Good Growing

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

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re battling invasive bush honeysuckle! In this Garden Bite, Chris from the Good Growing podcast walks you through effective late-fall control methods.

Ep. 28 - Talking Forestry and Invasive Species with Chris Evans

On this week's Good Growing podcast the group chats with Extension Forestry and Research Specialist Chris Evans. Chris updates the group about his work on controlled burns in woodland settings, herbicides for invasive species, and how they use drones in forestry work. Plus Chris helps answer...

Ep. 27 Unique veggies and fall gardening with Grant McCarty

This week the Good Growing team welcomes local foods educator, Grant McCarty to the show. Grant enjoys trying new and unique vegetables and talks about what he has growing in his garden. Time to get a pen and paper out to start making that list of veggies to try for next year! Grant also gives tips...

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...