Western/naked stemmed sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis)

27:10 – Swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)

28:35 – More fall-blooming plants: mums, sedum, bulbs

31:38 - Wrap-up, thank you’s, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Autumn allergies: Don’t blame goldenrod: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2022-10-21-autumn-allergies-dont-blame-goldenrod

Fall Blooming Bulbs: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-09-17-theyre-not-just-spring-fall-blooming-bulbs

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377

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Castbox https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Google podcasts https://bit.ly/3AiYjTD

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

Chris Enroth — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0500

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 worked, and what didn’t.
First talking Shiso earlier in the year https://youtu.be/hww7vEXP3_0?t=271
9:30 - Have tomatoes been delayed this year?
11:13 - Recording this year’s garden crops for rotating next year
12:25 – What are some good fall garden crops?
13:50 - What might it be too late to plant for a fall garden as of the first week of August?
15:28 – Chris seeds red Russian kale
16:10 – A hack for labeling your seed starts
17:52 – Using pelleted seeds for tiny seeds and seeders
18:55 – Using seed tape of making your own for tiny seeds
19:30 – Carrots are tricky to germinate. Here are some tips.
20:09 – Starting spinach indoors
21:11 – Sowing turnips in the garden
21:49 – Cover crops for the fall
25:05 – Garlic is already selling out at many seed suppliers. Time to order ASAP. If you can find it, here’s what is recommended to grow in Illinois
27:31 – Storing garlic for the winter
29:12 – Our preferences for starting seeds indoors or directly in the garden.
30:44 – Why do we need to plant our fall garden in the summer?
32:10 – Season extension to push the garden into winter
Build your own low tunnel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nln3DVuwQXY
33:42 – If we could only pick one fall crop what would we choose?
36:06 – Thank yous and coming up next week

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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

Chris Enroth — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0500

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 planting trees

07:45 – What is an urban tree?

09:30 – What tree should I plant?

10:10 – Where should I plant my tree?

11:25 – How to select a tree, what should I be looking for?

14:35 – Getting rid of circling roots

18:15 – Taking care of trees once they’re in the ground, remember to water

21:25 – Mulching newly planted trees

24:20 – Periodical cicadas and the problems they cause on newly planted trees

28:33 – Periodical cicadas in Illinois

30:30 – Difference between periodical and annual cicadas, and cicada killer wasps

32:54 – Can we eat cicadas?

37:00 – Can I use pesticides to protect my trees?

38:47 - Wrap-up, thank you’s, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Last week’s episode on Derechos & Tree Damage: https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-144-derechos-tree-damage-goodgrowing

Ryan Pankau’s Four Seasons Webinar on Tree Compartmentalization: https://youtu.be/cG98ED54Ctw

Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu

Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu

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 the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

You can find us on most podcast platforms.

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/good-growing

Tunein https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR

Vurbl https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/

Listen notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/