Good Growing
Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

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How do you actually become a horticulturist? Is it a straight path—or a winding trail full of unexpected turns?
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Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away |#GoodGrowing

Tired of being a mosquito magnet? In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson bust common mosquito myths and dive into what really works to keep those pesky biters at bay. From citronella candles and bug zappers to the viral “Bucket...
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Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms | #GoodGrowing

Peonies are a springtime showstopper, fragrant, full, and beloved in gardens across the world. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast and explore the history of peonies, their flower forms, and tips for growing, dividing, and relocating them. We also discuss why ants are drawn to their...
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Gardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnats | #GoodGrowing

It’s late spring, which means buffalo gnats are back and biting. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we take a look at buffalo gnats, where they live, their lifecycle, what you can do to avoid their bites, and more!

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Ep. 211 Gardening Tips for Spring: Hardening Off Plants and Managing Pests | #GoodGrowing

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, horticulture educators with University of Illinois Extension, as they dive into the most pressing spring gardening questions. From getting seedlings ready for the great outdoors to how to water those newly planted Arbor Day trees and more, we've got some...
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Ep. 210 No Mow May: What is it and does it work in Illinois | #GoodGrowing

The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois,...
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Ep. 209 Vegetable gardening in small spaces | #GoodGrowing

From getting exercise to growing your own food to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to having a vegetable garden. However, sometimes, we run into space restrictions and give up hope of having our own vegetable garden. But does that have to be the case? Tune in to this week’s...
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Ep. 208 IPM: Techniques, Tools, and Tips for a Healthier Garden | #GoodGrowing

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage...
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Ep. 207 Bee Conservation: Honeybees, Native Bees, and Their Roles | #GoodGrowing

Join us on the Good Growing podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson. In this episode, we explore the differences between honeybees and native bees, their roles in our ecosystems, and the ongoing debate surrounding their...
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Ep. 206 Answering your spring gardening questions | #GoodGrowing

Spring has arrived, which means the gardening questions have started coming into Extension offices. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of the questions that have come into our offices. Learn about planting grass in the spring, managing invasive plants, fertilizing...
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Ep. 205 Spring Ephemerals: Discovering Hidden Woodland Treasures | #GoodGrowing

Welcome to another episode of the Good Growing podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they dive into the fascinating world of spring ephemerals. These early bloomers emerge before trees leaf out, adding blooms to the landscape after winter's dormancy. In this...
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