Skip to main content

Good Growing

Latest Posts

How do insects survive cold weather? Tree branches covered in snow

How do insects survive cold weather?

Winter can be harsh, especially with the arrival of snow and sub-zero temperatures. While we often retreat indoors or add a few more layers to avoid cold temperatures, many other critters, like insects, must tough it out outdoors. While they may seem delicate, insects have developed a variety of...
Finish this story
Volunteers holding crates of harvested onions

Illinois Extension: Why we serve the people of Illinois

The holidays are a time of year to refresh and reflect. It brings much-needed time away from the computer, save typing out this article! I am lucky to have a job where I can take some extra time off at the end and beginning of the year. And I intend to do just that. It is time for a recharge....
Finish this story
Cultivating sunshine: Growing citrus indoors. A citrus tree with yellow fruit.

Cultivating sunshine: Growing citrus indoors

As we hunker down for winter, some of us may begin longing for summer’s warm, sunny days. Perhaps it’s the cold weather or the desire to return to gardening. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of opportunities to continue our gardens indoors. While we often associate citrus with warmer climates...
Finish this story
In a stressful season, seek nature three adults walking away in a line on a snow covered trail in a evergreen woods

In a stressful season, seek nature

According to songwriters and composers Edward Pola and George Wyle, this is the most wonderful time of the year, but research indicates it may be that and more. According to the American Psychological Association, two in five adults experience an increase in stress levels between November and...
Finish this story
a backyard greenhouse with a lighted holiday tree and wreath

Don't delay winter prep: A guide to December garden tasks

I thought I was doing better this holiday season. I made a list, checked it twice, and then awaited Cyber Monday deals. Here’s the problem about Cyber Monday, I had to work that day! Not only was I at work, but I also had a calendar full of boring work stuff that kept me away from online shopping....
Finish this story
Tips for selecting and transporting holiday plants. Bright red and green poinsettia plants

Tips for selecting and transporting holiday plants

The holiday season is here, which means evergreens, poinsettias, amaryllis, and other holiday plants have arrived in stores. Plants are often at the center of our holiday decorations and traditions and are frequently given as gifts. Whether buying them as gifts or for yourself, following a few tips...
Finish this story
Gardening gratitude yellow sugar maple leaf with heart cut out in middle bare tree branches in background

Gardening Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving During this season of appreciation, it is only right that we take time this week to share a few of our gardening-related gratitudes. Each author of Good Growing took a few minutes to contribute expressions of thanksgiving and those are found below, but first a collective...
Finish this story
a cornucopia of vegetables

We've been genetically altering plants for thousands of years

Silky smooth potatoes, snappy beans, bright sweet potatoes, deep green collards, and turkeys the size of Volkswagens. It is that time of year when someone in your family cooks like a chef on a reality TV show. Once the yelling ends and smoke alarms are silenced, standing back from the table reveals...
Finish this story