Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties
Appears in 301 Episodes
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...
Gardenbite: Boost Prairie Wildflowers with Winter Overseeding | #GoodGrowing
Join University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth on a winter walk through the prairie as he demonstrates how to overseed an existing native pra...
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...
Gardenbite: How Trees Survive Cold Winters | #GoodGrowing
How do trees survive freezing temperatures without turning into popsicles? Well, they do kind of turn into popsicles, but they control which part freezes. In this Gard...
Ep. 238 Exploring Ficus: More than the houseplant in the corner | #GoodGrowing
You’ve probably seen Ficus in living rooms, lobbies, or maybe even grown one yourself, but how much do you really know about these iconic houseplants? Check out this w...
Gardenbite: The Science of Backyard Bird Care | #GoodGrowing
Welcome back to the Good Growing Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re sharing a special throwback conversation with Dr. Michael Ward, ornithologist at the University of ...
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. 236 Persimmon Growing Facts & Folklore | #GoodGrowing
Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and special ...
Ep. 235 Evergreen Extravaganza: From pines to cedars and beyond | #GoodGrowing
From pines and spruces to firs and cedars, evergreens are an important part of many landscapes in Illinois. Join us as we explore what makes these plants unique, how t...
Ep. 234 Persimmon: Growing and Eating Illinois' Sweetest Fruit | #GoodGrowing
Persimmons are sweet, native to Illinois, and sometimes astringent! In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson sit down with Nick Frillman, Local Fo...
Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing
Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as...
Gardenbite: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment to Control Bush Honeysuckle | #GoodGrowing
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you’re battling invasive bush honeysuckle! In this Garden Bite, Chris from the Good Growing podcast walks you through eff...
Gardenbite: Tips for overwintering potted perennials | #GoodGrowing
Have you ever had a container planter with perennials and excitedly waited for them to resume growth in the spring, but it never happened? Perennials in pots are subje...
Ep. 232 The Cranberry Story: Native Roots and Modern Agriculture | #Good Growing
Discover the fascinating world of cranberries in this episode of Good Growing. Horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the history, science, and cu...
Ep. 231 New Additions to Illinois’ Invasive Species List | #GoodGrowing
In this episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the latest updates to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, which now includes n...
