The calendar has turned to May, which means it’s time for No Mow May. No Mow May was started to help pollinators, but does No Mow May work well in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn more about what No Mow May is, whether or not it’s a good option for us in Illinois, other ways we can support pollinators, and more! 

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FWjduDGmGM 

Skip to what you want to know:  

  00:29 - Welcome, Ken. Where has spring gone? 

  03:06 - What is No Mow May? 

  06:57 - Some problems with No Mow May

  13:44 - Dandelions, are they good for pollinators?

  19:16 - What can we do to provide early-season resources for pollinators? 
   35:26- Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Read more about it:  

Good Growing Blog - It’s almost May; is it time to stop mowing?
Fitness costs and benefits of a non-native floral resource for subalpine solitary bees
Amino Acid Content of Dandelion Pollen, a Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Nutritional Evaluation

Illinois Pollinators website

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

From getting exercise to growing your own food to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to having a vegetable garden. However, sometimes, we run into space restrictions and give up hope of having our own vegetable garden. But does that have to be the case? Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to learn about ways we can grow vegetables in small spaces, like cultivar selection, growing in pots, seasonal planting, and more! 

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lVDite6vvGE

Skip to what you want to know:  

  00:30 - Welcome, Ken. More plants for small spaces and our experiences with gardening in small spaces

  03:18 - Happy Arbor Day

  04:54 - Gardening in small spaces - selecting smaller plants

  09:47 - Growing in containers

  23:00 - Fruit plants for containers

  28:10 - Using trellising to save space

  34:30 - Growing in raised beds to save space

  37:28 - Planting seasonally

  40:03 - Incorporating food crops into landscaping (edible landscaping)

  43:52 - Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Pictures:

Watermelon Cal Sweet Bush - All-American Selections

Pepper Pot-a-peno - All-America Selections 

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

Join Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson on the Good Growing podcast as they dive into the world of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this episode, they explore the foundational principles of IPM, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls. Learn how to identify and manage pests effectively while promoting a healthy and sustainable garden environment. Discover practical tips for scouting, diagnosing plant problems, and using pesticides responsibly. Plus, hear fascinating insights about lightning-resistant trees and the role of beneficial insects in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you master IPM and keep your garden thriving.

Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/5hYQSQSRhaU

Skip to what you want to know:
00:36 Hey Ken!
01:13 Can trees benefit from lightning strikes?
05:40 Diving into and defining I.P.M. - Integrated Pest Management
06:16 What is a pest? It all depends (mostly).
11:17 Where do we begin our IPM strategy?
20:12 The foundation of an IPM structure (system).
21:13 Management techniques used in IPM (the pillars).
21:35 How do you scout for IPM?
23:50 Using good plant culture to avoid growing issues.
29:33 Controlling pests mechanically/physically.
34:29 Using other living things to help control plant pests.
40:04 Can you buy beneficial insects to be released in a garden to help control pests?
44:34 The fourth pillar of an IPM program - pesticides
50:25 Synthetic vs. biorational (organic) pesticides
57:42 Categorizing pesticides - contact vs. systemic
1:04:20  How do we use pesticides to limit the impact on bees?

How some tropical trees benefit from being struck by lightning: evidence for Dipteryx oleifera and other large-statured trees https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062

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

Join us on the Good Growing podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson. In this episode, we explore the differences between honeybees and native bees, their roles in our ecosystems, and the ongoing debate surrounding their impact on agriculture and conservation.

Our special guest, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sreelakshmi Suresh, shares their extensive experience in bee research, including insights into honeybee foraging, the waggle dance, and the challenges facing bee populations today. Discover how honeybees and native bees contribute to pollination, the economic implications of honeybee declines, and the importance of preserving native bee habitats.

Whether you're a beekeeper, gardener, or simply curious about bees, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging discussions. Tune in to learn more about the buzz around bees and how you can support these vital pollinators.

Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RbTg_6SFYwE

Skip to what you want to know:
00:34 Hey Ken! How is spring treating us with the recent freeze?
01:52 Welcome, Sreelakshmi Suresh!
02:35 What is the difference between honeybees and North American native bees? Are they at odds?
04:11 Sreelakshmi's background and experience with bees
07:58 What is a honeybee waggle dance?
12:41 What's with the recent headlines of honeybee hives being lost at record rates?
16:16 What does the loss of honeybees mean for our food system, and should we all keep bees to help?
26:19    Do honeybees harm native bees?
37:58    Can honeybees and native bees coexist in a high-quality prairie?
45:56 Can honeybees' foraging preferences influence a native plant community?
50:33 How many species of bees are there in the world? In Illinois?
53:00 Talking about our favorite bees
55:51 Carpenter bee fun fact
57:22 Thank yous and see you next week!

Spring has arrived, which means the gardening questions have started coming into Extension offices. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of the questions that have come into our offices. Learn about planting grass in the spring, managing invasive plants, fertilizing fruit trees, and more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2_8AUONLR44

Skip to what you want to know:  

  00:27 – Welcome, Ken. Have we gotten our garden seeds started, a Good Growing Grow Along seed update, and an anniversary. 

  05:28 - I have a bare patch of ground, when should I plant grass seed? 

  08:38 – What is this plant?

  09:27 – What is causing the stippling on the rhododendron leaves?

  13:13 – My African violet has mealy bugs. How do I get rid of them? 

  16:18 – Bradford pear is becoming invasive but can still be bought. What are you doing to stop it from being sold?

  21:57 – Managing honeysuckle, can I spray now?

  24:38 - Wintercreeper

  26:35 – What do we do about our homes being invaded by the multi-colored Asian lady beetle?

  30:18 – How much fertilizer should I put on my fruit trees? 

  33:59 - Will cicadas affect my trees this year?  

  37:14 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Management of Invasive Plants and Pests of Illinois

Bush honeysuckle management

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 to another episode of the Good Growing podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they dive into the fascinating world of spring ephemerals. These early bloomers emerge before trees leaf out, adding blooms to the landscape after winter's dormancy. In this episode, Ken and Chris discuss these unique plants and their lifecycles, give tips on growing spring ephemerals in your garden, and describe detailed insights into common Illinois spring ephemerals. 

Skip to what you want to know:
00:36 Hey Ken!
00:45 Are the spring ephemerals emerging in our yards and around us?
02:52 What is a spring ephemeral?
05:23 Where do we commonly find spring ephemerals?
08:14 Are Spring bulbs the same as spring ephemerals?
11:51 When do you commonly see spring ephemerals emerge in Illinois?
12:40 Can we plant spring ephemerals in our yards?
14:16 Can spring ephemerals be used under evergreens?
15:10 Should you buy bareroot or seed to start your spring ephemeral garden?
20:19 The interesting way many spring ephemerals have their seed dispersed.
22:23 Talking about specific species of spring ephemerals.
   22:32 Skunk cabbage
   24:46 Dutchman's Breeches
   27:56 Jack in the Pulpit
   32:25 Virginia bluebells
   36:26 Yellow Trout Lily
   38:40 Mayapple
   42:36 Bloodroot
44:54 Forest debris and invasive species competing with spring ephemerals
   46:45 Spring beauty
50:23 Don't dig up spring ephemerals from natural areas
52:46 Plan for a succession of plants to fill in the holes left by spring ephemerals when they are done for the year.
54:12 Thank you, and coming up next week

Links to our articles on spring ephemerals
Spring brings spring beauties to the landscape https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2021-04-15-spring-brings-spring-beauties-landscape 
A plant of many colors: Virginia bluebell https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-03-15-plant-many-colors-virginia-bluebell
A favorite spring ephemeral: Bloodroot https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-03-17-favorite-spring-ephemeral-bloodroot
Trillium: Good things come in threes https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-04-07-trillium-good-things-come-threes 

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 to the Good Growing Podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive deep into the world of soil testing. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understand how to unlock the secrets of your soil and boost your garden's productivity.

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

Skip to what you want to know:
0:27 Hey Ken! Soil test reports have lots of numbers, what do they all mean?
01:13 How do you collect a soil sample for testing? Do many gardeners test their soil in Illinois?
08:08 What do we do with our soil sample? Buy a home test kit? Use a soil lab?
08:56 How to find a soil lab.
11:27 Stick with Midwestern soil labs.
13:23 Showing our soil test results
14:01 Ken's soil test report from Lukeman Garden's Extension Demonstration Garden
17:11 Ken's soil test recommendations - corn, soybeans, grains, and legumes
19:12 Chris reads his soil test report (lawn)
31:08 Chris' soil test recommendations for lawn.
34:02 Thanks and coming up next week

Illinois Extension Soils Website https://extension.illinois.edu/soil 
Soil Test Lab lists https://extension.illinois.edu/soil/soil-test-labs 
Testing Your Soil w/ Duane Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv7iocI90os 
Collecting Soil Samples with Chris Enroth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1G1tso_N40 

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

Native grasses are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators, but they can play a crucial role in supporting many different types of pollinators. Tune in to this week’s Good Growing Podcast to discover how native grasses provide nesting and overwintering habitats, serve as larval food sources, offer pollen, and much more!

Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TCE-wQyjn38 

Skip to what you want to know:  

  00:30 – Welcome, Ken. How often do we discuss grasses in pollinator presentations?

  02:20 – What type of grasses are we talking about? 

  03:10 – Which native grasses do well in gardens?

  06:15 – Native grasses as pollinator nesting and overwintering habitat

  13:28 – Cleaning up plant debris from the garden

  17:05 – Native grasses as larval food sources

  23:20 – Native grass pollen as a food source

  28:58 – Selecting and incorporating native grasses in the landscape 

  38:58 – Wrap-up, thank yous, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

Fall garden clean-up 

Spring garden clean-up

Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates and A Guide to the Butterflies They Support

Role of grasses in a pollinator 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 to another episode of the Good Growing Podcast! Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson as they delve into the fascinating world of garden peas, Pisum sativum. Explore the rich history of garden peas, from their origins in ancient agriculture to their role in the development of modern genetics. Get practical advice on planting, caring for, and harvesting garden peas, including tips on soil preparation, spacing, and dealing with common pests and diseases. From childhood memories of canned and frozen peas to the joys of growing your own, this episode covers everything you need to know about these humble yet delightful vegetables.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:37 Hey Ken! What type of peas did we eat growing up? Canned, frozen, or fresh?
02:44 National Garden Bureau Plant of the Year - The Garden Pea
03:23 Is it time to plant garden peas in early March?
06:15 The history of the garden pea. Domestication
09:39 Why did humans pick the garden pea for domestication 10,000 years ago?
11:54 The dawn of a sweeter garden pea.
14:31 Talking about Gregor Mendel and the birth of modern genetics.
17:07 Growing garden peas
18:09 Shelling peas
19:03 Snow/Sugar peas
19:41 Snap peas
22:01 Growing requirements spacing, soil, trellising, etc.
24:16 What pea cultivars does Ken grow in his garden?
27:28 Using peas as a bioassay.
28:20 How deep do you plant pea seeds?
29:24 Garden pea problems
32:14 Thank yous and coming up next week.

Join horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension as they delve into the fascinating world of chamomile, the 2025 Herb of the Year. In this episode, Chris and Ken discuss the different types of chamomile, including Roman and German chamomile, and their unique characteristics. Learn about the benefits of chamomile, from its use in herbal teas to its role in beauty products and even baby diapers. Discover the best practices for growing, harvesting, and using chamomile in your garden and home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious about this versatile herb, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to explore the wonders of chamomile and how it can enhance your garden and lifestyle.

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDqLJBDEogw

Skip to what you want to know:
00:30 Hey Ken! Do you like to drink tea?
00:59 Herb of the year - Chamomile. Have we tried chamomile tea?
02:18 What is the proper way to pronounce "chamomile"?
03:22 The different species of chamomile, look-a-likes, and chamomile adjacent.
   07:24    Pineapple weed
   08:37    Stinking Chamomile
   09:35    Dyer's Chamomile
10:53 The economics of chamomile
12:30 How is chamomile harvested commercially (past and present)
15:33 Recommended varieties of German chamomile
18:17 What is Roman chamomile used for?
19:45 Growing German chamomile
22:54 Recommended growing conditions for German chamomile
24:37 Harvesting German chamomile flowers
25:59 Chamomile is also attractive to pollinators
26:42 Drying and steeping times
30:38 Thanks yous and coming up next week

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