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Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.
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Latest Episode

This week on the Good Growing podcast we learn about monarch butterfly science from a leading scientist in the field of monarch butterflies, Dr. Andy Davis from University of Georgia. We learn some hard truths and ask do the monarch butterflies really need to be saved?

Ep. 160 Spice up your holiday with these holiday spices | #GoodGrowing

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...

Ep. 159 Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant | #GoodGrowing

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...

Ep. 158 All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more | #GoodGrowing

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! 
 
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Ep. 157 All About Bed Bugs with Entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing

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,...

Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing

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...

Gardenbite Turkey Talk: Tips for growing your own turkey | #GoodGrowing

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...

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

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...

Ep. 155 Stewarding our community tree canopies | #GoodGrowing

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...

Ep. 154 Spooky plant diseases: Diseases that have changed the course of history | #GoodGrowing

We’re all dressed up for this week’s Good Growing podcast because it’s our Halloween Spooktacular! This year, we are joined by Dr. Chelsea Harbach to talk about some spooky plant diseases that have had some significant historical impacts. Learn about ergot, late blight, and coffee rust and how...

Ep. 153 Talking Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Chris and Ken talk with Dr. Kacie Athey about the newest invasive insect found in Illinois, the spotted lanternfly. Even though it’s only currently in Cook County, this particular bug is likely to spread across the state and Midwest. Will spotted...