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PODCAST

Good Growing

University of Illinois Extension

The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you"re a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.

education home & garden

All Episodes

59:51

Ep. 269 Sedums: Tough, Diverse, and Complicated |...

Good Growing ·

2026/10/09

Sedums are some of the toughest and most versatile plants in the garden, but they're also at the center of a botanical identity crisis. This week on the Good Growing podcast, we dig into the world of sedums (or should we call them stonecrops... or even Hylotelephium?) and explore how advances in plant genetics have reshaped our understanding of this popular group of succulents.Learn about the different types of sedums, from low-growing groundcovers to upright favorites like Autumn Joy,

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64:21

Ep. 268 Tornadoes, rain, and El Niño: Looking back...

Good Growing ·

2026/10/02

Illinois has experienced no shortage of weather headlines this year. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford about a year of tornadoes, heavy rainfall, record hail, and sticky summer weather. Learn what fueled these weather events, why El Niño is making headlines, and what may be in store for us this fall and winter. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7UM5oYiCkS4 Skip to what you want to know: 01:18 – Welcome, Trent! Recap

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53:21

Ep. 267 Growing on rocks: Exploring gravel gardens |...

Good Growing ·

2026/09/25

Gravel gardens are a new approach to gardening that utilizes a deep layer of gravel and deep-rooted plants to create a low-maintenance landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we discuss the dynamics that define a gravel garden, applications where a gravel garden might be an appropriate strategy, and hesitations we have when considering installation and maintenance. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WKrvhztDw8EContact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson:

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32:54

Ep. 266 Lesser-Known Minor Bulbs That Shine in Spring...

Good Growing ·

2026/09/18

Planning for spring starts in fall! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we venture beyond tulips and daffodils to explore the world of minor bulbs with Ann Chanon of The Ohio State University.Ann shares her favorite minor bulbs, tips for planting and naturalizing them, and design ideas for creating bold displays with these small-but-mighty spring bloomers. Get ready to brighten a woodland garden, edge a pathway, or add early-season color beneath trees and shrubs. This episode will

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56:01

Ep. 265 Insects in the fall and what we can do to...

Good Growing ·

2026/09/11

As summer gives way to fall, insects are busy preparing for winter in a variety of ways. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore which insects migrate, which stay put, and how they survive the cold months ahead. Plus, learn what gardeners can do this fall, from leaving leaves to delaying cleanup, to help support beneficial insects in the landscape. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zDhAISO3wlASkip to what you want to know: 03:24 – What insects are we seeing more of

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62:25

Ep. 264 Goldenrod for every garden | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/09/04

As autumn approaches, one of the standout flowers that is beginning to bloom is goldenrod. Dozens of species are native to the Midwest, and more than 100 species can be found throughout the United States. To help us sift through which species is suited for which landscape, the Good Growing team reviews two recently published goldenrod trials, one from the Chicago Botanic Garden and one from Mt. Cuba Center, and discusses the results. Join Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart to

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41:44

Ep. 263 It's Not a Disease! Common Tomato Fruit...

Good Growing ·

2026/08/28

Tomatoes may be the most popular garden crop, but they can also be the most frustrating. If your tomatoes are cracking, developing black spots on the bottom, refusing to ripen, or showing strange yellow shoulders, you're not alone. In this episode, Chris and Ken dig into the most common tomato fruit disorders caused by weather, watering, heat, and nutrient imbalances. We also discuss late-season tomato care, including topping plants, ripening green tomatoes indoors, and cleaning up the

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58:33

Ep. 262 Growing orchids at home: Easier than you...

Good Growing ·

2026/08/21

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but they may be easier than you think! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, where we are joined by horticulture educator and longtime orchid enthusiast Jack Schooley. Learn about common orchid myths, good orchids for beginners, watering and light requirements, getting orchids to rebloom, and troubleshooting common problems. Plus, discover whether watering orchids with ice cubes is a good idea and how there really is an orchid for

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54:19

Ep. 261 Horticultural rules of thumb | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/08/14

This week’s Good Growing Podcast explores some common horticultural “rules of thumb” that might make garden and landscape care easier and more successful. Learn about the origins, benefits, and limitations of common guidelines. Many of the guides we discuss are frequently used on the Good Growing Podcast or in Extension programs, so if you have ever scratched your head after hearing an odd phrase from one of Illinois Extension’s Horticulture Educators, listen, and we will help you decipher

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67:14

Ep. 260 Managing Stormwater with Rain Gardens |...

Good Growing ·

2026/08/07

Rain gardens are one of the most effective tools homeowners can use to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and add beauty to the landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Emily, and Ken explore how rain gardens work, why they matter, and how they can help keep excess water out of storm sewers and local waterways.Plus, hear about upcoming rain garden educational programs and community installation projects happening across Illinois Extension.Watch us on YouTube:

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26:03

Ep. 259 Summertime garden Q&A | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/07/31

Summer is in full swing, and with the heat comes plenty of garden and lawn questions! Join us as we tackle some of the most common summertime issues, including crabgrass taking over lawns, brown patches of turf, cracked tomatoes, swarms of beetles, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x-5ENejfrTE Skip to what you want to know: 01:10 – What to do about crabgrass in lawns? 06:33 – Lawn is dying, what do I do? 10:00 – What is tearing apart my sassafras tree? 13:40 – Why

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9:47

Gardenbite: Color Theory in the Garden | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/07/24

Take your landscape from random to remarkable. In this Gardenbite episode, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart explores how color theory can help you create a more cohesive, attractive, and intentional garden. Learn the difference between analogous color schemes that create calm, harmonious plantings and complementary color combinations that deliver bold contrast and visual impact. From choosing a favorite plant as your design anchor to selecting flowers and foliage that

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27:29

Gardenbite: Containing the Uncontainable: Managing...

Good Growing ·

2026/07/17

How far can running bamboo run?Bamboo may look exotic and tropical, but did you know some species can thrive right here in Illinois? In this Gardenbite episode, Chris Enroth dives into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of bamboo. From Illinois' own native giant cane to the notorious running bamboo that has sparked neighbor disputes and landscaping headaches, learn what makes these giant grasses so unique. Skip to what you want to know:00:51 Does bamboo grow in Illinois?02:02

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8:01

Gardenbite: Weird looking coneflower flowers: Aster...

Good Growing ·

2026/07/10

Coneflowers are beloved native plants, but sometimes you may end up with strange-looking flowers. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast to learn about two common causes of distorted coneflower blooms: aster yellows and coneflower rosette mites. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of each, understand how they affect your plants, and discover management strategies to help keep your garden looking its best. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uENkERouAR8 Contact us! Chris Enroth:

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66:42

Ep. 258 Gardens of the Founding Fathers |#GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/07/03

As Americans prepare to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Good Growing takes a look at the Founding Fathers as gardeners. In this episode, we explore the lesser-known side of our nation’s founders. In addition to being authors and signers of the Declaration of Independence and political leaders, many were lifelong, passionate gardeners, especially Thomas Jefferson. Listen to learn more about how his interest in gardening influenced his political thoughts, what was planted at his home, and how

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49:48

Ep. 257 Design principles and plants for edible...

Good Growing ·

2026/06/26

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we explore the concept of edible landscaping, where ornamental plants double as food sources.Emily, Ken, and Chris will discuss how to design a landscape that combines aesthetic appeal with edible function. Learn the core principles of edible landscape design, including plant selection, diversity, seasonality, and incorporating perennials alongside annual crops.We’ll share real-world examples from our own yards, highlighting native plants,

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64:25

Ep. 256 From mild to wild: Exploring hot peppers |...

Good Growing ·

2026/06/18

Love them or fear them, hot peppers bring the heat to gardens and kitchens alike. Join us as we dive into the spicy world of peppers with Dr. Jack McCoy. Learn about what makes peppers hot, why some people love to eat them, how to grow them, ways to use your harvest, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/llkA3W2adiYSkip to what you want to know: 00:28 – Welcome. Do we like to eat hot peppers? 03:33 – Jack, tell us about what you are currently teaching/working on at U of I.

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54:54

Ep. 255 Big bluestem in the garden | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2026/06/12

Big bluestem is one of the iconic grasses of the tallgrass prairie, and it's having a moment as this year's Perennial Plant of the Year! Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we explore what makes this native grass so special, from how to identify it, to where it grows, and how it supports wildlife. Plus, we dig into the 'Blackhawks' cultivar, discuss how to use big bluestem in your landscape, share tips for choosing between wild types and cultivated varieties, and more!

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11:37

Gardenbite: How to Keep Tomatoes Healthy in Summer...

Good Growing ·

2026/06/05

In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing podcast, we dig into essential early summer tomato care to help keep your plants healthy, productive, and under control. From staking and trellising methods like cages and the Florida weave to managing vigorous indeterminate varieties, we explore practical ways to support growing plants and prevent a backyard takeover.We also break down the pros and cons of pruning tomato suckers, when fertilizing may (or may not) be necessary, and how mulching

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66:35

Ep. 254 How We Became Horticulturists: Real Stories &...

Good Growing ·

2026/05/29

How do you actually become a horticulturist? Is it a straight path—or a winding trail full of unexpected turns?In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and Emily dig into their own origin stories—sharing how childhood curiosity, career detours, and a little bit of luck led them into the world of horticulture. From digging holes and growing strawberries to working at Disney greenhouses, studying landscape architecture, and navigating the Great Recession job market, their

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341 results

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