Emily Swihart
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties
Appears in 27 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. 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...
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. 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. 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. 239 Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than the winter blues | #GoodGrowing
Feeling a little low this winter? You’re not alone. This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Family Life Educator Tessa Hobbs‑Curley joins us to discuss Seasonal Affecti...
Ep. 237 Looking back on 2025 and looking forward to 2026 | #GoodGrowing
It’s a new year, which means a new gardening season will be here before we know it. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we look back on our most popular epis...
Ep. 199 The return of the Grow Along | #GoodGrowing
Looking to try something new in the garden this year? You’re in luck because, back by popular demand, the Good Growing Grow Along returns with a fresh lineup of unique...
Ep. 195 Community Tree Care Series: Online learning for those who care for and about trees | #GoodGrowing
Illinois Extension's core mission is to be a source of research-based knowledge that helps community members solve challenges and improve their lives. On this week’s G...
Ep. 193 Our Favorite Gardening Books for Winter Reading, Gifts, or Anytime of Year | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Emily Swihart joins Ken and Chris to discuss our favorite gardening and landscaping books. We discuss reference books, fiction a...
Gardenbite: Windbreaks - the history, function, and benefits of diminished wind speeds
Windbreaks, also known as shelter belts, play a crucial role in protecting the land from powerful Midwestern winds. Traditionally used on rural lands, windbreaks are l...
Good Growing Grow Along final check-in for 2024 | #GoodGrowing
It’s time for our last Grow Along check-in for 2024. Each year we at Good Growing decide to try growing some new (to us) vegetables. This year we invited you to grow a...
Gardenbite: Toothache plant: What is it and how to grow it | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we’re trying something new: toothache plant. Learn more about this interesting plant, what happens when you eat it, and how you ...
Good Growing Grow Along second check-in
It’s time for another Grow Along check-in. Each year we at Good Growing decide to try growing some new (to us) vegetables. This year we invited you to grow along with ...
Gardenbite: Fall Tree Planting | #GoodGrowing
Many of us skipped planting trees this spring to avoid damage from periodical cicadas. But now that we’re approaching fall, we have an opportunity to plant some trees....
Ep. 179 Plants we wouldn’t plant or would think twice about before planting again| #GoodGrowing
While we tend to focus on the positives of plants, not all plants work well in all gardens or for all gardens. Whether they are too aggressive, require too much time a...
Ep. 177 Getting your garden ready for vacation | #GoodGrowing
Have you ever gone on vacation only to come back to an out-of-control landscape or, even worse, dead plants? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about ...
