Good Growing

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

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.

Ep. 162 The science behind bee hotels | #GoodGrowing

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast features Ken and Chris in conversation with Brodie Dunn and Timo Wayman. The discussion revolves around a new research project on bee hotels that includes a citizen science component. Brodie and Timo share their insights on what they hope to...
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Gardenbite: Composting with worms indoors | #GoodGrowing

Have you been longing to get outside and play in the dirt? Then vermicomposting may be for you! Learn about how to compost indoors with worms, from containers to use, how to prepare the growing media and food, how to harvest your worm compost, and more!


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Ep. 161 Winter Weather and How to Protect Your Plants | #GoodGrowing

This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast is all about snow and ice. Ken and Chris discuss how to deal with snow and ice on trees and shrubs, problems to avoid with rock salt, tips for using deicers, and much more. Tune in to the Good Growing Podcast to learn more about how to protect...
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Gardenbite: Pruning backyard fruit trees | #GoodGrowing

It’s that time of year - time to start thinking about pruning your deciduous trees and shrubs. While many of our landscape trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need yearly pruning, the same can’t be said for fruit trees. Learn about why we should prune fruit trees yearly, the different types of...
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Gardenbite: A second life to your cut Christmas tree | #GoodGrowing

In this Gardenbite, Chris explores the various ways to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Many Illinoisians have a Christmas tree disposal day where they can throw out a cut Christmas tree and the city will pick it up and turn it into woodchips. However, there are other ways to give your tree a...
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Ep. 160 Spice up your holiday with these holiday spices | #GoodGrowing

Join Ken and Chris on a journey around the world as they explore the fascinating history of quintessential holiday spices. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, you will learn about the origins of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, allspice, and ginger, and how they made their way to...
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Ep. 159 Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant | #GoodGrowing

Join us on a horticultural journey through the world of mistletoe. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of this parasitic plant. From its unique biology to its horticultural applications, we cover everything you need to know about mistletoe. We also...
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Ep. 158 All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at a holiday staple, the poinsettia. Join us as we discuss the myths and legends that surround the poinsettia, where they come from, how they’re grown, and more! 
 
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Ep. 157 All About Bed Bugs with Entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing

In this episode, Ken and Chris explore a timely and concerning topic—the resurgence of bed bugs making headlines globally! Join us as we delve into the pressing issue of bed bugs seemingly spiraling out of control. Are these tiny pests staging a global takeover once again? Our special guest,...
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Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing

Thanksgiving is over, which means many of us will be going out to pick out our Christmas trees. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a trip back to 2020 when we talked with Robert Richardson with the Illinois Christmas Tree Association. Learn about the process of growing Christmas...
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