Good Growing

Chris Enroth
  • 4.7 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Good Growing

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. Gardenbite: Spigelia a native plant for your landscape | #GoodGrowing

    3D AGO · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Spigelia a native plant for your landscape | #GoodGrowing

    In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris Enroth kicks back over the Fourth of July weekend to flash back to a 2021 chat with Extension educator Elizabeth Wahle, who declares Spigelia her all-time favorite garden plant. Why? Picture a flower dressed for Mardi Gras with scarlet red petals, golden yellow tips, and a flair that hummingbirds can’t resist. Spigelia marilandica, also known as Indian Pink or Carolina Pink, might become your new favorite native plant! 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

    4 min
  2. Gardenbite: Dispelling Myths and Telling the Itchy Truth About Chiggers | #GoodGrowing

    JUL 4 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Dispelling Myths and Telling the Itchy Truth About Chiggers | #GoodGrowing

    In this itchy edition of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth shares his annual run-in with one of summer’s most irritating pests—chiggers. Just in time for the Fourth of July, Chris dives into the myths, facts, and personal stories surrounding these nearly invisible arachnids. Learn what chiggers really are, how they bite, why nail polish won’t help, and what you can actually do to protect yourself. Whether you're gardening, hiking, or dodging fireworks, this Garden Bite will help you stay itch-free and informed. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/D1Wkcf0qQaY Good Growing Blog Post https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-07-02-unseen-menacechiggers Kansas State University https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/03/entomology-chiggers-in-kansas.html University of Missouri https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7398 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

    12 min
  3. Ep. 216 Chemical Trespass in Illinois: How Herbicides Are Impacting Native Trees and Ecosystems | #GoodGrowing

    JUN 27

    Ep. 216 Chemical Trespass in Illinois: How Herbicides Are Impacting Native Trees and Ecosystems | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Emily Swihart are joined by horticulture educator Ryan Pankau to unpack a 2024 study from the Illinois Natural History Survey. The topic? Chemical trespass—how herbicides and other pesticides are drifting into Illinois’ natural areas and impacting native ecosystems, impacting a keystone group of trees - oaks. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/44Ue4HbGS7Y Skip to what you want to know: 00:33:12 Hello Emily!01:35:06 Welcome, Ryan Pankau!02:18:18 What report are we talking about? Understanding the extent and consequences of chemical trespass for Illinois ecosystems02:57:12 How has the landscape of Illinois changed historically to where we are today?10:16:15 What is chemical trespass?12:58:18 What organizations conducted this study?16:49:15 What type of data was collected? What species seemed to be most impacted?19:14:23 What is the ecological impact of pesticide trespass in our forests?24:30:24 Does this just impact trees on the edges of fields or throughout a forest?25:20:02 What did the data show in the collection samples?27:31:09 What was the percentage of chemical trespass observed?29:56:00 Can we solely rely on visual assessment to determine levels of herbicide trespass?33:32:06 What they didn't find much of - dicamba and neonics34:46:00 What does a tree that has been impacted by herbicide drift look like?40:32:17 The importance of the lab tests in this study.41:02:16 What do you do when your tree is impacted by herbicide trespass?48:50:01 Can you prevent this damage or is there a way to protect trees and gardens from being damaged?56:51:03 While there seemed to be a big focus on herbicide trespass, the study found a lot of fungicide in the later season samples. What is the impact of fungicide?1:01:12:15 Our key takeaways from this report Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduEmily Swihart eswihart@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. All photos by Chris EnrothBarnyard 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
  4. Gardenbite: Why are there holes in my roses? Roseslugs | #GoodGrowing

    JUN 20 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Why are there holes in my roses? Roseslugs | #GoodGrowing

    Roses are grown in many gardens for their large, showy, often fragrant flowers. If you grow roses, you may have noticed something eating the leaves of your plants, causing them to become unsightly. While various insects will feed on roses, one of the most commonly encountered pests is rose roseslugs. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about these rose pests and how to manage them.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fo836_3pgl8  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

    9 min
  5. Ep. 215 Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the year | #GoodGrowing

    JUN 13

    Ep. 215 Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the year | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the fascinating world of milkweed—also known by its genus name, Asclepias. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast, pollinator advocate, or just curious about why this "weed" is the National Garden Bureau’s Plant of the Year, this episode is packed with insights. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qw24JnUOitQ  Skip to what you want to know:00:46 Hey Ken! How do you say Asclepias?01:28 What's in a name? A scientific name!03:08 What is Asclepias (milkweed), and how many species of Asclepias are out in the world?04:11 History of Asclepias.07:37 Uses of milkweed outside of the garden09:30 The negative image of milkweed in the agricultural community12:02 Milkweeds for the garden. Listing the species of Asclepias native to Illinois. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutplants/wildaboutplantsmilkweeds.html13:28 The most common milkweeds we often see in a home landscape15:17 Our favorite milkweeds that we grow21:32 Key identifying characteristics of Asclepias23:05 Milkweed and pollination: who is the best pollinator for the job?24:41 Milkweed pollination biology https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/nvpmctn12764.pdf27:39 Milkweed toxicity and monarch butterflies28:34 All the other insects using milkweed besides the monarch butterfly30:16 What is the best milkweed for monarch butterflies?30:44 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2018.00169/full Monarch Butterflies Show Differential Utilization of Nine Midwestern Milkweed Species37:35 Talking about honeyvine milkweed42:19 How do you harvest and grow milkweed seeds?45:56 Transplanting milkweed47:09 milkweed maintenance48:45 Mowing for monarchs https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-08-28-mowing-monarchs52:08 Who decreed 2025 the year of Asclepias?53:34 Thank you and see you next week! Photos:Ken Johnson, University of Illinois ExtensionChris Enroth, University of Illinois ExtensionChris Evans, University of Illinois Extension5347031 - William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org 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

    55 min
  6. Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or snack | #GoodGrowing

    JUN 6

    Ep. 214 Backyard grapes: From vine to wine, juice, or snack | #GoodGrowing

    Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own grapes right from your backyard? Or maybe you have a grape plant or two and are unsure of how to care for them. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we demystify the art and science of growing grapes at home with commercial agriculture specialist Dr. Elizabeth Wahle. From selecting disease-resistant cultivars to growing and training grape vines, managing pests, and more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUxI1tupXNI   Skip to what you want to know:     00:23 - Welcome, Ken. What's your favorite way to consume grapes?   02:17 - Welcome, Elizabeth.   03:47 - What are the key things someone should consider before planting grapes in their backyard?   05:40 - Are there specific grape varieties that are best suited for beginners or small spaces?   08:27 - Can people grow grapes in containers?   10:55 - How big will a typical grape plant get?    12:01 - How important is climate and soil type when choosing grape varieties?   16:31 - When is the best time of year to plant grapevines?   19:11 - What kind of support structures do grapevines need (e.g., trellises, arbors)?    22:25 - Herbicides and the problems they can cause on grapes   24:10 - Do we need more than one type of grape for pollination? Are they self-pollinating?    25:26 - What are the most common mistakes new growers make?    29:07 - How do you prune grapevines, and why is it so important? Plus, a few more common grape growing mistakes.   34:31 - What pests or diseases should backyard growers watch out for?   40:20 - Growing grapes organically in Illinois   43:10 - What should someone do if their vines aren't producing fruit?   45:53 - Are there any low-maintenance grape varieties - "plant and forget"?   49:03 - How do you know when grapes are ready to harvest?   50:56 - Any tips for storing or preserving grapes after harvest?   54:15 - Elizabeth, what's your favorite way to consume grapes, what is your favorite grape variety, and why?   56:56 - Any final words of encouragement for someone thinking about starting their grape-growing journey?   58:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye!    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

    1 hr
  7. Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away |#GoodGrowing

    MAY 30

    Ep. 213 Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away |#GoodGrowing

    Tired of being a mosquito magnet? In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson bust common mosquito myths and dive into what really works to keep those pesky biters at bay. From citronella candles and bug zappers to the viral “Bucket of Doom,” learn which repellents are backed by science—and which ones are just buzz. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or just want to enjoy your garden in peace, this episode is your go-to guide for mosquito control that actually works. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/dpAHAqJ2WhM  Skip to what you want to know:00:40 Hey Ken!03:20 What makes people attractive to being bitten by mosquitoes?05:55 Mosquito control that doesn't work07:50 Purple Martins10:40 Mosquito sonic repellents. 11:59 Bug zapper lights16:49 A pan of soapy water.17:49 Using mouthwash21:38 Stuff that kind of works21:44 Mosquito-repelling plants24:46 Citronella candles26:51 Mosquito control that can work27:03 Fogging/spraying an area30:56 Mosquito bucket of doom!36:30 Habitat modification41:47 Stay inside44:03 Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing45:44 CO2 Traps 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

    57 min
  8. Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms | #GoodGrowing

    MAY 23

    Ep. 212 Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms | #GoodGrowing

    Peonies are a springtime showstopper, fragrant, full, and beloved in gardens across the world. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast and explore the history of peonies, their flower forms, and tips for growing, dividing, and relocating them. We also discuss why ants are drawn to their buds, what might be keeping your peonies from blooming, and how to make the most of their short but spectacular bloom season.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_CB0qzCxJ5Q   Skip to what you want to know:     00:33 - Welcome, Ken. How do you pronounce peony? Peonies and the rain.   02:12 - History and types of peonies   07:27 - Peonies as cut flowers   13:48 - Bloom times and cultivars   17:02 - Flower forms   22:20 - Why do we see ants on peony flowers?   25:38 - Peony diseases   30:33 - Moving and dividing peonies   35:52 - Breeding your own peonies   40:57 - The story of Peonydale   47:23 - Why aren't my peonies blooming?    50:17- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Read more about it:   Peony flower forms: https://americanpeonysociety.org/learn/herbaceous-peonies/flower-types-anatomy/  Peonydale and the Wettengel Family Story: http://wimuseum.org/peonydale-and-the-wettengel-family-story/       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

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Enroth
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    277
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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