Good Growing

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: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

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: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]
Emily Swihart: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Nick Frillman [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

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: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected]
 
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

Have you ever had a container planter with perennials and excitedly waited for them to resume growth in the spring, but it never happened? Perennials in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, even if they are hardy to our area, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help these plants survive the winter, so we can enjoy them come spring.  

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CUbR7Dt7uws

‌

 Contact us! 

Chris Enroth: [email protected]

Ken Johnson: [email protected]

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