Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.
Apple Podcasts YouTube RSS Feed
Good growing text over soil and gardening tools background

Latest Episode

Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth on a winter walk through the prairie as he demonstrates how to overseed an existing native prairie by hand. 
Transcript

Ep. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing

Feeling a little low this winter? You’re not alone. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Family Life Educator Tessa Hobbs‑Curley joins us to discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual winter blues, coping strategies, and more.
...
Transcript

Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing

How do trees survive freezing temperatures without turning into popsicles? Well, they do kind of turn into popsicles, but they control which part freezes. In this Gardenbite of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth breaks down the fascinating science behind how...
Transcript

Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing

You’ve probably seen Ficus in living rooms, lobbies, or maybe even grown one yourself, but how much do you really know about these iconic houseplants? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the surprisingly diverse world of Ficus. From weeping figs and rubber trees to...
Transcript

Gardenbite: The Science of Backyard Bird Care | #GoodGrowing

Welcome back to the Good Growing Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re sharing a special throwback conversation with Dr. Michael Ward, ornithologist at the University of Illinois. We’re answering real homeowner questions about backyard birds—...
Transcript

Ep. 237 Looking back on 2025 and looking forward to 2026 | #GoodGrowing

It’s a new year, which means a new gardening season will be here before we know it. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we look back on our most popular episodes and standout moments from 2025. From battling mosquitoes to celebrating pollinator plants like milkweed and mountain mint...
Transcript

Ep. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing

Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and special guest Nick Frillman explore everything from tree identification and growing tips...
Transcript

Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing

From pines and spruces to firs and cedars, evergreens are an important part of many landscapes in Illinois. Join us as we explore what makes these plants unique, how they thrive in tough conditions, and why they’re holiday favorites. Plus, we share some tips for caring for evergreens, choosing...
Transcript

Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing

Persimmons are sweet, native to Illinois, and sometimes astringent! In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson sit down with Nick Frillman, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, to uncover everything you need to know about persimmons. From American vs. Asian...
Transcript

Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we explore the fascinating world of holly (Ilex spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to...
Transcript

Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re battling invasive bush honeysuckle! In this Garden Bite, Chris from the Good Growing podcast walks you through effective late-fall control methods. Learn how to identify honeysuckle when everything else has gone dormant, why timing...
Transcript

Podcast Hosts

Apple Podcasts YouTube RSS Feed