Plant Doctor with Mike Meier

In this engaging episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we navigate a myriad of gardening challenges and solutions, even as technical difficulties keep our phone lines down. Mike encourages listeners to text in their questions, covering a broad spectrum of topics from lawn care to pest control. Mike starts by addressing common springtime pests like aphids and tent caterpillars, offering effectiv...

In this heartwarming episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike brings a blend of celestial wonder and practical gardening wisdom. After a night spent marveling at the northern lights, Mike shares his awe and encourages listeners to catch this rare display. But the real star of the show is Mother's Day gardening—a cherished tradition in Mike's family. Listeners will be inspired to start their o...

In this engaging episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we revisit a crucial topic that affects vegetable gardeners across the United States: the devastating fungal disease known as Phytophthora. Mike dives deep into the history and impact of this soil-borne disease, explaining its role in the Irish Potato Famine and its current threat to tomato plants in American gardens. Despite the grim subje...

In this enlightening episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we delve into the fascinating world of cicadas, those noisy but largely misunderstood insects. Mike dispels the myths and brings clarity to the sensationalized news predicting a cicada emergence of epic proportions. He explains the life cycle of cicadas, their minimal impact on plants, and their surprising benefits to the ecosystem. Lis...

In this insightful episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're cutting through the tall grass of misconceptions and tackling the controversial "No Mow May" movement. Mike is back, sharing a personal update and diving deep into the debate surrounding this initiative aimed at aiding our pollinators. With his characteristic blend of expertise and skepticism, Mike challenges the notion that our eco...

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're shedding light on the secrets of successful spring lawn care and debunking some common myths about lawn fertilization. With the snow finally melting and hints of green returning, Mike discusses the much-needed moisture for our lawns and the importance of proper timing for fertilizer application. Mike breaks down the science of soil temperature...

In this vibrant episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're cultivating a love for gardening in the young and the young at heart. Mike shares a heartfelt story about his own early experiences with plants, revealing how a twiggy juniper he planted as a child grew into a botanical behemoth visible from space! He emphasizes the importance of introducing kids to the wonders of gardening, offering t...

In this enlightening episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're pruning away the confusion surrounding USDA hardiness zones and media-manufactured myths. Mike dives into the recent reshuffling of growing zones, explaining why, despite the changes, your garden's green residents will continue to flourish just as they always have. He also tackles the media's penchant for panic, particularly regar...

On this St. Patrick's Day-themed episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're digging deep into the roots of a controversial topic that sprouts up every spring: GMOs and the media's portrayal of them. Mike unpacks the sensationalism surrounding genetically modified organisms and glyphosate, peeling back the layers of misinformation to reveal the truth behind the scare tactics. Join us as Mike di...

In this week's fresh-cut episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're sowing the seeds of knowledge on the timely topic of lawn fertilization. Mike tackles the early bird mistakes of eager green thumbs, advising against following the lead of professional lawn care signs popping up like daisies. With a forecast still flirting with frost, he shares the scoop on when to feed your turf and what prod...

On this week's vibrant episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're inching closer to spring with a countdown to the season's arrival while navigating the peculiarities of an unseasonably dry winter. Mike discusses the potential hazards of premature yard work during a drought and shares essential tips on how to avoid damaging your grass with a dethatcher due to the arid soil conditions. Join us...

In this week's episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we're shaking off the winter chill and embracing the early hints of spring with a deep dive into the art and joy of rock gardening. Mike shares his extensive experience and passion for crafting these unique and textured landscapes, offering practical tips on how to start your own rock garden, even amidst the unpredictable weather of late wint...

On this week's enlightening episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we take a stroll down memory lane and explore the fascinating world of traditional plant-based remedies. Mike reflects on the pre-snowstorm shopping frenzy and contrasts it with the resilience of our forefathers, who braved the elements without the panic we see today. He then bridges the past with the present, highlighting how ma...

This week on Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, we delve into the effects of a persistent drought on our gardens and lawns. Mike unravels the complexities of moisture content in soil and offers practical advice for nurturing our green spaces despite the dry spell. He also tackles a listener's concern about a wilting money tree, providing a diagnosis and care instructions to revive the stressed plant. I...

Mike discusses techniques to keep critters away from your garden. He explains the man-made methods and the scent methods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Plant Doctor teaches us what to do with our leftover Christmas trees and wreaths. He also tells us what to do to attract birds this winter. Mike also instructs us on how to grow and take care of amaryllis plants in our homes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike talks about Christmas traditions and the history behind them.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike continues telling us what to avoid when gifting a plant this holiday season. Mike also answers listener questions about when to cut back Irises, Russian Sage, and Raspberry bushes. Mike also learns about Groundcherries which are very similar looking to Chinese Lanterns but one is not to be eaten.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike discusses the different types of Christmas trees and what makes them different. He also answers listener questions about blueberry bushes and flower bulbs.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike talks about giving a house plant as a Christmas gift. He goes over what we should be on the lookout for at the stores, as well as giving the suggestion of giving a cutting from your own plant. He also answers listener questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike tells us that there is still time to prep our plants and lawns for winter. Mike goes over what to do so plants don't dry out over the winter. He also answers questions about re-blooming irises, when to cut back hydrangeas, what height to cut your lawn for this time of year, and much more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike talks about the history of Halloween. He also answers questions about fall plant maintenance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Plant Doctor tells us what we need to do to get our poinsettias and Christmas cactuses to bloom in time for Christmas. Mile also answers listeners questions about  splitting evergreen trees, young pear trees, trimming lilacs, and winterizing strawberries.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Mike tells us why we should be planting bulbs now and not waiting to spring, He also tells us how to preserve out carved pumpkins longer so they make it to Halloween. Mike also answers listener questions about mums and dahlias as well as treating damaged trees.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Plant Doctor prepares us for the changing seasons by teachings us when to bring plants indoors and how to prep the plant. Mike also talks about sunflowers and continues last weeks topic of Asian beetles and boxelder bugs. Mike also walks us through recommended lawn cutting heights for all seasons.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.