Good Growing

Chris Enroth
  • 4.8 (20)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. Ep. 243 Looking toward spring: Our favorite spring flowers | #GoodGrowing

    1D AGO

    Ep. 243 Looking toward spring: Our favorite spring flowers | #GoodGrowing

    Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins. From early bloomers like crocus, daffodils, and spring ephemerals to peonies, magnolias, and everything in between, we flip through a mental (and visual) photo album of spring favorites. Along the way, we talk about why these plants matter to us, how they fit into home landscapes and natural areas, and how Midwest spring weather—from false summers to surprise snow—keeps things interesting. This is a picture‑heavy episode. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGihbSjXDi8 Skip to what you want to know:00:45 Hey Ken!02:14 Rollercoaster late winter weather. From 80 degrees to 10 degrees!05:06 Ken's favorite spring-blooming plants he looks forward to every year.   05:27    Bleeding heart   06:25    Dutchman's breeches   06:58    Columbine   09:01     Crocus   10:00    Daffodil   11:29    Peony   13:04    Spring beauty   14:57    Tulips   17:03    Common blue violet   19:11    Virginia bluebell   20:05    Wild ginger22:12 Chris' favorite spring blooming plants   22:23    Daffodil    23:57    Woodland walk through Dutchman's breeches, mayapples, and trillum   27:09    Lilac and snow in spring   29:23    Saucer magnolia   30:43    Virginia bluebells   31:50    Foamflower   32:30    Lungwort   33:09    Blueberry flowers   33:43    Rhubarb season   34:04    Tulip 'World Peace'   34:32    Unfurling ferns   34:56    Bloodroot   35:55    Peonies at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL38:51 Thank yous and see you next week! Spring beauty video https://youtu.be/i9JVP9wEM_M  Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu  Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk  --Prefer audio? You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    41 min
  2. Ep. 242 The big, colorful world of Crocus | #GoodGrowing

    MAR 6

    Ep. 242 The big, colorful world of Crocus | #GoodGrowing

    Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and more!       Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rX7QUDstn9E   Skip to what you want to know:     02:26 – 'Crocus' that aren't Crocus   06:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - flowers   11:31 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - leaves   13:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - corm   17:41 – Categorizing crocus   22:49 – General guidelines for growing crocus   28:32 – When should crocus be planted?    30:15 – Propagating crocus   35:49 – Fun fact - contractile roots   37:24 – A few last planting tips, rodents, fertilizers, and mulch   42:48 – Commonly grown species of Crocus     43:53 - Snow/golden crocus (C. chrysanthus)     47:54 - Dutch yellow/yellow crocus (C. flavus)      48:46 - Tommies (C. tommasinianus)     52:57 - Dutch/giant/spring crocus (C. vernus)      54:01 - Tuscan crocus (C. etruscus)      55:22 - Sieber’s crocus (C. sieberi)      56:51 - Cloth of Gold crocus (C. angustifolius)      57:58 - Corsican crocus (C. corsicus)    59:17 – Some fall-blooming Crocus     59:32 - Saffron/autumn crocus (C. sativus)      1:02:44 - Autumn crocus (C. kotschyanus), Hairy crocus (C. pulchellus), and Showy/Bieberstein’s crocus (C. speciosus)    1:04:17 - Can Crocus be grown in pots? When should they be divided?   1:06:03 - Pests   1:07:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   More information: Crocuses: A Complete Guide to the Genus by Janis Ruksans National Garden Bureau – Year of the Crocus: https://ngb.org/year-of-the-crocus/     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 products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.     Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk   -- You can find us on most podcast platforms.   iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377      Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR     Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/     Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/     Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902     Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    1h 10m
  3. Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 27

    Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing

    Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list. In this episode, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart walk through the selection process and describe the six unique crops chosen for the 2026 Grow Along program. Register for the Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong2026 Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XUGiBe3RrFw Skip to what you want to know:1:21 Decision-making process for choosing the 2026 Grow Along seeds6:55 Rebel Starfighter Prime11:45 Poppy ‘Amazing Gray', 'Shirley Supreme', and 'Black Swan'20:18 Sweet Pepper ‘Nadapeno’24:41 Cucumber Mexican Sour Gherkin/Mouse Melon28:24 Ground Cherry35:15 Savory ‘Summer Compact'41:46 When/where can you sign up and when will seeds be shipped? Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk  --You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    50 min
  4. Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 20

    Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing

    Curious about adding something a little different to your backyard orchard? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we dive into the flavorful world of lesser-known fruits you can grow right here in Illinois. From early‑ripening honeyberries and fall-bearing primocane blackberries to compact bush cherries and Illinois-born PRI apples, we explore unique fruit crops that offer exciting alternatives to the usual.      Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XAVtrBFKB40      Skip to what you want to know:     01:30 – Welcome, Grant McCarty! Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy.   03:22 – Some not-so-successful crops for Grant in northern Illinois.    07:35 – Where in Illinois can we reliably grow/harvest peaches?   09:53 – Honeyberries. How to grow and what do they taste like?    14:52 – Are honeyberries problematic like many other honeysuckles?    17:32 – Primocane fruiting blackberries.   21:38 – Is the care of primocane blooming blackberries different than other blackberries?   23:45 – Is there a link to Illini Hardy blackberry?   27:20 – Bush cherries. How are they different than cherry trees?   33:57 – Apples. What are PRI apples?   38:51 – High-density apples   44:31 – Any PRI resources out there?   48:10 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   More information: Overview of Honeyberry from University of Minnesota Haskap/Honeyberry, University of Wisconsin-Madison Haskap/Honeyberry-University of Saskatchewan Resources The PRI Apple Breeding Program Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Grant McCarty: gmccarty@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 products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.     Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk   -- You can find us on most podcast platforms.   iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377      Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR     Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/     Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/     Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902     Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    50 min
  5. Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 13 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing

    Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth on a winter walk through the prairie as he demonstrates how to overseed an existing native prairie by hand.  Learn why winter is the perfect time for prairie overseeding, how they select their seed that is spread, and how to mix seed with a carrier for even spreading. Chris explains practical tips for seed collection, hand sowing methods, using locally sourced seed from community seed shares, and how overseeding supports long-term prairie health.  Perfect for native plant lovers or anyone curious about hands-on conservation work that can be done in the winter. Tune in, learn the process, and discover how hand-sown prairie seeds can transform local landscapes over time. Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF6gGjGbjxU Rezab MixGolden Alexander - Zizia aureaHairy Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum pilosumFoxglove beardtongue - Penstemon digitalisGrass-leaved goldenrod - Euthamia graminifoliaSlender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifoliumShowy goldenrod - Solidago speciosaRattlesnake Master - Eryngium yuccifoliumMissouri Ironweed - Vernonia missuricaRigid Goldenrod - Oligoneuron rigidumPrairie Coreopsis - Coreopsis palmataTall Coreopsis - Coreopsis tripterisVirginia Spiderwort - Tradescantia virginianaYellow Crownbeard - Verbesina helianthoidesWild Senna - Senna hebecarpaBlack-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta Evening Primrose - Oenothera biennisFalse Sunflower - Heliopsis helianthoidesPurple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk  --You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    10 min
  6. Ep. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 6

    Ep. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing

    Feeling a little low this winter? You’re not alone. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Family Life Educator Tessa Hobbs‑Curley joins us to discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual winter blues, coping strategies, and more.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NdOQ8xNM9aI   Skip to what you want to know:     03:14 – What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? How is it diagnosed?   06:14 – How is SAD different from just feeling bummed about the weather?   10:11 – How is fall/winter SAD different than spring/summer SAD?   12:35 – Do certain groups, such as farmers or gardeners, experience SAD differently?   19:42 – What about children and SAD?   22:46 – How does less green in our environment affect mental health?   32:31 – What are some strategies to help us cope with SAD?   45:56 – Resources to learn more about SAD   47:56 – A little more on light therapy   51:04 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   More information: Mao Clinic: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder Illinois Extension: How to manage the winter blues Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Seasonal Affective Disorder Mental Health America: Seasonal Affective Disorder     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 products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.     Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk   -- You can find us on most podcast platforms.   iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377      Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR     Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/     Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/     Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902     Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    53 min
  7. Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing

    JAN 30 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing

    How do trees survive freezing temperatures without turning into popsicles? Well, they do kind of turn into popsicles, but they control which part freezes. In this Gardenbite of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth breaks down the fascinating science behind how trees and other plants make it through harsh winter conditions. Whether you’re a gardener, nature lover, or just curious about the secret life of plants, this episode gives you a clear and engaging look at what happens inside trees during winter—and how you can help prepare your landscape plants to survive cold stress.

    18 min
  8. Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing

    JAN 23

    Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing

    You’ve probably seen Ficus in living rooms, lobbies, or maybe even grown one yourself, but how much do you really know about these iconic houseplants? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the surprisingly diverse world of Ficus. From weeping figs and rubber trees to creeping figs and giant banyans, we dive into their history, care, different species, and more!    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2hx5VXZrJmg   Skip to what you want to know:     00:41 – There are a lot of ficus species!   02:12 – Ficus species native to the United States, and what are strangler figs.   07:08 – What are Ficus?   12:25 – General care of Ficus houseplants.   22:23 – Common Ficus houseplants     23:38 – Ficus benjamina (weeping fig)     27:14 – Ficus elastica (rubber tree)     33:15 – Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig)     36:03 – Ficus benghalensis (banyan, Ficus Audrey)     42:35 – Ficus maclellandii (banana/long leaf fig, Ficus Alli)     45:31 – Ficus microcarpa (Ginseng ficus, Chinese banyan, Indian laurel)     49:09 – Ficus pumila (creeping fig)   53:08 – Ficus propagation   56:37 – Less commonly encountered ficus houseplants   59:12 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   More information: National Garden Bureau Ficus: Trees and Vine of Florida (University of Florida) Gods and Monsters: The Genus Ficus (Brooklyn Botanic Garden)   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 products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.     Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk   -- You can find us on most podcast platforms.   iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377      Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR     Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/     Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/     Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902     Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Enroth
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    311
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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