All Episodes
Displaying 1 - 20 of 340 in total
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 ...
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 th...
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 Ch...
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 migrat...
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 b...
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 ...
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 hortic...
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 ...
Ep. 260 Managing Stormwater with Rain Gardens | #GoodGrowing
Rain gardens are one of the most effective tools homeowners can use to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and add beauty to the landscape. In this episode of the Good G...
Ep. 259 Summertime garden Q&A | #GoodGrowing
Summer is in full swing, and with the heat comes plenty of garden and lawn questions! Join us as we tackle some of the most common summertime issues, including crabgra...
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 yo...
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...
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 ...
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 si...
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 d...
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 w...
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 Gro...
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....
Ep. 254 How We Became Horticulturists: Real Stories & Career Paths in Plant Science | #GoodGrowing
How do you actually become a horticulturist? Is it a straight path—or a winding trail full of unexpected turns? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken...
Ep. 253 Garden Q&A: Is it Poison Hemlock? Weird Pepper Myths, Bluebird Drama, and more! | #GoodGrowing
Got weird plants in your yard? Strange damage on your trees? Or birds attacking your truck? You’re not alone! In this Good Growing Podcast Q&A episode, we tackle real ...