Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties
Appears in 315 Episodes
Gardenbite: Creating pollinator habitat at home| #GoodGrowing
Has the warm weather got you thinking about gardening, perhaps gardening for pollinators? Learn about how you can create a habitat for pollinators in your own landscap...
Gardenbite: Martha's Picks: Three native plants for your yard | #GoodGrowing
This week we take a look at a clip from 2021 when the Good Growing team sat down with three horticulturists/landscape designers to learn about their favorite native pl...
Ep. 166 Grow something new with us: Good Growing Grow Along | #GoodGrowing
Do you like growing new things in the garden? Then come grow along with us! On this week’s Good Growing Podcast, we roll out our newest project, the Good Growing Grow ...
Ep. 165 Strategies for farming in contaminated soil Part II | #GoodGrowing
This week is the second half of our conversation with Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. Zack details techniques that urban farmers an...
Ep. 164 Urban Agriculture & Soil Contamination with Zack Grant Part I | #GoodGrowing
This week on the Good Growing podcast Ken and Chris chat with local foods and small farms educator Zack Grant about urban farming and dealing with contaminated soils. ...
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...
