Good Growing

Chris Enroth

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 260 Managing Stormwater with Rain Gardens | #GoodGrowing

    Rain gardens are one of the most effective tools homeowners can use to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and add beauty to the landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Emily, and Ken explore how rain gardens work, why they matter, and how they can help keep excess water out of storm sewers and local waterways. Plus, hear about upcoming rain garden educational programs and community installation projects happening across Illinois Extension. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k3_SuHDWQ18 Skip to what you want to know: 02:17 Topic of the day: Rain gardens. Why are they important?06:02 Describing the urban stormwater system10:05 Other stormwater management tools besides rain gardens13:53 What is a rain garden? The difference between detention and retention15:29 Where should and shouldn't rain gardens be in a home landscape?16:13 Defining a rain garden: it's a depression in the ground! Yay, we said what it was finally!25:17 Sizing your rain garden36:42 Rain Garden installation tips51:34 Planting design for a rain garden58:34 Illinois Groundwork link1:01:48 Rain garden maintenance1:02:35 Mosquitoes and rain gardens1:04:54 Thank yous and coming up next week! Register for our Rainscaping Classes https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-09-21-rainscaping Illinois Ground Work Plant Finder Tool https://illinoisgroundwork.org/resources/plant-finder/ 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

    Ep. 260 Managing Stormwater with Rain Gardens | #GoodGrowing

  2. Jul 31

    Ep. 259 Summertime garden Q&A | #GoodGrowing

    Summer is in full swing, and with the heat comes plenty of garden and lawn questions! Join us as we tackle some of the most common summertime issues, including crabgrass taking over lawns, brown patches of turf, cracked tomatoes, swarms of beetles, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x-5ENejfrTE   Skip to what you want to know:     01:10 – What to do about crabgrass in lawns?    06:33 – Lawn is dying, what do I do?     10:00 – What is tearing apart my sassafras tree?    13:40 – Why are my tomatoes cracking?   17:04 – Why are hot peppers hot? Why did they evolve to be hot?   16:18 – Green June Beetle ruined the park concert...   24:28 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!     Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 259 Summertime garden Q&A | #GoodGrowing

  3. Jul 24 ·  Bonus

    Gardenbite: Color Theory in the Garden | #GoodGrowing

    Take your landscape from random to remarkable. In this Gardenbite episode, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart explores how color theory can help you create a more cohesive, attractive, and intentional garden. Learn the difference between analogous color schemes that create calm, harmonious plantings and complementary color combinations that deliver bold contrast and visual impact. From choosing a favorite plant as your design anchor to selecting flowers and foliage that work together, Emily shares practical tips for using color with confidence. Whether you're planning a new garden bed or refreshing an existing landscape, this episode will help you stop guessing and start designing with purpose. Topics covered: What analogous and complementary color schemes areHow to use the color wheel to guide plant selectionsWays to create a cohesive garden designTips for balancing bold color combinationsHow foliage color and plant texture enhance your landscapeA simple step-by-step approach to designing with color 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

    Gardenbite: Color Theory in the Garden | #GoodGrowing

  4. Jul 17 ·  Bonus

    Gardenbite: Containing the Uncontainable: Managing Bamboo | #GoodGrowing

    How far can running bamboo run? Bamboo may look exotic and tropical, but did you know some species can thrive right here in Illinois? In this Gardenbite episode, Chris Enroth dives into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of bamboo. From Illinois' own native giant cane to the notorious running bamboo that has sparked neighbor disputes and landscaping headaches, learn what makes these giant grasses so unique.  Skip to what you want to know:00:51 Does bamboo grow in Illinois?02:02 Illinois has a native bamboo species!05:29 The different types of bamboo: pachymorph and leptomorphs11:04 Methods for containing bamboo18:44 How do you control bamboo? Bamboo rhizome barrier installation video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf7S80itdso 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

    Gardenbite: Containing the Uncontainable: Managing Bamboo | #GoodGrowing

  5. Jul 10 ·  Bonus

    Gardenbite: Weird looking coneflower flowers: Aster yellows and rosette mites | #GoodGrowing

    Coneflowers are beloved native plants, but sometimes you may end up with strange-looking flowers. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast to learn about two common causes of distorted coneflower blooms: aster yellows and coneflower rosette mites. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of each, understand how they affect your plants, and discover management strategies to help keep your garden looking its best.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uENkERouAR8   Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Gardenbite: Weird looking coneflower flowers: Aster yellows and rosette mites | #GoodGrowing

  6. Jul 3

    Ep. 258 Gardens of the Founding Fathers |#GoodGrowing

    As Americans prepare to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Good Growing takes a look at the Founding Fathers as gardeners. In this episode, we explore the lesser-known side of our nation’s founders. In addition to being authors and signers of the Declaration of Independence and political leaders, many were lifelong, passionate gardeners, especially Thomas Jefferson. Listen to learn more about how his interest in gardening influenced his political thoughts, what was planted at his home, and how he recorded the vegetable trials he oversaw.    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwNTIIRZiIY  Skip to what you want to know:     03:23 – Welcome, Ken and Emily    05:26 – Founding fathers as gardeners   11:53 – The farm vs the garden   15:07 – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello   21:15 – Monticello garden terrace   26:46 – Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book   43:10 – Using food in the kitchen   47:06 – A messy garden for Thomas Jefferson   49:10 – End of life   55:02 – Founding Fathers Fun Facts     1:04:22 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 258 Gardens of the Founding Fathers |#GoodGrowing

  7. Jun 26

    Ep. 257 Design principles and plants for edible landscapes | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we explore the concept of edible landscaping, where ornamental plants double as food sources. Emily, Ken, and Chris will discuss how to design a landscape that combines aesthetic appeal with edible function. Learn the core principles of edible landscape design, including plant selection, diversity, seasonality, and incorporating perennials alongside annual crops. We’ll share real-world examples from our own yards, highlighting native plants, shrubs, trees, and herbaceous perennials that offer both visual interest and edible benefits. Reminder: Always properly identify plants and research proper preparation for cooking and eating them. Some plants we talk about in this episode do have toxic properties if improperly harvested or prepared. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/edDfPi_i3Fw Skip to what you want to know:00:46 Hey Ken and Emily!01:45 Defining the topic for this week. Edible landscape plants...Edimentals03:33 Edimentals is not foraging04:50 Principles of an edible landscape15:13 What are some edible landscaping plants?15:34 Ken's picks16:03 Leadplant17:31 Purple poppy mallow18:21 Ken's Sweet potato and yam article https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-11-25-whats-difference-between-sweet-potatoes-and-yams18:54 Common milkweed21:07 Jerusalem artichoke23:25 Hackberry25:16 Chris' edible landscape plants25:31 Blueberry27:44 Hazelnut28:50 Rhubarb30:03 Swiss chard32:34 Emily's picks32:42 Serviceberry35:29 Elderberry37:04 Elderberry syrup recipe https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/elderberry_syrup.pdf37:19 Aronia39:08 Spiderwort40:28 Lambs quarter45:32 Can you eat native grass seeds? 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

    Ep. 257 Design principles and plants for edible landscapes | #GoodGrowing

  8. Jun 18

    Ep. 256 From mild to wild: Exploring hot peppers | #GoodGrowing

    Love them or fear them, hot peppers bring the heat to gardens and kitchens alike. Join us as we dive into the spicy world of peppers with Dr. Jack McCoy. Learn about what makes peppers hot, why some people love to eat them, how to grow them, ways to use your harvest, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/llkA3W2adiY Skip to what you want to know:     00:28 – Welcome. Do we like to eat hot peppers?    03:33 – Jack, tell us about what you are currently teaching/working on at U of I.   04:48 – Student Sustainable Farm at University of Illinois   10:19 – Jack, how did you get into hot peppers?   13:22 – Why is there so much interest in hot peppers?   17:04 – Why are hot peppers hot? Why did they evolve to be hot?   20:08 – How do capsaicin levels relate to Scoville units?   23:47 – Which came first, hot or sweet peppers? Are they all the same?    25:53 – How do we grow peppers?   30:05 – Suggestions for starting pepper seeds indoors   33:15 – Do peppers need any kind of special fertilization or irrigation routines?   34:18 – Is there anything that happens during the growing season that affects the pepper's heat?   39:44 – What pests do we need to watch out for?   44:31 – Do we need to protect ourselves when harvesting hot peppers?    47:50 – Any peppers to recommend for chiliheads? What about beginners?    50:43 – Favorite way to use hot peppers   54:30 – There seems to be a hot pepper arms race, is there a limit to how hot peppers can be?   56:01 – What's the hottest pepper we’ve ever eaten?   1:01:41 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Allerton Supper Club   Contact us!  Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 256 From mild to wild: Exploring hot peppers | #GoodGrowing
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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Enroth
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    332
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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