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Good Growing

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

This week, we have a Gardenbite excerpt from our webinar, in which we discussed wildlife damage in the home landscape. In this clip, Chris details two common rodents in Illinois that tend to pop up in the winter months around the outside and inside of our homes: the vole and the mouse.

Ep. 26 Bruno the bear and other wildlife with Peggy Doty

On this week's Good Growing podcast, the crew is delighted to welcome Peggy Doty, Energy and Environment educator with University of Illinois Extension. Peggy works closely teaching youth about natural resources and specializes in wildlife topics. Peggy and the Good Growing team chat about the...

Ep. 25 Tree Troubles with Ryan Pankau

This week on the Good Growing podcast the crew talks about the trouble with trees with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Ryan Pankau. Ryan brings his wealth of knowledge and experience on arboriculture (the study of trees). In this episode the group discusses: The common...

Ep. 24 Japanese Beetles with Andrew Holsinger

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, Andrew Holsinger joins the crew to talk about everything Japanese beetles. We discuss nearly every angle of dealing with this invasive and incredible nuisance. We dive into: If home gardeners can feel overwhelmed, what about farmers dealing with...

Ep. 23 Compost and Ponds with Duane Friend

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, Extension educator Duane Friend joins Ken and Katie to talk about compost and dealing with pond weeds. In this episode they cover topics on: Recommended composting methods How often should you stir compost? Can you compost weeds that have been...

Ep. 22 Tree Diseases with Travis Cleveland

On this week's Good Growing podcast the team talks with Travis Cleveland about tree diseases. Travis is an Extension Specialist in the field of plant pathology and woody plant material. On this episode the Good Growing team talks about: The difficulty in plant disease diagnosis and the importance...

Ep. 21 Micro Propagation and Community Gardens with Bruce Black

Horticulture educator Bruce Black joins this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast to talk about micropropagation and starting a community garden. Plus your home garden and landscaping questions. In this episode we chat about: Micropropagation What are some tips for starting a community...

Ep. 20 Pollinators and Q & A with the Hosts

On this episode of the Good Growing podcast your host Chris, Katie, and Ken chat about what going on in their yards and gardens plus answers to listener questions. What to do with swarming honeybees Remedies for soils with excessively high phosphorous levels Dealing with carpenter bees nesting in...

Ep. 17 Weed Woes with Michelle Wiesbrook

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with University of Illinois pesticide safety and weed specialist, Michelle Wiesbrook. During our conversation we dive into the following topics: Options for Illinois residents seeking pesticide applicator licenses Controlling weeds in a driveway...

Ep. 16 Landscape Design Tips with Martha Smith & Murder Wasps

This week Martha Smith joins the Good Growing team to talk all about landscape design. Martha is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension and has previous experience as a landscape designer. During this episode the group talks about: What's blooming in their yards What does...

Ep. 15 All about tomatoes! With guest Andrew Holsinger

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture Andrew Holsinger joins the gang to talk all about tomatoes. Tomato topics discussed: Physiological leaf roll vs. herbicide injury Flower drop Cracking tomato skin Novelty tomatoes Staking tomatoes Growing tomatoes in containers...