Good Growing

Chris Enroth
  • 4.8 (21)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. Ep. 250 Tree care pet peeves | #GoodGrowing

    4D AGO

    Ep. 250 Tree care pet peeves | #GoodGrowing

    Long-time listeners know that Ken, Chris, and Emily are passionate about proper plant care practices. On this week’s podcast, the team discusses six hot-button issues related to improper tree care, including tree topping, the misuse of plastic sheeting under mulch, and codominant leaders. Listen to discover the other three pet peeves and what can be done to better support tree health.    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Rhg5WXPlaw   Skip to what you want to know:     03:12 – Co-dominant leaders   06:33 – Nursery pruning for bushier trees    10:57 – Tree topping   12:36 – Two times when topping may be considered   15:34 – What to do with vegetation at the base of a tree   20:32 – Not removing burlap from a root ball   26:38 – Removing healthy trees   29:08 – Overview of tree benefits   34:44 – Making good pruning cuts   41:19 – Tree diversity – species and age   46:02 – Available resources   49:34 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Resources  Morton Arboretum - https://mortonarb.org/  Community Tree Care Series - https://extension.illinois.edu/plants/community-tree-care-series     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

    52 min
  2. Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing

    APR 24

    Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing

    As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when insects and pathogens show up in your landscape.Horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart explore common (and not‑so‑common) tree troubles, including eastern tent caterpillars, bagworms, wood‑boring insects, cedar apple rust, needle cast diseases, and oak wilt. Along the way, they explain the difference between biotic and abiotic problems, how environmental stress sets trees up for decline, and why some “pests” are actually just doing their ecological job. Skip to what you want to know:00:31 Hey Ken! Are you there? 01:15 Welcome, Emily! 01:54 What are biotic problems? 06:05 How did we choose what biotic tree problems to share today? 07:49 Eastern tent caterpillar 16:01 Wood boring insects 31:25 Cedar apple rust 43:59 Bagworms 52:01 Spruce needle cast diseases 01:00 Oak wilt 14:25 Thank yous and see you next week!  Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart eswihart@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

    1h 17m
  3. Ep. 248 Favorite trees for spring: Trees we look forward to every year | #GoodGrowing

    APR 17

    Ep. 248 Favorite trees for spring: Trees we look forward to every year | #GoodGrowing

    Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that make spring such a special time of year.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kVE7rOXl-n4  Skip to what you want to know:     02:59 – Flowering and kousa dogwood   07:38 – Redbud    11:36 – Black locust   15:24 – Silverbell   18:58 – Catalpa   25:36 – White fringetree   30:18 – Tuliptree    37:06 – Saucer magnolia   37:55 – Black gum   40:16 – Vernal witch-hazel   42:48 – 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

    45 min
  4. Ep. 247 Planting with Purpose: Tree Equity and Our Communities | #GoodGrowing

    APR 10

    Ep. 247 Planting with Purpose: Tree Equity and Our Communities | #GoodGrowing

    In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health and property values, the hosts explore why trees matter and why their distribution across communities is far from equal. The conversation traces how historical practices like redlining shaped today’s urban forests, explains why some neighborhoods still have far fewer trees, and introduces practical tools—like the Tree Equity Score and i‑Tree—that can help communities make more informed, equitable tree‑planting decisions. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0SFKXYs8yX4 Skip to what you want to know:00:30 Hey Ken! 01:18 Welcome, Emily! 02:38 First topic of tree month: Tree equity 04:11 What are the benefits of trees? Ecosystem services 09:28  Social and Emotional benefits of trees 14:38 Not everyone has the benefits of trees. Diving into the topic of tree equity.17:10 The history of tree inequity 17:57  Redlining and its effect on tree equity 23:41 What tools can be used to look at the need for tree planting in communities? 26:45 Tree Equity Score and i-Tree 44:44 So long and coming up next week!  Tree Equity Score https://www.treeequityscore.org/i-Tree https://www.itreetools.org/ Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart eswihart@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

    47 min
  5. Ep. 246 From Ancient Crop to Modern Gardens: The Fascinating Story of Figs | #GoodGrowing

    APR 3

    Ep. 246 From Ancient Crop to Modern Gardens: The Fascinating Story of Figs | #GoodGrowing

    Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig (Ficus carica). From ancient history to modern backyards, we explore how figs grow, where they originated, and why cold‑hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey make figs possible even in colder climates. You’ll learn what makes figs so unique botanically, why the “fruit” is actually a modified stem, and how fig pollination works—including the truth about dead wasps in your figs (don’t worry, Midwest gardeners are in the clear). Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TiClnN6r_HI Skip to what you want to know: 00:34 Hey Ken!   01:36 Welcome Elizabeth!  02:13 Updates from the cold snap on landscape plants and crops   10:50 On to the main topic - edible figs   11:37 What is the Fignomenal fig?   12:51 What type of figs is Elizabeth growing in her garden?  13:59 The history of the edible fig  19:08 Where do we typically find fig production in the world?  20:09 US Fig production  20:52 Figs in the Midwest diet and have we ever eaten fresh figs?  23:08 Learning about the edible fig plant (Ficus carica)   23:36 Edible fig is a woody perennial   25:28  What is the fig fruit?   28:22 Edible fig pollination and are dead wasps inside our fig fruit?  38:09 Can we get breba crops on our figs?   39:29 For those wanting to try to grow edible figs in Illinois what are some of the site requirements? 42:53 What can you do to protect figs during the winter?   50:03 Pruning and sap causing injury on human skin   51:42 Cultivars for planting in Illinois  54:30 Fantastic Fig Facts   Fig ResourcesGrowing Hardy Figs in Ohio https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1439 The Fig: Its history, culture, and curing, with a descriptive catalogue of the known varieties of figs  Published in 1901 and an interesting look at fig production over 100 years ago https://archive.org/details/figitshistorycul00eise/page/n89/mode/2up The Fig: Botany, Production and Uses, edited by Ali Sarkhosh, Alimohammad Yavari, Louise Ferguson, published in 2022, (online book accessed via the library) 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

    1h 1m
  6. Ep. 245 Growing something new: Plants we’re trying in 2026 | #GoodGrowing

    MAR 27

    Ep. 245 Growing something new: Plants we’re trying in 2026 | #GoodGrowing

    Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with unfamiliar crops.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lx8Jeog-p0 Skip to what you want to know:     03:09 – Teff   06:38 – Armenian cucumber/melon   08:20 – Bottle gourd   10:55 – Spoon tomato   13:19 – Luffa gourd   16:27 – Mexican sunflower   18:24 – Butterfly pea    20:40 – Sunflower ‘Soluna Bronze’   23:18 – Anchote   25:16 – Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’ or something similar   29:56 – Peanuts    31:36 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!  More information:  Mt. Cuba Center - Wild Hydrangea for the Mid-Atlantic Region     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

    34 min
  7. Ep. 244 Spring Garden Problem‑Solving: Weeds, Water, Pests, and Cold Snaps | #GoodGrowing

    MAR 20

    Ep. 244 Spring Garden Problem‑Solving: Weeds, Water, Pests, and Cold Snaps | #GoodGrowing

    Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens. This week’s episode answers attendee questions submitted at the Home Lawn & Garden Day in Bloomington–Normal. Ken and Chris discuss surprise cold snaps, summer-bound broccoli, thinking ahead to Japanese beetles, and much more. Get ready to get back in the garden as the seasons begin to shift into spring. And then back to winter. And we'll throw some summer in the mix, too. All in the span of a few days. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W0mz6CHpuoc Skip to what you want to know:00:36 Hey Ken! The weather has been crazy! Do we yet know what this means for our early-spring flowers?05:07 Questions from the Home Lawn and Garden Day in Bloomington/Normal06:35 What are some non-toxic or environmentally friendly ways to kill or keep weeds under control in garden beds?10:42 Hints on growing brassicas in our area/climate? Cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Mine seem to fade in the heat.16:11 Drip irrigation is supposed to be better than sprinklers. Can I do it myself? How do I choose and locate the equipment needed?21:45 What tools can you not live without, and which ergonomic tools can you recommend as we age?27:14 What plants are good for repelling rabbits?30:52 How can you prevent Japanese beetles from eating your flowers without using chemicals?37:49 What supplemental lighting (type of bulb, distance from the plants & length of time to keep lighting on) is best for Phalaenopsis orchids & African violets?42:23 https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights44:05 Thank yous and coming up next week. All About Mulch https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjoGarden Tools and Gadgets https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8wSupplemental Lighting for Orchids https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights 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

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

    MAR 13

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Enroth
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    318
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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