Good Growing 2026

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...

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...

A natural/organic alternative to spring weed'n'feedsIf you have looked for an alternative to synthetic preemergent lawn herbicides that prevent annuals like crabgrass or foxtail, you may have noticed products containing corn gluten meal (CGM). An added benefit of CGM is that it also provides a...

Early spring often brings unpredictable weather, from 80-degree days to temperatures well below freezing. While many plants are adapted to withstand cold temperatures when dormant, they become far more vulnerable once they begin to emerge from dormancy. While early‑emerging plants such as...

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...

As spring approaches, many of us will reach for the pruners or contact a tree care company to have our shade trees pruned. Pruning can improve tree health, safety, and longevity by removing dead, diseased, or weak branches, preventing storm damage, and promoting a strong structure. Unfortunately,...

A fresh bouquet instantly brightens a room and a mood, but keeping those flowers vibrant takes a little know-how. With the right care, the vase life of a bouquet can be extended by days or weeks. Here is an easy guide to help your flowers stay beautiful for as long as possible.High-Quality From the...

The cold winter temperatures may make it seem like spring is a long way off, but before we know it, spring will arrive, bringing warmer temperatures and spring-blooming plants. When we think about spring-blooming plants, many plants may come to mind, including traditional garden favorites, such as...

A winter day in the year-long gardenLooking out the window midway through winter gives one a bleak view of the world. Gray sky, trees bare, plants succumbed to the cold. Yet a gardener’s mind does not linger long on the landscape’s stillness. Rising from my chair, I step out the door. Underfoot,...

When you think of growing fruits and vegetables, you probably think about putting plants in the ground or into pots. However, you don’t always need ‘dirt’ to grow plants. In a hydroponic system, soil is replaced with a nutrient-rich water solution that provides the necessary nutrients for plant...

During these dormant months, my houseplants are receiving more of my attention than they usually get (which is usually very little). While watering and rotating my collection, I noticed new growth on my ZZ plant, and I couldn’t help but celebrate this small victory with all of you.This plant was...

Voles are active in the winter, even if you aren'tWhile I may not be out in the garden during this time of year, the frozen landscape of Illinois during January still has plenty of life. In fact, there is one animal that toils in the garden all winter, the vole. What are voles?Voles are small...

Grow what you eatI often suggest that the best things to grow in your garden are fruits and vegetables we enjoy eating. Sometimes, though, our gardens may exceed our appetites. After growing fifteen kale plants, my family determined that we could probably live off two. And ten cherry tomato bushes...

It's March in Illinois, and this is when everyone starts thinking about lawn care. The grass is greening up, and plants are beginning to grow again, signaling that garden work has begun.You may be looking at your lawn and wondering where to start. Maybe you notice some bare patches, or the entire...