Good Growing

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

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.
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Ep. 222 Monarch Butterfly Conservation: Should You Rear Them Indoors? | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from University of Illinois Extension explores the adversaries of the monarch butterfly, including the controversial practice of captive rearing.

Although we do not recommend captive...
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Ep. 221 Compost your way: Passive and active composting styles | #GoodGrowing

In this episode, Chris and Ken delve into the complex world of composting. From their passive piles that simply sit and rot (no judgment!) to active setups that require thermometers, turning, and possibly even a chipper shredder. Learn what compost actually is (hint: it’s not soil), how to...
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Ep. 220 From the ground up: How to create and care for raised bed gardens | #GoodGrowing

Thinking about building raised beds, but not sure where to start? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss the benefits and challenges of raised bed gardening. From building materials to filling beds, get tips for construction, irrigation, and maintenance. Learn how raised beds...
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Ep. 219 Tree identification: Learning to name the trees around you | #GoodGrowing

Ever wondered how to tell one tree from another—or why it even matters? Check out this week’s Good Growing podcast, where we dive into the magical world of tree identification with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel. From leaf shapes and bark textures to Latin names and mnemonic tricks, learn...
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Ep. 218 Midsummer Lessons: What’s Growing (and Dying) in Our Yards | #GoodGrowing

In this candid and photo-filled episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson take you on a tour of their own backyards. You will see the good, bad, and pretty. Learn about battling verticillium wilt and jumping worms to celebrating volunteer...
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Gardenbite: Wasps, the unsung heroes of our gardens | #GoodGrowing

Wasps often get a bad reputation for being aggressive and painful pests. However, they play important roles in our gardens. From pollination to pest control, wasps are more helpful than many people realize. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about the benefits of wasps...
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Ep. 217 Agroforestry: Blending trees, crops, ecology, and economy | #GoodGrowing

Have you ever wondered if trees and crops can grow together and actually benefit each other? Or maybe you've heard the term "agroforestry" and aren't quite sure what it means. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we dig into the world of agroforestry with MJ Oviatt from the Savanna...
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Gardenbite: Spigelia a native plant for your landscape | #GoodGrowing

In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris Enroth kicks back over the Fourth of July weekend to flash back to a 2021 chat with Extension educator Elizabeth Wahle, who declares Spigelia her all-time favorite garden plant. Why? Picture a flower dressed for Mardi Gras with...
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Gardenbite: Dispelling Myths and Telling the Itchy Truth About Chiggers | #GoodGrowing

In this itchy edition of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth shares his annual run-in with one of summer’s most irritating pests—chiggers. Just in time for the Fourth of July, Chris dives into the myths, facts, and personal stories surrounding these nearly invisible...
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Ep. 216 Chemical Trespass in Illinois: How Herbicides Are Impacting Native Trees and Ecosystems | #GoodGrowing

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? Chemical trespass—how herbicides and other pesticides are drifting into Illinois’...
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