Good Growing

Chris Enroth

Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.

  1. 4D AGO

    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

  2. NOV 7

    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

  3. OCT 31

    Ep. 230 From alien wasps to zombie ants, parasites are all around | #GoodGrowing

    It’s a Halloween Spooktacular! While they are usually overlooked, parasites are all around us. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the complex, surprisingly common, and sometimes creepy world of parasites and parasitoids with Dr. Kacie Athey. Learn how these tiny creatures attack and manipulate their hosts, the difference between parasites, parasitoids, and diseases, discover mind-controlling fungi that infect insects, and more!   Watch us on YouTube:   Skip to what you want to know:     02:47 - Welcome, Dr. Kacie Athey!   04:46 – What are parasites? How are they different than diseases?   06:21 - What are some parasites we commonly encounter or affect humans?  09:59 - Parasites 'in the garden' - parasitoid wasps   17:22 - Parasitoid wasps and hornworm caterpillars   23:30 - Parasitoid wasps and aphids   25:37 - The (sometimes) bizarre world of hyperparasitoids.   37:33 - Cordyceps - The Last of Us comes to insects   44:28 - A few more examples of parasites manipulating host behavior   48:44 - A few parasitic plants   54:37 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Alabagrus kaciejoae Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant     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

    58 min

  4. OCT 24

    Ep. 229 Why Leaves Change in the Fall and Which Trees Do It Best | #Good Growing

    In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the science and spectacle of fall foliage. From the pigments behind the seasonal color shift to their favorite underappreciated trees (sorry, maples), the duo explores what makes autumn leaves so dazzling—and why some years are better than others. Learn the difference between carotenoids and anthocyanins, discover native trees that deserve more love, and find out which species drop all their leaves in one dramatic swoop. Plus, a fun detour into the origins of the words “fall” and “autumn,” and a few honorable mentions that might surprise you.Whether you call it fall, autumn, or harvest season—this episode is packed with colorful insights! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t2VGsf8SPiU 00:41 Hey Ken!01:46 Is it the Autumn or Fall season?04:47 The process occurring inside the leaves that causes color change.11:42 Ideal weather for fall color.13:14 Native trees for fall color (besides maples)14:15 Black gum, Nyssa sylvatica17:55 Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua23:54 Sassafras, Sassafras albidum28:05 Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum29:03 Oaks, Quercus spp.31:23 Gingko, Gingko biloba35:59 Honorable Mentions36:10 Redbud36:47 Honeylocust37:04 Flowering dogwood37:13 Bald cypress39:30 Poison ivy40:34 Thank yous and coming up next week Read more about it:  Falling for Autumn - https://weconservepa.org/blog/falling-for-autumn/Beyond maples: Trees for fall color - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-10-20-beyond-maples-trees-fall-color Dive Deeper into Fall Color PigmentsGardenbite: The Science Behind Fall Color - https://youtu.be/2puA2uMoXEg 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

    42 min

  5. OCT 17

    Ep 228 Should they stay or should they go: What should we do with fallen leaves? | #GoodGrowing

    The arrival of fall means vibrant colors and a whole lot of leaves on the ground. So, what should we do with all those leaves? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss whether or not we should remove leaves from our landscapes, and if we do, what can we do with them?    Watch us on YouTube   Skip to what you want to know:     00:38 - Are leaves starting to drop near us?   02:10 – Fall color update   03:53 - Should we remove our leaves or leave the leaves? Impacts on insects.    13:15 - Recommendations for fall leaves and helping insects   15:29 - What can be done with leaves?    28:42 - How do we use leaves in our landscapes?   36:18 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!   Read more about it:   Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects     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

    38 min

  6. OCT 10

    Ep. 227 Stink Bugs, Lady Beetles & Boxelder Invasions: Fall’s Uninvited Houseguests | #GoodGrowing

    As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many insects begin their annual migration—straight into our homes. In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the biology and behavior of three common fall invaders: the brown marmorated stink bug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the boxelder bug. Learn how these insects respond to seasonal changes, why they choose our homes for overwintering, and how to identify them accurately. The hosts also discuss the ecological impact of invasive species, like the stink bug and Asian lady beetle, and share practical, research-based strategies for keeping these pests out of your living space. Skip to what you want to know:00:43 Hey, Ken! It rained, but it is still dry.03:59 Now is the time of year when certain insects take refuge in our homes.04:42 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug14:17 Multi-colored Asian lady beetle22:30 Boxelder Bug27:05 Keeping fall-invading insects out of your home.29:07 Exclusion32:34 Do insecticides work to keep them out?34:40 How to handle them when they get inside38:15 Thank yous and coming up next week Read More:Fall House Guests - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-10-01-fall-house-guestsLadybugs everywhere: Preventing and managing multicolored Asian lady beetles - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-11-01-ladybugs-everywhere-preventing-and-managing-multicolored-asian-lady Pictures:Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.orgJoseph Berger, Bugwood.orgBill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.orgWilliam M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.orgSusan Ellis, Bugwood.orgGyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.orgRob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.orgKristie Graham, USDA ARS, Bugwood.orgJack Rabin, Rutgers NJ Agric. Expt. Station, Bugwood.orgGerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 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

    40 min

  7. OCT 3

    Ep. 226 Spotted lanternfly in Illinois: Where it is and what to look for | #GoodGrowing

    Have you heard about the spotted lanternfly and wondered where it is in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Kelly Estes, State Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator, about the arrival of this invasive insect. Learn about how spotted lanternfly got here and where it’s been found, what it looks like, where to look for it, how to report it, and more!    Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q9YSSOuSkfY   Skip to what you want to know:     01:35 - Welcome, Kelly Estes! What is your role with University of Illinois?   05:06 - What is spotted lanternfly? Why should we be concerned?   06:18 - How did spotted lanternfly get here?   07:17 - Is spotted lanternfly present in Illinois?    08:39 - Is there any type of quarantine set up for spotted lanternfly?   10:03 - The spread of spotted lanternfly.   11:46 - If we live somewhere with spotted lanternfly, what should we expect?   13:39 - Spotted lanternfly life cycle and identification.   19:20 - If we don't live in an area with spotted lanternfly, where should we be looking for them?   20:28 - Should we kill tree of heaven or leave some to scout for spotted lanternfly?   22:37 - If I see a spotted lanternfly, what should I do?   28:11 - Squashing spotted lanternfly, sticky traps, and spotted lanternfly awareness.     32:20 – Raining honeydew and other nuisance problems  37:31- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Read more about it:   Report sightings of spotted lanternfly in Illinois to lanternfly@illinois.edu Illinois Spotted Lanternfly Homeowner’s Guide Spotted Lanternfly Summit     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

    40 min

  8. SEP 26

    Ep. 225 Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners & Communities | #GoodGrowing

    In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Colleen Reuter, Environmental Compliance professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore the world of green infrastructure and stormwater management. From rain gardens and rain barrels to depaving driveways and even the surprising role of beavers in flood control, this episode dives into practical, research-based strategies that homeowners and communities can use to reduce erosion, manage runoff, and improve water quality. We also preview the upcoming Illinois Green Infrastructure and Erosion Control Conference, a free, public event packed with expert speakers, hands-on solutions, and professional development opportunities. Conference Info: October 28 at the iHotel in Champaign, IL Register at: ccstormwater.org Registration deadline: October 14  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OpiuAlNO1As  Skip to what you want to know:00:43 Hey Ken! It rained...a little.02:18 Welcome Colleen Ruhter!03:05 Who are the partners for the Green Infrastructure and erosion control conference, and what is green infrastructure?04:38 Why is managing stormwater important?06:44 How does an impervious surface affect stormwater runoff?11:25 What is depaving, and why is it a good idea for people to depave their landscape?16:10 How do rain gardens help manage stormwater?19:52 Are rain barrels effective when dealing with typical amounts of stormwater runoff?23:37 Why are fall leaves a problem with stormwater management?25:09 Is it useful for communities to work together to reduce pollution in the stormwater system?29:03 Separating combined storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems.32:01 Are there any good examples of communities that have incorporated green infrastructure into their stormwater system?32:56 One of the conference topics is going to be about beavers. Are beavers considered a good stormwater management tool? 35:10 Where can people go to learn more about the conference and about stormwater management?37:57 Thank you 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

    40 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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