Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.
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Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list.
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Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing

Curious about adding something a little different to your backyard orchard? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we dive into the flavorful world of lesser-known fruits you can grow right here in Illinois. From early‑ripening honeyberries and fall-bearing primocane blackberries to compact bush...
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Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing

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. 

Learn why winter is the perfect time for prairie overseeding, how they select their seed that is...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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—...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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