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
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
🍓How to Grow Better Berries in the Landscape🍓
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain are here! We're ready to help you grow the tastiest berries in your backyard.
Imagine juicy raspberries, plump blueberries, and sweet strawberries bursting with flavor... Now, let's make it a reality!
First, choose the right berry varieties for our mountain climate. We love thornless options like Apache Thornless Blackberry and Triple Crown Thornless Blackberry – they're easy to pick and perfect for pies!
Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil, and water regularly for plump, juicy berries. Don't forget a layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
For raspberries and blackberries, consider trellising to keep the canes organized and maximize your harvest.
Remember, a little care goes a long way with berries. With the right varieties and a bit of TLC, you'll be enjoying the sweet rewards all season long!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🍓Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Jul 29, 2024
🌡️Beating the Heat - Strategies to Protect Plants from Extreme Weather🌡️
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! The Arizona summer sun can be intense, but don't let it stress out your plants.
First things first, water early in the morning before the heat sets in. Your plants will thank you for a refreshing drink before the day gets too hot.
Next, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and prevent moisture loss.
For an extra boost, consider using Wilt Stop, a clear coating that acts like sunscreen for your plants, preventing them from losing too much moisture.
Finally, mix AquaBoost crystals into the soil of your container plants and raised beds. These crystals hold onto moisture and release it slowly to keep your plants hydrated throughout the day.
By following these simple tips, you can help your plants beat the heat and thrive all summer long!
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🌡️Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Jul 28, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Sunday Jul 28, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Transform your yard with our Top 10 Shrubs for summer, providing vibrant hues and elegance all season long. Beat the heat with the best shade trees for Verde Valley, like majestic Oaks and fast-growing Maples. Tackle erosion with top groundcovers such as Vinca and Creeping Thyme, while creating a stunning, water-wise garden with xeriscape plants like Agave and Lavender. Enhance your privacy with lush screens and hedges, including Arborvitae and Boxwood. Join us for a FREE garden class at Watters Garden Center to learn from expert gardeners and discover the secrets to a thriving garden.
Included in this week’s episode:
- Spectacular Summer Top 10 Shrubs for a Stunning Yard
- Top Shade Trees for Verde Valley
- Erosion Control Heroes - Best Groundcovers for Soil Stability
- Xeriscape Landscapes for Stunning Beauty
- Ultimate Privacy_ Best Screens and Hedges for Seclusion
- Attend a FREE Garden Class 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, #SummerShrubs, #VerdeValleyShade, #ErosionControl, #XeriscapeBeauty, #PrivacyHedges, #WattersGardenClass
Saturday Jul 27, 2024
🌻Garden Class Insights: Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden with Sunflowers and More 🌻
Saturday Jul 27, 2024
Saturday Jul 27, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, Birds, birds, birds, birds, I love and garden for the birds.
I've noticed one plant they really enjoy, especially the smaller finches and sparrows. They really, really like my sunflowers. Interestingly, they're not after the flowers, but the foliage! I don't know if it's the roughage or what, but they love my SunBelievable sunflowers. These beauties can produce a thousand flowers in one season because they're sterile and focus on blooming instead of seeding. The small birds adore the foliage, and it's a joy to watch them flit around.
For hummingbirds, try Autumn Sage. Trim it back, fertilize with Flower Power, and watch it bloom in glorious colors. In my yard, the blue and red varieties are a hit.
Lantana is another winner. They thrive in the summer heat, attracting birds and butterflies. And don't forget the Silk Tassel tree. Its pink flowers and umbrella shape make it a perfect addition for bird activity.
Come by and talk to us about your garden needs. Happy planting!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌻Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Friday Jul 26, 2024
🌲Ultimate Privacy_ Best Screens and Hedges for Seclusion🌲
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ever feel like your backyard's a bit too open? Like you're waving to the neighbors while grilling burgers? Well, let's create your own secret garden!
Big & Fast Evergreens:
These guys are your tall, thick privacy champs. Think upright evergreens like Deodar Cedar or Arizona Cypress. They shoot up fast, reaching 15+ feet in no time. Now, these are for larger spaces, but they offer serious seclusion in a hurry!
Large Evergreen Hedges:
For head-high privacy, Red-Tipped Photinia's popular, but I'm a fan of the low-maintenance duo: Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster and Silverberry (Elaeagnus). They're thick, hardy, and won't give you any fuss.
Pro Tip: Pick the right plant for your space. Overplanting can be just as bad as underplanting. Come by the garden center, we'll help you get the math right!
Let's make your backyard your sanctuary. Now get out there and grow some privacy!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
🌲Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Jul 25, 2024
🌵Xeriscape Landscapes for Stunning Beauty🌵
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here! With minimal water usage, you can transform your garden into a stunning xeriscape landscape.
Embrace the beauty of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the summer heat. Lantana, with its vibrant colors, loves the sun and provides a splash of summer joy. Crape Myrtles, blooming brilliantly, are heat lovers that add charm to any garden. Pentas, available in white, red, lavender, and pink, attract butterflies with their long-lasting blooms. Portulaca, with its double flowers, thrives in rock gardens and containers, showing off bright colors all season. Ice plants, with their perennial hardiness, and Portulaca, with annual vibrancy, offer beautiful options for your xeriscape garden.
Enhance your landscape with these resilient plants and enjoy a low-maintenance, water-wise garden. Remember to mulch and deep water to keep your plants healthy.
For personalized advice, visit us at Watters Garden Center and let us help you create the perfect xeriscape garden.
Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
🌵Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #Xeriscape, #DroughtTolerantPlants, #SummerGardening, #WaterWiseGarden
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
🌱Erosion Control Heroes - Best Groundcovers for Soil Stability🌱
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! It's time to turn to nature's best groundcovers for soil stability.
Cotoneaster, with its sprawling varieties like Coral Beauty and Cranberry, is perfect for covering large areas quickly. Its robust root system holds the soil, while its white spring flowers and red berries add beauty.
Pair it with Creeping Rosemary, especially the Huntington Carpet variety, for a drought-resistant, evergreen solution.
Don't overlook Junipers like Calgary Carpet, which are hardy and non-allergenic. Trumpet Vine, with its vibrant red flowers, can climb or spread, adding a splash of color and attracting hummingbirds. Lastly, Hall's Honeysuckle, with its aggressive roots and efficient water use, is ideal for both ground cover and climbing.
Need help designing your garden? Snap a picture, measure your space, and our team at Watters Garden Center will guide you in spacing and plant selection. Let’s transform your landscape into a thriving, erosion-resistant oasis!
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, #ErosionControl #GroundcoverGardening #SoilStability
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
🌳 Top Shade Trees for the Verde Valley 🌳
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, Looking for a fast-growing shade tree?
Go for a hybrid elm like Frontier, Alley, or Princeton. These beauties thrive at all elevations, resist bugs and diseases, and grow quickly.
Want more options? Locusts (honey, golden, purple robe) handle heat and wind like champs. Ash trees (Raywood, Arizona, Modesto) offer stunning shade. And don't forget native sycamores!
Remember, monsoons are here, making it the perfect time to plant. Visit Watters Garden Center to see these trees in person and get expert advice.
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌳 Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #ShadeTrees
Monday Jul 22, 2024
🌺Spectacular Summer - Top 10 Shrubs for a Stunning Yard 🌺
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer is the perfect time to revamp your garden with vibrant, hardy shrubs that thrive in the heat.
If you are looking to create a stunning yard, here are my top 10 shrub picks for a spectacular summer display.
Start with Merlot Euphorbia, a perennial with deep purple foliage that pairs beautifully with its golden cousin, Rainbow Ascot Euphorbia. For fragrant blooms, consider English Lavender, which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while repelling pests like rabbits and javelinas. Other excellent choices include the show-stopping Crape Myrtle, the versatile Rose of Sharon, and the drought-tolerant Blue Mist Spirea. Tune in for the entire list.
Each of these shrubs not only adds color and texture to your garden but also requires minimal maintenance, making them ideal for the everyday gardener.
Plant them in well-draining soil, ensure they get plenty of sunlight, and watch your garden come to life this summer!
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌺Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #Top10Shrubs #SummerGardening
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Summer's arrived and so have your gardening questions!
This episode of Top 10 Gardener tackles keeping your plants vibrant, with tips for treating yellow leaves and caring for summer wildflowers. Plus, we'll explore fast-growing privacy plants and shade trees to keep your backyard cool. Want a growth spurt? Learn rapid growth strategies for a flourishing landscape. And don't miss your chance to attend a FREE garden class at Watters Garden Center – we'll cover everything you need to know!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Gardener’s Guide - Treating Yellow Leaves in Summer
- How to Care for Summer Wildflowers
- Fast-Track Your Privacy - Best Summer Plants for a Lush Barrier
- Shade Trees the Keep the Backyard Cool
- Rapid Growth Strategies - Top Techniques for Fast-Growing Planting
- Attend a FREE Garden Class 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 Jul 20, 2024
🍒Attend a FREE Garden Class at Watters Garden Center 🍒
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, with some friendly advice to keep your garden flourishing.
Ever notice your plants acting a little...off? They might be trying to tell you something!
Just like me with my overwatered lilies, some plants wilt when they get too much love. Bulbs and tubers store water, so constant moisture can actually harm them.
Decoding Plant Talk:
- Wilting leaves: This could signal overwatering, underwatering, or even pests.
- Fungal issues: Look for powdery mildew or leaf spots, which often appear during monsoon season.
- Lawn issues: Brown, splotchy patches might indicate a bacterial infection feeding on your lawn's sugars.
Free Garden Class: Top 10 Trees for Fresh Fruit
Mark your calendars! Watters Garden Center is hosting a FREE garden class on July 27th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. This class is all about unlocking the secrets to a bountiful fruit harvest. Here's what you'll learn:
- The Top 10 Fruit Trees: Discover the best varieties for our Prescott climate, from apples and pears to cherries, apricots, plums, and peaches.
- Cocktail Tree Secrets: Learn all about these space-saving, multi-fruit wonders!
- Planting for Success: Get expert tips on choosing the right location, proper planting techniques, and essential care practices.
Grow Your Own Backyard Oasis:
This class is perfect for anyone who wants to transform their yard into a delicious haven. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, you'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own fruit trees.
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🍒Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #WattersGardenCenterAZ, #kedj, #backyardbounty, #fruitharvest, #freegardeningclass, #growyourownfood
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Planting fast-growing trees and shrubs is an art, especially here in Arizona.
You can’t just chuck a plant in the ground and hope for the best. Here, precision is key. Roots grow sideways, not downwards, so dig a hole the same depth as your bucket but three times as wide. Remove rocks and debris bigger than a golf ball, and amend your soil with premium mulch and organic plant food to encourage robust root growth. Water with compost tea to reduce transplant shock. Try Prescott Blaze Maple for beautiful fall color. Follow these steps, and your garden will thrive!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
🌱Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Jul 18, 2024
🌳Shade Trees that Keep the Backyard Cool 🌳
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here to help you transform your backyard into a shady sanctuary. Has the summer sun got you burning up? Fear not! Planting a strategic shade tree is a fantastic way to cool things down.
Here are some fast-growing champions to consider:
- Austrian Pine: This speedy evergreen offers year-round shade and handsome dark green needles. Plus, it provides a lovely window screen.
- Arizona Cypress: Looking for a fast-growing privacy screen and shade provider? This Arizona native is a winner, boasting silvery-blue foliage.
- Also, consider Desert Willow, Prescott Blaze Maple or Locust trees
Planting for Shady Success:
- Consider your mature size: Think about how big the tree will eventually get and choose a spot that allows for ample growth.
- Sun or shade? Austrian Pines prefer full sun, while Arizona Cypress tolerates some shade.
Bonus Tip: Fall is an excellent time to plant trees! They'll establish strong roots before the summer heat hits, and you'll be enjoying cool shade sooner rather than later. Watters Garden Center has a fantastic selection of shade trees to choose from. Stop by and let our experts help you find the perfect fit for your yard!
Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌳Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
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Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
🌲Fast-Track Your Privacy - Best Summer Plants for a Lush Barrier 🌲
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ready to chat about creating a private paradise – and fast! Summer is prime time for plant growth, especially for privacy screens.
Here are some superstar shrubs that'll shoot up in no time:
- Arizona Cypress: This native beauty boasts silvery-blue foliage and reaches a majestic 25 feet tall. It thrives in our climate and provides excellent wind protection. Bonus: it attracts beautiful cones, not pollen-heavy juniper berries.
- Atlas Cedar: Picture a Colorado Spruce on steroids! This majestic giant, Prescott's statehood tree, boasts sweeping branches that offer fantastic noise reduction.
Planting Power Tips:
- Choose natives: They're naturally adapted to our climate and thrive with minimal fuss.
- Water deeply: One good soak a week is better than frequent sprinklings.
- Feed your friends: Give your plants a boost with a good all-purpose fertilizer like Watters 7-4-4.
- Take advantage of summer: The warm weather and occasional rain encourage rapid growth.
Bonus Tip: Don't neglect your existing plants! Prune spent blooms from roses and yarrows, then fertilize – you'll be rewarded with a whole new wave of flowers.
Remember: Consistent care now translates to a lush, private haven later. So, grab your tools, embrace the summer power surge, and watch your privacy screen flourish!
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, #fasttrackprivacy, #summervibrant, #growyourownprivacy, #loveyouryard
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
🌼How to Care for Summer Wildflowers 🌼
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, chatting about those summer stunners – wildflowers!
Want a vibrant meadow bursting with color, but worried about constant care? Here's the secret: wildflowers are practically self-sufficient!
Through the summer, you'll get a dazzling display, but to encourage even more blooms next year, let's talk deadheading. Now, some folks might think deadheading means less flowers, but hold on! By removing those spent blooms (think pinching just below the faded flower head), your plant isn't wasting energy on seeds. Instead, that power goes into building a stronger root system. That translates to a healthier, showier plant come spring – Mexican Hats, Shasta Daisies, Gaillardia, you name it!
Of course, if you crave a sprawling wildflower haven, let some blooms go to seed! This attracts beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds, and guess what? Those leftover seeds become a winter feast for our feathered friends. Plus, next year, you'll be rewarded with a natural explosion of color, all thanks to letting nature take its course.
So, relax, enjoy the summer show, and let your wildflowers be wild!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌼Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #wildflowerlove,#deadheadingtips, #letnaturebloom, #wildflowers