Autumn Gardening: Tips and Weather Folklore

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into a variety of topics, from the best practices for growing chives to the folklore of weather prediction. The episode kicks off with a call from Don, who asks about managing the blooms on his chives. Mike explains the benefits of letting them flower and how it doesn't harm the plant, providing useful tips for both regular and garlic chives.

Mike then shares his personal experiences with the changing weather in Wisconsin and his favorite season, autumn. He talks about the joys of cooler weather, the beauty of fall foliage, and the reduction of pesky bugs after the first frost. He also poses a question to listeners about the unusually high spider population he's noticed this year, speculating on the potential link to the declining bat population.

Listener Kevin texts in to ask about planting apple trees, and Mike provides detailed advice on the type of soil to use and the importance of staking young trees. He also discusses the benefits of using dormant oil spray to protect against fungal diseases.

Rob calls in with a common issue: his morning glories are growing well but not blooming. Mike identifies the problem as over-fertilization and advises against using fertilizers for morning glories, which thrive in poor soil. He offers similar advice for rhubarb, emphasizing the need to avoid phosphorus-rich fertilizers to prevent unwanted flowering.

Mike delves into the folklore of weather prediction, sharing various old wives' tales and scientific studies about the woolly bear caterpillar's ability to predict winter severity. He also discusses other signs from nature, like the behavior of squirrels and the thickness of onions' skins, as indicators of upcoming weather conditions.

Listeners are encouraged to share their own weather-related folklore and to call in with any plant-related questions. Mike wraps up the episode by discussing weather phobias, adding a humorous touch to the show.

Whether you're curious about plant care, fascinated by weather folklore, or just looking for practical gardening advice, this episode is packed with Mike's signature blend of expertise and humor.

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