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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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- 2 days ago53 min
Ep. 273 Plant Problem Diagnostics: the Investigation Process | #GoodGrowing
When plants are having problems, we want to know the cause and how best to help our plants. In this episode, we are joined by Kate Kammler, Field Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, to demystify the process of plant diagnostics. We discuss the importance of observing symptoms, gathering site history, considering environmental conditions, and ruling out potential causes before arriving at a diagnosis. Skip to what you want to know: 03:50 - Welcome Kate Kammler, Missouri Extension08:55 - Plant Identification12:53 - Investigate situation16:20 - Tangent: Armadillos22:44 - Consider Environmental conditions26:24 - Soil health and diagnostics32:12 - Conclusion: Now what to do?39:02 - Goals: Growing Pumpkins43:08 - Final thought: some plants die no matter what we do44:48 - Soup Talk: a Podcast within a Podcast50:55 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! 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 ago1h 14m
Ep. 272 From Sunlight to Cotton Candy: The Sweet Science of Sugar
It's the annual Good Growing Halloween Spooktacular, and this year's costumes are as sweet as the topic. Join Chris the Chloroplast, Emily as Rosie the Riveter, and Ken as Cotton Candy as they take a deep dive into one of the world's most important plant products: sugar.The episode starts at the source with a fascinating look at photosynthesis and how plants transform sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into the sugars that fuel nearly all life on Earth. From glucose and fructose to sucrose, Chris breaks down the science behind how plants create and transport these essential sugars.Then Ken explores the surprisingly complex history of sugar production, tracing sugarcane's journey from New Guinea across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Along the way, the hosts discuss the development of sugar beets, the rise of the sugar industry, and some of the difficult historical realities tied to sugar production and global trade.The conversation continues as Emily describes how sugar is extracted from both sugarcane and sugar beets, what happens during refining, the difference between white and brown sugar, and why sugar processing is more complicated than most people realize. The hosts even debate whether growing and processing homemade sugar might be a future gardening experiment.Of course, it wouldn't be a Halloween episode without talk of trick-or-treating, favorite candies, candy corn controversies, parent candy taxes, and a Soup Talk segment that veers into a discussion about Cincinnati chili.Skip to what you want to know:01:21 Who or what did we dress as this year?03:01 We dress up every year. Do we enjoy Halloween? 05:29 What is our favorite Halloween candy? 09:06 How is sugar made - in plants? An abridged look at photosynthesis. 20:10 Humans like sugar 23:05 What plants do we use to make processed sugar? 24:13 History of sugar cane. 28:55 Sugar has dark moments in its past. 30:45 History of sugar beets. 35:42 How is sugarcane grown commercially? 40:59 Sugar beet commercial production 46:01 The process of refining sugarcane and sugar beets into sugar 54:43 Sugar Stats 57:31 Will we try growing our own sugar? 1:03:36 Soup Talk! Cincinnati Chili...what is it? 1:11:24 Thank you, and coming up next week. Learn more about sugar:The sugar beet – University of Illinois (1897)Sugar beet experiments in Illinois – University of Illinois (1899)The sugar beet industry in Illinois – University of Illinois (1900)Instructions for growing sugar beets – University of Illinois (1902)Sugarcane – University of FloridaContact 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/podc
- 2 weeks ago1h 1m
Ep. 271 From forest to ballpark: The trees behind baseball bats | #GoodGrowing
Baseball bats are such a familiar part of the game that we rarely stop to think about where they come from. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of baseball bats from tree to ballpark, learn why species like ash, maple, and birch are favorites among players, discover how bats are made, and uncover some surprising history behind America’s pastime. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcJlLBpvpNc Skip to what you want to know: 06:34 – A brief history of baseball and bats 13:03 – What type of wood was used for early baseball bats? 15:54 – Metal vs wood bats 18:02 – Evolution of the bat from dead to live ball eras 22:07 – MLB bat regulations 24:18 – What species of wood is used in modern baseball bats? 38:42 – Is the wood used in bats now different than 'back in the day'? 46:10 – Manufacturing baseball bats 54:25 – Other materials used to make bats 57:36 – Soup talk 58:43 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! 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
- 3 weeks ago55 min
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.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
- Oct 9, 202659 min
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 weekResources Mentioned:Linnaeus's folly – phylogeny, evolution and classification of Sedum (Crassulaceae) and Crassulaceae subfamily Sempervivoideae https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tax.12316Sedum Mats https://columbia-green.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sedum-Mat-All-Standard-Mixes-TIS.pdfIllinois 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.eduCheck out the Good Growing Blog: https://https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://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: 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
- Oct 2, 20261h 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
- Sep 25, 202653 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
- Sep 18, 202632 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
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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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