Good Growing

In this Arbor Month episode of Good Growing, horticulture educators Chris Enroth, Ken Johnson, and Emily Swihart dig into the concept of tree equity—the idea that all neighborhoods deserve access to tree canopy and the benefits trees provide. From shade and stormwater management to mental health and property values, the hosts explore why trees matter and why their distribution across communities is far from equal.
The conversation traces how historical practices like redlining shaped today’s urban forests, explains why some neighborhoods still have far fewer trees, and introduces practical tools—like the Tree Equity Score and i‑Tree—that can help communities make more informed, equitable tree‑planting decisions.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0SFKXYs8yX4
Skip to what you want to know:
00:30 Hey Ken! 
01:18 Welcome, Emily! 
02:38 First topic of tree month: Tree equity 
04:11 What are the benefits of trees? Ecosystem services 
09:28  Social and Emotional benefits of trees 
14:38 Not everyone has the benefits of trees. Diving into the topic of tree equity.
17:10 The history of tree inequity 
17:57  Redlining and its effect on tree equity 
23:41 What tools can be used to look at the need for tree planting in communities? 
26:45 Tree Equity Score and i-Tree 
44:44 So long and coming up next week! 
Tree Equity Score https://www.treeequityscore.org/
i-Tree https://www.itreetools.org/
Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Emily Swihart [email protected]
Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.
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 
--
Prefer audio? 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

Can you really grow edible figs in Illinois—or anywhere in the Midwest? In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Wahle to dig deep into one of humanity’s oldest cultivated fruits: the fig (Ficus carica).
From ancient history to modern backyards, we explore how figs grow, where they originated, and why cold‑hardy varieties like Chicago Hardy and Brown Turkey make figs possible even in colder climates. You’ll learn what makes figs so unique botanically, why the “fruit” is actually a modified stem, and how fig pollination works—including the truth about dead wasps in your figs (don’t worry, Midwest gardeners are in the clear).
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TiClnN6r_HI
Skip to what you want to know:
00:34 Hey Ken!   
01:36 Welcome Elizabeth!  
02:13 Updates from the cold snap on landscape plants and crops   
10:50 On to the main topic - edible figs   
11:37 What is the Fignomenal fig?   
12:51 What type of figs is Elizabeth growing in her garden?  
13:59 The history of the edible fig  
19:08 Where do we typically find fig production in the world?  
20:09 US Fig production  
20:52 Figs in the Midwest diet and have we ever eaten fresh figs?  
23:08 Learning about the edible fig plant (Ficus carica)   
23:36 Edible fig is a woody perennial   
25:28  What is the fig fruit?   
28:22 Edible fig pollination and are dead wasps inside our fig fruit?  
38:09 Can we get breba crops on our figs?   
39:29 For those wanting to try to grow edible figs in Illinois what are some of the site requirements? 
42:53 What can you do to protect figs during the winter?   
50:03 Pruning and sap causing injury on human skin   
51:42 Cultivars for planting in Illinois  
54:30 Fantastic Fig Facts  
Fig Resources
Growing Hardy Figs in Ohio https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1439
The Fig: Its history, culture, and curing, with a descriptive catalogue of the known varieties of figs  Published in 1901 and an interesting look at fig production over 100 years ago https://archive.org/details/figitshistorycul00eise/page/n89/mode/2up
The Fig: Botany, Production and Uses, edited by Ali Sarkhosh, Alimohammad Yavari, Louise Ferguson, published in 2022, (online book accessed via the library)
Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.
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 
--
Prefer audio? 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

Curious about trying something new in your garden this year? This week on the Good Growing Podcast, we share the unique and unusual plants we’re adding to our 2026 gardens. From teff and loofah gourds to spoon‑sized tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, butterfly pea, and more, join us as we explore what drew us to these plants, how we plan to grow them, and the fun (and challenges!) of experimenting with unfamiliar crops.
 
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lx8Jeog-p0

Skip to what you want to know:  
  03:09 – Teff
  06:38 – Armenian cucumber/melon
  08:20 – Bottle gourd
  10:55 – Spoon tomato
  13:19 – Luffa gourd
  16:27 – Mexican sunflower
  18:24 – Butterfly pea 
  20:40 – Sunflower ‘Soluna Bronze’
  23:18 – Anchote
  25:16 – Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’ or something similar
  29:56 – Peanuts
   31:36 – Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye!

 More information:
 Mt. Cuba Center - Wild Hydrangea for the Mid-Atlantic Region
 
 
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

Early spring in the Midwest means unpredictable weather—and plenty of garden questions. After bouncing from 80-degree days to single-digit temperatures, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson tackle what these wild swings mean for your landscape and gardens.
This week’s episode answers attendee questions submitted at the Home Lawn & Garden Day in Bloomington–Normal. Ken and Chris discuss surprise cold snaps, summer-bound broccoli, thinking ahead to Japanese beetles, and much more. Get ready to get back in the garden as the seasons begin to shift into spring. And then back to winter. And we'll throw some summer in the mix, too. All in the span of a few days.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W0mz6CHpuoc
Skip to what you want to know:
00:36 Hey Ken! The weather has been crazy! Do we yet know what this means for our early-spring flowers?
05:07 Questions from the Home Lawn and Garden Day in Bloomington/Normal
06:35 What are some non-toxic or environmentally friendly ways to kill or keep weeds under control in garden beds?
10:42 Hints on growing brassicas in our area/climate? Cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Mine seem to fade in the heat.
16:11 Drip irrigation is supposed to be better than sprinklers. Can I do it myself? How do I choose and locate the equipment needed?
21:45 What tools can you not live without, and which ergonomic tools can you recommend as we age?
27:14 What plants are good for repelling rabbits?
30:52 How can you prevent Japanese beetles from eating your flowers without using chemicals?
37:49 What supplemental lighting (type of bulb, distance from the plants & length of time to keep lighting on) is best for Phalaenopsis orchids & African violets?
42:23 https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights
44:05 Thank yous and coming up next week.
All About Mulch https://youtu.be/sqw4Cwr7wjo
Garden Tools and Gadgets https://youtu.be/GXD12sUiI8w
Supplemental Lighting for Orchids https://www.aos.org/all-about-orchids/growing-orchids-under-lights
Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.
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 
--
Prefer audio? 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

Spring is on the horizon—even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind. In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris and Ken do a little spring dreaming, sharing the flowers, plants, and woodland scenes they look forward to every year as the growing season begins.
From early bloomers like crocus, daffodils, and spring ephemerals to peonies, magnolias, and everything in between, we flip through a mental (and visual) photo album of spring favorites. Along the way, we talk about why these plants matter to us, how they fit into home landscapes and natural areas, and how Midwest spring weather—from false summers to surprise snow—keeps things interesting.
This is a picture‑heavy episode. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dGihbSjXDi8
Skip to what you want to know:
00:45 Hey Ken!
02:14 Rollercoaster late winter weather. From 80 degrees to 10 degrees!
05:06 Ken's favorite spring-blooming plants he looks forward to every year.
   05:27    Bleeding heart
   06:25    Dutchman's breeches
   06:58    Columbine
   09:01     Crocus
   10:00    Daffodil
   11:29    Peony
   13:04    Spring beauty
   14:57    Tulips
   17:03    Common blue violet
   19:11    Virginia bluebell
   20:05    Wild ginger
22:12 Chris' favorite spring blooming plants
   22:23    Daffodil 
   23:57    Woodland walk through Dutchman's breeches, mayapples, and trillum
   27:09    Lilac and snow in spring
   29:23    Saucer magnolia
   30:43    Virginia bluebells
   31:50    Foamflower
   32:30    Lungwort
   33:09    Blueberry flowers
   33:43    Rhubarb season
   34:04    Tulip 'World Peace'
   34:32    Unfurling ferns
   34:56    Bloodroot
   35:55    Peonies at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL
38:51 Thank yous and see you next week!
Spring beauty video https://youtu.be/i9JVP9wEM_M 
Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 
Like what you see? Subscribe for more gardening tips, plant talk, and seasonal inspiration from University of Illinois Extension.
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 
--
Prefer audio? 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