Emily Swihart
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties
Appears in 31 Episodes
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. 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. 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 ...
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 ...
