Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

❄️How to Frostproof Irrigation and the Well House❄️

Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Winter's coming, and it's time to protect those outdoor water systems!

 

Here in the Central Highlands, we don't usually experience deep freezes, but it's still important to prevent your irrigation valves and well house from freezing.

 

For your irrigation valves, simply lay a bag of potting soil or mulch over the valve box. This extra layer of insulation will keep the ground from freezing and damaging those expensive valves. For your well house, consider using heat tape on exposed pipes and a thermostatically controlled outlet to regulate the temperature. And don't forget the backflow preventer – this crucial part needs protection too, either by draining it or using heat tape.

 

Taking these simple steps now will save you headaches and costly repairs later.

 

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🎄What the Most Popular Holiday Trees and How to Plant them🎄

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately. Choosing a living Christmas tree is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and add a new evergreen to your landscape.

 

To ensure your tree thrives, start by selecting a Spruce, Fir, or Pine that's been grown in your local climate.

Before the ground freezes, prepare the planting site by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.

 

When it's time to bring your tree indoors, aim for about a week before Christmas. Keep it well-watered and away from heat sources to prevent it from drying out.

 

Once the festivities are over, plant your tree as soon as possible to give it the best chance to establish itself in its new home.

 

For more detailed instructions and our special Evergreen Planting Guide, stop by Watters Garden Center. We'll help you select the perfect living Christmas tree and ensure its success in your garden for years to come.

 

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Houseplant Gnats and What to Do

Hey, indoor gardeners, Ken Lain here!

Those pesky little black flies buzzing around your houseplants? Those are fungus gnats, and they can wreak havoc on your indoor jungle. But don't worry, I'm here to help!

Fungus gnats thrive in moist soil and lay eggs that hatch into larvae that feed on your plant's roots. To break the cycle, start with yellow sticky traps to catch the adults. Then, use systemic granules to eliminate the larvae in the soil. Simply sprinkle the granules on the soil surface and water them in. The granules will release into the soil, killing the gnats and protecting your plants from other pests like mealybugs and aphids.

Give your plants a boost with a dose of houseplant fertilizer or our own Watters Root & Grow for even faster recovery. With a little TLC, your houseplants will be thriving and gnat-free in no time!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 48 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here!

This week, let's dive into some essential gardening topics. We'll explore the natural phenomenon of pine trees shedding their brown needles in autumn and discuss the optimal timing for pruning blooming shrubs to ensure vibrant growth. Then, we will troubleshoot the causes of black leaves on vegetable foliage as the season changes. Moving indoors, we'll learn the proper techniques and timing for repotting houseplants to keep them thriving. For those who love festive cheer, we'll examine the practice of decorating live evergreen trees for the holidays and then planting them in winter. Finally, we'll touch on the exciting world of “digital gardening” and why it's becoming so popular.

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:

• Why Pine Trees Drop Brown Needles in Autumn
• When Can You Prune Blooming Shrubs in the Landscape
• When Vegetable Foliage has Black Leaves in Autumn
•  How and When to Repot Houseplants
• Evergreen Trees Decorated for the Holidays then Planted in Winter
•  A Favorite Part of Digital Gardening

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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🎄Evergreen Trees Decorated for the Holidays, then Planted in Winter 🎄

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Did you know you can have a living Christmas tree this year? At Watters, we're offering pre-orders on Alberta Spruce and Courthouse Spruce trees, which are beautifully decorated and ready to be enjoyed indoors for the holidays.

 

After the festivities, simply plant your tree outdoors and enjoy its beauty for years to come. It's a sustainable and festive way to add an evergreen accent to your landscape.

 

Plus, pre-ordering guarantees you get the perfect tree and helps us prepare for the holiday rush. We're even offering pre-orders on Christmas Cactus and Poinsettias! Thanks for supporting local businesses and making our community thrive.

 

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🪴 How and When to Repot Houseplants🪴

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! Time to give your houseplants some love!

 

As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, it's the perfect opportunity to check on those leafy companions. Wondering if your houseplant needs repotting? 🤔

 

Here are a few telltale signs: roots growing through the drainage holes, the plant getting top-heavy, or the soil drying out super fast.

 

When repotting, choose a container just slightly larger than the current one and use a quality potting mix (not garden soil!). And remember, different plants have different needs, so select a soil that suits your plant's preferences.

 

Happy repotting!

 

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🍅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.

 

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

 

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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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