Good Growing

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, tulip tree, catalpa, and more. From eye-catching blooms to unique structure and seasonal interest, we celebrate the trees that make spring such a special time of year. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kVE7rOXl-n4 Skip to what you want to know: 02:59 – Flowering and kousa dogwood 07:38 – Redbud 11:36 – Black locust 15:24 – Silverbell 18:58 – Catalpa 25:36 – White fringetree 30:18 – Tuliptree 37:06 – Saucer magnolia 37:55 – Black gum 40:16 – Vernal witch-hazel 42:48 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health and property values, the hosts explore why trees matter and why their distribution across communities is far from equal. The conversation traces how historical practices like redlining shaped today’s urban forests, explains why some neighborhoods still have far fewer trees, and introduces practical tools—like the Tree Equity Score and i‑Tree—that can help communities make more informed, equitable tree‑planting decisions. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0SFKXYs8yX4 Skip to what you want to know: 00:30 Hey Ken! 01:18 Welcome, Emily! 02:38 First topic of tree month: Tree equity 04:11 What are the benefits of trees? Ecosystem services 09:28 Social and Emotional benefits of trees 14:38 Not everyone has the benefits of trees. Diving into the topic of tree equity. 17:10 The history of tree inequity 17:57 Redlining and its effect on tree equity 23:41 What tools can be used to look at the need for tree planting in communities? 26:45 Tree Equity Score and i-Tree 44:44 So long and coming up next week! Tree Equity Score https://www.treeequityscore.org/ i-Tree https://www.itreetools.org/ Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart eswihart@illinois.edu Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension. Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- Prefer audio? You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig (Ficus carica). From ancient history to modern backyards, we explore how figs grow, where they originated, and why cold‑hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey make figs possible even in colder climates. You’ll learn what makes figs so unique botanically, why the “fruit” is actually a modified stem, and how fig pollination works—including the truth about dead wasps in your figs (don’t worry, Midwest gardeners are in the clear). Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TiClnN6r_HI

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 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with unfamiliar crops. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lx8Jeog-p0 Skip to what you want to know: 03:09 – Teff 06:38 – Armenian cucumber/melon 08:20 – Bottle gourd 10:55 – Spoon tomato 13:19 – Luffa gourd 16:27 – Mexican sunflower 18:24 – Butterfly pea 20:40 – Sunflower ‘Soluna Bronze’ 23:18 – Anchote 25:16 – Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’ or something similar 29:56 – Peanuts 31:36 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Mt. Cuba Center - Wild Hydrangea for the Mid-Atlantic Region Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens. This week’s episode answers attendee questions submitted at the Home Lawn & Garden Day in Bloomington–Normal. Ken and Chris discuss surprise cold snaps, summer-bound broccoli, thinking ahead to Japanese beetles, and much more. Get ready to get back in the garden as the seasons begin to shift into spring. And then back to winter. And we'll throw some summer in the mix, too. All in the span of a few days. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W0mz6CHpuoc Skip to what you want to know: 00:36 Hey Ken! The weather has been crazy! Do we yet know what this means for our early-spring flowers? 05:07 Questions from the Home Lawn and Garden Day in Bloomington/Normal 06:35 What are some non-toxic or environmentally friendly ways to kill or keep weeds under control in garden beds? 10:42 Hints on growing brassicas in our area/climate? Cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Mine seem to fade in the heat. 16:11 Drip irrigation is supposed to be better than sprinklers. Can I do it myself? How do I choose and locate the equipment needed? 21:45 What tools can you not live without, and which ergonomic tools can you recommend as we age? 27:14 What plants are good for repelling rabbits? 30:52 How can you prevent Japanese beetles from eating your flowers without using chemicals? 37:49 What supplemental lighting (type of bulb, distance from the plants & length of time to keep lighting on) is best for Phalaenopsis orchids & African violets? 42:23 https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights 44:05 Thank yous and coming up next week. All About Mulch https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjo Garden Tools and Gadgets https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8w Supplemental Lighting for Orchids https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension. Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- Prefer audio? You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins. From early bloomers like crocus, daffodils, and spring ephemerals to peonies, magnolias, and everything in between, we flip through a mental (and visual) photo album of spring favorites. Along the way, we talk about why these plants matter to us, how they fit into home landscapes and natural areas, and how Midwest spring weather—from false summers to surprise snow—keeps things interesting. This is a picture‑heavy episode. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGihbSjXDi8 Skip to what you want to know: 00:45 Hey Ken! 02:14 Rollercoaster late winter weather. From 80 degrees to 10 degrees! 05:06 Ken's favorite spring-blooming plants he looks forward to every year. 05:27 Bleeding heart 06:25 Dutchman's breeches 06:58 Columbine 09:01 Crocus 10:00 Daffodil 11:29 Peony 13:04 Spring beauty 14:57 Tulips 17:03 Common blue violet 19:11 Virginia bluebell 20:05 Wild ginger 22:12 Chris' favorite spring blooming plants 22:23 Daffodil 23:57 Woodland walk through Dutchman's breeches, mayapples, and trillum 27:09 Lilac and snow in spring 29:23 Saucer magnolia 30:43 Virginia bluebells 31:50 Foamflower 32:30 Lungwort 33:09 Blueberry flowers 33:43 Rhubarb season 34:04 Tulip 'World Peace' 34:32 Unfurling ferns 34:56 Bloodroot 35:55 Peonies at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL 38:51 Thank yous and see you next week! Spring beauty video https://youtu.be/i9JVP9wEM_M Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension. Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- Prefer audio? You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 about identifying crocus, how to grow them in your landscape, some of the commonly grown spring and fall-blooming species, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rX7QUDstn9E Skip to what you want to know: 02:26 – 'Crocus' that aren't Crocus 06:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - flowers 11:31 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - leaves 13:33 – What do 'real' Crocus look like? - corm 17:41 – Categorizing crocus 22:49 – General guidelines for growing crocus 28:32 – When should crocus be planted? 30:15 – Propagating crocus 35:49 – Fun fact - contractile roots 37:24 – A few last planting tips, rodents, fertilizers, and mulch 42:48 – Commonly grown species of Crocus 43:53 - Snow/golden crocus (C. chrysanthus) 47:54 - Dutch yellow/yellow crocus (C. flavus) 48:46 - Tommies (C. tommasinianus) 52:57 - Dutch/giant/spring crocus (C. vernus) 54:01 - Tuscan crocus (C. etruscus) 55:22 - Sieber’s crocus (C. sieberi) 56:51 - Cloth of Gold crocus (C. angustifolius) 57:58 - Corsican crocus (C. corsicus) 59:17 – Some fall-blooming Crocus 59:32 - Saffron/autumn crocus (C. sativus) 1:02:44 - Autumn crocus (C. kotschyanus), Hairy crocus (C. pulchellus), and Showy/Bieberstein’s crocus (C. speciosus) 1:04:17 - Can Crocus be grown in pots? When should they be divided? 1:06:03 - Pests 1:07:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Crocuses: A Complete Guide to the Genus by Janis Ruksans National Garden Bureau – Year of the Crocus: https://ngb.org/year-of-the-crocus/ Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 Extension horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart walk through the selection process and describe the six unique crops chosen for the 2026 Grow Along program. Register for the Grow Along: https://go.illinois.edu/GrowAlong2026 Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XUGiBe3RrFw Skip to what you want to know: Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 fruits you can grow right here in Illinois. From early‑ripening honeyberries and fall-bearing primocane blackberries to compact bush cherries and Illinois-born PRI apples, we explore unique fruit crops that offer exciting alternatives to the usual. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XAVtrBFKB40 Skip to what you want to know: 01:30 – Welcome, Grant McCarty! Illinois Beginning Orchard Academy. 03:22 – Some not-so-successful crops for Grant in northern Illinois. 07:35 – Where in Illinois can we reliably grow/harvest peaches? 09:53 – Honeyberries. How to grow and what do they taste like? 14:52 – Are honeyberries problematic like many other honeysuckles? 17:32 – Primocane fruiting blackberries. 21:38 – Is the care of primocane blooming blackberries different than other blackberries? 23:45 – Is there a link to Illini Hardy blackberry? 27:20 – Bush cherries. How are they different than cherry trees? 33:57 – Apples. What are PRI apples? 38:51 – High-density apples 44:31 – Any PRI resources out there? 48:10 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Overview of Honeyberry from University of Minnesota Haskap/Honeyberry, University of Wisconsin-Madison Haskap/Honeyberry-University of Saskatchewan Resources The PRI Apple Breeding Program Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Grant McCarty: gmccarty@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 prairie by hand. Learn why winter is the perfect time for prairie overseeding, how they select their seed that is spread, and how to mix seed with a carrier for even spreading. Chris explains practical tips for seed collection, hand sowing methods, using locally sourced seed from community seed shares, and how overseeding supports long-term prairie health. Perfect for native plant lovers or anyone curious about hands-on conservation work that can be done in the winter. Tune in, learn the process, and discover how hand-sown prairie seeds can transform local landscapes over time. Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF6gGjGbjxU Rezab Mix Golden Alexander - Zizia aurea Hairy Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum pilosum Foxglove beardtongue - Penstemon digitalis Grass-leaved goldenrod - Euthamia graminifolia Slender Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Showy goldenrod - Solidago speciosa Rattlesnake Master - Eryngium yuccifolium Missouri Ironweed - Vernonia missurica Rigid Goldenrod - Oligoneuron rigidum Prairie Coreopsis - Coreopsis palmata Tall Coreopsis - Coreopsis tripteris Virginia Spiderwort - Tradescantia virginiana Yellow Crownbeard - Verbesina helianthoides Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 Affective Disorder. Learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual winter blues, coping strategies, and more. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NdOQ8xNM9aI Skip to what you want to know: 03:14 – What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? How is it diagnosed? 06:14 – How is SAD different from just feeling bummed about the weather? 10:11 – How is fall/winter SAD different than spring/summer SAD? 12:35 – Do certain groups, such as farmers or gardeners, experience SAD differently? 19:42 – What about children and SAD? 22:46 – How does less green in our environment affect mental health? 32:31 – What are some strategies to help us cope with SAD? 45:56 – Resources to learn more about SAD 47:56 – A little more on light therapy 51:04 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Mao Clinic: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder Illinois Extension: How to manage the winter blues Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Seasonal Affective Disorder Mental Health America: Seasonal Affective Disorder Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 Gardenbite of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth breaks down the fascinating science behind how trees and other plants make it through harsh winter conditions. Whether you’re a gardener, nature lover, or just curious about the secret life of plants, this episode gives you a clear and engaging look at what happens inside trees during winter—and how you can help prepare your landscape plants to survive cold stress.

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 week’s Good Growing Podcast as we explore the surprisingly diverse world of Ficus. From weeping figs and rubber trees to creeping figs and giant banyans, we dive into their history, care, different species, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2hx5VXZrJmg Skip to what you want to know: 00:41 – There are a lot of ficus species! 02:12 – Ficus species native to the United States, and what are strangler figs. 07:08 – What are Ficus? 12:25 – General care of Ficus houseplants. 22:23 – Common Ficus houseplants 23:38 – Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) 27:14 – Ficus elastica (rubber tree) 33:15 – Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) 36:03 – Ficus benghalensis (banyan, Ficus Audrey) 42:35 – Ficus maclellandii (banana/long leaf fig, Ficus Alli) 45:31 – Ficus microcarpa (Ginseng ficus, Chinese banyan, Indian laurel) 49:09 – Ficus pumila (creeping fig) 53:08 – Ficus propagation 56:37 – Less commonly encountered ficus houseplants 59:12 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: National Garden Bureau Ficus: Trees and Vine of Florida (University of Florida) Gods and Monsters: The Genus Ficus (Brooklyn Botanic Garden) Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 Illinois. We’re answering real homeowner questions about backyard birds—everything from bird feeders to territorial cardinals to preventing window collisions. If you’re wondering what to feed birds, how to clean feeders, why birds hit windows, or how to attract more colorful birds to your yard, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you create a healthier, more bird‑friendly backyard. Watch this on YouTube https://youtu.be/jKHrH_eeGFo The full conversation with Dr. Ward https://youtu.be/HxZ3HiI69hs Skip to what you want to know: 01:30 How do we discourage barn swallows from building nests underneath overhangs? 03:52 Should we feed birds bread, crackers, and other human food? 05:10 Is there anything we can do to stop birds from hitting our windows? 07:33 What can we do about a territorial cardinal? 08:47 Should we feed birds all year? When is the best time to feed birds? 10:33 I only get sparrows at my feeders. How do I attract more types of birds? 12:22 Do we need to provide birds with water in the winter, or do they use snow? 13:18 How often and with what should we clean birdfeeders? Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 episodes and standout moments from 2025. From battling mosquitoes to celebrating pollinator plants like milkweed and mountain mint, we revisit the topics that sparked the most conversation. Plus, we share some of our plans for 2026, from expanding native plantings to growing food and flowers for community donation, and more! Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-1T-xDTG_W0 Skip to what you want to know: 01:30 – Most popular podcasts of 2025 09:07 – Our favorite episodes and things we learned 17:43 – Reflecting on the 2025 growing season 30:53 – Looking ahead to the 2026 growing season 46:41 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Popular episodes and videos: Clustered Mountain Mint - Perennial Plant of the Year Get to Know Asclepias (Milkweed) 2025 plant of the year Gardenbite: The life and bites of buffalo gnats Summer Mosquito Control: What Really Works to Keep Bites Away Vegetable gardening in small spaces Compost your way: Passive and active composting styles Chamomile: Discover 2025's herb of the year Peonies: Beauty, history, and backyard blooms The cranberry story: Native roots and modern agriculture Discovering Dogwoods: From trees to shrubs and even groundcovers! Answering your spring gardening questions Fall gardening questions answered Spring beauty in the landscape Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 guest Nick Frillman explore everything from tree identification and growing tips to wildlife connections and seed stratification. We’ll bust common myths—like whether persimmons need frost to ripen—and uncover quirky folklore, including the famous fork, knife, or spoon winter prediction. Skip to what you want to know: 00:33 Hey Ken! 01:28 Where can we find persimmon growing naturally in Illinois? 05:31 Sprouting persimmon seeds. 07:51 What animals are eating and moving the seeds around Illinois? 08:49 Folklore: Do persimmons require a frost to ripen? 10:15 Can persimmon seeds predict the future winter weather? 15:07 Other persimmon myths/facts 16:56 Persimmon is the sweetest fruit native to Illinois. 17:54 Where can we go to learn more about persimmons? 19:18 Svannah Institute persimmon breeding 19:29 University of Connecticut Climate Smart Orchard Handout 19:50 Thank yous and Happy New Year! Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok Cliff England - persimmon breeder James (Jim) Claypool - persimmon breeder (deceased) Cornell - http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/mfruit/persimmons.html Savanna Institute - https://www.savannainstitute.org/persimmon/ Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Nick Frillman frillma2@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 they thrive in tough conditions, and why they’re holiday favorites. Plus, we share some tips for caring for evergreens, choosing the right species for your landscape, and creative ways to repurpose your Christmas tree. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5y6VlnF24go Skip to what you want to know: 00:34 – Welcome. Talking evergreens and episode 300! 03:02 – Definition time: evergreen, conifer, deciduous conifer, etc. 06:51 – What is the benefit of retaining leaves (being evergreen)? 08:59 – Common evergreens in Illinois landscapes 09:17 – Pines 10:52 – Spruce and fir trees 14:58 – Unusual fir Christmas tree problems no scent and weak limbs 17:26 – Is a Douglas-fir a true fir tree? 19:15 – When a pinecone isn't a pinecone, differentiating conifer cones 21:10 – Cypress family - bald cypress, arborvitae, eastern red cedar 25:38 – Holly 26:50 – Yew 30:45 – Planting evergreens 36:02 – Christmas trees as fire hazards 38:26 – Christmas trees after the holidays 41:46 – Scientific names 43:27 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! More information: Is It Pine, Spruce, or Fir? - https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-80 Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 Foods and Small Farms Educator, to uncover everything you need to know about persimmons. From American vs. Asian cultivars to tips for growing them in Illinois, we cover cultivars, pollination, pruning, and harvesting tricks to avoid that dreaded cottonmouth. Skip to what you want to know: 00:39 Hey Ken! Have we ever eaten a persimmon? 01:42 Welcome Nick! 03:24 What is the difference between the Asian and American persimmon? 08:10 Which type of persimmon is grown in Illinois? 12:01 What is the comparison of astringent vs. non-astringent persimmon? 16:47 What do we need to know about sourcing persimmon trees? 19:45 What are some improved cultivars of persimmon available for sale? 20:09 https://nafex.org/ 21:46 How are these trees sold? Bareroot or potted? 22:45 American persimmons sold for deer hunting 23:54 Where do persimmons need to be planted? 24:28 Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=3176 25:52 How does pollination work with persimmons? 30:39 What type of pruning is needed to grow persimmons? 33:31 What other maintenance needs to occur when growing persimmons? Fertilizer? Irrigation? 35:01 What pests can be problems with persimmons? 36:39 How do you know when persimmons are ripe and ready to pick? 41:16 What about the dropped persimmon fruit on the ground? 44:39 How should we store persimmons? 48:03 The difference in flavor and texture of American and Asian persimmons 50:03 What are some processing methods for preserving persimmons? 53:03 Thank yous and coming up next week! Chris Evans winter tree ID webinar https://youtu.be/PuAlyp9PamA?si=bdcAOXUjY-NUIe09&t=3176 Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 we explore the fascinating world of holly (Ilex spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to its role in modern landscapes. Learn about different species, tips for planting and care, how to ensure those iconic red berries appear, and even some surprising uses for holly. Whether you’re decking the halls or planning your garden, this episode has everything you need to know about this holiday favorite. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ymwu5eIsyaw Skip to what you want to know: 00:37 - Welcome, Ken. Talking holly this week. 01:47 – Holly mythology 05:10 - General growing conditions and care of holly 07:47 - Holly are dioecious, what does that mean? How does that affect pollination and fruit production? 13:21 – Pruning hollies 16:19 – Holly species (some) 17:28 - Ilex glabra – Inkberry 22:26 - Ilex crenata - Japanese holly 26:06 - Ilex decidua – Possumhaw 28:07 - Ilex verticilata – Winterberry 31:39 - Ilex x meserve - Blue holly 35:05 - Ilex aquifolium - English holly 36:58 - Ilex opaca - American holly 41:00 - Ilex cornuta - Chinese holly 42:56 – ‘Nellie Stevens’ 45:59 – Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’ 47:17 – Holly and wildlife 50:11 – Tea made from holly and a taste test 58:09 – Holly and deer and rabbits 59:06 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us

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 effective late-fall control methods. Learn how to identify honeysuckle when everything else has gone dormant, why timing matters for herbicide applications, and the step-by-step process for the cut-stump treatment using glyphosate. From hand-pulling small plants to tackling large shrubs with saws and chainsaws, this episode covers the tools, techniques, and tips you need to reclaim your woodland understory. Grab your gloves and join us as we keep slaying that honeysuckle! Watch on YouTube! https://youtu.be/fDynOj5pOOg Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies. Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk -- You can find us on most podcast platforms. iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377 Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/ Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/ Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902 Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us