10 Weekly Tips to Greener Plants. His tips, tricks, and garden hacks are easy to follow in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Tune in and get the most out of your garden. Ken’s weekly garden column is featured nationally. His national podcast and YouTube channel attract millions of gardeners. He also owns Watters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona, and a digital garden center at Top10Plants.com. Listen to this week’s episode of Top 10 Gardeners and watch your plants thrive.
Episodes
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
🍂 The Seasonal Changes Found at a Garden Center 🍂
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Hey, garden friends! Ken Lain here, the Top 10 Gardener and let me tell you, the garden center is buzzing with the excitement of fall. The maples are ablaze with color, the ornamental grasses are putting on their finest show, and the perennials are bursting with blooms.
Now's the perfect time to plant those stunning shade trees and evergreens you've been dreaming of. We've got the healthiest selection I've seen in years! And don't miss the grasses - from feathery switchgrass to majestic pampas grass; they're all ready to add movement and texture to your landscape.
Remember, gardening is a dance with the seasons. Each one brings its own unique beauty and opportunities. So come visit us at Watters, stroll through the vibrant displays, and let's discover the perfect plants for your fall garden.
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🍂 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Friday Sep 13, 2024
🍷Grapes 4 Good: A Fun-Filled Evening for a Great Cause 🍷
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
We have a special guest, Wendi Lancy, Chairperson of the Prescott Frontiers Rotary's Grapes 4 Good event. This is the party of the year, happening right here at the garden center on September 29th from 5 to 8 pm!
Wendi and her team are passionate about serving the community; this event is a testament to their dedication. It's a night of delicious food, fine wines, live music, and exciting auctions, all for a fantastic cause.
Proceeds from the event support crucial programs like the Prescott School District's summer school program, the Boys & Girls Club, a generous scholarship at Yavapai College, and the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children across Yavapai County.
So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready for a memorable evening! Tickets and donations can be made at prescottfrontierrotary.com. Let's raise a glass to making a difference together!
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🍷Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Sep 12, 2024
🌿Ornamental Grass and the Showy Landscape 🌿
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Ornamental Grasses: The Showy Backbone of Your Fall Landscape
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, and I'm excited to share the magic of ornamental grasses with you.
These beauties add texture, movement, and year-round interest to your landscape, especially when everything else starts to fade. Imagine the wind whispering through feathery plumes of Switchgrass or the sun setting behind the graceful arch of Ivory Feathers Pampas Grass.
Whether you have a sunny spot or a shady corner, there's a grass that will thrive. Try the low-maintenance Blue Fescue for edging or the striking Porcupine Grass for a vertical statement. Even deer and javelina leave them alone! So, head to Watters, and let's add some life to your landscape.
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Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
🌼 How to Turn Yellow Plants Green for Better Fall Color 🌼
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain from Top 10 Gardener here. It's not too late to get your plants looking their best for fall!
Here's the secret: fertilize now and adjust the pH of your soil.
For Flowers & Veggies: Use a balanced all-purpose plant food like our 7-4-4. It has the nutrients they need to bloom bigger and brighter, plus it helps lower the pH of your soil, making those colors pop! For container gardens, use a water-soluble fertilizer like Flower Power every other week.
For Trees & Shrubs: If your maples, aspens, or other deciduous trees look a little yellow, they likely need a pH adjustment. Use soil sulfur to make the soil more acidic. This will unlock the nutrients they need to turn a vibrant green, setting the stage for spectacular fall colors.
For Evergreens: Want those blue spruces and cedars to shine? Apply aluminum sulfate. It will lower the pH and add aluminum to the soil, bringing out those silvery-blue hues.
Remember, gardening is all about working with nature. By understanding your plants' needs and giving them the right care, you can create a stunning fall display in your own backyard!
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🌼 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
🌾 How to Force Pampas Grass to Show More Blooms 🌾
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Today's question is about pampas grass and how to get it to bloom more.
If your pampas grass looks a little lackluster, it's likely not getting enough nutrients. These beauties are heavy feeders and must be fertilized at least three times a year: Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween.
Use a balanced all-purpose plant food like 7-4-4 and a handful of superphosphate (0-18-0) each time you fertilize. The superphosphate will encourage those big, fluffy plumes that make pampas grass so striking.
Remember, consistent watering is also key for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Don't let your pampas grass get too thirsty!
With a little extra care, your pampas grass will be the envy of the neighborhood!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌾 Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Sep 09, 2024
🍁The Best Flowers of the Year are Planted in Autumn🍁
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Autumn in northern Arizona is when the landscape truly shines. After the windy spring and scorching summer, fall's cooler temperatures and gentle rains create the perfect growing conditions. This is when perennials – those plants that return year after year – put down strong roots, setting the stage for abundant blooms next spring.
Perennials for Years of Enjoyment
Perennials are a wise investment, offering long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep. Think of peonies, with their massive, fragrant blooms; echinacea, attracting pollinators with their vibrant colors; and wildflowers like blanket flowers (gaillardia), adding a touch of untamed beauty to your garden.
Autumn Showstoppers
Fall perennials rival annuals in terms of color and impact. With its tropical-looking blooms, the newly arrived hibiscus will transport you to warmer climes. Crocosmia, with its fluorescent orange flowers, is a hummingbird magnet. And don't forget the new coral bells (heuchera) with their striking black foliage, providing a dramatic backdrop for any brightly colored flowers.
Container Gardens and Fall Crops
Fall is also the ideal time to refresh your container gardens. Fill them with colorful mums, cheerful pansies, and even cool-season vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflower.
Remember: Garden Mums vs. Greenhouse Mums
When choosing mums, look for hardy garden mums that can withstand the cold and return year after year. On the other hand, greenhouse mums are not hardy and are best enjoyed indoors.
Visit Watters Garden Center!
See all the vibrant colors and textures of fall at Watters Garden Center. We've got a vast selection of perennials, annuals, fall crops, and mums to help you create a stunning autumn landscape.
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🍁Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Sep 08, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! It's time to quench your summer-parched plants and prepare for autumn's bounty! From planting fall vegetables to showcasing the year's brightest flowers, your garden has plenty to do. We'll also dive into practical tips to protect plants from pesky javelinas and common ailments like leaf spot. Let's get started!
Included in this week’s episode:
- H2-Whoa! A Guide to Quenching Your Garden’s Summer Thirst
- What is the Best Time to Plant Fall Vegetables
- The Brightest Flowers of the Year are in the Autumn Garden
- The Brightest Perennial Flowers of Autumn
- Javelina Proof Your Garden
- Stopping Leaf Spot on Purple Leaf Plums
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 they're excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!
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.
🎙️Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
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Saturday Sep 07, 2024
🌳Stopping Leaf Spot on Purple Leaf Plums 🌳
Saturday Sep 07, 2024
Saturday Sep 07, 2024
Hey there, plant pals! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with some fall foliage wisdom from Watters Garden Center.
Those recent showers can bring unwanted guests to your trees – leaf spot!
Here's what to look for:
- Tiny Holes: Think "shotgun blast" through the leaves. This is bacteria munching on sugar in the foliage. Don't panic! Young trees might show it more, but as they mature, they build resistance.
- Blackened Tips: This is more serious than just holes. It can spread down the leaves and stems. Watch out for this on plums, apples, and aspens.
What to Do?
- Monitor, Don't Panic: Usually, leaf spot won't kill your tree. In most cases, you can simply keep an eye on it.
- Healthy Habits: Healthy trees can fight off invaders better. Make sure your plum tree is getting enough water and nutrients.
- Treatment Options: If the leaf spot is severe, we have effective sprays at Watters.
Remember: Autumn's falling leaves are nature's way of cleaning house. Don't worry if leaf spot leads to earlier coloring.
Need Help? We're plant doctors at Watters! Bring a picture or sample of your affected leaves, and we'll diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.
Let's keep your plum tree (and all your other trees!) happy and healthy this fall!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🌳Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Friday Sep 06, 2024
🐗Javelina Proof Your Garden 🐗
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Those pesky javelinas are back, wreaking havoc in our gardens! But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve to keep your plants safe.
First, understand that javelinas are opportunistic feeders. They love bulbs like tulips (think candy!), veggies, and anything easy to dig up.
The best defense is a good fence, especially around your veggie patch. But for those open areas, here are some plants they tend to avoid:
Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, oregano - their strong scents deter javelinas.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses like pampas grass and native grasses are usually left alone.
Tough Shrubs: Manzanita, lilacs, and the vibrant Red Hot Poker are all javelina-resistant.
Groundcovers: Try Vinca or Mexican primrose for a colorful, low-maintenance option.
Remember, some experimentation might be needed. Try planting a "test victim" to see if the javelinas leave it alone before committing to a larger planting.
And don't forget, fall is a fantastic planting season! Get those javelina-proof plants in the ground now and enjoy a beautiful, pest-free garden!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
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Thursday Sep 05, 2024
🌺The Brightest Perennial Flowers of Autumn 🌺
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Fall's Here at Watters: A Burst of Color for Your Yard!
Don't let the "end of season" fool you! Arizona's cooler weather makes fall prime planting time. Here's why you should head to Watters now:
- Blooming Beauties: The perennial house is overflowing with gorgeous flowers! From the striking new white bleeding heart to the vibrant neon orange echinacea (Sombrero Flamenca), there's something for every sunny or shady spot.
- Long-lasting Color: These perennials will come back year after year, adding reliable beauty to your garden. Plus, letting the echinacea go to seed attracts birds for a winter feast.
- Deer-resistant Delights: Many of these plants, like echinacea and agastache, are naturally deer and rabbit resistant, saving you frustration.
- Pollinator Paradise: Attract hummingbirds and butterflies with the stunning blooms of echinacea, agastache (Blue Boa is a showstopper!), and crocosmia (coming soon!).
Not sure where to start? Watters has plenty of resources to help!
- Ken's Social Media: Follow Watters on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for gardening tips and videos, including a deep dive into agastache varieties.
- Expert Help: Feeling overwhelmed? Watters offers in-store consultations and a personal shopping service to guide you through the process.
Fall is a time for renewal in the garden. Let Watters be your partner in creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space you'll love!
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Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
🌻The Brightest Flowers of the Year are in the Autumn Garden 🌻
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Fall Has Arrived at Watters Garden Center: A Burst of Color for Your Garden!
Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain from Top 10 Gardener here, with exciting news from Watters Garden Center! Our "monster monsoon sale" is in the final week, making way for the dazzling stars of the fall season and deep discounts on the sale items.
Forget the summer blooms, it's time for the brightest flowers of the year! We've got a stunning selection just waiting to transform your garden. Here's a sneak peek:
- Autumn Joy Sedum: This succulent beauty (think soft, knee-high cactus) boasts vibrant pink flowers. New this year: a purple foliage variety with red or pink flowers! It's the perfect "Autumn Joy" for your yard.
- Crocosmia: This fiery wonder bursts with intense yellow, orange, and red blooms. Plant these bulbs now for a showstopping display until late fall.
- Garden Mums: Ditch the grocery store versions! Watters has a dazzling selection of garden mums specifically bred for Arizona's climate. Choose from single colors, multi-colored baskets, or buds just starting to open for a long-lasting display.
Fall isn't just about mums! We also have a vibrant selection of Echinacea in red, yellow, and even a solar yellow that practically glows! Plus, many more gorgeous perennials and bulbs to discover.
Remember: Now's the prime time to plant these beauties for a head-turning fall garden. They'll thrive in the cooler weather and reward you with color until November.
Don't wait! Head over to Watters Garden Center and let's create a fall paradise together.
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🌻Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
🥦What is the Best Time To Plant Fall Vegetables 🥦
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the top 10 Gardeners here. Fall is the perfect time to revitalize your garden with cool-season veggies!
Timing is Everything:
- Plant Now: Don't wait! As soon as your summer crops start to fade, replace them with fall favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and spinach.
- Warm Soil, Fast Growth: The soil is still warm, so your fall vegetables will establish quickly and reward you with a bountiful harvest before winter.
Insider Tip:
- Winter Flowers: Pansies and violas are also available now! Add a splash of color to your winter garden by planting them alongside your fall vegetables.
Don't Miss Out:
- Visit Watters: Head to Watters Garden Center to find a wide selection of fall vegetable seedlings and winter flowers. Get planting and enjoy the fresh flavors of fall!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🥦 Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Sep 02, 2024
🚿H2-Whoa! A Guide to Quenching Your Garden’s Summer Thirst 🚿
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Summer's heat can leave your garden parched, but don’t let those drooping leaves discourage you!
Water Wisely
- Morning Glory: Water in the morning so your plants have time to dry out before evening, preventing diseases.
- Wilting Wonders: Some plants, like tomatoes, wilt as a way to cope with heat. If they perk up in the evening, they’re likely okay.
- Thirsty Roots: Annuals need more frequent watering than perennials, while trees and shrubs need a deep soak once a week. Containers and vegetable gardens need consistent moisture.
Yellow Alert
- Chlorosis Clues: Yellowing leaves could mean your soil pH is too high, locking out essential nutrients. Soil sulfur can help lower the pH and restore your plants' vibrant green color.
Fall Fertilizing
- Holiday Schedule: Fertilize four times a year - around Halloween, New Year's, Easter, and Fourth of July. This helps your plants thrive despite our challenging soil and water conditions.
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
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Sunday Sep 01, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Beat the heat and keep your garden thriving with our expert tips on protecting plants from extreme weather.
Get ready to transform your garden into an autumn oasis! This episode covers everything from late-summer pruning tips for vibrant winter landscapes to choosing the perfect privacy trees. We'll share savvy savings strategies at the garden center and reveal the best fall plants for long-lasting color and blooms. Plus, we'll tackle those pesky tomato hornworms and explore the fascinating gardening world alongside javelina and other backyard wildlife. Let's dive in and make your garden the envy of the neighborhood!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Late summer Pruning for Winter Long Beauty
- What’s Better as a Privacy Screen Arizona Cypress or Deodar Cedar
- How to Save Money at a Garden Center
- Best Fall Plants for Autumn Long Flowers, Color and Blooms
- Gardening with Javelina and other Back Yard Animals
- Preventing Green Tomato Worms in the Gardens
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 they're excited to share it all with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!
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.
🎙️Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #FallGardening, #PrivacyTrees, #BudgetLandscaping, #AutumnBlooms, #WildlifeGardening
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
🐛 Preventing Green Tomato Worms in the Gardens 🐛
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here! The beautiful hummingbird moth you're seeing flitting about is more than just a pretty pollinator.
The tomato hornworm's offspring can wreak havoc on your garden, devouring foliage and even fruits! But don't fret; there's an easy organic solution: BT. This naturally occurring bacteria disrupts the caterpillar's digestion, effectively stopping them in their tracks.
Remember, early detection is key! Watch for the first signs of damage and spray your plants with BT as soon as you spot hungry caterpillars. Your tomatoes, peppers, and other garden favorites will thank you!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🐛 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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