Good Growing

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

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. Ep. 205 Spring Ephemerals: Discovering Hidden Woodland Treasures | #GoodGrowing

    9H AGO

    Ep. 205 Spring Ephemerals: Discovering Hidden Woodland Treasures | #GoodGrowing

    Welcome to another episode of the Good Growing podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they dive into the fascinating world of spring ephemerals. These early bloomers emerge before trees leaf out, adding blooms to the landscape after winter's dormancy. In this episode, Ken and Chris discuss these unique plants and their lifecycles, give tips on growing spring ephemerals in your garden, and describe detailed insights into common Illinois spring ephemerals.  Skip to what you want to know:00:36 Hey Ken!00:45 Are the spring ephemerals emerging in our yards and around us?02:52 What is a spring ephemeral?05:23 Where do we commonly find spring ephemerals?08:14 Are Spring bulbs the same as spring ephemerals?11:51 When do you commonly see spring ephemerals emerge in Illinois?12:40 Can we plant spring ephemerals in our yards?14:16 Can spring ephemerals be used under evergreens?15:10 Should you buy bareroot or seed to start your spring ephemeral garden?20:19 The interesting way many spring ephemerals have their seed dispersed.22:23 Talking about specific species of spring ephemerals.   22:32 Skunk cabbage   24:46 Dutchman's Breeches   27:56 Jack in the Pulpit   32:25 Virginia bluebells   36:26 Yellow Trout Lily   38:40 Mayapple   42:36 Bloodroot44:54 Forest debris and invasive species competing with spring ephemerals   46:45 Spring beauty50:23 Don't dig up spring ephemerals from natural areas52:46 Plan for a succession of plants to fill in the holes left by spring ephemerals when they are done for the year.54:12 Thank you, and coming up next week Links to our articles on spring ephemeralsSpring brings spring beauties to the landscape https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-04-15-spring-brings-spring-beauties-landscape A plant of many colors: Virginia bluebell https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-03-15-plant-many-colors-virginia-bluebellA favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-17-favorite-spring-ephemeral-bloodrootTrillium: Good things come in threes https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-04-07-trillium-good-things-come-threes  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
  2. Ep. 204 Decoding Soil Test Results: What those numbers really mean | #GoodGrowing

    MAR 21

    Ep. 204 Decoding Soil Test Results: What those numbers really mean | #GoodGrowing

    Welcome to the Good Growing Podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the world of soil testing. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understand how to unlock the secrets of your soil and boost your garden's productivity. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/vJKpTfJabKk Skip to what you want to know:0:27 Hey Ken! Soil test reports have lots of numbers, what do they all mean?01:13 How do you collect a soil sample for testing? Do many gardeners test their soil in Illinois?08:08 What do we do with our soil sample? Buy a home test kit? Use a soil lab?08:56 How to find a soil lab.11:27 Stick with Midwestern soil labs.13:23 Showing our soil test results14:01 Ken's soil test report from Lukeman Garden's Extension Demonstration Garden17:11 Ken's soil test recommendations - corn, soybeans, grains, and legumes19:12 Chris reads his soil test report (lawn)31:08 Chris' soil test recommendations for lawn.34:02 Thanks and coming up next week Illinois Extension Soils Website https://extension.illinois.edu/soil Soil Test Lab lists https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-test-labs Testing Your Soil w/ Duane Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv7iocI90os Collecting Soil Samples with Chris Enroth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1G1tso_N40  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

    36 min

  3. MAR 14

    Ep. 203 Native grasses and pollinators: The overlooked role of native grasses in supporting pollinators | #GoodGrowing

    Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TCE-wQyjn38    Skip to what you want to know:     00:30 – Welcome, Ken. How often do we discuss grasses in pollinator presentations?   02:20 – What type of grasses are we talking about?    03:10 – Which native grasses do well in gardens?   06:15 – Native grasses as pollinator nesting and overwintering habitat   13:28 – Cleaning up plant debris from the garden   17:05 – Native grasses as larval food sources   23:20 – Native grass pollen as a food source   28:58 – Selecting and incorporating native grasses in the landscape    38:58 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!      Fall garden clean-up  Spring garden clean-up Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates and A Guide to the Butterflies They Support Role of grasses in a pollinator 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

    41 min
  4. Ep. 202 The Humble Garden Pea: History and How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing

    MAR 7

    Ep. 202 The Humble Garden Pea: History and How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing

    Welcome to another episode of the Good Growing Podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they delve into the fascinating world of garden peas, Pisum sativum. Explore the rich history of garden peas, from their origins in ancient agriculture to their role in the development of modern genetics. Get practical advice on planting, caring for, and harvesting garden peas, including tips on soil preparation, spacing, and dealing with common pests and diseases. From childhood memories of canned and frozen peas to the joys of growing your own, this episode covers everything you need to know about these humble yet delightful vegetables. Skip to what you want to know:00:37 Hey Ken! What type of peas did we eat growing up? Canned, frozen, or fresh?02:44 National Garden Bureau Plant of the Year - The Garden Pea03:23 Is it time to plant garden peas in early March?06:15 The history of the garden pea. Domestication09:39 Why did humans pick the garden pea for domestication 10,000 years ago?11:54 The dawn of a sweeter garden pea.14:31 Talking about Gregor Mendel and the birth of modern genetics.17:07 Growing garden peas18:09 Shelling peas19:03 Snow/Sugar peas19:41 Snap peas22:01 Growing requirements spacing, soil, trellising, etc.24:16 What pea cultivars does Ken grow in his garden?27:28 Using peas as a bioassay.28:20 How deep do you plant pea seeds?29:24 Garden pea problems32:14 Thank yous and coming up next week.

    35 min
  5. Ep. 201 Chamomile: Discover 2025's herb of the year | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 28

    Ep. 201 Chamomile: Discover 2025's herb of the year | #GoodGrowing

    Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension as they delve into the fascinating world of chamomile, the 2025 Herb of the Year. In this episode, Chris and Ken discuss the different types of chamomile, including Roman and German chamomile, and their unique characteristics. Learn about the benefits of chamomile, from its use in herbal teas to its role in beauty products and even baby diapers. Discover the best practices for growing, harvesting, and using chamomile in your garden and home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious about this versatile herb, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to explore the wonders of chamomile and how it can enhance your garden and lifestyle. Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDqLJBDEogw Skip to what you want to know:00:30 Hey Ken! Do you like to drink tea?00:59 Herb of the year - Chamomile. Have we tried chamomile tea?02:18 What is the proper way to pronounce "chamomile"?03:22 The different species of chamomile, look-a-likes, and chamomile adjacent.   07:24    Pineapple weed   08:37    Stinking Chamomile   09:35    Dyer's Chamomile10:53 The economics of chamomile12:30 How is chamomile harvested commercially (past and present)15:33 Recommended varieties of German chamomile18:17 What is Roman chamomile used for?19:45 Growing German chamomile22:54 Recommended growing conditions for German chamomile24:37 Harvesting German chamomile flowers25:59 Chamomile is also attractive to pollinators26:42 Drying and steeping times30:38 Thanks yous and coming up next week 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

    33 min
  6. Ep. 200 Monstera: From the rainforest to must-have houseplant | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 21

    Ep. 200 Monstera: From the rainforest to must-have houseplant | #GoodGrowing

    Have you joined the Monstera craze? With their unique leaves and forms, Monsteras have become popular houseplants. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about Monstera plants, including their history, care, different species, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xyQlbH-7ws  Skip to what you want to know:     00:30 – Welcome, Ken. Have we spent lots of money on Monsteras?   01:15 – What are our experiences with Monstera?   04:00 – The history of Monstera and where do they come from?   07:10 – What is the growth habit of Monstera, and what do they look like?    09:25 – Why are there holes (fenestrations) in the leaves?   13:30 – Growing Monstera   18:35 – Monstera toxicity   19:15 – Monstera deliciosa    24:43 – Propagating Monstera   26:25 –Monstera adansonii    28:17 – Monstera esqueleto   30:50 –Monstera obliqua    34:05 –Monstera epipremnoides    35:55 –Monstera Peru   37:22 –Monstera standleyana (cobra monstera)    39:00 – Some more resources   40:50 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Year of the Monstera, National Garden Bureau A Revision of Monstera (Areaceae) Revision of Monstera (Araceae: Monsteroideae) of Central America The adaptive function of leaf fenestrations in Monstera spp (Araceae) a look at water, wind, and herbivory, May 2011  Flower and Fruit of the Monstera Deliciosa     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

    44 min
  7. Gardenbite: Tree Topping - A result of chainsaws and bad decisions | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 14 · BONUS

    Gardenbite: Tree Topping - A result of chainsaws and bad decisions | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth with University of Illinois Extension takes us on a deep dive into the controversial practice of tree topping. Often referred to as stubbing or hat-racking, tree topping involves cutting the canopy of a tree back to a uniform height, which can have disastrous consequences for the tree's health and safety. Chris rants, er...explains why this outdated method is harmful, detailing the science behind tree growth and the negative impacts of removing significant leaf cover. He also discusses the legal liabilities homeowners face with poorly managed trees and who to turn to when you need a tree care professional. Tune in to learn why tree topping is like giving your tree a bad haircut and discover better ways to care for your landscape investments. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5YHneEN0zyA  Skip to what you want to know:01:58 Tree topping has been done for generations. Are you saying Grandma was wrong?02:27 What happens when you top a tree?02:59 The rise of epicormic shoots!03:58 Epicormic shoots are WEAK!04:20 Watch out for widowmakers!04:54 Will I get in trouble for having widowmakers in my trees?05:29 What can I do to avoid tree care people that top trees?05:53 How do we prune shade trees without tree topping?06:22 Topped trees are ugly!07:28 What about this thing called pollarding? Is that the same as tree topping? 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 Chainsaw footage provided by Storyblocks --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
  8. Ep. 199 The return of the Grow Along | #GoodGrowing

    FEB 7

    Ep. 199 The return of the Grow Along | #GoodGrowing

    Looking to try something new in the garden this year? You’re in luck because, back by popular demand, the Good Growing Grow Along returns with a fresh lineup of unique and beautiful plants for 2025. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about the plants we’ll be growing for this year's Grow Along, how you can participate, and more.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4pCC_Ndkkeg    Skip to what you want to know:     00:30 – Welcome, Ken and Emily. What should we call this year’s Grow Along?   02:25 – What is the Good Growing Grow Along?   04:30 – What has changed from last year’s Grow Along?   07:15 – How can I register for the Grow Along?    09:55 – What will we be growing this year for the Grow Along?     10:25 - Papalo ‘Butterfly’     15:40 - Sweet pepper ‘Christmas tree’      19:40 - Melon ‘Kajari’     23:18 - Tomato ‘Black Krim’     27:02 - Toothache Plant ‘Bullseye’     30:55 - Basil ‘Dark Purple Opal’     34:50 - Celosia ‘Mega Punk’     39:40 - Cosmos ‘Seashells Mix’     43:50 - Zinnia ‘Old Mexico’   48:23 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!      Join us for the Good Growing Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong   Starting seeds at home: https://youtu.be/lNCwDYkdS50 Toothache plant: What is it and how to grow it: https://youtu.be/Z7ywlxrKWTM       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 Drumroll provided by Storyblocks   -- 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

    51 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
      262
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © All rights reserved
    • Show Website
      Good Growing

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