Good Growing

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

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?
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Gardenbite: Why are there holes in my roses? Roseslugs | #GoodGrowing

Roses are grown in many gardens for their large, showy, often fragrant flowers. If you grow roses, you may have noticed something eating the leaves of your plants, causing them to become unsightly. While various insects will feed on roses, one of the most commonly encountered pests is rose...
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Ep. 215 Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the year | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the fascinating world of milkweed—also known by its genus name, Asclepias. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast, pollinator advocate, or just curious about why this "weed" is the...
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Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or snack | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own grapes right from your backyard? Or maybe you have a grape plant or two and are unsure of how to care for them. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we demystify the art and science of growing grapes at home with commercial agriculture...
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Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away |#GoodGrowing

Tired of being a mosquito magnet? In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson bust common mosquito myths and dive into what really works to keep those pesky biters at bay. From citronella candles and bug zappers to the viral “Bucket...
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Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms | #GoodGrowing

Peonies are a springtime showstopper, fragrant, full, and beloved in gardens across the world. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast and explore the history of peonies, their flower forms, and tips for growing, dividing, and relocating them. We also discuss why ants are drawn to their...
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Gardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnats | #GoodGrowing

It’s late spring, which means buffalo gnats are back and biting. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we take a look at buffalo gnats, where they live, their lifecycle, what you can do to avoid their bites, and more!

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Ep. 211 Gardening Tips for Spring: Hardening Off Plants and Managing Pests | #GoodGrowing

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, horticulture educators with University of Illinois Extension, as they dive into the most pressing spring gardening questions. From getting seedlings ready for the great outdoors to how to water those newly planted Arbor Day trees and more, we've got some...
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Ep. 210 No Mow May: What is it and does it work in Illinois | #GoodGrowing

The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois,...
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Ep. 209 Vegetable gardening in small spaces | #GoodGrowing

From getting exercise to growing your own food to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to having a vegetable garden. However, sometimes, we run into space restrictions and give up hope of having our own vegetable garden. But does that have to be the case? Tune in to this week’s...
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Ep. 208 IPM: Techniques, Tools, and Tips for a Healthier Garden | #GoodGrowing

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage...
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