Good Growing

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

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.
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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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Ep. 245 Growing something new: Plants we’re trying in 2026 | #GoodGrowing

Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore...
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Ep. 244 Spring Garden Problem‑Solving: Weeds, Water, Pests, and Cold Snaps | #GoodGrowing

Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens.

This week’s episode answers...
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Ep. 243 Looking toward spring: Our favorite spring flowers | #GoodGrowing

Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins.

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Ep. 242 The big, colorful world of Crocus | #GoodGrowing

Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and...
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Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing

Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list. In this episode, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart walk through the selection process and describe the...
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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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