Good Growing

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 to discover the other three pet peeves and what can be done to better support tree health.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Rhg5WXPlaw Skip to what you want to know:    03:12 – Co-dominant leaders  06:33 – Nursery pruning for bushier trees   10:57 – Tree topping  12:36 – Two times when topping may be considered  15:34 – What to do with vegetation at the base of a tree  20:32 – Not removing burlap from a root ball  26:38 – Removing healthy trees  29:08 – Overview of tree benefits  34:44 – Making good pruning cuts  41:19 – Tree diversity – species and age  46:02 – Available resources  49:34 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Resources Morton Arboretum - https://mortonarb.org/ Community Tree Care Series - https://extension.illinois.edu/plants/community-tree-care-series  Contact us!  Chris Enroth: [email protected] Ken Johnson: [email protected] Emily Swihart: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape.Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore common (and not‑so‑common) tree troubles, including eastern tent caterpillars, bagworms, wood‑boring insects, cedar apple rust, needle cast diseases, and oak wilt. Along the way, they explain the difference between biotic and abiotic problems, how environmental stress sets trees up for decline, and why some “pests” are actually just doing their ecological job.Skip to what you want to know:00:31 Hey Ken! Are you there? 01:15 Welcome, Emily! 01:54 What are biotic problems? 06:05 How did we choose what biotic tree problems to share today? 07:49 Eastern tent caterpillar 16:01 Wood boring insects 31:25 Cedar apple rust 43:59 Bagworms 52:01 Spruce needle cast diseases 01:00 Oak wilt 14:25 Thank yous and see you next week! Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Emily Swihart [email protected] what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --Prefer audio? 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

Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that make spring such a special time of year. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kVE7rOXl-n4 Skip to what you want to know:    02:59 – Flowering and kousa dogwood  07:38 – Redbud   11:36 – Black locust  15:24 – Silverbell  18:58 – Catalpa  25:36 – White fringetree  30:18 – Tuliptree   37:06 – Saucer magnolia  37:55 – Black gum  40:16 – Vernal witch-hazel  42:48 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Swihart: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health and property values, the hosts explore why trees matter and why their distribution across communities is far from equal.The conversation traces how historical practices like redlining shaped today’s urban forests, explains why some neighborhoods still have far fewer trees, and introduces practical tools—like the Tree Equity Score and i‑Tree—that can help communities make more informed, equitable tree‑planting decisions.Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0SFKXYs8yX4Skip to what you want to know:00:30 Hey Ken! 01:18 Welcome, Emily! 02:38 First topic of tree month: Tree equity 04:11 What are the benefits of trees? Ecosystem services 09:28  Social and Emotional benefits of trees 14:38 Not everyone has the benefits of trees. Diving into the topic of tree equity.17:10 The history of tree inequity 17:57  Redlining and its effect on tree equity 23:41 What tools can be used to look at the need for tree planting in communities? 26:45 Tree Equity Score and i-Tree 44:44 So long and coming up next week! Tree Equity Score https://www.treeequityscore.org/i-Tree https://www.itreetools.org/Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Emily Swihart [email protected] what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --Prefer audio? 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

Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig (Ficus carica).From ancient history to modern backyards, we explore how figs grow, where they originated, and why cold‑hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey make figs possible even in colder climates. You’ll learn what makes figs so unique botanically, why the “fruit” is actually a modified stem, and how fig pollination works—including the truth about dead wasps in your figs (don’t worry, Midwest gardeners are in the clear).Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TiClnN6r_HISkip to what you want to know:00:34 Hey Ken!   01:36 Welcome Elizabeth!  02:13 Updates from the cold snap on landscape plants and crops   10:50 On to the main topic - edible figs   11:37 What is the Fignomenal fig?   12:51 What type of figs is Elizabeth growing in her garden?  13:59 The history of the edible fig  19:08 Where do we typically find fig production in the world?  20:09 US Fig production  20:52 Figs in the Midwest diet and have we ever eaten fresh figs?  23:08 Learning about the edible fig plant (Ficus carica)   23:36 Edible fig is a woody perennial   25:28  What is the fig fruit?   28:22 Edible fig pollination and are dead wasps inside our fig fruit?  38:09 Can we get breba crops on our figs?   39:29 For those wanting to try to grow edible figs in Illinois what are some of the site requirements? 42:53 What can you do to protect figs during the winter?   50:03 Pruning and sap causing injury on human skin   51:42 Cultivars for planting in Illinois  54:30 Fantastic Fig Facts  Fig ResourcesGrowing Hardy Figs in Ohio https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1439The Fig: Its history, culture, and curing, with a descriptive catalogue of the known varieties of figs  Published in 1901 and an interesting look at fig production over 100 years ago https://archive.org/details/figitshistorycul00eise/page/n89/mode/2upThe Fig: Botany, Production and Uses, edited by Ali Sarkhosh, Alimohammad Yavari, Louise Ferguson, published in 2022, (online book accessed via the library)Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --Prefer audio? 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

Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with unfamiliar crops. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lx8Jeog-p0Skip to what you want to know:    03:09 – Teff  06:38 – Armenian cucumber/melon  08:20 – Bottle gourd  10:55 – Spoon tomato  13:19 – Luffa gourd  16:27 – Mexican sunflower  18:24 – Butterfly pea   20:40 – Sunflower ‘Soluna Bronze’  23:18 – Anchote  25:16 – Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’ or something similar  29:56 – Peanuts   31:36 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Mt. Cuba Center - Wild Hydrangea for the Mid-Atlantic Region  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens.This week’s episode answers attendee questions submitted at the Home Lawn & Garden Day in Bloomington–Normal. Ken and Chris discuss surprise cold snaps, summer-bound broccoli, thinking ahead to Japanese beetles, and much more. Get ready to get back in the garden as the seasons begin to shift into spring. And then back to winter. And we'll throw some summer in the mix, too. All in the span of a few days.Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W0mz6CHpuocSkip to what you want to know:00:36 Hey Ken! The weather has been crazy! Do we yet know what this means for our early-spring flowers?05:07 Questions from the Home Lawn and Garden Day in Bloomington/Normal06:35 What are some non-toxic or environmentally friendly ways to kill or keep weeds under control in garden beds?10:42 Hints on growing brassicas in our area/climate? Cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Mine seem to fade in the heat.16:11 Drip irrigation is supposed to be better than sprinklers. Can I do it myself? How do I choose and locate the equipment needed?21:45 What tools can you not live without, and which ergonomic tools can you recommend as we age?27:14 What plants are good for repelling rabbits?30:52 How can you prevent Japanese beetles from eating your flowers without using chemicals?37:49 What supplemental lighting (type of bulb, distance from the plants & length of time to keep lighting on) is best for Phalaenopsis orchids & African violets?42:23 https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights44:05 Thank yous and coming up next week.All About Mulch https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjoGarden Tools and Gadgets https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8wSupplemental Lighting for Orchids https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lightsContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --Prefer audio? 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

Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins.From early bloomers like crocus, daffodils, and spring ephemerals to peonies, magnolias, and everything in between, we flip through a mental (and visual) photo album of spring favorites. Along the way, we talk about why these plants matter to us, how they fit into home landscapes and natural areas, and how Midwest spring weather—from false summers to surprise snow—keeps things interesting.This is a picture‑heavy episode. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGihbSjXDi8Skip to what you want to know:00:45 Hey Ken!02:14 Rollercoaster late winter weather. From 80 degrees to 10 degrees!05:06 Ken's favorite spring-blooming plants he looks forward to every year.   05:27    Bleeding heart   06:25    Dutchman's breeches   06:58    Columbine   09:01     Crocus   10:00    Daffodil   11:29    Peony   13:04    Spring beauty   14:57    Tulips   17:03    Common blue violet   19:11    Virginia bluebell   20:05    Wild ginger22:12 Chris' favorite spring blooming plants   22:23    Daffodil    23:57    Woodland walk through Dutchman's breeches, mayapples, and trillum   27:09    Lilac and snow in spring   29:23    Saucer magnolia   30:43    Virginia bluebells   31:50    Foamflower   32:30    Lungwort   33:09    Blueberry flowers   33:43    Rhubarb season   34:04    Tulip 'World Peace'   34:32    Unfurling ferns   34:56    Bloodroot   35:55    Peonies at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL38:51 Thank yous and see you next week!Spring beauty video https://youtu.be/i9JVP9wEM_M Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --Prefer audio? 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

Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and more!    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rX7QUDstn9E Skip to what you want to know:    02:26 – 'Crocus' that aren't Crocus  06:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - flowers  11:31 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - leaves  13:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - corm  17:41 – Categorizing crocus  22:49 – General guidelines for growing crocus  28:32 – When should crocus be planted?   30:15 – Propagating crocus  35:49 – Fun fact - contractile roots  37:24 – A few last planting tips, rodents, fertilizers, and mulch  42:48 – Commonly grown species of Crocus    43:53 - Snow/golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)    47:54 - Dutch yellow/yellow crocus (C. flavus)     48:46 - Tommies (C. tommasinianus)    52:57 - Dutch/giant/spring crocus (C. vernus)     54:01 - Tuscan crocus (C. etruscus)     55:22 - Sieber’s crocus (C. sieberi)     56:51 - Cloth of Gold crocus (C. angustifolius)     57:58 - Corsican crocus (C. corsicus)   59:17 – Some fall-blooming Crocus    59:32 - Saffron/autumn crocus (C. sativus)     1:02:44 - Autumn crocus (C. kotschyanus), Hairy crocus (C. pulchellus), and Showy/Bieberstein’s crocus (C. speciosus)   1:04:17 - Can Crocus be grown in pots? When should they be divided?  1:06:03 - Pests  1:07:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information:Crocuses: A Complete Guide to the Genus by Janis RuksansNational Garden Bureau – Year of the Crocus: https://ngb.org/year-of-the-crocus/  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list. In this episode, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart walk through the selection process and describe the six unique crops chosen for the 2026 Grow Along program.Register for the Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong2026Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XUGiBe3RrFwSkip to what you want to know:1:21 Decision-making process for choosing the 2026 Grow Along seeds6:55 Rebel Starfighter Prime11:45 Poppy ‘Amazing Gray', 'Shirley Supreme', and 'Black Swan'20:18 Sweet Pepper ‘Nadapeno’24:41 Cucumber Mexican Sour Gherkin/Mouse Melon28:24 Ground Cherry35:15 Savory ‘Summer Compact'41:46 When/where can you sign up and when will seeds be shipped?Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Emily Swihart: [email protected] out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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:Overview of Honeyberry from University of MinnesotaHaskap/Honeyberry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonHaskap/Honeyberry-University of Saskatchewan ResourcesThe PRI Apple Breeding ProgramContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] McCarty: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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=nF6gGjGbjxURezab MixGolden Alexander - Zizia aureaHairy Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum pilosumFoxglove beardtongue - Penstemon digitalisGrass-leaved goldenrod - Euthamia graminifoliaSlender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifoliumShowy goldenrod - Solidago speciosaRattlesnake Master - Eryngium yuccifoliumMissouri Ironweed - Vernonia missuricaRigid Goldenrod - Oligoneuron rigidumPrairie Coreopsis - Coreopsis palmataTall Coreopsis - Coreopsis tripterisVirginia Spiderwort - Tradescantia virginianaYellow Crownbeard - Verbesina helianthoidesWild Senna - Senna hebecarpaBlack-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta Evening Primrose - Oenothera biennisFalse Sunflower - Heliopsis helianthoidesPurple Coneflower - Echinacea purpureaContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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:Mao Clinic: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective DisorderIllinois Extension: How to manage the winter bluesSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Seasonal Affective DisorderMental Health America: Seasonal Affective Disorder  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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.

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 BureauFicus: Trees and Vine of Florida (University of Florida)Gods and Monsters: The Genus Ficus (Brooklyn Botanic Garden) Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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_eeGFoThe 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?Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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! Popular episodes and videos:Clustered Mountain Mint - Perennial Plant of the YearGet to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the yearGardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnatsSummer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites AwayVegetable gardening in small spacesCompost your way: Passive and active composting stylesChamomile: Discover 2025's herb of the yearPeonies: Beauty, history, and backyard bloomsThe cranberry story: Native roots and modern agricultureDiscovering Dogwoods: From trees to shrubs and even groundcovers!Answering your spring gardening questionsFall gardening questions answeredSpring beauty in the landscape   Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Swihart: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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/facts16:56 Persimmon is the sweetest fruit native to Illinois.17:54 Where can we go to learn more about persimmons?19:18 Svannah Institute persimmon breeding19:29 University of Connecticut Climate Smart Orchard Handout19:50 Thank yous and Happy New Year!Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5FokCliff England - persimmon breederJames (Jim) Claypool - persimmon breeder (deceased)Cornell - http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/mfruit/persimmons.htmlSavanna Institute - https://www.savannainstitute.org/persimmon/ Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Nick Frillman [email protected] out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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 hunting23:54 Where do persimmons need to be planted?  24:28 Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=317625:52 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 persimmons50:03 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=3176Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5FokContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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! Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

 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 Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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 Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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 Cranberry14:57 Chris' favorite quote, cranberries are like cats16:12 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 cranberries26:04 Boom and bust of the cranberry market28:15 A year of growing cranberries from a farmer's perspective - Planting cranberries32:01 What does a cranberry field look like, and where do they get the water?33:31 Cranberries in the spring planting, irrigation needs, and pollination36:35 Summer in the cranberry field - ripening36:53 Fall in the cranberry field -harvest37:32 Wet harvest39:23 Dry Harvest40:48 The cranberry fields in the winter - protecting from winter injury44:59 Can you grow the American cranberry in the backyard?46:59 https://www.cranberries.org/bog-cup-activity53:11 Thank yous and coming up next weekCranberry Pumpkin Muffins https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/eat/recipes/cranberry-pumpkin-muffinsCranberries 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.htmlContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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 species04:36 Tree of Heaven08:11 Garlic mustard10:23 Leafy spurge12:58 Sericea lespedeza16:06 Japanese stiltgrass18:05 Amur corktree20:01 Black and pale swallow-wort22:22 Callery Pear27:54 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-actUSDA Plant Guide: Leafy Spurge https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg12069.pdfIllinois Regulations Regarding Invasive Plant Species https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/regulationsContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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 kaciejoaeMistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/t2VGsf8SPiU00:41 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 sylvatica17:55 Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua23:54 Sassafras, Sassafras albidum28:05 Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum29:03 Oaks, Quercus spp.31:23 Gingko, Gingko biloba35:59 Honorable Mentions36:10 Redbud36:47 Honeylocust37:04 Flowering dogwood37:13 Bald cypress39:30 Poison ivy40:34 Thank yous and coming up next weekRead 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-colorDive Deeper into Fall Color PigmentsGardenbite: The Science Behind Fall Color - https://youtu.be/2puA2uMoXEgContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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! Read more about it:  Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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 Bug14:17 Multi-colored Asian lady beetle22:30 Boxelder Bug27:05 Keeping fall-invading insects out of your home.29:07 Exclusion32:34 Do insecticides work to keep them out?34:40 How to handle them when they get inside38:15 Thank yous and coming up next weekRead More:Fall House Guests - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-10-01-fall-house-guestsLadybugs 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-ladyPictures:Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.orgJoseph Berger, Bugwood.orgBill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.orgWilliam M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.orgSusan Ellis, Bugwood.orgGyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.orgRob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.orgKristie Graham, USDA ARS, Bugwood.orgJack Rabin, Rutgers NJ Agric. Expt. Station, Bugwood.orgGerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.orgContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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 [email protected] Spotted Lanternfly Homeowner’s GuideSpotted Lanternfly Summit  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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.Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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-7wsGrowing Pawpaws in Illinois with Doug Gucker: https://youtu.be/m_cCkGqjp80Illinois Extension Soil Testing website: https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-testing  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/9PXCI5ddpBI00:33 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?ILNOAA Drought Forecasts https://www.drought.gov/forecastsBlog 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/Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/_wKeJ61A20o‌Contact us!  Chris Enroth: [email protected] Ken Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/Yfzxnvpco0M00:32 The dangers encountered by monarch butterflies   02:07 Predators!   02:17 Disease!03:18 A historic shift in habitat for monarch butterflies04:04 Introducing the concept of captive rearing of monarch butterflies07:17 Why captive rearing is not recommended   07:27 A loss of fitness   09:21 Artificially overpopulating an area with monarch butterflies10:38 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 habitat24:32 Monarch Waystation Program29:15 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-festivalXerces Society Keep Monarchs Wild https://www.xerces.org/blog/keep-monarchs-wildMonarch Butterfly Science w/ Dr. Andy Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIt-zkivDjIMonarch Butterfly Status Update w/ Brodie Dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmqQlyPY1TAUniversity of Illinois Extension Pollinator Pockets https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pocketsUniversity of Illinois Extension Pollinator Website https://illinoispollinators.org/Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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) ratio18:27 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 bins23:23 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 composter32:30 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 temperature41:12 Sifting Compost42:35 Ways to use your compost44:37 What moisture level should we keep our compost piles?45:25 Compost tea49:04 Compost vs. fertilizer54:13 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 Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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-illinoisTree Owner’s Manual: http://www.treeownersmanual.info/Illinois Trees:  English: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000696.pdf  Spanish: https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000702.pdfIllinois Extension - DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties: https://extension.illinois.edu/dmpCommunity Tree Care Series: https://extension.illinois.edu/plants/community-tree-care-series  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/RYNgQSKxXxcSkip to what you want to know:00:39 Hey Ken!01:12 The growing conditions up to this point in our 2025 gardens04:11 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 backyard13:15 Chris found the invasive jumping worm in his landscape bed20:27 Checking in on Ken's vegetable garden29:16 Is this a melon or a cucumber? It's a cucumber melon!31:55 Passive tick control - tick tubes34:04 Ken's passive mosquito control - mosquito bucket of doom!36:07 What's growing along Ken's driveway?37:09 Check out our hydrangeas40:57 Ginger midsummer update45:00 Ken’s summer wildflower display - Kill your lawn!51:37 Thank yous and coming up next weekContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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. ‌Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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!Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/D1Wkcf0qQaYGood Growing Blog Post https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-07-02-unseen-menacechiggersKansas State University https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/03/entomology-chiggers-in-kansas.htmlUniversity of Missouri https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7398Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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/44Ue4HbGS7YSkip 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 ecosystems02:57:12 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 neonics34:46:00 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 reportContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Swihart [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.All photos by Chris EnrothBarnyard 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

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 Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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 

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 garden09:30 The negative image of milkweed in the agricultural community12:02 Milkweeds for the garden. Listing the species of Asclepias native to Illinois. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutplants/wildaboutplantsmilkweeds.html13:28 The most common milkweeds we often see in a home landscape15:17 Our favorite milkweeds that we grow21:32 Key identifying characteristics of Asclepias23:05 Milkweed and pollination: who is the best pollinator for the job?24:41 Milkweed pollination biology https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/nvpmctn12764.pdf27:39 Milkweed toxicity and monarch butterflies28:34 All the other insects using milkweed besides the monarch butterfly30:16 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 Species37:35 Talking about honeyvine milkweed42:19 How do you harvest and grow milkweed seeds?45:56 Transplanting milkweed47:09 milkweed maintenance48:45 Mowing for monarchs https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-08-28-mowing-monarchs52:08 Who decreed 2025 the year of Asclepias?53:34 Thank you and see you next week!Photos:Ken Johnson, University of Illinois ExtensionChris Enroth, University of Illinois ExtensionChris Evans, University of Illinois Extension5347031 - William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.orgContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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!  Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

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 work07:50 Purple Martins10:40 Mosquito sonic repellents. 11:59 Bug zapper lights16:49 A pan of soapy water.17:49 Using mouthwash21:38 Stuff that kind of works21:44 Mosquito-repelling plants24:46 Citronella candles26:51 Mosquito control that can work27:03 Fogging/spraying an area30:56 Mosquito bucket of doom!36:30 Habitat modification41:47 Stay inside44:03 Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing45:44 CO2 TrapsContact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribeAny products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion 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

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! Read more about it:  Peony flower forms: https://americanpeonysociety.org/learn/herbaceous-peonies/flower-types-anatomy/ Peonydale and the Wettengel Family Story: http://wimuseum.org/peonydale-and-the-wettengel-family-story/    Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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

It’s late spring, which means buffalo gnats are back and biting. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we take a look at buffalo gnats, where they live, their lifecycle, what you can do to avoid their bites, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i0Hq-hZ6fFU Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected] Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of 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