Chris Enroth
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties
Appears in 323 Episodes
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 di...
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 ...
Ep. 252 Growing together: Three Sisters gardening | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we dig into the Three Sisters gardening method, an Indigenous planting system that brings corn, beans, and squash together in a...
Ep. 251 Celebrating the Year of the Azalea and Talking How to Grow Them | #GoodGrowing
The National Garden Bureau has named 2026 the Year of the Azalea! Ken, Emily, and Chris are digging into what makes these colorful (and sometimes finicky) plants so po...
Ep. 250 Tree care pet peeves | #GoodGrowing
Long-time listeners know that Ken, Chris, and Emily are passionate about proper plant care practices. On this week’s podcast, the team discusses six hot-button issues ...
Ep. 249 Common Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Illinois and What to Do About Them | #GoodGrowing
As we reach Arbor Day this month of April, the Good Growing team dives into the biotic world of tree pests and diseases, breaking down what’s really going on when inse...
Ep. 248 Favorite trees for spring: Trees we look forward to every year | #GoodGrowing
Spring has sprung! This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we continue our Arbor Month conversation by sharing our favorite trees for spring, including redbud, dogwood,...
Ep. 247 Planting with Purpose: Tree Equity and Our Communities | #GoodGrowing
In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all ...
Ep. 246 From Ancient Crop to Modern Gardens: The Fascinating Story of Figs | #GoodGrowing
Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnso...
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 gar...
Ep. 244 Spring Garden Problem‑Solving: Weeds, Water, Pests, and Cold Snaps | #GoodGrowing
Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth a...
Ep. 243 Looking toward spring: Our favorite spring flowers | #GoodGrowing
Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, shar...
Ep. 242 The big, colorful world of Crocus | #GoodGrowing
Crocuses may be small, but their world is anything but simple! Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we dive into the big, colorful world of Crocus. Learn abo...
Ep. 241 Kicking Off the 2026 Grow Along: What We’re Growing and How to Join | #GoodGrowing
Get ready to kick off the 2026 gardening season with the Good Growing team as we unveil this year’s Grow Along plant list. In this episode, University of Illinois Exte...
Ep. 240 Beyond the usual: Exploring some lesser‑known fruits for the garden | #GoodGrowing
Curious about adding something a little different to your backyard orchard? On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we dive into the flavorful world of lesser-known fruit...
