Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

🍅When Vegetable Foliage has Black Leaves in Autumn🍅

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Seeing black leaves on your summer veggies?

It's a sure sign that Jack Frost has come to town! 🥶

Tropical plants like tomatoes and cucumbers just can't handle the cold. Their delicate cells explode, leaving the foliage looking scorched.

But don't despair! It's simply time to transition your garden to cool-season crops. Think leafy greens like spinach and kale, 🥬 or root veggies like carrots and radishes.

Now's the perfect time to pull out those old plants, enrich the soil, and get ready for a whole new season of gardening

 

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🌱When Can You Prune Blooming Shrubs in the Landscape🌱

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately, Pruning those summer-blooming shrubs like your Chaste tree and Desert Willow that got nipped by the frost? ✂️

 

Hold your horses just a bit longer! ⏰ While tidying them up now is tempting, the ideal time is after the New Year when the plants are truly dormant. This prevents sap from weeping and attracting pesky insects. 🐛 But if you just can't wait, it's okay to remove the damaged leaves gently. Just keep a close eye out for any bugs!

 

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🌲Why Pine Trees Drop Brown Needles in Autumn🌲

Hey, Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Get in the know! Ever wondered why your pine trees shed those brown needles every fall?

It's completely natural! Think of it like a pine tree's way of tidying up after a growth spurt. Those older needles get shaded out by new growth and thicker bark, so the tree sheds them to conserve energy.

This year's abundant rain means your pines likely grew more than usual, so you might see more needles dropping. Don't worry, it's a sign of health! Think of those fallen needles as a cozy blanket for your tree's roots. 😉 While you're at it, give your pines a boost with some granular fertilizer – they'll use it to fuel next spring's growth

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Welcome to Episode 24 - 47 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners hare! We are ready to help you navigate the changing seasons with your garden! From watering wisely after the first frost to creating a fast-growing privacy screen with trees, we've got you covered. We'll also explore the newest poinsettia colors that will make your holidays sparkle, discover shrubs that shine in winter, and learn how to keep your vegetable garden productive year-round. Plus, I'll share some insider tips for bringing plants indoors and keeping them healthy all winter long. Let's dive in!

 

Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

 

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:

• What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn

• How to Best Plant Evergreen Vanderwolf Pines in Poor Soils
• When To Prune These Top 10 Shrubs
• Trees that Look Good all Winter Long
• Top 10 Deer & Rabbit Proof Plants and Repellents
• How to Irrigate Plants through Winter

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country, so don't hesitate to share your queries and experiences.

Ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug? They're brimming with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things and are excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

Click Below to Join Our Garden Club

https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/

 

Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. It's available on all your favorite podcast platforms.

 

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🚰How to Irrigate Plants through Winter🚰

Hey there, Plant Enthusiasts. ! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here. Here in the mountains of Arizona, we can get some pretty dry spells even during the winter. And while your plants may look dormant, they still need water to stay healthy.

 

Think of it like this: your plants are like bears hibernating for the winter. They're not actively growing, but they're not completely shut down either. They need a little moisture to keep their systems going and protect them from the cold.

 

So, how often should you water? About twice a month is usually enough. On a nice sunny day, drag out the hose and give your plants a good soaking. Pay special attention to new plantings, evergreens, and those with shallow roots like Autumn Sage.

 

This little bit of extra care will make a big difference in the health and vigor of your plants come spring. You'll be rewarded with lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and a thriving garden!

 

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🐇Top 10 Deer & Rabbit Proof Plants and Repellents 🐇

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Deer and Rabbits Getting into Your Garden?

 

As the weather cools and plants go dormant, deer and rabbits become more adventurous in their search for tasty treats. You might notice them nibbling on plants they usually ignore. But don't worry, there are ways to protect your garden!

 

While a fence is the most effective barrier, there are other tricks you can use. Repellents with scents like castor bean oil, garlic, or rotten eggs can deter those pesky critters. You can also try sprinkling blood meal around your plants – the scent of blood will send them running!

 

Choosing plants that deer and rabbits naturally dislike is another great strategy. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage are usually unappealing to them. And consider planting tough natives like Mahonia, Cotoneaster, and Nandina.

 

For trees, protect the bark with tree wrap or even bird netting. It's an unconventional trick, but it works wonders!

 

Remember, no plant is completely deer and rabbit proof, but with a little planning and these simple techniques, you can keep your garden safe and beautiful all year long.

 

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🌲Trees that Look Good all Winter Long🌲

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! Looking for trees that add life and color to your landscape, even in the depths of winter?

 

Evergreens are the answer! These beauties hold their foliage year-round, providing structure, texture, and a vibrant contrast to the muted tones of the season.

 

For a classic look, consider pines like the Austrian Pine, with its long, dark green needles, or the Oregon Green Pine, perfect for smaller spaces. If you're after something unique, the Vanderwolf Pine, with its soft, silvery-blue needles, is a real showstopper.

 

Spruce trees offer another fantastic option. The Colorado Blue Spruce is a favorite for its striking blue color, while the Baby Blue Spruce provides a more compact form with the same stunning hue.

 

And don't forget about cypresses! The Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice' adds a cool, silvery touch to the landscape, while the Deodar Cedar brings a graceful, weeping form.

 

No matter your taste or space, there's an evergreen tree waiting to enhance your winter garden. Explore the wide variety at Watters Garden Center and find the perfect one for your landscape!

 

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🌱When To Prune These Top 10 Shrubs🌱

Hey there, fellow plant lovers! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Hold Your Horses! When to Prune those Shrubs.

 

It's getting chilly, and you might be itching to tidy up the garden, but hold on! Many plants are just starting to wind down, and pruning them now could do more harm than good.

 

Think of it like this: your shrubs are getting ready for winter, storing energy, and forming buds for next spring. If you prune them now, you'll be cutting off those future flowers!

 

So, when should you prune? For spring, bloomers like lilacs, forsythia, and azaleas wait until after they flower in the spring. That way, you'll get to enjoy the blooms and avoid cutting off next year's flower buds.

 

For summer bloomers like Russian sage and lavender, wait until late winter or early spring. This gives them time to harden off and prepare for the cold.

 

And remember, those bare branches aren't just unsightly; they protect the plant's core from winter's chill. So, resist the urge to prune everything back to the ground just yet.

 

Take a deep breath, enjoy the changing season, and we'll get to that pruning soon enough!

 

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🌲How to Best Plant Evergreen Vanderwolf Pines in Poor Soils🌲

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately, and one that popped up was about planting Vanderwolf Pine trees in our area.

 

These pines are gorgeous with their silvery blue needles, but they can be a bit fussy about drainage. If your soil takes a couple of days to drain, like one listener mentioned, you'll need to give your Vanderwolf a helping hand.

 

Don't plant it in a hole! Instead, create a mound of soil a few inches high and plant the tree on top. This improves drainage and keeps those roots happy. You can also dig down to a deeper layer of soil that drains better.

 

And here's another tip: after planting, add a layer of Watters Premium Mulch around the base of the tree. This will help keep the soil moist and cool, and it'll break down over time to improve the soil structure.

 

With a little extra care, you can enjoy the beauty of a Vanderwolf Pine in your own backyard!

 

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🍂What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn🍂

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Get in the know!

 

It's autumn in the mountains of Arizona, and the leaves are putting on a show. But if you're seeing yellow where it shouldn't be, your plants might be trying to tell you something.

 

Deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves in the fall – it's natural! But evergreens like Privet, Photinia, and Cotoneaster should stay green year-round. Yellowing leaves on these plants often mean they're lacking nutrients.

 

Think of it like this: your plants have worked hard all year, blooming and growing. Now they need a good meal to prepare for winter and next spring's growth. If they're not getting the nutrients they need, they'll start to show signs of stress, like yellowing leaves.

 

The solution? A good feeding with a balanced fertilizer like our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This will help your plants green up, develop strong buds for next year, and stay healthy through the winter.

 

Don't forget, fertilizing in autumn is crucial, especially for new landscapes. Give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive next spring!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 46 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners hare! We are ready to help you navigate the changing seasons with your garden! From watering wisely after the first frost to creating a fast-growing privacy screen with trees, we've got you covered. We'll also explore the newest poinsettia colors that will make your holidays sparkle, discover shrubs that shine in winter, and learn how to keep your vegetable garden productive year-round. Plus, I'll share some insider tips for bringing plants indoors and keeping them healthy all winter long. Let's dive in!

Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:

• How Much Do I Water after Frost Through Winter
• How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen 
• Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year
• New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
• Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around
• Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country, so don't hesitate to share your queries and experiences.

Ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug? They're brimming with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things and are excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!

 

PreOrder from Our Holiday Magic Collection

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

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🌺Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts🌺

Hey there, Plant Enthusiasts. ! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here. The holidays are just around the corner, and that means poinsettias are back in all their glory! But this year, we're not just talking about classic red. We've got some truly unique varieties that will make your holidays sparkle. ✨

 

Imagine a pink poinsettia with frosty white variegation – that's Frosted Elegance. Or perhaps a deep, luxurious maroon called Sangria Sunset is more your style. And for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl, a red poinsettia with a unique speckled pattern.

 

These beauties are in high demand, so we're offering a special pre-sale! Order yours now, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up in three weeks. Don't miss out on these showstoppers!

Preorder Now

 

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🥦Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around🥦

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Just because frost has arrived doesn't mean your garden has to hibernate. Here in the mountains of Arizona, we can grow vegetables year-round!

While summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are winding down, it's the perfect time to plant cool-season favorites. Think leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, and delicious broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. 🥬

 

These veggies actually thrive in the cooler temperatures, developing sweeter, more robust flavors. Plus, they'll keep your garden productive and colorful all winter long.

 

And don't forget about those winter-blooming flowers! Pansies, violas, and snapdragons will add vibrant hues to your landscape, even when it's chilly outside. ❄️🌸

 

So, don't let your garden go bare this winter. Embrace the change of seasons and enjoy the bounty of a year-round garden.

 

To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link

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🪴New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter🪴

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! As the days grow shorter and frost kisses the ground, our gardens take on a different kind of beauty. And some shrubs truly come into their own during the winter months. ❄️

 

Consider the Red Twig Dogwood. This deciduous shrub boasts vibrant red stems that add a pop of color to the winter landscape. For a touch of gold, try the Goldflame Spirea, with its stunning foliage that glows in the low winter sun. ☀️

 

Evergreens like Boxwood and Holly provide structure and year-round interest. Their deep green foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for winter blooms like Hellebores and Winter Daphne.

 

And don't forget the Winterberry Holly. This deciduous holly loses its leaves, revealing bright red berries that add a festive touch to your garden.

 

So, bundle up and explore the winter wonders at Watters Garden Center. We'll help you find the perfect shrubs to add life and color to your garden, even when the temperatures drop. ❄️

 

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🎁Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year🎁

Hey there, fellow plant lovers! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Move over, classic red poinsettias! This year, we're seeing exciting new colors and patterns that will add a touch of magic to your holiday décor.

 

First up is Frosted Elegance. Imagine a delicate pink poinsettia with a frosty white variegation running through the leaves. It's like a winter wonderland in a pot! ❄️

 

Next, we have Sangria Sunset, a deep, luxurious maroon that adds warmth and richness to any room. This poinsettia is perfect for those who prefer a more sophisticated look. 🍷

 

And finally, for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl. This red poinsettia features unique speckles and patterns reminiscent of a cozy quilt. It's the perfect choice for cottage gardens and festive gatherings. ✨

 

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener

 

🎁Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #Poinsettias, #HolidayDecor, #NewVarieties