Ep. 245 Growing something new: Plants we’re trying in 2026 | #GoodGrowing
Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with unfamiliar crops.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lx8Jeog-p0
Skip to what you want to know:
03:09 – Teff
06:38 – Armenian cucumber/melon
08:20 – Bottle gourd
10:55 – Spoon tomato
13:19 – Luffa gourd
16:27 – Mexican sunflower
18:24 – Butterfly pea
20:40 – Sunflower ‘Soluna Bronze’
23:18 – Anchote
25:16 – Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’ or something similar
29:56 – Peanuts
31:36 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!
More information:
Mt. Cuba Center - Wild Hydrangea for the Mid-Atlantic Region
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
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Creators and Guests
Host
Chris Enroth
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties
Host
Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties
