Good Growing

In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the science and spectacle of fall foliage. From the pigments behind the seasonal color shift to their favorite underappreciated trees (sorry, maples), the duo explores what makes autumn leaves so dazzling—and why some years are better than others. Learn the difference between carotenoids and anthocyanins, discover native...

The arrival of fall means vibrant colors and a whole lot of leaves on the ground. So, what should we do with all those leaves? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss whether or not we should remove leaves from our landscapes, and if we do, what can we do with them? Watch us on YouTube Skip to what you want to know: 00:38 - Are leaves starting to drop near us? 02:10 – Fall color...

As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many insects begin their annual migration—straight into our homes. In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the biology and behavior of three common fall invaders: the brown marmorated stink bug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the boxelder bug.Learn how these insects respond to seasonal changes, why they...

Have you heard about the spotted lanternfly and wondered where it is in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Kelly Estes, State Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator, about the arrival of this invasive insect. Learn about how spotted lanternfly got here and where it’s been found, what it looks like, where to look for it, how to report it, and more! Watch us on...

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Colleen Reuter, Environmental Compliance professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore the world of green infrastructure and stormwater management.From rain gardens and rain barrels to depaving driveways and even the surprising role of beavers in flood control, this episode...

Even though it’s been dry, that hasn’t stopped the garden questions from coming in. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of your questions, as well as some of the most common gardening questions on the internet! From watering lawns and planting bulbs and perennials to dealing with ants, black spots on maple leaves, and more! Plus, we celebrate National Houseplant Week and...

In this episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the challenges of gardening during Central and Southern Illinois’ increasingly dry fall season. From flash droughts and cracked lawns to watering strategies for trees, shrubs, and cover crops, they share practical advice for managing your landscape in low-moisture conditions. Plus, a timely reminder...

If you’ve driven along any interstates or highways in Illinois, there’s a good chance you’ve seen tall plants with spiky flower heads. Teasels have become an increasingly common sight across Illinois. While they may appear attractive, especially for cut flower arrangements, these troublesome plants can form large colonies that outcompete and choke out native plants. Watch us on YouTube:...

In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from University of Illinois Extension explores the adversaries of the monarch butterfly, including the controversial practice of captive rearing.Although we do not recommend captive rearing, there may be times when it is wanted for educational purposes. Can it be done responsibly? Chris shares best practices for...

In this episode, Chris and Ken delve into the complex world of composting. From their passive piles that simply sit and rot (no judgment!) to active setups that require thermometers, turning, and possibly even a chipper shredder. Learn what compost actually is (hint: it’s not soil), how to build a pile that works, and why moisture matters. Don't feed the landfill. Feed your soil!Watch us on...