Good Growing

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with commercial agriculture educator Nathan Johanning about pumpkins! Nathan describes the ins and outs of growing this wonderfully diverse crop plus how to pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall décor. Plus, we discuss:
• What to do to make pumpkins last longer
• Can Jack-o’-lanterns be used for pie and vice versa?
• Just starting out growing pumpkins? There’s a lot to know. Nathan gives two big considerations.
• Can we grow pumpkins in containers?
• How do you grow giant pumpkins?
• What to do about weeds in the pumpkin patch?
Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter https://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/
Nathan’s series of videos on pumpkin production https://www.youtube.com/c/IllinoisLocalFoods/search?query=pumpkin

Contact the hosts
Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu
Katie Parker keparkr2@illinois.edu
Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu

Show Notes

In this week’s episode of the Good Growing podcast, we chat with commercial agriculture educator Nathan Johanning about pumpkins! Nathan describes the ins and outs of growing this wonderfully diverse crop plus how to pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall décor. Plus, we discuss: • What to do to make pumpkins last longer • Can Jack-o’-lanterns be used for pie and vice versa? • Just starting out growing pumpkins? There’s a lot to know. Nathan gives two big considerations. • Can we grow pumpkins in containers? • How do you grow giant pumpkins? • What to do about weeds in the pumpkin patch? Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter https://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/ Nathan’s series of videos on pumpkin production https://www.youtube.com/c/IllinoisLocalFoods/search?query=pumpkin Contact the hosts Ken Johnson kjohnso@illinois.edu Katie Parker keparkr2@illinois.edu Chris Enroth cenroth@illinois.edu

Creators and Guests

Host
Chris Enroth
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties
Host
Ken Johnson
University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott Counties

What is Good Growing?

The Good Growing Podcast from University of Illinois Extension helps gardeners grow with confidence. Each episode features research-based advice, practical gardening tips, and engaging conversations on plants, landscapes, ecology, and seasonal garden challenges. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, Good Growing offers timely information to help you create healthier, more successful gardens and landscapes.