PODCAST · education
Good Growing
by University of Illinois Extension
The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.
Episodes
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Ep. 270: Falling for Apples | #GoodGrowing
Fall is the perfect time to focus on apples. In this week’s episode of Good Growing, Ken Johnson and Emily Swihart are joined by Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty to discuss fall apple tree care, harvesting times, storage tips, common orchard challenges, and...
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Ep. 269 Sedums: Tough, Diverse, and Complicated | #GoodGrowing
Sedums are some of the toughest and most versatile plants in the garden, but they're also at the center of a botanical identity crisis. This week on the Good Growing podcast, we dig into the world of sedums (or should we call them stonecrops... or even Hylotelephium?) and explore how advances in...
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Ep. 268 Tornadoes, rain, and El Niño: Looking back and ahead at Illinois weather in 2026 | #GoodGrowing
Illinois has experienced no shortage of weather headlines this year. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford about a year of tornadoes, heavy rainfall, record hail, and sticky summer weather. Learn what fueled these weather events…
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Ep. 267 Growing on rocks: Exploring gravel gardens | #GoodGrowing
Gravel gardens are a new approach to gardening that utilizes a deep layer of gravel and deep-rooted plants to create a low-maintenance landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we discuss the dynamics that define a gravel garden, applications where a gravel garden might be an...
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Ep. 266 Lesser-Known Minor Bulbs That Shine in Spring | #GoodGrowing
Planning for spring starts in fall! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we venture beyond tulips and daffodils to explore the world of minor bulbs with Ann Chanon of The Ohio State University. Ann shares her favorite minor bulbs, tips for planting and naturalizing them, and design ideas...
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Ep. 265 Insects in the fall and what we can do to help them | #GoodGrowing
As summer gives way to fall, insects are busy preparing for winter in a variety of ways. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore which insects migrate, which stay put, and how they survive the cold months ahead. Plus, learn what gardeners can do this fall, from leaving leaves to...
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Ep. 264 Goldenrod for every garden | #GoodGrowing
As autumn approaches, one of the standout flowers that is beginning to bloom is goldenrod. Dozens of species are native to the Midwest, and more than 100 species can be found throughout the United States. To help us sift through which species is suited for which landscape, the Good Growing team...
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Ep. 263 It's Not a Disease! Common Tomato Fruit Problems You Can't Spray Away | #GoodGrowing
Tomatoes may be the most popular garden crop, but they can also be the most frustrating. If your tomatoes are cracking, developing black spots on the bottom, refusing to ripen, or showing strange yellow shoulders, you're not alone. In this episode, Chris and Ken dig into the most common tomato...
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Ep. 262 Growing orchids at home: Easier than you think | #GoodGrowing
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but they may be easier than you think! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, where we are joined by horticulture educator and longtime orchid enthusiast Jack Schooley. Learn about common orchid myths, good orchids for beginners…
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Ep. 261 Horticultural rules of thumb | #GoodGrowing
This week’s Good Growing Podcast explores some common horticultural “rules of thumb” that might make garden and landscape care easier and more successful. Learn about the origins, benefits, and limitations of common guidelines. Many of the guides we discuss are frequently used on the Good Growing...
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Ep. 260 Managing Stormwater with Rain Gardens | #GoodGrowing
Rain gardens are one of the most effective tools homeowners can use to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and add beauty to the landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Emily, and Ken explore how rain gardens work, why they matter, and how they can help keep excess water out…
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Ep. 259 Summertime garden Q&A | #GoodGrowing
Summer is in full swing, and with the heat comes plenty of garden and lawn questions! Join us as we tackle some of the most common summertime issues, including crabgrass taking over lawns, brown patches of turf, cracked tomatoes, swarms of beetles, and more! Watch us on YouTube:...
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Gardenbite: Color Theory in the Garden | #GoodGrowing
Take your landscape from random to remarkable. In this Gardenbite episode, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart explores how color theory can help you create a more cohesive, attractive, and intentional garden. Learn the difference between analogous color schemes that create…
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Gardenbite: Containing the Uncontainable: Managing Bamboo | #GoodGrowing
How far can running bamboo run? Bamboo may look exotic and tropical, but did you know some species can thrive right here in Illinois? In this Gardenbite episode, Chris Enroth dives into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of bamboo. From Illinois' own native giant cane to the…
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Gardenbite: Weird looking coneflower flowers: Aster yellows and rosette mites | #GoodGrowing
Coneflowers are beloved native plants, but sometimes you may end up with strange-looking flowers. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast to learn about two common causes of distorted coneflower blooms: aster yellows and coneflower rosette mites. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of each,...
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Ep. 258 Gardens of the Founding Fathers |#GoodGrowing
As Americans prepare to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Good Growing takes a look at the Founding Fathers as gardeners. In this episode, we explore the lesser-known side of our nation’s founders. In addition to being authors and signers of the Declaration of Independence and political leaders…
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Ep. 257 Design principles and plants for edible landscapes | #GoodGrowing
In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we explore the concept of edible landscaping, where ornamental plants double as food sources. Emily, Ken, and Chris will discuss how to design a landscape that combines aesthetic appeal with edible function. Learn the core principles of edible…
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Ep. 256 From mild to wild: Exploring hot peppers | #GoodGrowing
Love them or fear them, hot peppers bring the heat to gardens and kitchens alike. Join us as we dive into the spicy world of peppers with Dr. Jack McCoy. Learn about what makes peppers hot, why some people love to eat them, how to grow them, ways to use your harvest, and more! Watch us on…
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Ep. 255 Big bluestem in the garden | #GoodGrowing
Big bluestem is one of the iconic grasses of the tallgrass prairie, and it's having a moment as this year's Perennial Plant of the Year! Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we explore what makes this native grass so special, from how to identify it, to where it grows, and how it…
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Gardenbite: How to Keep Tomatoes Healthy in Summer Heat: Pruning, Support, and Mulch | #GoodGrowing
In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing podcast, we dig into essential early summer tomato care to help keep your plants healthy, productive, and under control. From staking and trellising methods like cages and the Florida weave to managing vigorous indeterminate varieties, we explore...
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Ep. 254 How We Became Horticulturists: Real Stories & Career Paths in Plant Science | #GoodGrowing
How do you actually become a horticulturist? Is it a straight path—or a winding trail full of unexpected turns? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and Emily dig into their own origin stories—sharing how childhood curiosity, career detours, and a little bit of luck led them...
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Ep. 253 Garden Q&A: Is it Poison Hemlock? Weird Pepper Myths, Bluebird Drama, and more! | #GoodGrowing
Got weird plants in your yard? Strange damage on your trees? Or birds attacking your truck? You’re not alone! In this Good Growing Podcast Q&A episode, we tackle real gardening questions asked at Illinois Extension offices and by podcast listeners. We start with a recurring question this time of...
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Ep. 252 Growing together: Three Sisters gardening | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we dig into the Three Sisters gardening method, an Indigenous planting system that brings corn, beans, and squash together in a mutually beneficial way. Learn about the history and cultural significance behind the Three Sisters, how these three crops support...
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Ep. 251 Celebrating the Year of the Azalea and Talking How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing
The National Garden Bureau has named 2026 the Year of the Azalea! Ken, Emily, and Chris are digging into what makes these colorful (and sometimes finicky) plants so popular. In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we break down everything you need to know about azaleas—from their connection…
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Ep. 250 Tree care pet peeves | #GoodGrowing
Long-time listeners know that Ken, Chris, and Emily are passionate about proper plant care practices. On this week’s podcast, the team discusses six hot-button issues related to improper tree care, including tree topping, the misuse of plastic sheeting under mulch, and codominant leaders. Listen…
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Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing
As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape. Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore common…
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Ep. 248 Favorite trees for spring: Trees we look forward to every year | #GoodGrowing
Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that…
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Ep. 247 Planting with Purpose: Tree Equity and Our Communities | #GoodGrowing
In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health...
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Ep. 246 From Ancient Crop to Modern Gardens: The Fascinating Story of Figs | #GoodGrowing
Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig (Ficus carica). From...
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Ep. 245 Growing something new: Plants we’re trying in 2026 | #GoodGrowing
Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what...
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Ep. 244 Spring Garden Problem‑Solving: Weeds, Water, Pests, and Cold Snaps | #GoodGrowing
Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens. This week’s episode answers attendee questions...
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Ep. 243 Looking toward spring: Our favorite spring flowers | #GoodGrowing
Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins. From early bloomers…
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Ep. 242 The big, colorful world of Crocus | #GoodGrowing
Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and more!...
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Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing
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:...
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Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Gardenbite: The Science of Backyard Bird Care | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 237 Looking back on 2025 and looking forward to 2026 | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing
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....
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Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing
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…
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Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing
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…
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Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing
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...
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Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing
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...
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Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing
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…
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Ep. 230 From alien wasps to zombie ants, parasites are all around | #GoodGrowing
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.
HOSTED BY
University of Illinois Extension
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Good Growing have?
Good Growing currently has 342 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Good Growing about?
The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener...
How often does Good Growing release new episodes?
Good Growing publishes regularly with 342 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Good Growing?
You can listen to Good Growing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Good Growing?
Good Growing is created and hosted by University of Illinois Extension.
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