Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties
Appears in 270 Episodes
Ep. 163 Winter kids activities for both indoors and out | #GoodGrowing
Have you been stuck indoors with children this winter? Are they driving you crazy? You’re in luck! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, University of Illinois Extensio...
Ep. 162 The science behind bee hotels | #GoodGrowing
This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast features Ken and Chris in conversation with Brodie Dunn and Timo Wayman. The discussion revolves around a new research ...
Gardenbite: Composting with worms indoors | #GoodGrowing
Have you been longing to get outside and play in the dirt? Then vermicomposting may be for you! Learn about how to compost indoors with worms, from containers to use, ...
Ep. 161 Winter Weather and How to Protect Your Plants | #GoodGrowing
This week’s episode of the Good Growing Podcast is all about snow and ice. Ken and Chris discuss how to deal with snow and ice on trees and shrubs, problems to avoid w...
Gardenbite: Pruning backyard fruit trees | #GoodGrowing
It’s that time of year - time to start thinking about pruning your deciduous trees and shrubs. While many of our landscape trees and shrubs don’t necessarily need year...
Gardenbite: A second life to your cut Christmas tree | #GoodGrowing
In this Gardenbite, Chris explores the various ways to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Many Illinoisians have a Christmas tree disposal day where they can throw out a...
Ep. 160 Spice up your holiday with these holiday spices | #GoodGrowing
Join Ken and Chris on a journey around the world as they explore the fascinating history of quintessential holiday spices. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast,...
Ep. 159 Mistletoe Show: Learn about this holiday parasitic plant | #GoodGrowing
Join us on a horticultural journey through the world of mistletoe. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of this parasitic plan...
Ep. 158 All about Poinsettias: Myths, legends, how they’re grown, and more | #GoodGrowing
On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at a holiday staple, the poinsettia. Join us as we discuss the myths and legends that surround the poin...
Ep. 157 All About Bed Bugs with Entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing
In this episode, Ken and Chris explore a timely and concerning topic—the resurgence of bed bugs making headlines globally! Join us as we delve into the pressing issue ...
Gardenbite: Growing Christmas trees | #GoodGrowing
Thanksgiving is over, which means many of us will be going out to pick out our Christmas trees. On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re taking a trip back to 2020 w...
Gardenbite Turkey Talk: Tips for growing your own turkey | #GoodGrowing
This week the Good Growing podcast rewinds to when we chatted with local foods educator James Thueri all about turkeys. James talks about how the commercial producers ...
Ep. 156 Fall garden Q&A and garden updates | #GoodGrowing
On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we’re answering some of your fall gardening questions. Learn about overwintering mum and dahlias, white pines dropping needles, ke...
Ep. 155 Stewarding our community tree canopies | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing podcast Chris and Ken chat with horticulture educator Sarah Vogel and horticulture program coordinator Jenny Lee promoting an upcoming se...
Ep. 154 Spooky plant diseases: Diseases that have changed the course of history | #GoodGrowing
We’re all dressed up for this week’s Good Growing podcast because it’s our Halloween Spooktacular! This year, we are joined by Dr. Chelsea Harbach to talk about some s...
Ep. 153 Talking Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Kacie Athey | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast Chris and Ken talk with Dr. Kacie Athey about the newest invasive insect found in Illinois, the spotted lanternfly. Even though i...
Ep. 152 Creating a water-conscious landscape | #GoodGrowing
On this week’s Good Growing podcast, we welcome Emily Swihart back to talk about water-conscious landscaping! Learn why planning our landscapes with water in mind is i...
Ep. 151 How to grow and pick the perfect pumpkin | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken talk with commercial ag educator Nathan Johanning all about pumpkins! Nathan has been researching pumpkins with Un...
Ep. 150 What's up with 2023 weather & what to expect for the winter | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken chat with state climatologist, Dr. Trent Ford. During the episode, we chat about what’s up with the weather for 20...
Ep. 149 All About Mulch: Lay it on thick and keep it chunky | #GoodGrowing
On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we welcome Emily Swihart back to talk about mulch! Learn about what mulch is, what it’s good for, what mulches we should avoid usi...
