Good Growing

In this candid and photo-filled episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson take you on a tour of their own backyards. You will see the good, bad, and pretty. Learn about battling verticillium wilt and jumping worms to celebrating volunteer wildflowers and thriving pollinator beds. During the show, Chris tries a cucumber melon for the first time, and Ken shares his ever-expanding front yard prairie project. They share what’s working, what’s not, and what they’ve learned during a hot, humid, and rain-soaked Illinois summer. Watch us on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RYNgQSKxXxc Skip to what you want to know: 00:39 Hey Ken! 01:12 The growing conditions up to this point in our 2025 gardens 04:11 A dead tree and confirmed diagnosis: Verticillium wilt. Dealing with Verticillium wilt of trees and shrubs. 08:37 Checking out how things are growing in Ken's backyard 13:15 Chris found the invasive jumping worm in his landscape bed 20:27 Checking in on Ken's vegetable garden 29:16 Is this a melon or a cucumber? It's a cucumber melon! 31:55 Passive tick control - tick tubes 34:04 Ken's passive mosquito control - mosquito bucket of doom! 36:07 What's growing along Ken's driveway? 37:09 Check out our hydrangeas 40:57 Ginger midsummer update 45:00 Ken’s summer wildflower display - Kill your lawn! 51:37 Thank yous and coming up next week 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

Wasps often get a bad reputation for being aggressive and painful pests. However, they play important roles in our gardens. From pollination to pest control, wasps are more helpful than many people realize. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about the benefits of wasps and how to safely manage them in your landscape. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uw7BSf9kUQ0 Pollination Success Following Loss of a Frequent Pollinator: The Role of Compensatory Visitation by Other Effective Pollinators - https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plx020. Yellow Jackets May Be an Underestimated Component of an Ant-Seed Mutualism - https://www.jstor.org/stable/3877985. ‌ 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

Have you ever wondered if trees and crops can grow together and actually benefit each other? Or maybe you've heard the term "agroforestry" and aren't quite sure what it means. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we dig into the world of agroforestry with MJ Oviatt from the Savanna Institute. From windbreaks and riparian buffers to growing nuts, berries, and more, learn how blending trees with agriculture can boost biodiversity, protect soil and water, and even support your bottom line! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0oVLH5i9Us Skip to what you want to know: 00:35 - Welcome back, Ken. What's our agroforestry experience? 02:45 - Welcome, MJ Oviatt 06:34 - What is agroforestry? Does it work in Illinois? 10:29 - Is agroforestry focused on economics? Or ecology? 14:06 - What benefits does agroforestry provide to a farm or property? 17:42 - Are there barriers that keep property owners from incorporating agroforestry? 22:52 - What kind of plants can be used for windbreaks? 27:32 - Is there a wrong way to create a windbreak? 33:12 - What are riparian buffers? What are the benefits of these? 42:47 - Does the Savanna Institute have examples of agroforestry in practice? Do you provide education for landowners? 49:31 – Savana Institute's work on hazelnuts 54:18 - MJ, what species would you want in your own agroforestry project? 57:46 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what's up next week, and goodbye! Savanna Institute: https://www.savannainstitute.org/ Perennial AF Podcast: https://www.savannainstitute.org/perennialaf/ MJ Oviatt: https://www.savannainstitute.org/staff-mj-oviatt/ 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

In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris Enroth kicks back over the Fourth of July weekend to flash back to a 2021 chat with Extension educator Elizabeth Wahle, who declares Spigelia her all-time favorite garden plant. Why? Picture a flower dressed for Mardi Gras with scarlet red petals, golden yellow tips, and a flair that hummingbirds can’t resist. Spigelia marilandica, also known as Indian Pink or Carolina Pink, might become your new favorite native 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

In this itchy edition of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth shares his annual run-in with one of summer’s most irritating pests—chiggers. Just in time for the Fourth of July, Chris dives into the myths, facts, and personal stories surrounding these nearly invisible arachnids. Learn what chiggers really are, how they bite, why nail polish won’t help, and what you can actually do to protect yourself. Whether you're gardening, hiking, or dodging fireworks, this Garden Bite will help you stay itch-free and informed. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/D1Wkcf0qQaY Good Growing Blog Post https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-07-02-unseen-menacechiggers Kansas State University https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/03/entomology-chiggers-in-kansas.html University of Missouri https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7398 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

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Emily Swihart are joined by horticulture educator Ryan Pankau to unpack a 2024 study from the Illinois Natural History Survey. The topic? Chemical trespass—how herbicides and other pesticides are drifting into Illinois’ natural areas and impacting native ecosystems, impacting a keystone group of trees - oaks. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/44Ue4HbGS7Y Skip to what you want to know: 00:33:12 Hello Emily! 01:35:06 Welcome, Ryan Pankau! 02:18:18 What report are we talking about? Understanding the extent and consequences of chemical trespass for Illinois ecosystems 02:57:12 How has the landscape of Illinois changed historically to where we are today? 10:16:15 What is chemical trespass? 12:58:18 What organizations conducted this study? 16:49:15 What type of data was collected? What species seemed to be most impacted? 19:14:23 What is the ecological impact of pesticide trespass in our forests? 24:30:24 Does this just impact trees on the edges of fields or throughout a forest? 25:20:02 What did the data show in the collection samples? 27:31:09 What was the percentage of chemical trespass observed? 29:56:00 Can we solely rely on visual assessment to determine levels of herbicide trespass? 33:32:06 What they didn't find much of - dicamba and neonics 34:46:00 What does a tree that has been impacted by herbicide drift look like? 40:32:17 The importance of the lab tests in this study. 41:02:16 What do you do when your tree is impacted by herbicide trespass? 48:50:01 Can you prevent this damage or is there a way to protect trees and gardens from being damaged? 56:51:03 While there seemed to be a big focus on herbicide trespass, the study found a lot of fungicide in the later season samples. What is the impact of fungicide? 1:01:12:15 Our key takeaways from this report Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Emily Swihart eswihart@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. All photos by Chris Enroth 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

Roses are grown in many gardens for their large, showy, often fragrant flowers. If you grow roses, you may have noticed something eating the leaves of your plants, causing them to become unsightly. While various insects will feed on roses, one of the most commonly encountered pests is rose roseslugs. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about these rose pests and how to manage them. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fo836_3pgl8 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

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the fascinating world of milkweed—also known by its genus name, Asclepias. Whether you're a native plant enthusiast, pollinator advocate, or just curious about why this "weed" is the National Garden Bureau’s Plant of the Year, this episode is packed with insights. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qw24JnUOitQ Skip to what you want to know: 00:46 Hey Ken! How do you say Asclepias? 01:28 What's in a name? A scientific name! 03:08 What is Asclepias (milkweed), and how many species of Asclepias are out in the world? 04:11 History of Asclepias. 07:37 Uses of milkweed outside of the garden 09:30 The negative image of milkweed in the agricultural community 12:02 Milkweeds for the garden. Listing the species of Asclepias native to Illinois. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutplants/wildaboutplantsmilkweeds.html 13:28 The most common milkweeds we often see in a home landscape 15:17 Our favorite milkweeds that we grow 21:32 Key identifying characteristics of Asclepias 23:05 Milkweed and pollination: who is the best pollinator for the job? 24:41 Milkweed pollination biology https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/nvpmctn12764.pdf 27:39 Milkweed toxicity and monarch butterflies 28:34 All the other insects using milkweed besides the monarch butterfly 30:16 What is the best milkweed for monarch butterflies? 30:44 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2018.00169/full Monarch Butterflies Show Differential Utilization of Nine Midwestern Milkweed Species 37:35 Talking about honeyvine milkweed 42:19 How do you harvest and grow milkweed seeds? 45:56 Transplanting milkweed 47:09 milkweed maintenance 48:45 Mowing for monarchs https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2018-08-28-mowing-monarchs 52:08 Who decreed 2025 the year of Asclepias? 53:34 Thank you and see you next week! Photos: Ken Johnson, University of Illinois Extension Chris Enroth, University of Illinois Extension Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension 5347031 - William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org 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

Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own grapes right from your backyard? Or maybe you have a grape plant or two and are unsure of how to care for them. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we demystify the art and science of growing grapes at home with commercial agriculture specialist Dr. Elizabeth Wahle. From selecting disease-resistant cultivars to growing and training grape vines, managing pests, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUxI1tupXNI Skip to what you want to know: 00:23 - Welcome, Ken. What's your favorite way to consume grapes? 02:17 - Welcome, Elizabeth. 03:47 - What are the key things someone should consider before planting grapes in their backyard? 05:40 - Are there specific grape varieties that are best suited for beginners or small spaces? 08:27 - Can people grow grapes in containers? 10:55 - How big will a typical grape plant get? 12:01 - How important is climate and soil type when choosing grape varieties? 16:31 - When is the best time of year to plant grapevines? 19:11 - What kind of support structures do grapevines need (e.g., trellises, arbors)? 22:25 - Herbicides and the problems they can cause on grapes 24:10 - Do we need more than one type of grape for pollination? Are they self-pollinating? 25:26 - What are the most common mistakes new growers make? 29:07 - How do you prune grapevines, and why is it so important? Plus, a few more common grape growing mistakes. 34:31 - What pests or diseases should backyard growers watch out for? 40:20 - Growing grapes organically in Illinois 43:10 - What should someone do if their vines aren't producing fruit? 45:53 - Are there any low-maintenance grape varieties - "plant and forget"? 49:03 - How do you know when grapes are ready to harvest? 50:56 - Any tips for storing or preserving grapes after harvest? 54:15 - Elizabeth, what's your favorite way to consume grapes, what is your favorite grape variety, and why? 56:56 - Any final words of encouragement for someone thinking about starting their grape-growing journey? 58:00 - Wrap-up, thank yous, 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

Tired of being a mosquito magnet? In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson bust common mosquito myths and dive into what really works to keep those pesky biters at bay. From citronella candles and bug zappers to the viral “Bucket of Doom,” learn which repellents are backed by science—and which ones are just buzz. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or just want to enjoy your garden in peace, this episode is your go-to guide for mosquito control that actually works. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/dpAHAqJ2WhM Skip to what you want to know: 00:40 Hey Ken! 03:20 What makes people attractive to being bitten by mosquitoes? 05:55 Mosquito control that doesn't work 07:50 Purple Martins 10:40 Mosquito sonic repellents. 11:59 Bug zapper lights 16:49 A pan of soapy water. 17:49 Using mouthwash 21:38 Stuff that kind of works 21:44 Mosquito-repelling plants 24:46 Citronella candles 26:51 Mosquito control that can work 27:03 Fogging/spraying an area 30:56 Mosquito bucket of doom! 36:30 Habitat modification 41:47 Stay inside 44:03 Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing 45:44 CO2 Traps 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

Peonies are a springtime showstopper, fragrant, full, and beloved in gardens across the world. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast and explore the history of peonies, their flower forms, and tips for growing, dividing, and relocating them. We also discuss why ants are drawn to their buds, what might be keeping your peonies from blooming, and how to make the most of their short but spectacular bloom season. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_CB0qzCxJ5Q Skip to what you want to know: 00:33 - Welcome, Ken. How do you pronounce peony? Peonies and the rain. 02:12 - History and types of peonies 07:27 - Peonies as cut flowers 13:48 - Bloom times and cultivars 17:02 - Flower forms 22:20 - Why do we see ants on peony flowers? 25:38 - Peony diseases 30:33 - Moving and dividing peonies 35:52 - Breeding your own peonies 40:57 - The story of Peonydale 47:23 - Why aren't my peonies blooming? 50:17- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Read more about it: Peony flower forms: https://americanpeonysociety.org/learn/herbaceous-peonies/flower-types-anatomy/ Peonydale and the Wettengel Family Story: http://wimuseum.org/peonydale-and-the-wettengel-family-story/ 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

It’s late spring, which means buffalo gnats are back and biting. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we take a look at buffalo gnats, where they live, their lifecycle, what you can do to avoid their bites, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i0Hq-hZ6fFU 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

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson, horticulture educators with University of Illinois Extension, as they dive into the most pressing spring gardening questions. From getting seedlings ready for the great outdoors to how to water those newly planted Arbor Day trees and more, we've got some timely tips for the spring garden.

The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois, other ways we can support pollinators, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FWjduDGmGM Skip to what you want to know: 00:29 - Welcome, Ken. Where has spring gone? 03:06 - What is No Mow May? 06:57 - Some problems with No Mow May 13:44 - Dandelions, are they good for pollinators? 19:16 - What can we do to provide early-season resources for pollinators? 35:26- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Read more about it: Good Growing Blog - It’s almost May; is it time to stop mowing? Fitness costs and benefits of a non-native floral resource for subalpine solitary bees Amino Acid Content of Dandelion Pollen, a Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Nutritional Evaluation Illinois Pollinators website 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

From getting exercise to growing your own food to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to having a vegetable garden. However, sometimes, we run into space restrictions and give up hope of having our own vegetable garden. But does that have to be the case? Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about ways we can grow vegetables in small spaces, like cultivar selection, growing in pots, seasonal planting, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lVDite6vvGE Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 - Welcome, Ken. More plants for small spaces and our experiences with gardening in small spaces 03:18 - Happy Arbor Day 04:54 - Gardening in small spaces - selecting smaller plants 09:47 - Growing in containers 23:00 - Fruit plants for containers 28:10 - Using trellising to save space 34:30 - Growing in raised beds to save space 37:28 - Planting seasonally 40:03 - Incorporating food crops into landscaping (edible landscaping) 43:52 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Pictures: Watermelon Cal Sweet Bush - All-American Selections Pepper Pot-a-peno - All-America Selections 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

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage pests effectively while promoting a healthy and sustainable garden environment. Discover practical tips for scouting, diagnosing plant problems, and using pesticides responsibly. Plus, hear fascinating insights about lightning-resistant trees and the role of beneficial insects in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you master IPM and keep your garden thriving. Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5hYQSQSRhaU Skip to what you want to know: 00:36 Hey Ken! 01:13 Can trees benefit from lightning strikes? 05:40 Diving into and defining I.P.M. - Integrated Pest Management 06:16 What is a pest? It all depends (mostly). 11:17 Where do we begin our IPM strategy? 20:12 The foundation of an IPM structure (system). 21:13 Management techniques used in IPM (the pillars). 21:35 How do you scout for IPM? 23:50 Using good plant culture to avoid growing issues. 29:33 Controlling pests mechanically/physically. 34:29 Using other living things to help control plant pests. 40:04 Can you buy beneficial insects to be released in a garden to help control pests? 44:34 The fourth pillar of an IPM program - pesticides 50:25 Synthetic vs. biorational (organic) pesticides 57:42 Categorizing pesticides - contact vs. systemic 1:04:20 How do we use pesticides to limit the impact on bees? How some tropical trees benefit from being struck by lightning: evidence for Dipteryx oleifera and other large-statured trees https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062 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

Join us on the Good Growing podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson. In this episode, we explore the differences between honeybees and native bees, their roles in our ecosystems, and the ongoing debate surrounding their impact on agriculture and conservation. Our special guest, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sreelakshmi Suresh, shares their extensive experience in bee research, including insights into honeybee foraging, the waggle dance, and the challenges facing bee populations today. Discover how honeybees and native bees contribute to pollination, the economic implications of honeybee declines, and the importance of preserving native bee habitats. Whether you're a beekeeper, gardener, or simply curious about bees, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging discussions. Tune in to learn more about the buzz around bees and how you can support these vital pollinators. Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RbTg_6SFYwE Skip to what you want to know: 00:34 Hey Ken! How is spring treating us with the recent freeze? 01:52 Welcome, Sreelakshmi Suresh! 02:35 What is the difference between honeybees and North American native bees? Are they at odds? 04:11 Sreelakshmi's background and experience with bees 07:58 What is a honeybee waggle dance? 12:41 What's with the recent headlines of honeybee hives being lost at record rates? 16:16 What does the loss of honeybees mean for our food system, and should we all keep bees to help? 26:19 Do honeybees harm native bees? 37:58 Can honeybees and native bees coexist in a high-quality prairie? 45:56 Can honeybees' foraging preferences influence a native plant community? 50:33 How many species of bees are there in the world? In Illinois? 53:00 Talking about our favorite bees 55:51 Carpenter bee fun fact 57:22 Thank yous and see you next week!

Spring has arrived, which means the gardening questions have started coming into Extension offices. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of the questions that have come into our offices. Learn about planting grass in the spring, managing invasive plants, fertilizing fruit trees, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2_8AUONLR44 Skip to what you want to know: 00:27 – Welcome, Ken. Have we gotten our garden seeds started, a Good Growing Grow Along seed update, and an anniversary. 05:28 - I have a bare patch of ground, when should I plant grass seed? 08:38 – What is this plant? 09:27 – What is causing the stippling on the rhododendron leaves? 13:13 – My African violet has mealy bugs. How do I get rid of them? 16:18 – Bradford pear is becoming invasive but can still be bought. What are you doing to stop it from being sold? 21:57 – Managing honeysuckle, can I spray now? 24:38 - Wintercreeper 26:35 – What do we do about our homes being invaded by the multi-colored Asian lady beetle? 30:18 – How much fertilizer should I put on my fruit trees? 33:59 - Will cicadas affect my trees this year? 37:14 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Management of Invasive Plants and Pests of Illinois Bush honeysuckle management 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

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 Bloodroot 44:54 Forest debris and invasive species competing with spring ephemerals 46:45 Spring beauty 50:23 Don't dig up spring ephemerals from natural areas 52:46 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 ephemerals Spring 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-bluebell A favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-17-favorite-spring-ephemeral-bloodroot Trillium: 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.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

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 results 14:01 Ken's soil test report from Lukeman Garden's Extension Demonstration Garden 17:11 Ken's soil test recommendations - corn, soybeans, grains, and legumes 19:12 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.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