Good Growing

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

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?
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Gardenbite: Tree Topping - A result of chainsaws and bad decisions | #GoodGrowing

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth with University of Illinois Extension takes us on a deep dive into the controversial practice of tree topping. Often referred to as stubbing or hat-racking, tree topping involves cutting the canopy of a tree back...
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Ep. 199 The return of the Grow Along | #GoodGrowing

Looking to try something new in the garden this year? You’re in luck because, back by popular demand, the Good Growing Grow Along returns with a fresh lineup of unique and beautiful plants for 2025. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about the plants we’ll be growing for this...
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Gardenbite: Calendula: An ornamental with many uses in the garden and kitchen | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our look at the 2025 year of plants with calendula. Known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, calendula is not just a beautiful addition to your garden but also a versatile plant with numerous uses both in and out of the garden.
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Ep. 198 Clustered Mountain Mint Perennial Plant of the Year | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension delve into the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year: Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum). Join us as we explore the unique characteristics...
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Ep. 197 Discovering Dogwoods: From trees to shrubs and even groundcovers!

In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dive deep into the fascinating world of dogwoods (genus Cornus). Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll discover the diverse beauty and versatility of dogwoods, from majestic...
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Ep. 196 Good Growing 2024 Year in Review: Top Episodes, Cicada Mania, and More | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken and Chris reminisce about 2024. We look at you favorite episodes and share our favorite moments. From cicadas to using dynamite to blow up your landscape, you will enjoy this trip down memory lane.

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Ep. 195 Community Tree Care Series: Online learning for those who care for and about trees | #GoodGrowing

Illinois Extension's core mission is to be a source of research-based knowledge that helps community members solve challenges and improve their lives. On this week’s Good Growing podcast, Chris and Emily are joined by horticulture educators Sarah Vogel and Ryan Pankau to discuss the upcoming...
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Gardenbite - Going Nuts Over Chestnuts: History, Growing Tips, and Culinary Uses | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this special gardenbite episode, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from the University of Illinois Extension revisits a fascinating 2021 webinar where the team delved into the world of tree nuts. This episode focuses on the beloved chestnut, featuring...
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Ep. 194 More than red: The many colors and forms of poinsettias | #GoodGrowing

When most people think of poinsettias, they think of red, but they can be found in a variety of colors and forms. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we discuss our trip to the N.G. Heimos Poinsettia Trial. Learn about the wide variety of colors and forms of poinsettias that were on display,...
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Ep. 193 Our Favorite Gardening Books for Winter Reading, Gifts, or Anytime of Year | #GoodGrowing

This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Emily Swihart joins Ken and Chris to discuss our favorite gardening and landscaping books. We discuss reference books, fiction and nonfiction, and even children's books. Beyond our favorites, we also interviewed our fellow horticulture educators to get...
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