Good Growing

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

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.
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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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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...
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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...
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Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever had a container planter with perennials and excitedly waited for them to resume growth in the spring, but it never happened? Perennials in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, even if they are hardy to our area, they can be...
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Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing

Discover the fascinating world of cranberries in this episode of Good Growing. Horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the history, science, and cultivation of one of North America’s few commercially grown native fruits. Learn how cranberries evolved from wild bog...
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Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the latest updates to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, which now includes nine newly listed invasive plant species. From the notorious Tree of Heaven to the sneaky Sericea Lespedeza. Plus, a...
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