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Good Growing: Daily Summaries Delivered
by University of Illinois Extension
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.
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- 6 days ago1h 4m
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.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily 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
- 1 weeks ago53 min
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/WKrvhztDw8EContact 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/goodgrowingsubscribeAny 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
- 2 weeks ago32 min
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-sUESkip 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 bulb06:35 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 bulbsContact 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/goodgrowingsubscribeAny 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
- 3 weeks ago56 min
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/zDhAISO3wlASkip 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 migrationMigratory Insects of North AmericaHow do insects survive cold weather?Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insectsEvolutionary impacts of winter climate change on insects Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily 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
- Sep 4, 20261h 2m
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.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily 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
- Aug 28, 202641 min
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 seasonTroubles with Tomatoes https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-05-01-troubles-tomatoesStalled 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-redContact 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/goodgrowingsubscribeAny 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
- Aug 21, 202658 min
Ep. 262 Growing orchids at home: Easier than you think | #GoodGrowing
Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but they may be easier than you think! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, where we are joined by horticulture educator and longtime orchid enthusiast Jack Schooley. Learn about common orchid myths, good orchids for beginners, watering and light requirements, getting orchids to rebloom, and troubleshooting common problems. Plus, discover whether watering orchids with ice cubes is a good idea and how there really is an orchid for everyone! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSO87aYwcJo Skip to what you want to know: 01:56 – Welcome Jack! Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into growing orchids? 05:34 – Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to grow. Is that true? What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about orchids? 10:19 – For someone buying their first orchid, what type(s) would you recommend? 12:42 – What should people look for when purchasing an orchid? 15:53 – Do we grow orchids like regular houseplants? What makes orchids different from other houseplants? 21:34 – Watering orchids, should we use ice cubes? 24:07 – Humidity 27:57 – Where should we locate orchids indoors? 30:39 – Repotting orchids. What kind of pot should be used (do they need to be clear)? When do you know when to repot? 34:57 – How do we get orchids to rebloom? 43:15 – Common orchid problems 50:59 – What is the most common reason orchids fail to thrive long-term? 52:32 – Top three orchid growing tips 56:29 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.eduJack Schooley: jackrs@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
- Aug 14, 202654 min
Ep. 261 Horticultural rules of thumb | #GoodGrowing
This week’s Good Growing Podcast explores some common horticultural “rules of thumb” that might make garden and landscape care easier and more successful. Learn about the origins, benefits, and limitations of common guidelines. Many of the guides we discuss are frequently used on the Good Growing Podcast or in Extension programs, so if you have ever scratched your head after hearing an odd phrase from one of Illinois Extension’s Horticulture Educators, listen, and we will help you decipher some of our favorite “rules of thumb”. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1Wap-lCNC-4 Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.eduKen Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.eduEmily 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
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About Good Growing
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.
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