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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