In The Garden with Ron Wilson

Ron and Scott discuss gardening tips and tricks with their listeners. They tackle a question about a row of arborvitae shrubs that have been browsed by deer, leaving them looking brown and sparse. Ron shares his diagnosis and advice on how to protect the shrubs from future damage. They also chat with a caller about a bumpy lawn and offer solutions for smoothing it out. Additionally, they tease a new show hosted by Scott, Let's Garden, and catch up with their friend Gary Sullivan, a well-known home improvement expert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Wilson and Gary Sullivan reminisce about their 25-year friendship and professional partnership. They chat about their time working together on TV, a memorable one-time hosting gig on a morning show, and a humorous incident involving a caller's heated discussion on politics. The conversation also touches on their friendly rivalry, including a long-standing bet about the timing of lawn growth. With humor and warmth, they reflect on their experiences and offer words of encouragement as Ron passes the torch to Scott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour of "In the Garden with Ron Wilson" is all about springtime blooms and bee-friendly plants. Ron chats with Peggy and Montgomery, a bulb expert, about the importance of spring flowering bulbs, like gladiolas, and how to care for them. They discuss the best time to plant and how to keep them healthy, as well as tips for attracting pollinators to your garden. Ron also shares some of his own experiences with bee-friendly plants and the challenges of dealing with critters like deer and squirrels. It's a great conversation for anyone looking to add some color and life to their garden this spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Ron Wilson chats with Peggy Montgomery, a bulb expert.  They dive into the world of spring bulbs, discussing what to expect after a long winter. Ron shares his excitement about the return of gladiolas, this year's flower of the summer bulb of the year. Peggy offers tips on how to care for these beautiful flowers, including how to plant them, when to feed them, and how to deal with critters like deer and squirrels. They also touch on the benefits of planting bulbs in lawns, a practice known as "stins" or "bulb lawns."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Ron chats with Barb Bletcher, the queen bee, about the buzz around bees getting out early due to warmer weather. They discuss the importance of bees' first flight and the potential risks of bee diarrhea, a serious issue that can weaken and even kill the colony. Ron shares tips on how to help bees recover, including feeding them sugar syrup and providing alternative food sources like winter annuals and flowers. This conversation is a must-listen for bee enthusiasts and gardeners alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here in the Garden with Ron Wilson, we're talking yardening. Ron's sharing tips on soil temperatures and when it's safe to start gardening. He's discussing the importance of waiting for the right temperature before planting, especially for cool-season crops like vegetables. Ron's also chatting with Scott about the latest gardening trends and answering listener questions. They're covering topics like winter annuals, spring bulbs, and how to keep your garden healthy and thriving. With the snow melting away, it's the perfect time to get outside and start planning your garden.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott from the Cincinnati Botanical Garden and Zoo joins Ron to share tips and insights on gardening. They discuss the challenges of critter damage as the snow melts away, with voles and rabbits causing problems for plants. Scott advises listeners to wait out the damage and prune their plants back in the spring. They also touch on the topic of starting seeds, with Scott sharing his experience with winter seeding in milk jugs and the benefits of container gardening.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott, Gary and Ron dive into home improvement topics, from tackling tick problems to discussing moisture meters for the soil. They explore the difference between regular thermometers and soil thermometers, and how they can help with issues like water stains on ceilings. They share their experience with a new snow thrower, a 40-volt battery-powered model that's been a game-changer for his winter chores. The conversation also touches on the importance of taking care of one's yard, from planting native plants to pampering house plants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron and Scott discuss gardening topics with listeners. They start by talking about snow removal, with Ron sharing his experience with a battery-powered snow thrower and its effectiveness in clearing snow. They also address winter annuals, specifically nimbleweed and chickweed, and how to remove them before they go to seed. The conversation then shifts to dormant seeding, which Ron recommends doing in mid-February when the weather is perfect for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill DeBoer from Woody Warehouse joins the conversation about creating a natural screening for outdoor living areas. They discuss the importance of using a mix of evergreen and deciduous plants to provide year-round privacy and interest. Bill shares his expertise on native plants, recommending species like junipers, arborvitae, and sweet bay for their unique characteristics and benefits. The conversation also touches on the need to consider factors like plant size, growth habits, and potential impact on neighboring properties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here in the Garden with Ron Wilson, Ron chats with Scott about the skunk mating season, which kicks off around Valentine's Day. They discuss how skunks are typically nocturnal, but can be active during the day, especially in the morning when it's still dark. Ron shares a personal story about getting sprayed by a skunk and the importance of making noise when walking your dog during this time. They also talk about the Great Backyard Bird Count, which started yesterday and runs through Monday, and how it's a great way to get involved in citizen science and contribute to data collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron and co-host Scott discuss Valentine's Day plans and share tips for a romantic gesture. Ron advises listeners to order flowers early and consider gifting a living plant that will continue to thrive. They also dive into a listener's question about controlling chickweed in their lawn, and Ron shares advice on using pre-emergent herbicides and physical removal. The conversation also touches on the box tree moth, a serious issue affecting boxwood in the Midwest, and the importance of being aware of its presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron and Scott are joined by Gary Sullivan.   for a chat about home improvement. They dive into a discussion about snowblowers, with Scott sharing his experience with a new snowblower that performed well in a recent snowstorm. They also touch on the importance of pacing and safety when using snowblowers, as well as the benefits of reusing salt and ice melters. Additionally, they discuss the upcoming topic of fireplace safety and the importance of inspecting chimneys and gutters as the weather starts to warm up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron is joined by Scott from the Cincinnati Botanical Garden and Zoo, and special guest Rita a CCP CMH Award-winning journalist and author. They dive into the world of bees, discussing how they stay warm during the winter months and the importance of queen bees. Rita shares her expertise on salt busters, herbs that can reduce sodium intake, and her recipe for salted dark chocolate bark. The conversation is filled with fascinating facts and insights into the world of bees and healthy living.  We are also joined by Nina Bagley.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Wilson is joined by Nina Bagley, a professional queen bee breeder and part of the Three Stingers. They dive into the fascinating world of beekeeping, discussing how bees keep themselves warm during the winter months. Nina shares a remarkable story about a hive that maintained a temperature of 92 degrees despite outside temperatures of -7 degrees. They also explore the unique characteristics of winter bees and how they play a crucial role in the survival of the hive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron is joined by co-host Scott from the Cincinnati Botanical Garden and Zoo, and special guest Rita.   They're talking about heart-healthy treats just in time for Valentine's Day. Rita shares her recipe for salted dark chocolate bark with cherries, apricots, and almonds, and explains the benefits of dark chocolate for heart health. They also discuss the importance of reducing sodium intake and explore natural salt substitutes like herbs and spices. It's a delicious and informative conversation that's perfect for the holiday season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Ron and co-host Scott dive into the world of Groundhog Day, discussing the history and predictions behind this popular tradition. They chat with a caller from Dayton, Dick, about his experiences working at Lowe's and share their own thoughts on the upcoming weather. Ron also talks about the importance of protecting plants from salt damage and the potential risks of frost cracks in treesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Ron discusses the importance of knowing your hardiness zone when it comes to planting trees and shrubs in your yard. He talks about how the current cold weather is affecting plants on the hardiness borderline for zone six, and shares his concerns about crape myrtles and laurels. Ron also mentions the benefits of using witch hazel, a low-maintenance shrub that's often underused in landscaping. He also shares a recipe for homemade hot chocolate and takes calls from listeners, including a conversation with Dick from Dayton about the recent snowstorm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron chats with Dr. Greg Wanger, the founder and chief technology officer of Oberlin Agriscience. They dive into the fascinating world of insect frass, also known as bug poop, as a natural fertilizer. Ron's curiosity is piqued as Dr. Wanger explains how this unique product is made from the larvae of black soldier flies, which are raised on food waste. The conversation covers the benefits of this sustainable approach, including its organic and natural properties, and how it can be used in gardens, containers, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron chats with Dr. Alan Armitage about the latest trends in gardening. They dive into the world of native plants, discussing their benefits and popularity. Dr. Armitage shares his favorite native plants, including the coral bark maple and the native deciduous azalea. They also talk about the importance of repurposing waste, like banana peels, to create a soil amendment. With Ron's signature humor and Dr. Armitage's expertise, this episode is a must-listen for any gardener looking to stay ahead of the curve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.