Are you an adventurous eater or interested in eating insects? You’re in luck! Many places in Illinois are awash in periodical cicadas, and while we usually think of them as food for birds and small mammals, humans can eat them too. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn how you can get in on the cicada-eating action. From Pesto Pizza to Cicada Sundaes, we’ve got you covered on how to collect, prepare, and enjoy periodical cicadas. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U_0K70ajACM Sk...
May 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 210
This week on the Good Growing podcast we learn about monarch butterfly science from a leading scientist in the field of monarch butterflies, Dr. Andy Davis from University of Georgia. We learn some hard truths and ask do the monarch butterflies really need to be saved? What roles should humans have in monarch butterfly protection? All this and more (like cicadas and Joro spiders) in this week’s Good Growing podcast. Plus check out Brodie Dunn’s newest podcast Voice of the Wild. Brodie plays us s...
May 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 209
This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris look at some common lawncare questions. What can you do about growing grass in the shade? Does crabgrass preventer go down when the forsythia bloom? And more! Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZM0sWiPKlTs Skip to what you want to know: 0:50 Hey Ken! What's bocce ball? 1:54 Weather and garden updates 5:57 Good Growing Grow Along update. Seeds are on the way! 6:44 Time to talk about lawns 7:07 If you mow lower, does that mean you mow less ofte...
May 10, 2024•37 min•Ep. 208
Do you want to grow your own fruit but have limited space? Growing fruit in a container may be the solution for you! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we welcome back Bruce Black to talk about how we can grow fruit in containers, what fruit works best in containers, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Khh6gbA5-yM Skip to what you want to know: 00:32 – Welcome, Ken! Update on Cicada Watch 2024. 02:30 – Welcome, Bruce! Sauk Valley Community College partnership and Gardening in the A...
May 03, 2024•50 min•Ep. 207
This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken has to work hard to contain his excitement for the upcoming periodical cicada emergence. Meanwhile, Chris has been building defenses to protect his newly planted baby trees. What do you need to know about the upcoming emergence of periodical cicadas? While our established trees will be okay, Ken and Chris will talk about how to protect our smaller newly planted trees from cicada egg laying. Plus, everyone seems to highlight the potential damage to woody ...
Apr 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 206
Do you enjoy spending your evenings outdoors? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about how you can create a garden to be enjoyed at night. Learn about night-blooming plants that can be incorporated into a ‘night/moon’ garden, landscape lighting, insects that come out at night, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xWbZlTZbgPI Skip to what you want to know: 00:28 – Welcome, Ken! Enjoying the unseasonably warm weather? 03:15 – Gardening by the moon, does it work? 06:55 – What a...
Apr 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 205
This week on the Good Growing Podcast we rewind back to when we sat down in person with Duane Friend to discuss pond management. For this Gardenbite episode, we look specifically at aerators in ponds, duckweed, and having taller vegetation around ponds and in the drainage channels leading into the pond. You can find the entire episode at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt4E6uke72E Watch this on YouTube https://youtu.be/SFNec6M8J-w Skip to what you want to know: 1:20 Aerators i...
Apr 12, 2024•10 min
Have you had problems with bagworms in your landscape? Bagworms are troublesome insects that can make evergreens and other plants rather unsightly. Learn about the lifecycle of bagworms and how we can manage them, including how planting flowers can help. Want to see pictures? Check out the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/kZNKiu-x7rk USA National Phenological Network: https://www.usanpn.org/data/maps/forecasts/bagworm Conservation biological control in urban landscapes: Manipulating parasitoids...
Apr 05, 2024•11 min•Ep. 204
This week on the Good Growing Podcast Ken and Chris talk about perennial vegetables that we can grow here in Illinois. Many of the preparation and care instructions match with each crop and we describe those during our first crop, asparagus! We also chat about rhubarb, artichoke, chives, and horseradish. Are there others? What perennial veggies do you grow? Learn more about growing veggies at our website: https://extension.illinois.edu/gardening Previous episode on growing horseradish: https://y...
Mar 29, 2024•48 min•Ep. 203
Have you started your seeds yet? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we talk about how you can start your own seeds. Learn about the benefits of starting your own seeds, where to start them, the equipment you’ll need, how we can reduce the amount of plastic we use to start seeds, troubleshooting, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lNCwDYkdS50 Skip to what you want to know: 00:28 – Welcome, Ken! Have we started our seeds? 01:50 – What are people searching for on social media when it...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 202
This week on the Good Growing podcast we chat with horticulture educator Emily Swihart about garden trends to be on the lookout for in 2024. We talk about the rise in popularity of incorporating native plants, trying to make our landscapes more biodiverse, and also just plain fun horticulture trends like colors and using our gardens at night. Skip to what you want to know: 17:06 The trend of eco-optimism. 18:44 The trend of native plants. 20:40 The trend of densely planted landscape beds. 24:41 ...
Mar 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 201
Has the warm weather got you thinking about gardening, perhaps gardening for pollinators? Learn about how you can create a habitat for pollinators in your own landscape, from the types of plants, habitat for nesting and egg-laying, pest management, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe An...
Mar 08, 2024•10 min
This week we take a look at a clip from 2021 when the Good Growing team sat down with three horticulturists/landscape designers to learn about their favorite native plants. We asked each one to come up with their top three favorites. In this clip, retired Illinois Extension educator Martha Smith showcases her three favorite native plants that she has growing in her yard. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/58IDd070g-Q Skip to what you want to know: 1:22 American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)...
Mar 01, 2024•16 min
Do you like growing new things in the garden? Then come grow along with us! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we roll out our newest project, the Good Growing Grow Along. We’ve selected six new plants/cultivars to grow in our gardens, and you can grow them along with us. We also discuss some new plants that have been in the news lately. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sUH6D73-fFg Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily! 01:45 – What’s new in the plant world in 2024...
Feb 23, 2024•50 min•Ep. 200
This week is the second half of our conversation with Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack details techniques that urban farmers and gardeners can use to avoid growing in contaminated soils. We also dive into the importance of soil testing and how to pick a soil lab and use the results to guide your amendment decisions. Throughout this process, Zack keeps bringing up the key point that often we can overdo it with amendments. He mentions how compost can become ...
Feb 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 199
This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with local foods and small farms educator Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack describes what it's like to grow in urban conditions and how we inevitably encounter soil contamination. Plus we dive into his research on soil lead contamination and what contamination levels look like across Cook County. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ugAPOKIcr7w Skip to what you want to know: 0:28 - Hey Ken! What...
Feb 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 198
Have you been stuck indoors with children this winter? Are they driving you crazy? You’re in luck! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Brittnay Haag joins us to talk about different garden and nature activities we can do with our kids, both indoors and out. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vn8HDTxy8DM Skip to what you want to know: 00:45 – Welcome, Ken, what’s the strange orange ball in the sky? 02:50 – Welcome, Brittnay. What does Chr...
Feb 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 197
This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast features Ken and Chris in conversation with Brodie Dunn and Timo Wayman. The discussion revolves around a new research project on bee hotels that includes a citizen science component. Brodie and Timo share their insights on what they hope to discover through this scientific endeavor, and whether bee hotels are beneficial or detrimental to bees. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to this scientific cause and become a citizen scientist. Skip to ...
Jan 26, 2024•51 min•Ep. 196
Have you been longing to get outside and play in the dirt? Then vermicomposting may be for you! Learn about how to compost indoors with worms, from containers to use, how to prepare the growing media and food, how to harvest your worm compost, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any pro...
Jan 19, 2024•8 min
This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast is all about snow and ice. Ken and Chris discuss how to deal with snow and ice on trees and shrubs, problems to avoid with rock salt, tips for using deicers, and much more. Tune in to the Good Growing Podcast to learn more about how to protect your plants from the winter weather. Thank you for listening! Skip to what you want to know: 0:34 Hey Ken! Winter has finally arrived in Illinois. Are we ready for the upcoming cold snap? 1:51 How do we handl...
Jan 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 195
It’s that time of year - time to start thinking about pruning your deciduous trees and shrubs. While many of our landscape trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need yearly pruning, the same can’t be said for fruit trees. Learn about why we should prune fruit trees yearly, the different types of pruning cuts we use, and more! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly G...
Jan 05, 2024•8 min
In this Gardenbite, Chris explores the various ways to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Many Illinoisians have a Christmas tree disposal day where they can throw out a cut Christmas tree and the city will pick it up and turn it into woodchips. However, there are other ways to give your tree a second life. Chris discusses how to create a shelter for birds, turn the cut tree into food for wildlife, use cut evergreen branches as winter mulch to protect herbaceous perennials, and more! Contact us! C...
Dec 29, 2023•6 min
Join Ken and Chris on a journey around the world as they explore the fascinating history of quintessential holiday spices. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, you will learn about the origins of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, allspice, and ginger, and how they made their way to our spice cabinets. You will also discover what parts of the plants are harvested to produce these spices. And, if you’re a fan of the Spice Girls, you won’t want to miss Chris’s attempt to name them all! S...
Dec 22, 2023•53 min•Ep. 194
Join us on a horticultural journey through the world of mistletoe. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of this parasitic plant. From its unique biology to its horticultural applications, we cover everything you need to know about mistletoe. We also discuss the plant’s role in the ecosystem and where you can find it in Illinois and beyond. Tune in to discover why mistletoe is more than just a holiday decoration! Skip to what you want to know: 0:29 Hey Ken...
Dec 14, 2023•35 min•Ep. 193
On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at a holiday staple, the poinsettia. Join us as we discuss the myths and legends that surround the poinsettia, where they come from, how they’re grown, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0jY1dNYQG5Y Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what kind of Christmas tree does Chris have? 02:50 – How do you pronounce poinsettia? 04:20 – Where do poinsettias come from? What are some other names it goes by? 06:...
Dec 08, 2023•42 min•Ep. 192
In this episode, Ken and Chris explore a timely and concerning topic—the resurgence of bed bugs making headlines globally! Join us as we delve into the pressing issue of bed bugs seemingly spiraling out of control. Are these tiny pests staging a global takeover once again? Our special guest, entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey, joins the conversation to address our lingering questions about bed bugs. From tips on avoiding these unwelcome companions during your travels to guidance on handling a bed bug ...
Dec 01, 2023•46 min•Ep. 191
Thanksgiving is over, which means many of us will be going out to pick out our Christmas trees. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a trip back to 2020 when we talked with Robert Richardson with the Illinois Christmas Tree Association. Learn about the process of growing Christmas trees from when they go in the ground until you pick one out. Want to see or listen to the entire show? Watch this episode on YouTube or listen on our website. YouTube : https://youtu.be/Z7D5ckMCEX8 Good G...
Nov 24, 2023•13 min
This week the Good Growing podcast rewinds to when we chatted with local foods educator James Thueri all about turkeys. James talks about how the commercial producers get the turkey from egg to plate. Plus, James gives tips if for those interested in raising their own heritage breeds in their own backyard. Listen to the entire podcast https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/good-growing/ep-46-talking-turkey-and-backyard-livestock-james-theuri Skip to what you want to know: Skip to what you want ...
Nov 17, 2023•28 min
On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re answering some of your fall gardening questions. Learn about overwintering mum and dahlias, white pines dropping needles, keeping feral cats out of gardens, and more! We also give an update on what’s going on with the leaves in our yards and how our gardens fared this year. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXgo-nq9KNo Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 – Welcome, Ken, and what’s up with the weather? 01:15 – Leaf report from our yards and what we ...
Nov 10, 2023•36 min•Ep. 188
This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris and Ken chat with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel and horticulture program coordinator Jenny Lee promoting an upcoming series for tree care professionals called the Community Tree Care Series. During the online webinar participants will go from basics to more complex topics in tree care. It is a great opportunity for Illinois arborists needing CEUs or training staff who maintain trees. Register for the online Community Tree Care Series at https://go....
Nov 03, 2023•36 min•Ep. 187
