Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.
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Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list.
Transcript

Ep. 40 Pumpkins with Nathan Johanning

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with commercial agriculture educator Nathan Johanning about pumpkins! Nathan describes the ins and outs of growing this wonderfully diverse crop plus how to pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall décor. Plus, we discuss: • What to do to...

Ep. 39 Soils with Duane Friend

On this week's Good Growing podcast we are joined by energy and environment educator Duane Friend with Illinois Extension. Duane chats with Ken, Katie, and Chris all about soils and also helps us answer a question about ponds. In this episode we discuss: Parts of Illinois are listed in a drought....

Ep. 38 Spring Bulbs with Martha Smith

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Martha Smith joins to talk about spring-blooming bulbs. With so many to pick from where does a beginner start? Martha gives some good bulbs for beginners and her favorites she has growing in her landscape. Plus, tips on how to plant them...

Ep. 37 Garden Tool Maintenance with Richard Hentschel

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast horticulture educator Richard Hentschel returns to talk about rehabbing our garden tools after a long season of use and abuse. The group talks about their favorite garden tools, the one thing to avoid to keep tools working great, sharpening shovels...

Ep. 36 Nature Journaling with Wendy Ferguson

On this week’s Good Growing podcast our very own producer, Wendy Ferguson, shares her expertise in nature journaling. Wendy is also the horticulture program coordinator for Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties for the University of Illinois Extension. During the show, we learn that...

Ep. 35 Gardening activities and kids with Brittnay Haag

In this week's episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we chat with horticulture educator Brittnay Haag about gardening and outdoor activities with kids. Brittnay gives tips for extending today's e-learning from the screen to the outdoors and working with plants. Topics discussed are: What are age-...

Ep. 34 Storing Vegetables Over Winter with Bruce Black & Kristin Bogdonas

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, the group chats with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce Black. Bruce shares best practices for storing garden produce for consuming over the winter. Plus the team calls on nutrition and wellness educator Kristin Bogdonas to help answer...

Ep. 33 - Seed Saving with Gemini Bhalsod

During this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we talk with Gemini Bhalsod about seed saving. Gemini is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension in Cook County and a wealth of knowledge! Listen in as we discuss: • The Rose Garden Controversy • Can you save any kind of seed...

Ep. 32 Hostful Goodness! Answering your home gardening questions

In another episode with our Good Growing hosts, we answering your gardening questions. This week we discuss: Dealing with cicada killers Can we plant strawberries and asparagus in August? Did bush honeysuckle kill my tree? What are these bee-like flies buzzing all over the place? When is...

Ep. 31 Sustainable Landscaping with Eliana Brown

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast Eliana Brown shares her knowledge of sustainable landscaping. Eliana is a water quality specialist with University of Illinois Extension. During the episode the team talks about: What is sustainable landscaping? Where would a homeowner start in making...

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