PODCAST

Good Growing

Chris Enroth

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

education home & garden

All Episodes

44:18

Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species...

Good Growing ·

2025/11/07

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

57:45

Ep. 230 From alien wasps to zombie ants, parasites...

Good Growing ·

2025/10/31

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

42:10

Ep. 229 Why Leaves Change in the Fall and Which Trees...

Good Growing ·

2025/10/24

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

37:54

Ep 228 Should they stay or should they go: What...

Good Growing ·

2025/10/17

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.

40:06

Ep. 227 Stink Bugs, Lady Beetles & Boxelder...

Good Growing ·

2025/10/10

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

39:54

Ep. 226 Spotted lanternfly in Illinois: Where it is...

Good Growing ·

2025/10/03

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

40:12

Ep. 225 Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners &...

Good Growing ·

2025/09/26

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

29:25

Ep. 224 Fall gardening questions answered | #GoodGrowing

Good Growing ·

2025/09/19

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:

30:27

Ep. 223 Preparing for Fall Drought in the Garden and...

Good Growing ·

2025/09/12

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

8:54

Gardenbite: Teasel - An invasive species coming to a...

Good Growing ·

2025/09/05

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: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson:

31:14

Ep. 222 Monarch Butterfly Conservation: Should You...

Good Growing ·

2025/08/29

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

56:00

Ep. 221 Compost your way: Passive and active...

Good Growing ·

2025/08/22

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

56:39

Ep. 220 From the ground up: How to create and care...

Good Growing ·

2025/08/15

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

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

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