On this week’s Good Growing podcast, Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn hangs out with the group to chat about gifts for gardeners. They dive into fool-proof gift ideas for the gardener in your life. From types of clothing to tools to entertainment, your list of gifts will be full after listening to this podcast. We even added to our own lists of what we would like to get this holiday season. Plus, your questions: What is a fast-growing tree that doesn’t drop a lot of debris? Who can neighbors contact when they are having a dispute over a tree on the property line? Are GMOs in local soybean meal safe to put in compost for an organic garden? Can you cut back a limelight hydrangea in the winter? Recently planted dwarf apple trees have settled and are now planted too low. Can these be reset at the correct height? Find Extension books and publications at our PubsPlus website https://pubsplus.illinois.edu/ Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

For this week's Thanksgiving episode the Good Growing team sits down with Illinois Extension local foods educator James Theuri to talk turkey! James gives us the background of turkey production and how you can raise a Thanksgiving turkey in your very own backyard. James also discusses turkey breeds and dealing with predators. Plus your questions: Is it wise to introduce sheep with chickens and cows on the same pasture? What can be killing my baby chicks? What to do when I first receive my order of chicks? I am grazing my chickens in my garden this winter. When do I need to remove them to avoid any food contamination issues with their manure? All this and much more!

On this week's Good Growing podcast Andrew Holsinger joins the group to talk about their upcoming webinar series. From Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday plants, spices, even feeding the birds this winter, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. Register for the webinars at the link below. • Christmas Tree Types: go.illinois.edu/GGChristmasTrees. • Fun with Foliage: go.illinois.edu/GGEvergreenFoliage. • Popular Holiday Plant Care: go.illinois.edu/GGHolidayPlantCare. • Holiday Spices: go.illinois.edu/GGHolidaySpices. • Create a Winter Bird Haven: go.illinois.edu/GGWinterBirds. Questions we tackle on this week's show: What would you recommend we plant to grow a live Christmas tree? Do we plant it after the holiday is over? We harvested greenery to make a wreath, but most of it dried up and turned brown in a few weeks. Do we need to spray the wreath with something to keep this from happening? Do you need to spray greenery to kill bugs? If I cut the top off of a larger pine tree to use as a Christmas tree, will it regrow? How can I keep my poinsettia alive? How do I know if I have a Thanksgiving or a Christmas cactus? I planted mint. Now it is everywhere! What can I do to stop mint from taking over everything? Will a potted lemon tree ever produce lemons in Illinois? What are some herbs to grow inside over the winter? No birds at the bird feeder. Why?

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast Ken, Katie, and Chris chat with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Kelly Allsup about pollinators. Their conversation starts with monarch butterflies and community science projects geared toward studying monarchs and all pollinators. Plus your questions: What seed mix should we plant around our new beehive? What are some good late-flowering fall plants for migrating monarchs? Is it possible to have a butterfly garden without bees? Should I clean up my leaves and yard in the fall? What's the best thing for pollinators? Community (Citizen) Science projects for pollinators: Monarch Way Station Project https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/ University of Minnesota Bee Lawn https://www.beelab.umn.edu/learn-more/beelawn University of Illinois I-Pollinate https://ipollinate.illinois.edu/ Illinois Extension Pollinator Pockets https://extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/pollinator-pockets Illinois butterfly monitoring network https://bfly.org/ Monarch larva monitoring project https://monarchjointventure.org/mlmp Check out the video version at https://youtu.be/VzbCNJFFXZg

On this week's Good Growing podcast the crew speaks with State Master Gardener Specialist Candice Hart about houseplants. A special feature for this episode is a live audience during the recording. Ken, Katie, and Chris pop into the Knox County Illinois Master Gardener meeting to get live questions. Throughout the episode we cover: How houseplants react when they get moved inside for the winter How to overwinter rosemary Watering strategies for houseplants Can you root prune instead of potting up? Should you put gravel in the bottom of containers? Is it best to let tap water sit overnight before watering plants? Ice cubes and orchids. Is that the way to water them? These topics and so much more! Check out the video version https://youtu.be/LrZAlBEyv98 Contact Candice Hart at [email protected] Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

On this week's Good Growing podcast it is a hostful episode where we talk about spooky plants. We dive into plants with a sinister history like deadly nightshade. And plants that just look evil such as devil's walking stick. Plus, just some all-around cool plants like witch hazel and bloodroot. Then we dive into the plants that bite back and talk carnivorous plants. All this plus your questions on asparagus and an invasive grass known as common reed grass or phragmites. We also went all out and put on our Halloween costumes and turned on the cameras. If you want to watch a T-rex, field mouse, and Yukon Cornelius talk gardening head over to our YouTube channel to watch the videocast https://youtu.be/_hhNLx4CjO8 Check out Ken's article on spooky plants https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-10-28-more-spooky-and-scary-plants Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

On this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, we talk with entomologist Dr. Kacie Athey all about spiders! What are these creepy dudes doing in our house? Are they really dangerous? Dr. Athey dispels the myths and answers your spider questions. We talk about: Why do we see more spiders in the fall? What's the deal? Aren't spiders insects? Spider bites - what to look for. Do we swallow spiders in our sleep? Are daddy longlegs the most venomous spider in the world? What are these fabled toilet spiders? What's it like to get bit by a tarantula? How do I keep spiders out of my house? Does the hedgeapple trick work? Should you move indoor spiders outside? Do wolf spiders travel in packs? What are all those tiny glowing dots in the lawn when I shine my flashlight on them at night? Plus, why were whiteflies swarming everywhere this year? Got an insect question? Contact Dr. Athey [email protected] Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with commercial agriculture educator Nathan Johanning about pumpkins! Nathan describes the ins and outs of growing this wonderfully diverse crop plus how to pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall décor. Plus, we discuss: • What to do to make pumpkins last longer • Can Jack-o’-lanterns be used for pie and vice versa? • Just starting out growing pumpkins? There’s a lot to know. Nathan gives two big considerations. • Can we grow pumpkins in containers? • How do you grow giant pumpkins? • What to do about weeds in the pumpkin patch? Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter https://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/ Nathan’s series of videos on pumpkin production https://www.youtube.com/c/IllinoisLocalFoods/search?query=pumpkin Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

On this week's Good Growing podcast we are joined by energy and environment educator Duane Friend with Illinois Extension. Duane chats with Ken, Katie, and Chris all about soils and also helps us answer a question about ponds. In this episode we discuss: Parts of Illinois are listed in a drought. What is the outlook for next year and what should we be watering our plants? Is there a magic bullet for improving soil to fix sick plants? How often should we be testing our soil? What is a good cover crop for beginners? Is it possible to garden without a tiller? What to do after taking down a large above-ground swimming pool. Suggestions for improving heavy clay soil. Can we spray ponds weeds in the fall? Check here for future recordings of Duane's compost programs https://www.youtube.com/user/UIExtension/videos Purdue Pond Guide https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/ Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

On this week’s Good Growing podcast, horticulture educator Martha Smith joins to talk about spring-blooming bulbs. With so many to pick from where does a beginner start? Martha gives some good bulbs for beginners and her favorites she has growing in her landscape. Plus, tips on how to plant them and keep the critters away. Plus listener questions: What do we recommend for a homeowner to incorporate more flowering plants in their lawn that can be mowed? How do you overwinter canna lily and calla lilies? What is the best way to prepare a landscape bed now in the fall for planting in the spring? What’s the deal with all these clouds of whiteflies in the yard? Is tomato season over? Should we pull tomatoes off the plant now and save the green ones for fried green tomatoes? Is fall the time to move lilies or should we wait until spring? Signup for Gardening in the Air on October 10, 2020 https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22551 Check out some of Martha's favorite spring bulbs https://uofi.box.com/s/0yf36wexh1v77celqq7j5y847kcrcbns Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast horticulture educator Richard Hentschel returns to talk about rehabbing our garden tools after a long season of use and abuse. The group talks about their favorite garden tools, the one thing to avoid to keep tools working great, sharpening shovels and pruners, refreshing wooden handles, and winterizing the mower for winter. Plus we answer listener questions! What trees should I plant next to a wetland? Is it too late to plant cover crops? Are there tarantulas in Illinois? Can we divide rhubarb in the fall? After several visits from the lawn care company, we still have crabgrass. What can we do to get rid of it? Resources The Midwest Cover Crop Council http://mccc.msu.edu/ Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

On this week’s Good Growing podcast our very own producer, Wendy Ferguson, shares her expertise in nature journaling. Wendy is also the horticulture program coordinator for Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties for the University of Illinois Extension. During the show, we learn that nature journaling is deeply engrained in both art and science because it’s all about observation and discovery. We discuss: Is nature journaling new? And famous scientists and explorers that used this technique Is it just like keeping a diary? How does it tie into science? What are some tips to get started? What about getting kids started? How does this relate to the new science standards being taught in school? Plus, your home gardening questions: Starting a pollinator garden this fall Can we limb up trees during the fall? Battling yellow jackets that are eating fall raspberries And what are the hosts doing right now to prepare their landscapes and gardens for fall References https://iiseagrant.org/publications/full_sun_pollinator_garden/ Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

In this week's episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we chat with horticulture educator Brittnay Haag about gardening and outdoor activities with kids. Brittnay gives tips for extending today's e-learning from the screen to the outdoors and working with plants. Topics discussed are: What are age-appropriate outdoor chores for kids? What about indoor gardening activities as the weather get crummy? An elementary school has access to a small prairie plot. What activities can teachers employ and are there safety precautions when doing so? Will my kid ever like bugs? Making kids feel more comfortable with insects. What are some good indoor plants to put in a child's room to teach about caring for something? What is a realistic expectation for a child's attention span? Check out Brittnay's School Garden Resource Guide https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/school_garden_resource_reduced.pdf Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, the group chats with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce Black. Bruce shares best practices for storing garden produce for consuming over the winter. Plus the team calls on nutrition and wellness educator Kristin Bogdonas to help answer questions about canning and pickling. Topics covered in today's episode: What do we need to store vegetables? What is Bruce's favorite vegetable to keep over winter? How long can we expect produce to stay good? Pickling and fermenting foods What to do with tomatoes with the shortage of canning supplies? Curing and storing sweet potatoes How to store garlic and onion Storing butternut squash Preparing the garden for next year Links: For more information on safe home food preservation methods and tested recipes, visit go.illinois.edu/nutritionwell. Here you will find recorded webinars and handouts on canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting. Need to have your pressure canner dial-gauge tested? We recommend these be tested every year for accuracy. Find the closest office to you by visiting, https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/pressure_canning_testing_-locations_-_june_2020.pdf Freezing tomatoes https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/tomato.html USDA Handbook 66 The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/oc/np/CommercialStorage/CommercialStorage.pdf Contact the hosts Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

During this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, we talk with Gemini Bhalsod about seed saving. Gemini is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension in Cook County and a wealth of knowledge! Listen in as we discuss: • The Rose Garden Controversy • Can you save any kind of seed? • Processing heirloom tomato seeds • What’s the best way to store seeds over the winter? • How do we save seed potato and bareroot onion for planting next spring? • When is the best time to plant garlic? Can I use what I got from the grocery store? Could pecan trees be grown in a tub for a few years? What is the best way to start seeds? • Can I save seeds from my pumpkins this year to grow some next year? • Do I need to let the cucumber sit on the vine to save the seeds? How do I know when to pick it? Four Seasons Gardening Series https://extension.illinois.edu/global/four-seasons-gardening-webinar-series Seed Savers Exchange https://www.seedsavers.org/ Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Chris Enroth [email protected]

In another episode with our Good Growing hosts, we answering your gardening questions. This week we discuss: Dealing with cicada killers Can we plant strawberries and asparagus in August? Did bush honeysuckle kill my tree? What are these bee-like flies buzzing all over the place? When is watermelon ready to pick? Organic options when dealing with Colorado potato beetle Check out our webinars and YouTube channel Register for Getting Started with Compost https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2020-08-26-good-growing-webinar-getting-started-composting See our webinar recordings at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEYBGqFXZS6Sn37n1mVcY1g?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast Eliana Brown shares her knowledge of sustainable landscaping. Eliana is a water quality specialist with University of Illinois Extension. During the episode the team talks about: What is sustainable landscaping? Where would a homeowner start in making their landscape more sustainable? What about large scale projects? How big do you make a rain garden? Is there a sustainable way to control weeds? What about homeowner's associations wanting to become more sustainable? Additional resources Video: Stormwater at Home https://go.illinois.edu/stormwaterhome Visit the Red Oak Rain Garden Website https://redoakraingarden.org/ Video: Rain Garden Installation http://go.illinois.edu/purdue Eliana's Publication with Illinois Indiana SeaGrant on nutrient reduction, native plants, rain gardens, and more https://iiseagrant.org/resources/publications-products/results/?_sft_creator=c-eliana-brown Natural Lawn Care https://iiseagrant.org/work/healthy-waters/programs-initiatives/natural-lawn-care/ THE SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN RAIN GARDEN MANUAL https://iiseagrant.org/publications/the-southern-lake-michigan-rain-garden-manual/ Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/grants-loans/water-financial-assistance/Pages/gigo.aspx

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, the crew is joined by University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Richard Hentschel. Richard dives into important and timely lawn care questions as summer days shorten and cooler nights begin to prevail. Topics covered include: What can I do to get lawns like my neighbors that hire companies to take care of theirs? What about lumpy yards? What should I do to rehab my lawn this fall? Should I be bagging my lawn clippings? What can be done to stop nimblewill? How can you transition to less ‘lawn’ and more native plants. Can you treat a lawn to get rid of both dandelion and crabgrass weeds? What grasses are recommended to plant in central Illinois? What animal keeps digging up the lawn? Is there anything that can be done to stop it?

It is a Good Growing podcast episode full of hostful goodness! Today’s show features our intrepid hosts Katie Parker, Ken Johnson, and Chris Enroth as the answer a slew of home gardening questions. On this episode we dive into: What’s going on in the hosts’ gardens right now Settling soil around foundations Getting started with blueberries Why aren’t zucchini and cucumbers producing fruit? Dealing with yellow nutsedge in the lawn Why aren’t tomatoes turning red? Dealing with clay washout in a flower bed. Getting hydrangeas to bloom Horticulturalists LIVE YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABO-uabd6E&list=PLIq7XlTOe3alQyeqet_5j1YNseo2fxvf4 Horticulturalists LIVE Facebook https://www.facebook.com/125749841792/videos/1181792378829278 Illinois Extension Horticulture Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILextensionHorticulture Webinar Registration Links https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2020-08-05-good-growing-webinar-landscaping-fact-or-fiction

On this week's Good Growing podcast the group chats with Extension Forestry and Research Specialist Chris Evans. Chris updates the group about his work on controlled burns in woodland settings, herbicides for invasive species, and how they use drones in forestry work. Plus Chris helps answer questions on: Are invasive species increasing ticks populations? Maple syrup production in Southern Illinois What to do with woods completely overrun with bush honeysuckle Where do you start when creating a new woodland? Controlling wild parsnip without getting 'burned'. Plus other dangerous wild carrot species How can a landowner contact an appraiser for a timber harvest? Dealing with lingering ash dead from EAB in forests. Are these trees dangerous? White pines and windbreaks Check out the Illinois Extension Forestry website https://extension.illinois.edu/forestry Got a gardening question? Contact the hosts Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

This week the Good Growing team welcomes local foods educator, Grant McCarty to the show. Grant enjoys trying new and unique vegetables and talks about what he has growing in his garden. Time to get a pen and paper out to start making that list of veggies to try for next year! Grant also gives tips for gardeners looking to the fall gardening season. Do you have your garlic ordered yet? We also answer your home gardening questions. This week’s questions include: What’s eaten all my cucumber leaves? My hops are early this year. Should I harvest them now? What organic options do I have when dealing with Japanese beetles and spotted wing drosophila on blueberries? How can you tell when to harvest potatoes? Tips for harvesting zucchini Does reusing black plastic mulch for tomatoes carry disease over to the next year? Vegetable seed finder pickacarrot.com Northwest IL Local Foods Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ExtensionJSWLocalFoods Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

On this week's Good Growing podcast, the crew is delighted to welcome Peggy Doty, Energy and Environment educator with University of Illinois Extension. Peggy works closely teaching youth about natural resources and specializes in wildlife topics. Peggy and the Good Growing team chat about the Bruno the Bear and dealing with large predators in Illinois. Plus Peggy helps us answer these homeowner questions: What to do about rabbits eating everything in the garden Keeping raccoons out of the attic Should we relocate wild animals? Can a gardener coexist with a groundhog? Are coyotes really getting bigger? What to do when they're hanging out around the neighborhood Deer are eating everything. In town! Can anything stop these stomachs with legs? Living with Wildlife in Illinois website https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/ Peggy's recent webinar on creating backyard bird habitat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFPR1dJWHTs Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

This week on the Good Growing podcast the crew talks about the trouble with trees with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Ryan Pankau. Ryan brings his wealth of knowledge and experience on arboriculture (the study of trees). In this episode the group discusses: The common problems that occur at the base of the tree trunk Can you train a new redbud from seedlings? A young maple tree leafed out and then suddenly died. Could it be from the weird growth on the trunk? Why would a long strip of bark be missing on an oak tree? What can be done with hydrangeas that don't bloom? A newly planted tree is dying. What suggestions are there to save the tree? Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, Andrew Holsinger joins the crew to talk about everything Japanese beetles. We discuss nearly every angle of dealing with this invasive and incredible nuisance. We dive into: If home gardeners can feel overwhelmed, what about farmers dealing with Japanese beetles? How do commercial orchards deal with these pests? What can you do to protect your large shade trees? What about backyard fruit trees? If you control the Japanese beetle grubs in the lawn will it help with damage caused by adult beetles? Do you need to spray your sweet corn? What are the organic options to control Japanese beetles? Check out these resources on Japanese beetles Japanese beetle factsheet from University of Illinois Extension Mass Trapping by University of Missouri Extension https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2018/1/mass_trapping_japanese_beetles/ Ken Johnson's webinar on Japanese beetles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On0cbWjkoo4 Japanese beetles - plants they like and don't like & chemical controls https://uofi.box.com/s/9tx9sly5er1il921pmx8osj2t92clwqx Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, Extension educator Duane Friend joins Ken and Katie to talk about compost and dealing with pond weeds. In this episode they cover topics on: Recommended composting methods How often should you stir compost? Can you compost weeds that have been sprayed with herbicide? Can you compost dog and rabbit waste? How do you get rid of algae on your pond? Why causes tiny pinholes in tomato leaves? How often should you water a tomato grown in a container? Check out these resources: Purdue pond management website: https://extension.purdue.edu/pondwildlife/ IL Department of Natural Resources: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Pages/default.aspx Everyday Environment webinars: https://extension.illinois.edu/global/everyday-environment-webinar-series Everyday Environment YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIq7XlTOe3aktogEpAPxp-s64ZoSei3nj Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

On this week's Good Growing podcast the team talks with Travis Cleveland about tree diseases. Travis is an Extension Specialist in the field of plant pathology and woody plant material. On this episode the Good Growing team talks about: The difficulty in plant disease diagnosis and the importance of good photos. What's happening with Virginia creeper with spots on the leaves? An older silver maple is dropping leaves and it's spring. What's happening? Why do all the sycamores have emptying branches with no leaves? A dogwood only leafed out in the upper canopy. Is it dead? What causes a Colorado blue spruce to lose needles from the bottom up? Links to resources mentioned in the show: A Box folder with photos of some of the plants in question on today's episode https://go.illinois.edu/GoodGrowingPhotos Home Yard and Garden Newsletter - Maple leaf blister article http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1068 Spruce problems https://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/downloads/Plant%20Clinic%20Report%20Spruce.pdf Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

Horticulture educator Bruce Black joins this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast to talk about micropropagation and starting a community garden. Plus your home garden and landscaping questions. In this episode we chat about: Micropropagation What are some tips for starting a community garden? Who/What are eating the cucumber seeds? Oaks dropping leaves Small holes in radish leaves Watch Bruce's recent gardening webinars: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH8QA5Yn_PdZFinAjKJj3WcLqJg7aODB Community Garden webinar series: https://go.illinois.edu/communitygarden Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

On this episode of the Good Growing podcast your host Chris, Katie, and Ken chat about what going on in their yards and gardens plus answers to listener questions. What to do with swarming honeybees Remedies for soils with excessively high phosphorous levels Dealing with carpenter bees nesting in decks and wood siding Can you grow industrial hemp in your garden? Dealing with weeds growing between patio pavers Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

In this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with University of Illinois pesticide safety and weed specialist, Michelle Wiesbrook. During our conversation we dive into the following topics: Options for Illinois residents seeking pesticide applicator licenses Controlling weeds in a driveway What can we do about knotweed and black medic What herbicides can you spray when establishing a prairie What are the options for spraying herbicides around chickens and ducks How do you control creeping Charlie Pesticide Applicator Testing information https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pesticides/Pages/Commercial-Pesticide-Applicator.aspx Pesticide Education and Safety Program website https://web.extension.illinois.edu/psep/ Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected]

This week Martha Smith joins the Good Growing team to talk all about landscape design. Martha is a horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension and has previous experience as a landscape designer. During this episode the group talks about: What's blooming in their yards What does Martha recommend for new gardeners as they start designing their yard Where can homeowner look to get information on plants before going to the garden center What to do with a soggy part of the yard Addressing the Murder Wasp question Dealing with spring weeds in the strawberry patch And should we be spraying our apple trees right now? Rain Garden resources ILLINOIS NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE HOME LANDSCAPE https://iiseagrant.org/publications/illinois-native-plants-for-the-home-landscape/ RAIN GARDEN- A NATIVE PLANTING GUIDE FOR RAIN GARDEN BEDS https://iiseagrant.org/publications/rain-garden-a-native-planting-guide-for-rain-garden-beds/ POLLINATOR GARDEN- NATIVE PLANTS FOR ATTRACTING POLLINATORS https://iiseagrant.org/publications/pollinator-garden-native-plants-for-attracting-pollinators/ Webinar recording from Purdue on their Rainscaping Program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxwarSqe3Sc The Red Oak Rain Garden https://redoakraingarden.org/ Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Katie Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Upcoming Webinars Good Bugs in the Garden: May 13: Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most insects aren’t pests at all. Ken Johnson will explore the most common beneficial insects and ways to attract them to your garden. web.extension.illinois.edu/registratio…ionID=22204 Landscape Safety: May 20: There can be hazards to working in the yard and garden. Landscape work can involve dangerous and loud equipment, pesticides, and contact with plants and animals that may be harmful. Chris Enroth will provide safety tips everyone can use when working the yard, including hearing, eye, and sun protection; best practices for operating equipment; and using pesticides safely. web.extension.illinois.edu/registratio…ionID=22214 Mulching Options for the Garden: May 27: The use of mulch in flower and vegetable gardens has many benefits, such as weed prevention and soil moisture retention; however, with a dozen or more options, how do you choose one to use? Katie Parker will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of mulches available. web.extension.illinois.edu/registratio…ionID=22206

In this week's episode of the Good Growing podcast, horticulture Andrew Holsinger joins the gang to talk all about tomatoes. Tomato topics discussed: Physiological leaf roll vs. herbicide injury Flower drop Cracking tomato skin Novelty tomatoes Staking tomatoes Growing tomatoes in containers Controlling tomato disease Blossom end rot Controlling stinkbugs on tomatoes Contact the hosts: Chris Enroth [email protected] Ken Johnson [email protected] Katie Parker [email protected] Accessible Edible Containers: May 6: Promoting local food can start in your backyard, patio, or even indoors. Learn to grow a variety of edibles in containers and use space efficiently. Andrew Holsinger will share some of the best cultivars for growing in containers. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22203 Good Bugs in the Garden: May 13: Not all insects we find in our gardens are pests. In fact, most insects aren’t pests at all. Ken Johnson will explore the most common beneficial insects and ways to attract them to your garden. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22204 Landscape Safety: May 20: There can be hazards to working in the yard and garden. Landscape work can involve dangerous and loud equipment, pesticides, and contact with plants and animals that may be harmful. Chris Enroth will provide safety tips everyone can use when working the yard, including hearing, eye, and sun protection; best practices for operating equipment; and using pesticides safely. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22214 Mulching Options for the Garden: May 27: The use of mulch in flower and vegetable gardens has many benefits, such as weed prevention and soil moisture retention; however, with a dozen or more options, how do you choose one to use? Katie Parker will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of mulches available. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22206

In today's episode of the Good Growing Podcast Michelle Berg Vogel joins Ken, Katie, and Chris to talk about growing your very own mushrooms at home. Plus tips for hunting the elusive morel mushroom. All this plus your home gardening questions answered. On this episode we answer the following homeowner questions: 1. What to do about spider mite damage on Dwarf Alberta spruce 2. Can I still get seed online during the Coronavirus pandemic? 3. What can I do about voles in my yard? 4. What's the best thing to keep dollar spot from showing up in my lawn?

Join the Good Growing crew as they answer your insect questions. Ken, Katie, and Chris welcome special guest Kelly Allsup, horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension. Kelly's passion is insects and shares her knowledge with the podcast to answer your insect questions. Following are the questions we discuss in this episode: 1. Brussels sprouts never get very big, what can they do get bigger sprouts. 2. A high school greenhouse is seeing aphids, whiteflies, and gnats. How do they save their plants? 3. How do I get rid of house centipedes? Do they bite? 4. How do I get rid of giant spiders in the house!? 5. How do you get rid of Japanese beetles Links to follow Kelly online: Blog https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MidIllinoisMasterGardener/ Resources mentioned during the episode: Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in North America https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in849 Relative Susceptibility of Woody Landscape Plants to Japanese Beetle https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/JapaneseBeetle/Held2004.pdf Email us your insect or any home gardening and landscaping questions: Chris [email protected] Ken [email protected] Katie [email protected] Check out our blog chocked full of articles on home gardening, landscaping, conservation, and so much more! extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing

On this spring episode of the Good Growing podcast we answer questions we received from Illinois home gardeners. Ken Johnson, horticulture educator, and Katie Parker, local foods & small farms educator, join Chris to answer the following questions: 1. Dealing with squash bugs 2. What to do about landscape fabric and rock mulch 3. Can you garden where a house burned down? 4. Protecting apple trees from spring freezes. Check out our blog chocked full of articles on home gardening, landscaping, conservation, and so much more! https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing Email us your questions Chris [email protected] Ken [email protected] Katie [email protected]

Most people know few insects by name. One of the more popular, at least this time of year, is the woolly bear or woolly worm caterpillar. This caterpillar is the larval form of the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia Isabella). A white to orange to yellow moth that frequents lights at night in the midsummer. But is the woolly bear caterpillar able to predict how cold this winter will be? Or is this hogwash? Extension educator Chris Enroth lays to rest the myth of the woolly bear caterpillar. Good Growing Blog https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing

Will compost tea save the world? Not according to current science. Science and the compost tea industry disagree on the effects of compost tea. Listen in as horticulture educator Chris Enroth saves you time, money, and electricity by keeping compost in the landscape. Leave the tea in the kitchen.

On this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Extension educator Duane Friends pops by to chat about cover crops. Duane explains the importance of using cover crops, how they are a great tool for soil management, choosing cover crops, and more! Got questions? Contact Duane [email protected] Contact Chris [email protected] Check out Chris' blog post on cover crops https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hkmw/eb382/entry_13816/

On this episode of the Good Growing podcast, Chris shares his recent experience with a mouse in his house. He gives tips and tricks for dealing with these unwanted guests in the middle of winter. Check out Illinois Extension's website Living with Wildlife https://extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/

In part two of this two-part episode, Chris chats with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Andrew Holsinger and Ryan Pankau about storm damaged trees. Ryan shares his experiences as an arborist cleaning up after storms, how to make your trees more resilient to storms, and his recommended trees to plant that can resist wind damage. Plus, Ryan answers several of Chris and Andrew's questions. Check out Part One of this episode where we dive into what to do when we emerge from our shelters following a storm and how tips for hiring a certified arborist. https://bit.ly/2CdwCPV Email Chris [email protected] Email Ryan [email protected] Email Andrew [email protected]

In part one of this two-part episode, Chris chats with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Andrew Holsinger and Ryan Pankau about storm damaged trees. Andrew tells about how nearby Taylorville, Illinois recently experienced a tornado. And Ryan gives us tips on what to look out for when we first emerge from our shelters and basements. Then Ryan gives tips on what to consider when hiring a certified arborist. Check out Part Two of this episode where we dive into how we make our trees more resilient to storm damage and what trees are good and bad when it comes to resisting wind damage. (Scheduled air date Jan 3) Email Chris [email protected] Email Ryan [email protected] Email Andrew [email protected]

On this episode of the newly branded Good Growing podcast, Chris talks with Andrew Holsinger about pruning fruit trees like apples and peaches. Andrew tells us when and how to prune, plus answers to your pruning questions. Check out Andrew's webinar on growing your own backyard tree fruit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yozx6OaTPxE

Chris chats with horticulture educator Kelly Allsup about beneficial insects. They talk about Kelly's start in horticulture and how that led her to insects. The two then dive into how to attract beneficial insects, what plants work best, and what is Kelly's favorite beneficial insect. Plus your insect questions.

I sit down and chat with Extension Energy & Environmental Stewardship Educator Duane Friend on interpreting soil test results and what are the important takeaways when reading a soil test. Also, we talk about how Duane got involved working in the field of natural resources and some research he's doing on cover crops. Link to soil test result we refer to during the podcast https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hkmw/downloads/75048.pdf Link to soil labs found throughout Illinois https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/ Watch my video on how to collect a soil sample https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1G1tso_N40&feature=youtu.be