PODCAST

Good Growing

Chris Enroth

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

education home & garden

All Episodes

37:58

Ep. 219 Tree identification: Learning to name the...

Good Growing ·

2025/08/08

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:

53:21

Ep. 218 Midsummer Lessons: What’s Growing (and Dying)...

Good Growing ·

2025/08/01

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,

12:30

Gardenbite: Wasps, the unsung heroes of our gardens |...

Good Growing ·

2025/07/25

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

62:09

Ep. 217 Agroforestry: Blending trees, crops, ecology,...

Good Growing ·

2025/07/18

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

4:02

Gardenbite: Spigelia a native plant for your...

Good Growing ·

2025/07/11

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

12:24

Gardenbite: Dispelling Myths and Telling the Itchy...

Good Growing ·

2025/07/04

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

69:46

Ep. 216 Chemical Trespass in Illinois: How Herbicides...

Good Growing ·

2025/06/27

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

8:45

Gardenbite: Why are there holes in my roses?...

Good Growing ·

2025/06/20

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:

54:59

Ep. 215 Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant...

Good Growing ·

2025/06/13

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

59:37

Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or...

Good Growing ·

2025/06/06

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

56:50

Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works...

Good Growing ·

2025/05/30

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

52:14

Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms...

Good Growing ·

2025/05/23

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

7:54

Gardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnats |...

Good Growing ·

2025/05/16

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

34:27

Ep. 211 Gardening Tips for Spring: Hardening Off...

Good Growing ·

2025/05/09

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, horticulture educators with University of Illinois Extension, as they dive into the most pressing spring gardening questions. From getting seedlings ready for the great outdoors to how to water those newly planted Arbor Day trees and more, we've got some timely tips for the spring garden.

37:10

Ep. 210 No Mow May: What is it and does it work in...

Good Growing ·

2025/05/02

The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois, other ways we can support pollinators, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FWjduDGmGM Skip to what you want to know: 00:29 - Welcome, Ken. Where has spring gone? 03:06 - What is No

45:27

Ep. 209 Vegetable gardening in small spaces |...

Good Growing ·

2025/04/25

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

69:18

Ep. 208 IPM: Techniques, Tools, and Tips for a...

Good Growing ·

2025/04/18

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

59:56

Ep. 207 Bee Conservation: Honeybees, Native Bees, and...

Good Growing ·

2025/04/11

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

39:17

Ep. 206 Answering your spring gardening questions |...

Good Growing ·

2025/04/04

Spring has arrived, which means the gardening questions have started coming into Extension offices. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of the questions that have come into our offices. Learn about planting grass in the spring, managing invasive plants, fertilizing fruit trees, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2_8AUONLR44 Skip to what you want to know: 00:27 – Welcome, Ken. Have we gotten our garden seeds started, a Good Growing Grow Along seed

55:39

Ep. 205 Spring Ephemerals: Discovering Hidden...

Good Growing ·

2025/03/28

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

301 results

Good Growing

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College