Plant Doctor with Mike Meier

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Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

  1. Lawn Logic: Why No Mow May Might Be a Mistake

    05/07/2025

    Lawn Logic: Why No Mow May Might Be a Mistake

    In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into the controversial topic of "No Mow May" and why he believes it's not beneficial for your lawn or the environment. He addresses the myths surrounding pollinators and the necessity of honeybees for plant growth, providing a fresh perspective on lawn care and maintenance during the spring season. Key Topics & Caller Questions: No Mow May Debate: Mike critiques the "No Mow May" initiative, arguing that allowing grass to grow unchecked can harm your lawn and attract unwanted pests. Grass Clippings and Raspberries: A caller asks if it's safe to use grass clippings as mulch around raspberry plants, and Mike explains the potential issues with moisture and mold. Squirrel Deterrents: Mike offers creative solutions for keeping squirrels out of gardens, including the use of cayenne pepper and bird netting. Garden Tilling Techniques: A listener inquires about the necessity of extensive tilling, and Mike shares insights on effective soil preparation without overdoing it. Understanding Pollination: Mike debunks common myths about honeybees and emphasizes that many plants can thrive without them, drawing on historical examples. This episode is filled with practical advice, lively discussions, and a dose of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their gardening knowledge this spring. Tune in for expert tips that will help you cultivate a healthy and vibrant lawn! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  2. Garden Planning 101: Mapping Your Way to a Beautiful Landscape

    05/06/2025

    Garden Planning 101: Mapping Your Way to a Beautiful Landscape

    In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike tackles the exciting world of spring gardening and shares his top tips for planning your garden effectively. He emphasizes the importance of creating a garden map to avoid overspending on plants and offers practical advice on how to propagate dogwood bushes and what to do about pesky spruce trees affected by disease. Key Topics & Caller Questions: Creating a Garden Map: Mike discusses how to sketch out your garden layout to ensure you buy the right amount of plants and avoid overcrowding. Dogwood Propagation: A caller asks about propagating dogwood bushes, and Mike provides step-by-step instructions for successful cuttings. Replacing Spruce Trees: Mike advises on suitable replacements for spruce trees affected by disease, suggesting white pine as a resilient option. Spring Raking Tips: A listener inquires about the best time to rake their lawn, and Mike shares his insights on soil moisture and timing. Managing Moles: Mike gives practical advice on dealing with moles in your yard, including effective baiting techniques. Grass Growth Around Trees: A caller seeks advice on growing grass around a honey locust tree, and Mike discusses aeration and watering strategies. This episode is packed with valuable information for gardeners looking to kick off the season right, featuring practical tips and expert insights that will help you cultivate a thriving garden. Don't miss out on Mike's lively discussion and expert advice! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  3. Bugged Out: How to Keep Pests from Ruining Your Yard

    04/25/2025

    Bugged Out: How to Keep Pests from Ruining Your Yard

    Spring is here—and so are the bugs! In this episode, Mike dives into practical tips for keeping mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks at bay, so you can actually enjoy your yard without the bites. Learn the do’s and don’ts of bug zappers, why DEET isn’t as scary as it sounds, and how an unexpected drugstore body spray (hint: vanilla!) can be your secret weapon. Plus, Mike answers listener questions about: Saving winter-damaged boxwoods 🌿 Battling invasive zoysia grass 🌱 The right time to rake and clean up your lawn 🍂 And if you’re out near Lake Onalaska—don’t miss the pelican migration! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  4. Lawn Care Essentials: Navigating Storm Damage and Professional Services

    04/24/2025

    Lawn Care Essentials: Navigating Storm Damage and Professional Services

    In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives deep into the world of lawn care as spring begins to awaken the gardens and yards. He addresses the aftermath of recent storms, discussing how they impact tree health and the importance of timely lawn maintenance. With a wealth of listener questions pouring in, Mike focuses on how to choose the right lawn care company and what to look out for when hiring professionals. Key Topics & Caller Questions: Choosing a Lawn Care Company: Mike shares insights from his experience managing a lawn care company, emphasizing the need to avoid fly-by-night operations and how to spot reputable businesses. Pruning Trees: A caller inquires about the best time to prune their maple tree. Mike explains the ideal timing and techniques to ensure healthy growth while minimizing damage. Emerald Ash Borer Concerns: Another caller raises concerns about their ash trees. Mike discusses the signs of infestation and the importance of proper treatment to protect these valuable trees. Moss and Crabgrass Management: A listener asks about dealing with moss in their lawn. Mike advises on effective raking techniques and the timing for applying lime and crabgrass preventer. Fertilization Tips: Mike highlights the best times to fertilize your lawn and the types of products to use, stressing the importance of understanding soil temperature and crabgrass emergence. This episode is packed with practical advice, expert tips, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their lawn care skills this spring. Tune in for a lively discussion that will help you get your garden and lawn in top shape! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  5. Spring Prep: Transplanting, Stump Removal & Garden Troubleshooting

    04/02/2025

    Spring Prep: Transplanting, Stump Removal & Garden Troubleshooting

    In this episode, Mike Meyer takes calls and answers listener questions about all things green and growing. With spring on everyone’s mind, he focuses on starting seeds indoors and offers expert advice on transplanting bushes, controlling tree stumps, and dealing with invasive roots. Caller Questions & Topics Covered: Transplanting a Bush: A caller struggles with a bush being overtaken by maple roots. Mike explains the best timing and methods for transplanting. Sweetgrass for Weaving: A listener inquires about where to find sweetgrass. Mike suggests alternatives like pampas grass and shares insights on controlling its aggressive growth. Tree Stump Removal: A caller seeks a cost-effective way to eliminate stumps without professional grinding. Mike discusses using glyphosate-based products and other DIY solutions. Weeping Willow Propagation: Mike explains the best way to root a willow branch, emphasizing small cuttings and proper water treatment. Crabgrass Prevention: A listener asks about the right time for applying crabgrass preventer. Mike warns against applying too early and provides guidance on soil temperature monitoring. He also touches on the challenges of Phytophthora in tomatoes, a fungal disease affecting many gardens, and briefly previews upcoming topics on fertilization and lawn care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  6. Spring Into Action: Tomato Troubles and Gardening Tips

    03/21/2025

    Spring Into Action: Tomato Troubles and Gardening Tips

    In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike welcomes the arrival of spring, sharing his excitement and the challenges that come with the season. He discusses the importance of preparing for gardening, addressing common concerns such as wind damage to trees and houseplants that need a little TLC. With just a few days left until spring, Mike reflects on the unpredictable weather, including the recent rain that left the ground yearning for more moisture. The conversation shifts to practical gardening advice, as Mike tackles questions from listeners, including the right time to trim arborvitae hedges and how to manage algae in a large farm pond. He emphasizes the use of algaecides and suggests consulting local co-ops for proper application techniques. As the episode unfolds, Mike dives into a critical topic for tomato growers: Phytophthora, a disease that has wreaked havoc on tomato crops for years. He explains the disease's history, its conditions for spread, and the importance of using resistant varieties. Mike provides valuable tips on how to protect tomato plants, such as growing them in pots and keeping them off the ground to prevent soil-borne spores from causing damage. Listeners are also treated to a heartwarming discussion about gardening with children. Mike shares his own experiences and encourages parents to involve their kids in gardening, highlighting the valuable lessons it teaches, including patience and responsibility. He offers practical advice on keeping tasks simple and engaging to maintain children's interest in the garden. This episode is filled with Mike's trademark humor and expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their gardening skills or seeking to share the joys of gardening with the next generation. Tune in for expert advice, lively discussions, and a touch of nostalgia as Mike celebrates the beauty of spring and the joys of gardening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  7. The Folklore of Foliage: Debunking Plant Myths and Wives' Tales

    02/19/2025

    The Folklore of Foliage: Debunking Plant Myths and Wives' Tales

    In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike delves into the intriguing world of plant folklore and old wives' tales, providing listeners with a blend of humor and insightful gardening advice. He kicks off the conversation by exploring the age-old practice of talking to plants, revealing that while plants may not hear us in the traditional sense, sound waves can actually help stimulate root growth when amplified through the pot and soil. Listeners are treated to a fascinating discussion about the lore surrounding foxglove, a plant steeped in superstition, believed to attract fairies and associated with both beauty and danger. Mike explains the origins of its name and warns against the plant's toxic properties, offering a cautionary tale about its medicinal uses. The episode also covers the mystical phenomenon of fairy rings, which Mike describes as a natural occurrence of fungi that can create dark green circles in lawns, often leading to folklore about magical beings. He shares his passion for fungi and the peculiarities of slime molds, tying in how these fascinating organisms inspire tales of the supernatural. As the episode unfolds, Mike addresses various old wives' tales, including the idea that sitting on the soil can indicate when it's warm enough to plant and the myth that moss only grows on the north side of trees. He debunks these myths with a dose of practical gardening wisdom, reminding listeners that understanding plant behavior and environmental conditions is key to successful gardening. Whether you're curious about plant superstitions, looking for practical gardening tips, or simply enjoy a good story about the natural world, this episode is packed with Mike's engaging insights and expert advice. Join the conversation and get your gardening questions answered with a mix of laughter and knowledge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  8. Pumpkin Preservation and Pest Control

    10/25/2024

    Pumpkin Preservation and Pest Control

    In this lively episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike tackles the seasonal challenges of fall gardening, starting with a common Halloween dilemma: reviving sagging jack-o'-lanterns. Mike shares his expert advice on how to rehydrate and preserve your pumpkin carvings, offering practical tips like soaking them in cold water and using petroleum jelly to lock in moisture. He also suggests a clever trick to deter pesky squirrels from making a meal of your pumpkins using cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce. The episode also features engaging listener interactions, with callers seeking solutions for garden pests and plant care. Jane calls in with concerns about boxelder bugs, and Mike recommends Ortho's Home Defense as an effective treatment. He provides detailed instructions on application to ensure these unwelcome guests don't invade your home. Another caller, Kevin from Alaska, inquires about overwintering rosemary and oregano, and Mike explains the use of anti-desiccant sprays and the need to bring oregano indoors for the winter. Mike delves into the history of Asian beetles in the U.S., explaining their introduction as a biological control measure and the subsequent unintended consequences. He also offers guidance on managing creeping Charlie and fertilizing white spruce seedlings, emphasizing the importance of timing and correct application rates. As the episode progresses, Mike answers questions about transplanting hostas and caring for wildflowers, providing listeners with seasonal gardening advice tailored to their specific needs. He wraps up with some inventive pumpkin carving tips, ensuring that listeners' Halloween decorations remain vibrant and intact. Whether you're dealing with fall pests, preparing your garden for winter, or seeking creative pumpkin carving techniques, this episode is packed with Mike's practical advice and signature humor. Join the conversation and get your gardening questions answered with a touch of wit and a wealth of knowledge.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
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Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

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