Good Growing

University of Illinois Extension
  • 4.7 (23)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    Ep. 270: Falling for Apples | #GoodGrowing

    Fall is the perfect time to focus on apples. In this week’s episode of Good Growing, Ken Johnson and Emily Swihart are joined by Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator Grant McCarty to discuss fall apple tree care, harvesting times, storage tips, common orchard challenges, and exciting varieties for home growers.     Watch us on YouTube:    Skip to what you want to know:     03:38 – Welcome, Grant! Recap of weather and harvest.   08:22 – Thinning defined.   10:55 – Apple tree care in the fall.   13:25 – Knowing when apples are ripe.    17:56 – Tips for storing apples.   21:37 – Late-season pests and disease.   25:57 – The challenge of small apples.   27:58 – When to plant apples.   29:40 – What does “rootstock” mean?   34:54 – Cross-pollination    38:56 – Grafting   45:36 – Red Delicious discussion   47:52 – Finding orchards   51:53 – Soup Talk   54:00 – 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

    Ep. 270: Falling for Apples | #GoodGrowing

  2. Oct 9 ·  Video

    Ep. 269 Sedums: Tough, Diverse, and Complicated | #GoodGrowing

    Sedums are some of the toughest and most versatile plants in the garden, but they're also at the center of a botanical identity crisis. This week on the Good Growing podcast, we dig into the world of sedums (or should we call them stonecrops... or even Hylotelephium?) and explore how advances in plant genetics have reshaped our understanding of this popular group of succulents. Learn about the different types of sedums, from low-growing groundcovers to upright favorites like Autumn Joy, along with their ideal growing conditions, landscape uses, pollinator value, and propagation techniques. We'll also discuss why these drought-tolerant plants thrive in challenging sites, common problems like flopping stems, and a few standout cultivars worth considering for your garden. Plus, we'll attempt to shine a light on the new taxonomy of sedum. Your sedum may not be a sedum anymore. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/WwY2aOPimAc  00:30 Hey Ken and Emily!02:09 Why is there now confusion about what makes a sedum a sedum?08:18 What characteristics do sedums have?09:08 The three types of "sedum"12:29 Pollinators19:29 Sedum's use on green roofs22:24 Propagating sedum24:14 What growing conditions are ideal for growing sedums?27:45 Dividing upright sedum. 28:20 Dealing with floppy sedums32:26 The popularity of Autumn Joy34:03 Some of the newer upright sedums (Hylotelephium)35:29 Designing with bold structure and colors of upright sedums (Hylotelephium)38:18 Companion plants for sedum39:27 Do sedums really want hot and dry weather to grow in?43:30 Soup Talk: a podcast within the Good Growing Podcast45:52 What sedums do we grow? Or ones we would like to try after reading about them?50:36 Where do sedums come from?51:24 Native sedum56:26 Thank yous and coming up next week Resources Mentioned:Linnaeus's folly – phylogeny, evolution and classification of Sedum (Crassulaceae) and Crassulaceae subfamily Sempervivoideae https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tax.12316 Sedum Mats https://columbia-green.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sedum-Mat-All-Standard-Mixes-TIS.pdf Illinois Pollinators Website Plant Profile - Wild Stonecrop https://illinoispollinators.org/plant/wild-stonecrop/ Contact us!Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://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: https://freesfx.co.uk/ --You can find us on most podcast platforms.iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCRVurbl - 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-167902Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

    Ep. 269 Sedums: Tough, Diverse, and Complicated | #GoodGrowing

  3. Oct 2 ·  Video

    Ep. 268 Tornadoes, rain, and El Niño: Looking back and ahead at Illinois weather in 2026 | #GoodGrowing

    Illinois has experienced no shortage of weather headlines this year. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford about a year of tornadoes, heavy rainfall, record hail, and sticky summer weather. Learn what fueled these weather events, why El Niño is making headlines, and what may be in store for us this fall and winter.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7UM5oYiCkS4   Skip to what you want to know:     01:18 – Welcome, Trent! Recap of summer 2026 weather.   07:31 – Why were there so many tornadoes this year in Illinois?   12:15 – Why is there a bubble around Jacksonville (or other cities) that keeps the rain away?   14:59 – Does corn sweat keep the temperature slightly cooler than it could if there were less humidity?    20:37 – What do we have to look forward to this fall weather-wise?   26:36 – What is El Niño?   32:08 – Will the El Niño this year be like The Day After Tomorrow (weather chaos)?   43:44 – Will we still be at risk of having a polar vortex? Are they somehow linked to El Niño?   50:57 – Do we see more sudden stratospheric warming events with climate change?   55:03 – Does our climate and weather lag behind the CO2 effects in the atmosphere?    59:06 – 3d printing of state record hailstone   1:02:21 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!     Illinois State Climatologist website   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

    Ep. 268 Tornadoes, rain, and El Niño: Looking back and ahead at Illinois weather in 2026 | #GoodGrowing

  4. Sep 25 ·  Video

    Ep. 267 Growing on rocks: Exploring gravel gardens | #GoodGrowing

    Gravel gardens are a new approach to gardening that utilizes a deep layer of gravel and deep-rooted plants to create a low-maintenance landscape. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we discuss the dynamics that define a gravel garden, applications where a gravel garden might be an appropriate strategy, and hesitations we have when considering installation and maintenance. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WKrvhztDw8E Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 267 Growing on rocks: Exploring gravel gardens | #GoodGrowing

  5. Sep 18 ·  Video

    Ep. 266 Lesser-Known Minor Bulbs That Shine in Spring | #GoodGrowing

    Planning for spring starts in fall! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we venture beyond tulips and daffodils to explore the world of minor bulbs with Ann Chanon of The Ohio State University. Ann shares her favorite minor bulbs, tips for planting and naturalizing them, and design ideas for creating bold displays with these small-but-mighty spring bloomers. Get ready to brighten a woodland garden, edge a pathway, or add early-season color beneath trees and shrubs. This episode will inspire you to think beyond the usual spring staples. Plus, this episode marks the beginning of Good Growing's virtual tour of Extension experts across the United States, with Ohio serving as our first stop. Grab your bulb catalogs and get ready to plan for a more colorful spring! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qhCCK9a-sUE Skip to what you want to know: 00:36  Hey Ken and Emily! 02:37  Welcome, Ann! 03:31  Trip graphic? 06:07  Ann's favorite minor bulb 06:35  What would be good minor bulbs to start with for beginners? 07:28  What are some of the lesser-known minor bulbs? (The minor, minor bulbs?) 08:15  Are there any native minor bulbs? 09:36  How can gardeners use these smaller bulbs to make a big impact in the landscape? 11:02  What are the recommended site conditions for minor bulbs? 13:19  What are some good companion plants to go with the minor bulbs? 16:39  What do we do with the minor bulb foliage after the plant is done blooming? 17:39  When do we plant minor bulbs? 19:49  Is there any special planting technique or soil amendments when planting minor bulbs? 22:21  What is the biggest mistake that people make when planting minor bulbs? 23:54  Are there any pests or diseases we need to be aware of with minor bulbs? 24:50  Recap of the minor bulbs Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 266 Lesser-Known Minor Bulbs That Shine in Spring | #GoodGrowing

  6. Sep 11

    Ep. 265 Insects in the fall and what we can do to help them | #GoodGrowing

    As summer gives way to fall, insects are busy preparing for winter in a variety of ways. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore which insects migrate, which stay put, and how they survive the cold months ahead. Plus, learn what gardeners can do this fall, from leaving leaves to delaying cleanup, to help support beneficial insects in the landscape.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zDhAISO3wlA Skip to what you want to know:     03:24 – What insects are we seeing more of in fall?   11:35 – How do insects survive the winter months?   24:27 – Creating overwinter habitat for insects   37:16 – Fall landscape clean-up with insects in mind   44:28 – Should we clean up vegetable gardens?   47:08 – Insects coming indoors in the fall   53:44 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!     Insects on the move – dragonfly migration Migratory Insects of North America How do insects survive cold weather? Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects Evolutionary impacts of winter climate change on insects     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

    Ep. 265 Insects in the fall and what we can do to help them | #GoodGrowing

  7. Sep 4

    Ep. 264 Goldenrod for every garden | #GoodGrowing

    As autumn approaches, one of the standout flowers that is beginning to bloom is goldenrod. Dozens of species are native to the Midwest, and more than 100 species can be found throughout the United States. To help us sift through which species is suited for which landscape, the Good Growing team reviews two recently published goldenrod trials, one from the Chicago Botanic Garden and one from Mt. Cuba Center, and discusses the results. Join Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart to learn more about this late-season stunner.   Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NzDJxNoGxRk     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

    Ep. 264 Goldenrod for every garden | #GoodGrowing

  8. Aug 28

    Ep. 263 It's Not a Disease! Common Tomato Fruit Problems You Can't Spray Away | #GoodGrowing

    Tomatoes may be the most popular garden crop, but they can also be the most frustrating. If your tomatoes are cracking, developing black spots on the bottom, refusing to ripen, or showing strange yellow shoulders, you're not alone. In this episode, Chris and Ken dig into the most common tomato fruit disorders caused by weather, watering, heat, and nutrient imbalances. We also discuss late-season tomato care, including topping plants, ripening green tomatoes indoors, and cleaning up the garden to reduce problems next year.  Skip to what you want to know:00:42 Hey Ken! Where are we making our tomato problem observations this year?  04:09 Ken has tomato fruitworm (corn earworm), and he's proud of it.  05:33 What's a psychological disorder?  08:06 Tomato fruit cracking  11:45 Tomato yellow shoulder  13:27 White core of tomatoes  16:00 Blossom-end rot  21:00 Tomatoes are not ripening, or there are no tomatoes even though there are flowers  29:50 Late-season tomato maintenance  30:14 Topping tomatoes  33:22 Tomato plant full of green tomatoes with a frost imminent  35:17 Cleaning up the tomatoes from the garden at the end of the season Troubles with Tomatoes https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-05-01-troubles-tomatoes Stalled Green Tomatoes: Why won’t they turn red? https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2025-08-29-stalled-green-tomatoes-why-wont-they-turn-red Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@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

    Ep. 263 It's Not a Disease! Common Tomato Fruit Problems You Can't Spray Away | #GoodGrowing
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4.7
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Illinois Extension
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    342
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Good Growing

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