Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Latest Episode

Planning for spring starts in fall! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we venture beyond tulips and daffodils to explore the world of minor bulbs with Ann Chanon of The Ohio State University.
Good growing text over soil and gardening tools background

All Episodes

Gardenbite - How to hand water your landscape plants |#GoodGrowing

This week for the Good Growing podcast we have a gardenbite episode that dives into the basics of how to water your landscape and garden plants. While some may have built-in irrigation systems, many gardeners must reach for the hose to hand-water when times get dry, and right now times are...

Ep. 142 Dealing with dry weather and drought monitoring | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we discuss the dry, hot weather we’ve been having recently. We discuss Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford’s recent blog post on the Increased Risk of Drought Conditions in Illinois, providing water to our plants, how you can help monitor drought conditions...

Ep. 141 Yard & Garden Considerations When Buying a Home | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we sit down with Illinois Extension communications specialist and first-time homeowner Emily Steele and walk through some of the basic To-Dos for a new yard/first-time yard owner. We dive into various topics from what to look for at house showings in the...

Ep. 140 Introducing the Illinois Pollinators website | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we talk with horticulture educator Ryan Pankau about the new University of Illinois Extension pollinator website, Illinois Pollinators. Learn about how this website came together, the information it covers, including different pollinators we find in Illinois,...

Ep. 139 Answering Soil Testing Questions | #GoodGrowing

This week Ken and Chris have compiled several homeowner questions all about soil testing. We share lots of resources to help the gardener and landscaper determine the status of their soils and eliminate the guessing game of soil management. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EztIDdWY6Qw...

Gardenbite: Caring for spring blooming bulbs after flowering | #GoodGrowing

On this week's Good Growing Podcast, Ken Johnson talks about what we can do for our spring blooming bulbs to ensure a colorful display again next year. Check out the Good Growing Blog: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe...

Ep. 138 Growing shiitake mushrooms | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we talk with Illinois Extension local foods educator Nick Frillman about growing gourmet shiitake mushrooms in your own backyard. Nick shows us the tools and methods used to turn fresh cut logs of white oak and sugar maple into inoculated “bolts” that will yield...

Ep. 137 Garden tools and gadgets | #GoodGrowing

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we have a discussion about garden tools and gadgets. Learn about what we should be doing to get our tools ready for use this spring, some of our favorite garden tools, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8w Skip to what you want to know...

Ep. 136 Garden Q&A: All about soil and compost | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing podcast we dive into the world of soil and compost. Ken and Chris answer your questions asked by actual home gardeners. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/KR9CLt2izW4 Skip to what you want to know: Hey Ken! Spring, weather, and our new intro music Amending Soil...

Gardenbite: Companion Planting w/ Nick Frillman |#GoodGrowing

Do certain plants grow better together? While the research may be out for many claims of companion planting, some tried and true methods of vegetable garden plant combinations have worked for generations. Listen as local foods educator Nick Frillman gives some background on companion planting...

Podcast Hosts