Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this special gardenbite episode, horticulture educator Chris Enroth from the University of Illinois Extension revisits a fascinating 2021 webinar where the team delved into the world of tree nuts. This episode focuses on the beloved chestnut, featuring insights from horticulture educator Ken Johnson.

Highlights:

History and Significance: Discover the rich history of the American chestnut, once a keystone species in the eastern United States, and learn about its tragic downfall due to the chestnut blight.

Chestnut Varieties: Explore different types of chestnuts, including American, Chinese, Japanese, and European chestnuts, and understand their unique characteristics and uses.

Growing Chestnuts: Gain practical tips on how to grow chestnuts, including site selection, soil requirements, and pollination needs.
Pest and Disease Management: Learn about common pests and diseases that affect chestnuts, such as chestnut weevils and phytophthora root rot, and how to manage them effectively.

Harvesting and Storing: Get expert advice on the best practices for harvesting and storing chestnuts to maintain their quality and flavor.

Culinary Uses: Find out how to prepare and enjoy chestnuts, from roasting them over an open fire to incorporating them into various recipes.

Restoration Efforts: Hear about the ongoing efforts to restore the American chestnut through traditional breeding and transgenic approaches.

Join us for an informative and engaging episode that will deepen your appreciation for chestnuts and their role in our ecosystems and culinary traditions.

01:16 Chestnuts - What are they?
02:36 Chestnut vs. horse chestnut
03:30 The different species of chestnuts
04:20 The history of the American chestnut.
06:34 The arrival of Chestnut blight
08:28 Chestnut growing recommendations
11:04 Chestnut cultivars
11:43 Chestnut pollination
13:29 Chestnut pests (insects)
16:11 Chestnut pests (critters)
17:41 Chestnut diseases
19:03 Harvest and storing chestnuts
21:21 How to eat chestnuts
23:08 Bringing back the American Chestnut
25:32 So long until next year!

Watch the entire Going Nuts Over Tree Nuts webinar where we also discuss walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd1ix1H3bco

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu 


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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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