Plant Doctor with Mike Meier WIZM News

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.

Listeners will learn about the differences between cicadas and locusts, the unique way cicadas lay their eggs, and why you might suddenly find these creatures in your yard after lawn mowing. Mike also addresses the fear of property damage and offers reassurance, along with a quirky tip for keeping woodpeckers at bay.

Amidst the cicada chatter, Mike doesn't forget to cater to the green thumbs tuning in. He discusses the eagerness to start spring gardening, the dangers of the plant disease Phytophthora, and how it's had historical impacts like the Irish Potato Famine. Mike gives practical advice on dealing with this stubborn disease and answers listener questions ranging from grass-killing maple roots to the scale on apple trees.

Whether you're curious about the upcoming cicada hatch, battling garden pests, or trying to outsmart plant diseases, this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier is packed with insights and advice to help you navigate the challenges of nature. Tune in for an episode that's as informative as it is entertaining.

Remember, if you've got a question about anything that's green or growing, Mike's got the answers. Don't miss out on this buzz-worthy episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier!
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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 ecosystem's survival hinges on honeybees and questions the effectiveness of letting lawns grow wild.

Listeners will discover why the European honeybee is not the pollination powerhouse we've been led to believe and how North American flora thrived long before its introduction. Mike also explores the natural pollination processes that don't rely on insects, debunking the idea that our lawns are critical to pollinator survival.

The health of your lawn is at the forefront as Mike explains the potential harm of "No Mow May" following a year of extreme weather. He discusses the impact of dormant lawns, the risks of overgrowth, and the increased potential for weeds and vermin. Mike doesn't shy away from the economic side either, revealing why some lawn care companies might choose to drop clients who participate in this practice.

In true Plant Doctor fashion, Mike doesn't just critique; he offers practical alternatives for those eager to support pollinators, from planting perennial gardens to including clover in your lawn mix. And, as always, Mike answers listener questions, offering sage advice on everything from hydrangea pruning to combating crabgrass.

Whether you're a homeowner wondering about "No Mow May," a gardener looking for pollinator-friendly planting tips, or simply seeking guidance on your greenery, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we navigate the complexities of lawn care and environmental trends, ensuring your green spaces are both beautiful and beneficial.

Tune in to Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, where we cultivate knowledge and grow understanding, one episode at a time.
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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 and its critical role in preventing crabgrass, guiding listeners through the use of pre-emergent treatments. He explains why soil temperature, not the calendar date, should dictate your lawn care routine, and offers a straightforward method for measuring soil temps with a thermometer.

Listeners will also learn about the impact of heavy spring rains on fertilizer effectiveness and the legal limits on product applications. Mike emphasizes the importance of reading labels and following instructions to avoid damaging your lawn with over-fertilization.

Amidst the lawn care talk, Mike takes a delightful detour to answer a caller's question about pansies, sharing his childhood fondness for the flower and offering tips on how to enjoy their vibrant colors throughout the season.

Whether you're contemplating the best fertilizer for your lawn, curious about the timing of applications, or simply seeking advice on your spring planting, this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier is brimming with expert insights. Tune in and turn your lawn into the lush, green oasis you've been dreaming of this spring.
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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 tips on how to make it educational without them even realizing they're learning.

Listeners will be treated to a live troubleshooting session as Mike assists Cindy with her ailing tropical hibiscus, providing expert advice on how to revive the plant by repotting and proper care. Roy also gets help with propagating his cherished Christmas cactus, learning the simple and effective methods to spread the joy of this family heirloom.

Mike's musings on Easter and its commercialization set the stage for a discussion on meaningful family activities that won't break the bank. He suggests swapping out traditional basket fillers for child-sized gardening tools, turning Easter into an opportunity for outdoor fun and growth.

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. So, before you let the kids loose on their Easter egg hunts, tune in to Plant Doctor with Mike Meier and plant the seeds of a lifelong gardening passion.
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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 regarding bee decline and its purported impact on global food security.

Listeners are in for a treat as Mike dismantles the sensationalized stories that have taken root in the press, offering a dose of reality on the actual causes of bee decline and the resilience of plant pollination. He reminisces about historical agricultural practices, like the Native American technique of burying fish to fertilize crops, and draws a line from the past to our present-day gardening methods.

Mike also fields questions from listeners on a variety of topics, from ash tree care and the effectiveness of tree inoculations to the best practices for lawn aeration. In his signature no-nonsense style, he provides actionable advice while debunking common misconceptions about plant care.

Whether you're curious about the true pollinators in our ecosystem or you're seeking guidance on nurturing your green space, this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier is your guide through the thicket of misinformation to the clearings of truth. So, before you let the media buzz kill your vibe, tune in and cultivate your knowledge with the wisdom of the Plant Doctor.
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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 dissects a news story from the Huffington Post, stripping away the "useless qualifiers" to demonstrate how the media can manipulate facts into fear. He explains the critical role GMOs play in combating plant diseases like the late blight, which threatens our beloved tomatoes and potatoes, and why the anti-GMO narrative could lead to a world devoid of ketchup, fries, and pizza.

Listeners chime in with their green queries, from tulip care to tree watering, and Mike provides his expert guidance with the practical wisdom you've come to expect. He also takes a moment to debunk myths about bee decline and pollination, offering a dose of reality to the buzzworthy topic.

Whether you're a home gardener or an agriculture aficionado, this episode will arm you with the knowledge to see through the weeds of media spin. So, before you go green with envy over organic labels, tune in for a dose of Mike's no-nonsense advice and learn why GMOs might just be the unsung heroes of horticulture.
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