Good Growing
Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

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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!
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Gardenbite: How to Keep Tomatoes Healthy in Summer Heat: Pruning, Support, and Mulch | #GoodGrowing

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...
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Ep. 254 How We Became Horticulturists: Real Stories & Career Paths in Plant Science | #GoodGrowing

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...
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Ep. 253 Garden Q&A: Is it Poison Hemlock? Weird Pepper Myths, Bluebird Drama, and more! | #GoodGrowing

Got weird plants in your yard? Strange damage on your trees? Or birds attacking your truck? You’re not alone! In this Good Growing Podcast Q&A episode, we tackle real gardening questions asked at Illinois Extension offices and by podcast listeners.

We start with a recurring question...
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Ep. 252 Growing together: Three Sisters gardening | #GoodGrowing

 
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we dig into the Three Sisters gardening method, an Indigenous planting system that brings corn, beans, and squash together in a mutually beneficial way. Learn about the history and cultural significance behind the Three...
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Ep. 251 Celebrating the Year of the Azalea and Talking How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing

The National Garden Bureau has named 2026 the Year of the Azalea! Ken, Emily, and Chris are digging into what makes these colorful (and sometimes finicky) plants so popular.

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we break down everything you need to know about azaleas—from their...
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Ep. 250 Tree care pet peeves | #GoodGrowing

Long-time listeners know that Ken, Chris, and Emily are passionate about proper plant care practices. On this week’s podcast, the team discusses six hot-button issues related to improper tree care, including tree topping, the misuse of plastic sheeting under mulch, and codominant leaders....
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Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing

As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape.
Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore...
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Ep. 248 Favorite trees for spring: Trees we look forward to every year | #GoodGrowing

Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that...
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Ep. 247 Planting with Purpose: Tree Equity and Our Communities | #GoodGrowing

In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental...
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Ep. 246 From Ancient Crop to Modern Gardens: The Fascinating Story of Figs | #GoodGrowing

Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of...
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