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by Chris Enroth
Talking all things horticulture, ecology, and design.
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- 5 days ago9 min
Gardenbite: Color Theory in the Garden | #GoodGrowing
Take your landscape from random to remarkable. In this Gardenbite episode, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart explores how color theory can help you create a more cohesive, attractive, and intentional garden. Learn the difference between analogous color schemes that create calm, harmonious plantings and complementary color combinations that deliver bold contrast and visual impact. From choosing a favorite plant as your design anchor to selecting flowers and foliage that work together, Emily shares practical tips for using color with confidence. Whether you're planning a new garden bed or refreshing an existing landscape, this episode will help you stop guessing and start designing with purpose.Topics covered:What analogous and complementary color schemes areHow to use the color wheel to guide plant selectionsWays to create a cohesive garden designTips for balancing bold color combinationsHow foliage color and plant texture enhance your landscapeA simple step-by-step approach to designing with colorContact 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
- 1 weeks ago27 min
Gardenbite: Containing the Uncontainable: Managing Bamboo | #GoodGrowing
How far can running bamboo run?Bamboo may look exotic and tropical, but did you know some species can thrive right here in Illinois? In this Gardenbite episode, Chris Enroth dives into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of bamboo. From Illinois' own native giant cane to the notorious running bamboo that has sparked neighbor disputes and landscaping headaches, learn what makes these giant grasses so unique. Skip to what you want to know:00:51 Does bamboo grow in Illinois?02:02 Illinois has a native bamboo species!05:29 The different types of bamboo: pachymorph and leptomorphs11:04 Methods for containing bamboo18:44 How do you control bamboo?Bamboo rhizome barrier installation video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf7S80itdsoContact 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 ago8 min
Gardenbite: Weird looking coneflower flowers: Aster yellows and rosette mites | #GoodGrowing
Coneflowers are beloved native plants, but sometimes you may end up with strange-looking flowers. Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast to learn about two common causes of distorted coneflower blooms: aster yellows and coneflower rosette mites. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of each, understand how they affect your plants, and discover management strategies to help keep your garden looking its best. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uENkERouAR8 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 ago1h 6m
Ep. 258 Gardens of the Founding Fathers |#GoodGrowing
As Americans prepare to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Good Growing takes a look at the Founding Fathers as gardeners. In this episode, we explore the lesser-known side of our nation’s founders. In addition to being authors and signers of the Declaration of Independence and political leaders, many were lifelong, passionate gardeners, especially Thomas Jefferson. Listen to learn more about how his interest in gardening influenced his political thoughts, what was planted at his home, and how he recorded the vegetable trials he oversaw. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwNTIIRZiIY Skip to what you want to know: 03:23 – Welcome, Ken and Emily 05:26 – Founding fathers as gardeners 11:53 – The farm vs the garden 15:07 – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello 21:15 – Monticello garden terrace 26:46 – Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book 43:10 – Using food in the kitchen 47:06 – A messy garden for Thomas Jefferson 49:10 – End of life 55:02 – Founding Fathers Fun Facts 1:04:22 – 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
- Jun 26, 202649 min
Ep. 257 Design principles and plants for edible landscapes | #GoodGrowing
In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, we explore the concept of edible landscaping, where ornamental plants double as food sources.Emily, Ken, and Chris will discuss how to design a landscape that combines aesthetic appeal with edible function. Learn the core principles of edible landscape design, including plant selection, diversity, seasonality, and incorporating perennials alongside annual crops.We’ll share real-world examples from our own yards, highlighting native plants, shrubs, trees, and herbaceous perennials that offer both visual interest and edible benefits.Reminder: Always properly identify plants and research proper preparation for cooking and eating them. Some plants we talk about in this episode do have toxic properties if improperly harvested or prepared.Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/edDfPi_i3FwSkip to what you want to know:00:46 Hey Ken and Emily!01:45 Defining the topic for this week. Edible landscape plants...Edimentals03:33 Edimentals is not foraging04:50 Principles of an edible landscape15:13 What are some edible landscaping plants?15:34 Ken's picks16:03 Leadplant17:31 Purple poppy mallow18:21 Ken's Sweet potato and yam article https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-11-25-whats-difference-between-sweet-potatoes-and-yams18:54 Common milkweed21:07 Jerusalem artichoke23:25 Hackberry25:16 Chris' edible landscape plants25:31 Blueberry27:44 Hazelnut28:50 Rhubarb30:03 Swiss chard32:34 Emily's picks32:42 Serviceberry35:29 Elderberry37:04 Elderberry syrup recipe https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/elderberry_syrup.pdf37:19 Aronia39:08 Spiderwort40:28 Lambs quarter45:32 Can you eat native grass seeds?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/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
- Jun 18, 20261h 4m
Ep. 256 From mild to wild: Exploring hot peppers | #GoodGrowing
Love them or fear them, hot peppers bring the heat to gardens and kitchens alike. Join us as we dive into the spicy world of peppers with Dr. Jack McCoy. Learn about what makes peppers hot, why some people love to eat them, how to grow them, ways to use your harvest, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/llkA3W2adiYSkip to what you want to know: 00:28 – Welcome. Do we like to eat hot peppers? 03:33 – Jack, tell us about what you are currently teaching/working on at U of I. 04:48 – Student Sustainable Farm at University of Illinois 10:19 – Jack, how did you get into hot peppers? 13:22 – Why is there so much interest in hot peppers? 17:04 – Why are hot peppers hot? Why did they evolve to be hot? 20:08 – How do capsaicin levels relate to Scoville units? 23:47 – Which came first, hot or sweet peppers? Are they all the same? 25:53 – How do we grow peppers? 30:05 – Suggestions for starting pepper seeds indoors 33:15 – Do peppers need any kind of special fertilization or irrigation routines? 34:18 – Is there anything that happens during the growing season that affects the pepper's heat? 39:44 – What pests do we need to watch out for? 44:31 – Do we need to protect ourselves when harvesting hot peppers? 47:50 – Any peppers to recommend for chiliheads? What about beginners? 50:43 – Favorite way to use hot peppers 54:30 – There seems to be a hot pepper arms race, is there a limit to how hot peppers can be? 56:01 – What's the hottest pepper we’ve ever eaten? 1:01:41 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Allerton Supper Club 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
- Jun 12, 202654 min
Ep. 255 Big bluestem in the garden | #GoodGrowing
Big bluestem is one of the iconic grasses of the tallgrass prairie, and it's having a moment as this year's Perennial Plant of the Year! Check out this week's Good Growing Podcast as we explore what makes this native grass so special, from how to identify it, to where it grows, and how it supports wildlife. Plus, we dig into the 'Blackhawks' cultivar, discuss how to use big bluestem in your landscape, share tips for choosing between wild types and cultivated varieties, and more!
- Jun 5, 202611 min
Gardenbite: How to Keep Tomatoes Healthy in Summer Heat: Pruning, Support, and Mulch | #GoodGrowing
In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing podcast, we dig into essential early summer tomato care to help keep your plants healthy, productive, and under control. From staking and trellising methods like cages and the Florida weave to managing vigorous indeterminate varieties, we explore practical ways to support growing plants and prevent a backyard takeover.We also break down the pros and cons of pruning tomato suckers, when fertilizing may (or may not) be necessary, and how mulching can improve soil moisture retention, reduce weeds, and support overall plant health. Along the way, we share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and simple strategies you can apply in your own garden this season.Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f89Jy0U8MOQSkip to what you want to know:00:57 Staking/trellising tomatoes 05:09 Pruning "suckers" on the tomato plant 06:08 Tomato fertilizer 06:43 Mulching tomatoesContact 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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