PODCAST

Good Growing

Chris Enroth

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

education home & garden

All Episodes

58:28

Ep. 167 Garden Trends for 2024 | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2024/03/15

This week on the Good Growing podcast we chat with horticulture educator Emily Swihart about garden trends to be on the lookout for in 2024. We talk about the rise in popularity of incorporating native plants, trying to make our landscapes more biodiverse, and also just plain fun horticulture trends like colors and using our gardens at night. Skip to what you want to know:17:06 The trend of eco-optimism.18:44 The trend of native plants.20:40 The trend of densely planted landscape beds.24:41

10:01

Gardenbite: Creating pollinator habitat at home|...

Good Growing ·

2024/03/08

Has the warm weather got you thinking about gardening, perhaps gardening for pollinators? Learn about how you can create a habitat for pollinators in your own landscape, from the types of plants, habitat for nesting and egg-laying, pest management, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email:

16:01

Gardenbite: Martha's Picks: Three native plants for...

Good Growing ·

2024/03/01

This week we take a look at a clip from 2021 when the Good Growing team sat down with three horticulturists/landscape designers to learn about their favorite native plants. We asked each one to come up with their top three favorites. In this clip, retired Illinois Extension educator Martha Smith showcases her three favorite native plants that she has growing in her yard. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/58IDd070g-QSkip to what you want to know:1:22 American fringetree (Chionanthus

50:07

Ep. 166 Grow something new with us: Good Growing Grow...

Good Growing ·

2024/02/23

Do you like growing new things in the garden? Then come grow along with us! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we roll out our newest project, the Good Growing Grow Along. We’ve selected six new plants/cultivars to grow in our gardens, and you can grow them along with us. We also discuss some new plants that have been in the news lately. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sUH6D73-fFg Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily! 01:45 – What’s new in the plant

31:07

Ep. 165 Strategies for farming in contaminated soil...

Good Growing ·

2024/02/16

This week is the second half of our conversation with Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack details techniques that urban farmers and gardeners can use to avoid growing in contaminated soils. We also dive into the importance of soil testing and how to pick a soil lab and use the results to guide your amendment decisions. Throughout this process, Zack keeps bringing up the key point that often we can overdo it with amendments. He mentions how compost can

50:35

Ep. 164 Urban Agriculture & Soil Contamination with...

Good Growing ·

2024/02/09

This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with local foods and small farms educator Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack describes what it's like to grow in urban conditions and how we inevitably encounter soil contamination. Plus we dive into his research on soil lead contamination and what contamination levels look like across Cook County. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ugAPOKIcr7wSkip to what you want to know:0:28 - Hey Ken

35:02

Ep. 163 Winter kids activities for both indoors and...

Good Growing ·

2024/02/02

Have you been stuck indoors with children this winter? Are they driving you crazy? You’re in luck! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Brittnay Haag joins us to talk about different garden and nature activities we can do with our kids, both indoors and out. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vn8HDTxy8DM Skip to what you want to know: 00:45 – Welcome, Ken, what’s the strange orange ball in the sky? 02:50 – Welcome, Brittnay. What

51:03

Ep. 162 The science behind bee hotels | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2024/01/26

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast features Ken and Chris in conversation with Brodie Dunn and Timo Wayman. The discussion revolves around a new research project on bee hotels that includes a citizen science component. Brodie and Timo share their insights on what they hope to discover through this scientific endeavor, and whether bee hotels are beneficial or detrimental to bees. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to this scientific cause and become a citizen scientist.Skip

8:27

Gardenbite: Composting with worms indoors | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2024/01/19

Have you been longing to get outside and play in the dirt? Then vermicomposting may be for you! Learn about how to compost indoors with worms, from containers to use, how to prepare the growing media and food, how to harvest your worm compost, and more!Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any

32:48

Ep. 161 Winter Weather and How to Protect Your Plants...

Good Growing ·

2024/01/12

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast is all about snow and ice. Ken and Chris discuss how to deal with snow and ice on trees and shrubs, problems to avoid with rock salt, tips for using deicers, and much more. Tune in to the Good Growing Podcast to learn more about how to protect your plants from the winter weather. Thank you for listening!Skip to what you want to know:0:34 Hey Ken! Winter has finally arrived in Illinois. Are we ready for the upcoming cold snap?1:51 How do we

7:32

Gardenbite: Pruning backyard fruit trees | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2024/01/05

It’s that time of year - time to start thinking about pruning your deciduous trees and shrubs. While many of our landscape trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need yearly pruning, the same can’t be said for fruit trees. Learn about why we should prune fruit trees yearly, the different types of pruning cuts we use, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the

6:29

Gardenbite: A second life to your cut Christmas tree...

Good Growing ·

2023/12/29

In this Gardenbite, Chris explores the various ways to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Many Illinoisians have a Christmas tree disposal day where they can throw out a cut Christmas tree and the city will pick it up and turn it into woodchips. However, there are other ways to give your tree a second life. Chris discusses how to create a shelter for birds, turn the cut tree into food for wildlife, use cut evergreen branches as winter mulch to protect herbaceous perennials, and more!Contact

53:06

Ep. 160 Spice up your holiday with these holiday...

Good Growing ·

2023/12/22

Join Ken and Chris on a journey around the world as they explore the fascinating history of quintessential holiday spices. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, you will learn about the origins of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, allspice, and ginger, and how they made their way to our spice cabinets. You will also discover what parts of the plants are harvested to produce these spices. And, if you’re a fan of the Spice Girls, you won’t want to miss Chris’s attempt to name them

34:59

Ep. 159 Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday...

Good Growing ·

2023/12/14

Join us on a horticultural journey through the world of mistletoe. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of this parasitic plant. From its unique biology to its horticultural applications, we cover everything you need to know about mistletoe. We also discuss the plant’s role in the ecosystem and where you can find it in Illinois and beyond. Tune in to discover why mistletoe is more than just a holiday decoration!Skip to what you want to know:0:29 Hey

41:53

Ep. 158 All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how...

Good Growing ·

2023/12/08

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at a holiday staple, the poinsettia. Join us as we discuss the myths and legends that surround the poinsettia, where they come from, how they’re grown, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0jY1dNYQG5Y Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what kind of Christmas tree does Chris have? 02:50 – How do you pronounce poinsettia? 04:20 – Where do poinsettias come from? What are some other names it

45:47

Ep. 157 All About Bed Bugs with Entomologist Dr....

Good Growing ·

2023/12/01

In this episode, Ken and Chris explore a timely and concerning topic—the resurgence of bed bugs making headlines globally! Join us as we delve into the pressing issue of bed bugs seemingly spiraling out of control. Are these tiny pests staging a global takeover once again? Our special guest, entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey, joins the conversation to address our lingering questions about bed bugs. From tips on avoiding these unwelcome companions during your travels to guidance on handling a bed

13:02

Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2023/11/24

Thanksgiving is over, which means many of us will be going out to pick out our Christmas trees. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a trip back to 2020 when we talked with Robert Richardson with the Illinois Christmas Tree Association. Learn about the process of growing Christmas trees from when they go in the ground until you pick one out. Want to see or listen to the entire show? Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on our website.YouTube:

27:40

Gardenbite Turkey Talk: Tips for growing your own...

Good Growing ·

2023/11/17

This week the Good Growing podcast rewinds to when we chatted with local foods educator James Thueri all about turkeys. James talks about how the commercial producers get the turkey from egg to plate. Plus, James gives tips if for those interested in raising their own heritage breeds in their own backyard.Listen to the entire podcast https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-46-talking-turkey-and-backyard-livestock-james-theuriSkip to what you want to know: Skip to what you

35:47

Ep. 156 Fall garden Q&A and garden updates |...

Good Growing ·

2023/11/10

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re answering some of your fall gardening questions. Learn about overwintering mum and dahlias, white pines dropping needles, keeping feral cats out of gardens, and more! We also give an update on what’s going on with the leaves in our yards and how our gardens fared this year. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXgo-nq9KNo Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what’s up with the weather? 01:15 – Leaf report from our yards

35:38

Ep. 155 Stewarding our community tree canopies |...

Good Growing ·

2023/11/03

This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris and Ken chat with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel and horticulture program coordinator Jenny Lee promoting an upcoming series for tree care professionals called the Community Tree Care Series. During the online webinar participants will go from basics to more complex topics in tree care. It is a great opportunity for Illinois arborists needing CEUs or training staff who maintain trees. Register for the online Community Tree Care Series at

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