Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🌺Garden Trivia and History of Christmas Cactus🌺

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! to share some fascinating facts about the Christmas Cactus! Did you know it's actually a cactus? Native to the mountains of Brazil, this holiday favorite thrives in cool, humid environments.

 

We'll uncover the legends behind its festive name, from a prayer answered in the Brazilian jungle to a Christmas miracle in a Bolivian village. Plus, learn about the three types of Christmas Cactus – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter – and how to care for them so they bring you joy for years to come.

 

Join us for a journey through garden trivia and history, and discover the magic of the Christmas Cactus!

 

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🪴 Does Feeding with Plant Spikes Really Work🪴

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  It's time to fertilize those evergreens, but with so many options on the market, you might be wondering what really works. Let's talk about those plant spikes. You know, the ones you hammer into the ground and supposedly feed your plants for a year?

In my experience, they're not all they're cracked up to be. It's nearly impossible to get the spikes in the right spot for the roots to absorb the nutrients. Plus, you often need multiple spikes per plant, which can get expensive.

Instead, I recommend using a good quality granular fertilizer, especially for trees and shrubs. Our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food is an excellent organic option that provides slow-release feeding for healthy growth and vibrant color.

So skip the spikes and give your plants the nourishment they deserve with a granular fertilizer. Your garden will thank you!

 

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🌳Lisa’s Questions and Answers🌳

Hey garden friends, Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here, ready to tackle your gardening questions! This week, we're covering everything from growing cumquats in Prescott (spoiler alert: it's tricky!) to watering newly planted pines and transplanting trees. 

 

Plus, we'll share a cautionary tale about deciduous plants and why you shouldn't assume they're dead just because they've lost their leaves. 🍂 Remember, when in doubt, take a picture and bring it to your local garden experts for advice. We're always happy to help you keep your garden thriving!

 

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USDA Garden Zones

Hey there, fellow gardeners! I'm Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener  and owner of Watters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona. If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to make your garden thrive. And if you're new to gardening in Prescott, you might be wondering what zone you're in and how to choose the right plants for your climate.

Zone 7: We're in zone 7, which means we get some pretty cold winters, but also some warm summers. This zone is great for a variety of plants, both annuals and perennials.

Choosing the Right Plants: When choosing plants for your garden, be sure to look for varieties that are hardy in zone 7 or colder. You can find a list of plants that are suitable for your zone at the Watters Garden Center website.

Tips for Success:

• Water: Arizona is a dry climate, so it's important to water your plants regularly.
• Mulch: Mulch helps to keep your plants moist and regulate the soil temperature.
• Fertilize: Fertilize your plants according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
• Protect from Frost: In the winter, protect your plants from frost by covering them with blankets or sheets.

 

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🌺How to Force a Poinsettia to Flower and Turn Color Again🌺

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener Here. Want to enjoy your poinsettia's vibrant color year after year? You can!

 

Though often treated as annuals, these festive plants can rebloom with the right care. The secret lies in mimicking their natural cycle.

 

Starting in September, give your poinsettia 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night – a cool, dimly lit room is perfect. Keep the temperature around 65 degrees and fertilize regularly with a balanced houseplant food. By Thanksgiving, you'll be rewarded with those iconic colorful bracts!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 50 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Winter brings a desire to spruce up our homes with festive decorations. Poinsettias, with their vibrant red bracts, are a popular choice. To keep them thriving, ensure they receive bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid overwatering. If you want to enjoy your poinsettia beyond the holidays, provide it with proper care and consider forcing it to bloom again next year. For outdoor enthusiasts, evergreen shrubs like juniper, holly, and arborvitae can add beauty and cheer to your landscape during the winter months. Remember to choose hardy varieties in your climate and provide them with proper care.

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:

• Best Pond Care for a Healthy Winter
• How to Grow a Better Holiday Poinsettia
•  Can Poinsettias Live Outdoors
• Why are Poinsettias used to Celebrate Holidays like Christmas
• Top 10 Landscape Evergreens for Holiday Decorating
• How to Force a Poinsettia to Flower and Turn Color Again

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!

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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🌲Top 10 Landscape Evergreens for Holiday Decorating🌲

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! With the right evergreens, creating a festive outdoor display is a breeze!

 

Arizona Cypress, with its soft texture and silvery-blue foliage, adds a touch of elegance. For a classic Christmas feel, choose a Spruce – Baby Blue Spruce offers that iconic pyramidal shape and stunning color. Pines, like the Austrian Pine, bring a bold, architectural presence. And don't forget Junipers!

 

Their diverse forms and colors add year-round interest. Visit Watters Garden Center to find the perfect evergreens to sparkle your landscape this holiday season!

 

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🎄Why are Poinsettias used to Celebrate Holidays like Christmas 🎄

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! Poinsettias have become a beloved symbol of Christmas, but have you ever wondered why?

 

The story begins with a young Mexican girl named Pepita who, lacking a gift for baby Jesus, offered humble weeds that miraculously transformed into brilliant red blooms. Later, in the 1800s, these "Flores de Noche Buena" were introduced to the U.S. by Ambassador Joel Poinsett. But it was the Ecke family who, with clever marketing in the mid-20th century, cemented the poinsettia's status as the Christmas flower.

 

Stop by Watters Garden Center to learn more about these fascinating plants and find the perfect poinsettia for your holiday celebration!

 

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🌄Can Poinsettias Live Outdoors🌄

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Poinsettias, with their vibrant red foliage, scream "holiday cheer!"

 

But these tropical beauties much prefer the cozy indoors. Think of them like houseplants – comfy room temperatures, bright indirect light, and no cold drafts. Water only when the soil surface is dry, and never let them sit in soggy soil.

 

With a little TLC, your poinsettias will be the stars of your holiday decor all season long. Stop by Watters Garden Center for the finest poinsettias and expert advice to keep them thriving.

 

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🌺 How to Grow a Better Holiday Poinsettia 🌺

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, but keeping them vibrant throughout the season can be tricky.

 

The key is to mimic their native tropical environment. Think bright, indirect light, and keep those beauties away from drafts and excessive heat.

 

Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch, ensuring the pot drains fully. Overwatering is a surefire way to lose their leaves!

 

And here's a secret tip: a touch of Watters Flower Power fertilizer every few weeks keeps them blooming bright. Stop by Watters Garden Center – we'll have you mastering poinsettias like a pro!

 

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❄️Best Pond Care for a Healthy Winter❄️

Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here! As temperatures drop, remember your pond! Fish and pumps are at risk when water features freeze.

Remove leaves and debris to prevent a toxic buildup under the ice, which can harm your fish.

A simple, affordable pond heater keeps a hole open in the ice, allowing for essential gas exchange. Don't forget to protect your irrigation valves and backflow preventers with a layer of mulch or heat tape.

This simple step can save you from costly repairs in the spring. Taking care of these often overlooked areas ensures a healthy pond and a worry-free winter.

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Welcome to Episode 24 - 49 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here! This week we will cover a range of gardening topics, from indoor pests to outdoor winter preparations. We'll discuss how to combat pesky houseplant gnats, explore the most popular holiday trees and their planting techniques, and delve into the essential steps of frostproofing irrigation systems and well houses. Additionally, we'll share top tips for year-end garden tasks to ensure a flourishing garden next season. Finally, we'll uncover the surprising variety of poinsettia colors available.

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:

• Houseplant Gnats Inside and What to Do
• What the Most Popular Holiday Trees and How to Plant them
•  How to Frostproof Irrigation and the Well House
• Top 10 Year-End Garden Tasks for a Better Yard
• Gardening Tips for Year-End
• How Many Poinsettia Colors are There Really

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.

 

🎙️Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!

https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/

 

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🌺How Many Poinsettia Colors are There Really🌺

Did you know there are over 100 colors of Poinsettias? Most stores only carry red, but you can find a rainbow of choices at Watters Garden Center! From the icy pink hues of the 'Ice Punch' to the speckled red of 'Country Quilt', there's a Poinsettia to match every holiday décor.

 

Poinsettias are known for their colorful bracts – those modified leaves surrounding the flowers. To coax your Poinsettia into its vibrant colors, it needs a period of darkness each day for about 6-8 weeks. Think of it like a beauty rest for plants!

 

While red remains the most popular choice, don't be afraid to explore the incredible variety of colors and patterns available. It's like choosing a unique piece of art for your home!

 

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👨‍🌾Gardening Tips for Years End 👨‍🌾

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! The end of the year doesn't mean the end of gardening! Here in the mountains, it's the perfect time to prepare your garden for a stunning comeback next spring. Think of it like tucking your garden in for a long winter's nap.

 

Start by cleaning up any fallen leaves and spent plants. This prevents diseases from overwintering in your garden. It's a bit like washing the sheets before you crawl into bed for a good night's sleep.

 

Next, plant those perennials and shrubs you've been eyeing. The cool soil temperatures allow roots to establish themselves before the summer heat hits. It's like giving them a good breakfast before a big day!

 

Don't forget to protect your plants from the cold with a cozy layer of mulch. Think of it as a warm blanket for your garden beds. And be sure to water any newly planted trees and shrubs – they need a good drink before their winter rest.

 

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🏡Top 10 Year-End Garden Tasks for a Better Yard 🏡

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! The gardening season may be winding down, but there's still plenty to do to ensure a thriving garden next spring. Get a jump on the new year with these essential tasks:

 

First, give your garden a good clean-up. Remove fallen leaves and any plants that have finished blooming for the season. This helps prevent pests and diseases from making your garden their winter home. Think of it as tidying up the house before guests arrive – in this case, the guests are the healthy plants you want to see next spring!

 

Now is a great time to plant perennials and shrubs. The cooler temperatures and fall rains allow roots to get established before the summer heat arrives. It's like giving them a head start in a marathon!

 

Protect your plants from the coming cold with a cozy blanket of mulch. This not only insulates them from harsh winter temperatures but also helps the soil retain moisture. Just like we wear a warm coat in winter, your plants appreciate a little extra protection too.

 

Speaking of moisture, don't forget to water any newly planted trees and shrubs. Even though it's getting colder, they still need consistent watering, especially during their first winter in your garden. Think of it as giving them a good drink before a long nap.

 

 

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