Blog Archive

Good Growing 2026

Cereal rye cover crop growing in a garden

Getting started with cover crops in the garden

Good Growing
Cover crops have been used for thousands of years and have seen a resurgence in recent years. While we usually think of cover crops in production agriculture, they can also be used in home gardens. By keeping living plants growing in the soil when vegetables are not, gardeners can build healthier,...
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different species of lichen on tree branch many shades of green

Lichen in the landscape

Good Growing
Earlier this year, I received a question from a community member who stopped into the office, concerned about things growing on their tree that had spread to their deck. After sharing a few photos, I was able to identify the “plant” in question as none other than the non-plant organism lichen. Ever...
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cicada killer wasp with a paralyzed cicada

Cicada killers: Summer's misunderstood giants

Good Growing
Nothing says summer like the chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois' largest and most misunderstood wasps. Despite their large, intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless.What do cicada killer wasps look like?...
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container of geraniums in need of deadheading

Deadheading for More Blooms

Good Growing
As mid-summer reaches its peak, many flowering plants begin producing faded blooms. One of the simplest maintenance tasks a gardener can do in the height of garden season is to remove spent blooms. Deadheading promotes plant health and encourages new blooms, keeping plants looking good throughout...
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A table with jars of salsa and ingredients of tomato peppers and garlic

Creating a backyard salsa garden

Good Growing
Salsa might be my favorite condiment. Nowadays, there are so many different types of salsas. Salsa is everywhere! I have used it on breakfast foods, lunch, and dinner. It’s incredibly universal. And I will argue that fresh salsa is the best. Better yet, the ingredients used to make fresh salsa can...
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adult mosquito resting on a leaf

Managing mosquitoes at home

Good Growing
With the arrival of warm, wet weather, mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent.  Unfortunately, this can turn relaxing evenings outdoors into a constant battle against these buzzing and biting insects. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to prevent mosquito bites while enjoying the...
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tree roots on the surface of the soil around the trunk of a tree green canopy with sunshine in background

Where the tree roots grow

Good Growing
Did you plant a tree this past spring? How about last fall? Do you have a mature tree that you are caring for? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article is for you because when you are caring for a tree, you are tasked with caring for the above-ground portion and the below-ground...
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pink blooming shooting start with foliage in background

Shooting stars on a remnant prairie

Good Growing
The other day I was traveling for work and found myself near a remnant prairie with a few minutes to spare, so I had no choice but to stop for a walk. These parcels of land are incredible examples of what the landscape was before sod busting and settlement. Visiting these historic ecosystems can be...
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a patch of blooming creeping Charlie plants

Managing creeping Charlie in home landscapes

Good Growing
As we go through our landscapes in spring and begin the inevitable task of weeding, there is one plant we commonly encounter. It creeps through shaded lawns, slips beneath shrubs, and roots wherever it touches the soil. With its small purple flowers, creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)...
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Group of people planting trees man planting in the foreground two more planting in the background

Celebrating Nature

Good Growing
This week, we celebrate two holidays: Earth Day and Arbor Day. Although they were inspired by different moments in history, both share the purpose of inspiring environmental stewardship. Together, their histories and modern observances reflect our ever-evolving understanding of the human-nature...
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wooden raised garden beds planted with a variety of vegetables including gourds, cabbage, tomato, calendula and leaf lettuce

Flowers in the vegetable garden

Good Growing
Each spring, many of us get very excited about the abundant harvest we are going to enjoy from our vegetable gardens. We plan, then plant. We weed and water. And if all goes well, we harvest an abundance of nutritious and delicious produce.In addition to carefully planning what to plant, when to...
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two hands gathered holding a bunch of white strawberries also known as pineberries

The curious case of the pineberry

Good Growing
Pineberries are a unique, niche berry that, until recently, were only available at farmers’ markets or regionally. Commercial production has increased in recent years, thereby increasing the availability of pineberries in grocery stores. The exotic yet familiar appearance is sure to turn heads and...
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