Good Growing

Chris Enroth
  • 4.8 (19)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. Ep. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing

    2D AGO

    Ep. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing

    Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and special guest Nick Frillman explore everything from tree identification and growing tips to wildlife connections and seed stratification. We’ll bust common myths—like whether persimmons need frost to ripen—and uncover quirky folklore, including the famous fork, knife, or spoon winter prediction. Skip to what you want to know: 00:33 Hey Ken!01:28 Where can we find persimmon growing naturally in Illinois?05:31 Sprouting persimmon seeds.07:51 What animals are eating and moving the seeds around Illinois?08:49 Folklore: Do persimmons require a frost to ripen?10:15 Can persimmon seeds predict the future winter weather?15:07 Other persimmon myths/facts16:56 Persimmon is the sweetest fruit native to Illinois.17:54 Where can we go to learn more about persimmons?19:18 Svannah Institute persimmon breeding19:29 University of Connecticut Climate Smart Orchard Handout19:50 Thank yous and Happy New Year! Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5FokCliff England - persimmon breederJames (Jim) Claypool - persimmon breeder (deceased)Cornell - http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/mfruit/persimmons.htmlSavanna Institute - https://www.savannainstitute.org/persimmon/  Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Nick Frillman frillma2@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

    22 min
  2. Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing

    12/19/2025

    Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing

    From pines and spruces to firs and cedars, evergreens are an important part of many landscapes in Illinois. Join us as we explore what makes these plants unique, how they thrive in tough conditions, and why they’re holiday favorites. Plus, we share some tips for caring for evergreens, choosing the right species for your landscape, and creative ways to repurpose your Christmas tree. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5y6VlnF24go   Skip to what you want to know:     00:34 – Welcome. Talking evergreens and episode 300!   03:02 – Definition time: evergreen, conifer, deciduous conifer, etc.   06:51 – What is the benefit of retaining leaves (being evergreen)?   08:59 – Common evergreens in Illinois landscapes     09:17 – Pines     10:52 – Spruce and fir trees       14:58 – Unusual fir Christmas tree problems no scent and weak limbs       17:26 – Is a Douglas-fir a true fir tree?     19:15 – When a pinecone isn't a pinecone, differentiating conifer cones     21:10 – Cypress family - bald cypress, arborvitae, eastern red cedar     25:38 – Holly     26:50 – Yew   30:45 – Planting evergreens   36:02 – Christmas trees as fire hazards   38:26 – Christmas trees after the holidays   41:46 – Scientific names   43:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   More information: Is It Pine, Spruce, or Fir? - https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-80     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

    45 min
  3. Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing

    12/12/2025

    Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing

    Persimmons are sweet, native to Illinois, and sometimes astringent! In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson sit down with Nick Frillman, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, to uncover everything you need to know about persimmons. From American vs. Asian cultivars to tips for growing them in Illinois, we cover cultivars, pollination, pruning, and harvesting tricks to avoid that dreaded cottonmouth.  Skip to what you want to know:00:39 Hey Ken! Have we ever eaten a persimmon?01:42 Welcome Nick!03:24 What is the difference between the Asian and American persimmon?08:10 Which type of persimmon is grown in Illinois?12:01 What is the comparison of astringent vs. non-astringent persimmon?16:47 What do we need to know about sourcing persimmon trees?19:45 What are some improved cultivars of persimmon available for sale?20:09 https://nafex.org/21:46 How are these trees sold? Bareroot or potted?22:45 American persimmons sold for deer hunting23:54 Where do persimmons need to be planted?  24:28 Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=317625:52 How does pollination work with persimmons? 30:39 What type of pruning is needed to grow persimmons?33:31 What other maintenance needs to occur when growing persimmons? Fertilizer? Irrigation?35:01 What pests can be problems with persimmons?36:39 How do you know when persimmons are ripe and ready to pick?41:16 What about the dropped persimmon fruit on the ground?44:39 How should we store persimmons?48:03 The difference in flavor and texture of American and Asian persimmons50:03 What are some processing methods for preserving persimmons?53:03 Thank yous and coming up next week! Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=3176 Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok 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
  4. Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

    12/05/2025

    Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

    Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we explore the fascinating world of holly (Ilex spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to its role in modern landscapes. Learn about different species, tips for planting and care, how to ensure those iconic red berries appear, and even some surprising uses for holly. Whether you’re decking the halls or planning your garden, this episode has everything you need to know about this holiday favorite.     Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ymwu5eIsyaw   Skip to what you want to know:     00:37 - Welcome, Ken. Talking holly this week.   01:47 – Holly mythology   05:10 - General growing conditions and care of holly   07:47 - Holly are dioecious, what does that mean? How does that affect pollination and fruit production?   13:21 – Pruning hollies   16:19 – Holly species (some)     17:28 - Ilex glabra – Inkberry     22:26 - Ilex crenata - Japanese holly     26:06 - Ilex decidua – Possumhaw     28:07 - Ilex verticilata – Winterberry     31:39 - Ilex x meserve - Blue holly     35:05 - Ilex aquifolium - English holly     36:58 - Ilex opaca - American holly     41:00 - Ilex cornuta - Chinese holly       42:56 – ‘Nellie Stevens’       45:59 – Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’   47:17 – Holly and wildlife   50:11 – Tea made from holly and a taste test   58:09 – Holly and deer and rabbits   59:06 - Wrap-up, 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

    1h 2m
  5. Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing

    11/28/2025 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re battling invasive bush honeysuckle! In this Garden Bite, Chris from the Good Growing podcast walks you through effective late-fall control methods. Learn how to identify honeysuckle when everything else has gone dormant, why timing matters for herbicide applications, and the step-by-step process for the cut-stump treatment using glyphosate. From hand-pulling small plants to tackling large shrubs with saws and chainsaws, this episode covers the tools, techniques, and tips you need to reclaim your woodland understory. Grab your gloves and join us as we keep slaying that honeysuckle!  Watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/fDynOj5pOOg  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

    5 min
  6. Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing

    11/21/2025 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing

    Have you ever had a container planter with perennials and excitedly waited for them to resume growth in the spring, but it never happened? Perennials in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, even if they are hardy to our area, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help these plants survive the winter, so we can enjoy them come spring.     Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CUbR7Dt7uws ‌  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

    7 min
  7. Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing

    11/14/2025

    Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing

    Discover the fascinating world of cranberries in this episode of Good Growing. Horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the history, science, and cultivation of one of North America’s few commercially grown native fruits. Learn how cranberries evolved from wild bog plants to a global industry, why they float during wet harvest, and the unique challenges growers face in managing seasonal demand. From Indigenous traditions to modern farming techniques, this episode dives deep into cranberry botany, sustainability, and the economics behind your favorite holiday berry.  Skip to what you want to know:00:39 Hey Ken! Ken loves cranberries and the holidays.01:26 We studied for this one, promise!01:56 What are cranberries? A look into history.04:23 America's Founding Fruit: The Cranberry14:57 Chris' favorite quote, cranberries are like cats16:12 The anatomy of a cranberry. Why do they float?18:34 Taste testing our fresh cranberries. 19:41 Difference between dry and wet harvest of cranberries26:04 Boom and bust of the cranberry market28:15 A year of growing cranberries from a farmer's perspective - Planting cranberries32:01 What does a cranberry field look like, and where do they get the water?33:31 Cranberries in the spring planting, irrigation needs, and pollination36:35 Summer in the cranberry field - ripening36:53 Fall in the cranberry field -harvest37:32 Wet harvest39:23 Dry Harvest40:48 The cranberry fields in the winter - protecting from winter injury44:59 Can you grow the American cranberry in the backyard?46:59 https://www.cranberries.org/bog-cup-activity53:11 Thank yous and coming up next week Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/eat/recipes/cranberry-pumpkin-muffins Cranberries https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-11-12-cranberries  America’s Founding Fruit: The Cranberry in a New Environment, by Susan Playfair https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/A/bo44311431.html 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

    56 min
  8. Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing

    11/07/2025

    Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the latest updates to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, which now includes nine newly listed invasive plant species. From the notorious Tree of Heaven to the sneaky Sericea Lespedeza. Plus, a tree many people have been waiting to be added to the list - Callery pear! Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 Hey Ken! Are we done gardening yet? What we're doing with all our ginger.03:03 News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on 9 new invasive plant species04:36 Tree of Heaven08:11 Garlic mustard10:23 Leafy spurge12:58 Sericea lespedeza16:06 Japanese stiltgrass18:05 Amur corktree20:01 Black and pale swallow-wort22:22 Callery Pear27:54 What does this mean to be listed as an invasive species?37:37 What is a native plant?39:59 Do other countries deal with invasive species?42:37 Thanks yous and coming up next week! Illinois Extension Press Release: Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/nine-new-invasive-species-regulated-illinois-expansion-exotic-weeds-actUSDA Plant Guide: Leafy Spurge https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg12069.pdfIllinois Regulations Regarding Invasive Plant Species https://extension.illinois.edu/invasives/regulations 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

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Enroth
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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