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 about fire safety and a segment they have dubbed "Hose Talk." Tune in for expert insights and seasonal tips to keep your garden growing—even when the rain won’t fall.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/9PXCI5ddpBI

00:33 Hey Ken! It is dry.
01:37 How dry is it? Drought levels and recorded precipitation amounts.
04:34 Dry conditions in southern Illinois and a flash drought.
07:32 NOAA predictions for the next three months.
09:13 How does a fall drought affect our gardening this time of year?
11:59 Fall lawn planting. To seed grass or not to seed grass?
16:44 Watering trees in preparation for winter is a critical fall drought task.
19:26 Hose talk!
22:27 Planting fall cover crops during dry weather.
24:44 Fires during dry fall weather.
28:26 Thank you, and see you next week. 

US Drought Monitor: Illinois https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?IL

NOAA Drought Forecasts https://www.drought.gov/forecasts

Blog posts by Illinois Climatologist Trent Ford:
Sept 4, 2025, August Ushered us From Summer to Fall https://stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/09/04/august-ushered-us-from-summer-to-fall/

Sept 11, 2025, Drought is Intensifying in Illinois https://stateclimatologist.web.illinois.edu/2025/09/11/drought-is-intensifying-in-illinois/

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected]
 
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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

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