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
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
🌱 Spreading Flowers for Fast Erosion Control 🌱
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Monsoon Rains? Turn Erosion into a Flower Show!
Ken Lain here. Those monsoons can unleash a torrent, leaving your landscape vulnerable to erosion. But fear not, fellow gardeners! Nature has a beautiful solution: fast-spreading flowers. These vibrant heroes not only hold soil in place with their tenacious roots but also transform erosion-prone areas into a breathtaking tapestry of color.
Consider the vigorous Honeysuckle, with its sweet fragrance and vibrant blooms, or the native Virginia Creeper, a wildlife haven that blankets slopes with lush foliage. For a culinary twist, try the versatile Carpet Rosemary, which offers blue blooms, pollinator appeal, and aromatic leaves for your kitchen creations.
Don't forget the hardy Sedums! Mexican Primrose, with its cheerful yellow flowers, is a superstar at stabilizing soil and spreading quickly. Or, for a native touch, Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia) add a splash of sunshine to any landscape while holding the earth tight.
Remember, fighting erosion doesn't mean sacrificing beauty. With these fast-growing flowering groundcovers, you can create a resilient landscape that bursts with life and color all season long. Happy planting!
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Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
🌿Monsoon Weeds and Erosion Control 🌿
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
We love the monsoon rains, but those weeds sure love them too! Ken and Lisa Lain here.
Don't let those pesky invaders take over your garden. Get ahead of the game with Watters "Decimate" weed killer and "Herbicidal Enhancer." This dynamic duo sticks to weeds like glue, even in the rain, for a quick and lasting knockout.
For long-term weed prevention, especially in windy areas like Prescott Valley, spread "Weed and Grass Stopper" over bare ground. It stops weed seeds from sprouting, saving you hours of back-breaking weeding.
Try low-growing ground covers to combat erosion and add beauty to those hot, sunny spots. From colorful cotoneaster to fragrant creeping rosemary, we've got the perfect plants to hold your soil in place and create a stunning landscape.
Remember, we're here to help! Bring in your pictures and questions, and let's design a weed-free, erosion-resistant garden together.
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌿 Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Aug 12, 2024
🌱Why Stressed Plants Turn Yellow Before Fall 🌱
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Don't let those yellowing leaves fool you! It's not fall yet, folks.
If your plants are sporting an early autumn look, they're stressed out. Overwatering is the usual monsoon culprit. Remember, plants need to breathe at their roots too! Cut back on the watering, especially if you're getting those afternoon showers. Let 'em dry out a bit.
Then, give 'em a boost with Watters 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This mountain-made magic is the perfect pick-me-up for our stressed-out plants. It's got the right balance of nutrients to green up those leaves and encourage healthy new growth.
Don't forget to deadhead those spent blooms for your flowering plants and give them a dose of Flower Power. They'll thank you with a second wave of beautiful blooms!
Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in the garden. Don't write those plants off; give them a little attention, and they'll reward you with a vibrant, healthy green!
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🌱 Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Aug 11, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Sunday Aug 11, 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.
Included in this week’s episode:
- Sustainable Landscapes - Native Trees That Thrive on Their Own
- Shady Shrubs for Shady Garden
- Successfully Planting BIG Trees for Fast Growth
- Slim Sentinels - The Elegance of Narrow Trees
- An Interview with Christina Salwitz – Garden Coach
- Arachnid Free Greenery - Ultimate Guide to Insect Tree 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!
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Saturday Aug 10, 2024
🦗 Arachnid Free Greenery - Ultimate Guide to Insect Free Gardens 🦗
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here; Summer brings a bounty of blooms but also a surge of pesky bugs. Don't worry, I've got your back!
Right now, those bugs are bigger and tougher, sporting armor-like exoskeletons. But we're tougher!
For those voracious caterpillars munching on your precious plants, hand-pick them or use a natural spray like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
If you're battling beetles, like the destructive blister beetle, reach for Cyonara or a pyrethrin-based indoor/outdoor spray. These are powerful tools, so use them wisely.
Remember, not all bugs are bad! Spiders are your allies, feasting on the harmful insects.
But for unwelcome guests like scorpions, I highly recommend High Yield Indoor/Outdoor Spray. It's a safe and effective solution for both indoor and outdoor use.
So, gear up, gardeners! With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep those bugs at bay and your garden flourishing all summer long!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
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🦗 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Friday Aug 09, 2024
🎥 An Interview with Garden Coach Christina Salwitz 🎥
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Christina Salwitz, the personal garden coach from Seattle, now coaching our Watters Garden Center team in Prescott, Arizona.
Christina’s expertise in merchandising, colors, flowers, and container gardening transforms our store and inspires our gardening community.
From childhood, Christina had a keen eye for design and evolved into a sought-after garden coach, merging her fashion and interior design skills with horticulture.
Her unique approach to container gardens—cramscaping and breaking traditional rules—creates lush, vibrant displays that showcase the beauty of combining heights, colors, and textures. Christina’s passion for teaching and innovative methods truly elevate our gardening game.
Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with practical tips and creative ideas to enhance your garden!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
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🎥 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Aug 08, 2024
🌲 Slim Sentinels - The Elegance of Narrow Trees 🌲
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Ready to share some tree-spiration for those tight spaces in your yard.
We all have those awkward spots where a wide-spreading tree just won't fit. That's where slender trees come in! These vertical beauties add height, texture, and interest without taking up too much space.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum: This beauty offers stunning orange fall foliage and a narrow, upright growth habit.
- Spirit Oak: With its classic oak-like leaves and vibrant red fall color, this tree is both elegant and hardy.
- Blue Arrow Juniper: This evergreen boasts a cool blue-grey hue and a slender, columnar shape, perfect for tight spaces.
- Columnar Blue Spruce: If you love the look of blue spruce but lack the space, this narrow variety is the answer!
- Googly Eyes Scotch Pine: This unique pine stays slender and adds a touch of whimsy with its twisted branches.
Remember, these trees are a hot commodity, so don't wait! Head over to Watters Garden Center and let our experts help you find the perfect slender sentinel for your landscape.
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Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
🌳 Successfully Planting BIG Trees for Fast Growth 🌳
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Hey there, green thumbs! Ken Lain here, ready to share some tree-planting wisdom for a lush and thriving landscape.
Planting big trees now is a smart move – they establish faster and can transform your yard in no time! But remember, success lies in the details.
Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Bigger is Better: Opt for larger trees with established root balls. They're more resilient and adapt faster to their new home.
- Wide, Not Deep: Dig a hole three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep. This encourages strong, lateral root growth.
- Amend Your Soil: Remove debris, then mix your native soil with premium compost for a nutrient-rich boost that supports healthy roots.
- Feed Your Trees: Sprinkle a handful of 7-4-4 all-purpose plant food around the base of the tree for sustained nourishment.
- Water and Stake: Water thoroughly with Root & Grow to prevent transplant shock. Stake larger trees for stability.
Remember, we're here to help! Pick up a free Watters Water Guide for detailed instructions and watering schedules. Let's create a beautiful oasis together!
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Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
🪴 Shady Shrubs for Shady Gardens🪴
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Are you tired of struggling with dim corners and gloomy spots? Ken and Lisa Lain are here, ready to brighten your shady yard with gorgeous shrubs.
Shade doesn't have to be dull! Embrace the cool tranquility with shrubs like the evergreen Daphne, boasting fragrant blooms, and Hydrangeas, offering stunning flowers in various shades.
Explore the elegant foliage of Hostas, which thrive in the shade and add texture and interest. And don't forget Camellias, with their glossy leaves and exquisite winter blooms.
For a unique touch, consider the graceful Heuchera or Coral Bells, a perennial that loves the shade and rewards you with tall, fragrant white flowers.
Remember, the key to successful shade gardening is choosing the right plants. Visit Watters Garden Center for expert advice and a wide selection of shade-loving beauties!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🪴 Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
🌳 Sustainable Landscapes - Native Trees That Thrive on Their Own 🌳
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer's in full swing, and Arizona's native plants are stealing the show!
The Desert Willow, a stunning tree found throughout the state, is blooming right now. It's a hardy beauty that thrives with little care once established. We've even developed new varieties that bloom longer than ever! For a non-flowering native, check out the Arizona Cypress. It's perfect for privacy screens and windbreaks.
Thinking about adding some trees to your landscape this season? Consider planting Aspen, a surprising native that thrives at higher elevations. Or try Arizona Ash, a tough tree with striking fall colors. We also recommend Honey Locust, a thornless variety known for its delicate leaves and shade-providing canopy.
And don't forget about our iconic pine trees! While Ponderosa Pines are stunning, Austrian Pines might be a better choice for most landscapes due to their fuller shape. Both are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them perfect for Arizona's climate.
Ready to bring some of these beauties into your own backyard? Visit Watters Garden Center for expert advice and a wide selection of native plants. You'll find everything you need to create a thriving, water-wise landscape that's perfectly suited for the Arizona environment.
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🌳 Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Aug 04, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 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.
Learn how to grow better berries in your landscape, ensuring a bountiful harvest with our easy-to-follow advice. Get a sneak peek into the future of gardening with exciting plants and innovative products set to revolutionize gardens in 2025 and beyond. Discover the newest impossible-to-kill perennials that promise beauty and resilience in any garden. Join us at Watters Garden Center for free garden classes, where learning is fun and every gardener, from novice to expert, can grow their green thumb.
Included in this week’s episode:
- Beating the Heat - Strategies to Protect Plants from Extreme Weather
- How to Grow Better Berries in the Landscape
- The Future of Gardening - Exciting Plants and Products for 2025 and Beyond
- Impossible to Kill Perennials New for the Gardens
- Garden Classes Free for the Learning at Watters Garden Center
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!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj,
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
🌳Garden Classes Free for the Learning at Watters Garden Center 🌳
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, I've got to tell you, there's nothing quite like the pride of watching your plants flourish, just like a proud parent. If you're eager to grow your green thumb this summer, join us for our FREE garden classes every Saturday at 9:30 AM.
Saturday, August 5th: Beat the heat with our guide to the best shade trees for Arizona.
Saturday, August 12th: Keep your garden pest-free with our bug control tips.
Saturday, August 17th: Evergreens are the anchor of any landscape, providing color and privacy year-round
And that's just the start! For a full list of classes, visit our website or find us on Facebook. Let's learn and grow together!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
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🌳Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Friday Aug 02, 2024
🌺Bulletproof Botanicals - The Most Resilient Plants for Any Garden🌺
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! your go-to resource for all things gardening in our beautiful Arizona climate. If you're new to the area or just looking for reliable plants that thrive with minimal effort, you've come to the right place.
Our region offers a unique opportunity to grow both hardy, cold-tolerant plants and those that love a little more warmth. Here are some bulletproof botanicals that are sure to flourish in your garden:
Flowering Trees:
- Redbud: Native to the area, this vibrant tree boasts heart-shaped leaves and bright pink blooms in spring.
- Mimosa: A favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, this umbrella-shaped tree graces us with fragrant blooms right now.
Flowering Shrubs:
- Butterfly Bush: Available in a range of sizes and colors, this adaptable shrub thrives in our sunny, arid climate.
- Potentilla: This low-maintenance shrub produces an abundance of cheerful yellow flowers and is resistant to pests and animals.
Shade Trees:
- Ash, Locust, or Maple: These reliable trees offer ample shade and are well-suited to our climate.
Privacy Screens:
- Arizona Cypress: A fast-growing native evergreen that creates a dense, natural screen.
- Austrian Pine: This pine variety holds its foliage down to the ground, providing a thick and lush barrier.
Vines:
- Honeysuckle: A fragrant and vigorous vine that attracts pollinators and adds charm to any structure.
- Virginia Creeper: A native vine that thrives in our climate and adds a touch of wild beauty to your landscape.
Groundcovers:
- Blue Chip Juniper: A low-growing evergreen with silvery-blue foliage that adds texture and interest.
- Coral Beauty Cotoneaster: This low-maintenance shrub boasts vibrant red berries in the fall and winter.
These are just a few of the many bulletproof plants that thrive in our region. Visit our website or stop by the garden center for our complete list of top 10 plants in each category. We're always here to help you turn your brown thumb green!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌺Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Aug 01, 2024
🌹Impossible to Kill Perennials New for the Gardens🌹
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here! Just got in some new, impossible-to-kill varieties that are sure to thrive in our Arizona heat.
Check out the compact and colorful Neptune Catmint, the dwarf and ever-blooming Gold Star Black-Eyed Susan, or the heat-loving and well-behaved Mango and Orange Popsicle Red Hot Pokers.
Want something to really catch your eye? The Sunny Days Ruby Coneflower is a showstopper with its double pom-pom pink flowers, while the Baja Burgundy offers a deeper red hue. And don't forget the reliable Gaillardia Sun Rita, blooming through fall with cheerful yellow and red flowers.
For those low-maintenance areas, our new sedums are a must-have. Autumn Charm, with its variegated white and green foliage, or the dramatic Dark Magic with its deep purple leaves, are sure to add interest to your garden.
Remember, now is the ideal time to plant these perennials. With warm soil and ample moisture, they'll establish strong roots and reward you with beauty for years to come. Stop by Watters Garden Center and let's find the perfect perennials for your garden!
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Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
🌼The Future of Gardening - Exciting Plants and Products for 2025 and Beyond🌼
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! The Future of Gardening is HERE! I just returned from the Cultivate trade show, and wow, the future of gardening is brighter (and maybe even glow-in-the-dark!) than ever.
Imagine petunias that light up the night like fireflies, thanks to a little genetic magic. Picture drones the size of your car, tending fields with pinpoint accuracy. Get ready for robots that plant, trim, and harvest your favorite flowers, all without lifting a finger.
This is the future of gardening, and it's happening NOW. And the best part? You can be a part of it right here at Watters Garden Center. We're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest plants and products, so you can be sure your garden is always ahead of the curve.
Get ready for glow-in-the-dark petunias, easier-care flowers, and even more garden magic in the years to come. Your gardening adventure is just beginning!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
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