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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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 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 trees

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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