

Stop Guessing. Start Growing. Welcome to the Ultimate Garden Blueprint.
Body Copy: Most big-box store advice will get your plants killed. The intense sun, the heavy wind, and the local wildlife require a completely different set of rules.
I'm Ken Lain, "Top 10 Gardener," and every week, I share the exact "un-killable" strategies we use to cheat the heat and build vibrant, blooming sanctuaries in USDA Zones 5–8.
Don't waste another season on generic advice. Hit that '+ Follow' button right now to get your weekly dose of mountain gardening success. Let's put some roots in the ground together.
Whether you are trying to force your mountain roses into non-stop blooms, figure out why your evergreens are dropping needles, or reclaim your patio from summer pests, we give you the hyper-local science to make it happen.
When you tune in, you'll discover:
- The Overlooked Truths: Fast diagnostics and 10-second pruning tricks that flatlander gardeners know nothing about.
- Seasonal Urgency: Exactly what to plant right now to guarantee roots get established in our Prescott soil.
- Insider Access: First dibs on our custom plant arrivals and premium garden kits before they sell out on our online store.
Don't waste another season on generic advice. Hit that '+ Follow' button right now to get your weekly dose of mountain gardening success. Let's put some roots in the ground together.
Stop Guessing. Start Growing. Welcome to the Ultimate Garden Blueprint.
Body Copy: Most big-box store advice will get your plants killed. The intense sun, the heavy wind, and the local wildlife require a completely different set of rules.
I'm Ken Lain, "Top 10 Gardener," and every week, I share the exact "un-killable" strategies we use to cheat the heat and build vibrant, blooming sanctuaries in USDA Zones 5–8.
Don't waste another season on generic advice. Hit that '+ Follow' button right now to get your weekly dose of mountain gardening success. Let's put some roots in the ground together.
Whether you are trying to force your mountain roses into non-stop blooms, figure out why your evergreens are dropping needles, or reclaim your patio from summer pests, we give you the hyper-local science to make it happen.
When you tune in, you'll discover:
- The Overlooked Truths: Fast diagnostics and 10-second pruning tricks that flatlander gardeners know nothing about.
- Seasonal Urgency: Exactly what to plant right now to guarantee roots get established in our Prescott soil.
- Insider Access: First dibs on our custom plant arrivals and premium garden kits before they sell out on our online store.
Don't waste another season on generic advice. Hit that '+ Follow' button right now to get your weekly dose of mountain gardening success. Let's put some roots in the ground together.
Episodes
Nov 14, 2025
🦌 Top 10 Deer & Rabbit Proof Plants & Repellents
Nov 14, 2025
Nov 14, 2025
10 min
The Central Highlands is known for its wildland/urban areas, and wildlife is part of the attraction. But it’s not so great when the deer and rabbits dine on your landscape and garden! Master Gardener Ken Lain shares some ways to deter animals from eating your landscape, including attractive plants that most animals will leave alone.
🌺 Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #DeerProofPlants, #RabbitProofPlants, #DeterringWildlifeintheGarden
Nov 13, 2025
🌳 Trees that Look Good all Winter Long
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
10 min
Evergreen trees are the year-round landscape stars in the Central Highlands. But some species of trees pull out all the stops for beauty 12 months of the year. Master Gardeners Ken & Lisa Lain share the many varieties of evergreens that look great in your landscape all year round.
🌺Ken & Lisa Lain, the Mountain Gardeners
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #EvergreenTrees, #BestAllAroundTrees, #LandscapingWithEvergreens
Nov 12, 2025
🌲When To Prune Local Trees & Shrubs
Nov 12, 2025
Nov 12, 2025
7 min
The Central Highlands of Arizona are unique for gardeners, and the usual landscape wisdom sometimes doesn’t apply here. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the best times to prune the most popular trees and shrubs in our garden climate.
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #PruningPlants&Trees, #WhentoPruneinCentralHighlands
Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
10 min
Vanderwolf Pines are a beautiful and sculptured addition to Central Highlands landscapes. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain share this week how to plant these pines successfully in poor soil conditions so they’ll thrive for years to come. Ken and Lisa also answer additional garden questions in this segment!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
🌹Ken & Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #VanderwolfPines, #PlantEvergreensinPoorSoils, #PlantingVanderwolfPines
Nov 10, 2025
🍁 What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn?
Nov 10, 2025
Nov 10, 2025
11 min
We all enjoy watching the beauty of the leaves turning in fall. What is happening to your trees and plants when the colors change? Master Gardener Ken Lain shares what the changing colors mean for your trees and shrubs, and when at certain times it might not be a good thing!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🥕Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #AutumnLeaves, #LeavesTurningColor, #FallTree&PlantCare, #WateringBeforeaFreeze, #GardenFeedinginFall
Nov 9, 2025
Nov 9, 2025
49 min
Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken & Lisa Watters Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here!
Get ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug! They're bursting with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're ready to share it all with you.
Don't miss out on this chance to level up your gardening game!
Included in This Week’s Show:
🪴 How Much Should I Water in Winter After Frost?
🌲 Q & A - How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen?
🌺 Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year
🌳 New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
🥕A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around
🌳 Why Fall is Best for Planting Evergreen Privacy Hedges
Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms. To Watch the Entire Podcast Show, Tap or Click on the Link Below Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #TheMountainGardener, #GardeningTips, #KenLain, #WattersGardenClasses, #WateringinFrost, #WinterContainerCare, #WateringinWinter, #WateringBeforeaFreeze, LivingPrivacyScreens, #HowtoSpaceTrees, #PlantingPrivacyScreens, #PoinsettiaVarieties, #ChristmasPlants, #PoinsettiaColors, #EvergreenShrubs, #ColorfulShrubs, #LandscapingWithShrubs, #WinterVeggies, #PlantinginWinter, #BestWinterVegetables, #PrivacyHedges, #EvergreenHedges, #PlantingPrivacyHedges, #FallPlanting
Nov 8, 2025
Nov 8, 2025
5 min
If you are looking to plant a privacy hedge, now is the time! Fall is the perfect time to choose and plant your evergreen hedge so it will be rooted and ready to thrive in spring. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the best evergreen privacy hedges for our area, and why fall is the perfect time to plant them.
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #PrivacyHedges, #EvergreenHedges, #PlantingPrivacyHedges, #FallPlanting, #WattersGardenClasses
Nov 7, 2025
🥕A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around
Nov 7, 2025
Nov 7, 2025
10 min
When fall approaches, you might think your vegetable garden is through. But did you know that many other trees have colorful fall foliage? Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the many trees that will turn color in fall and add interest and beauty to your landscape during all seasons.
🌺 Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #WinterVeggies, #GrowingWinterVegetables,
Nov 6, 2025
🌳 New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
7 min
Evergreen shrubs are the year-round landscape stars. Master Gardeners Ken & Lisa Lain share the many varieties of colorful shrubs that look great in your landscape all year round, what’s new, and how to care for them year-round.
🌺Ken & Lisa Lain, the Mountain Gardeners
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #EvergreenShrubs, #ColorfulShrubs, #LandscapingWithShrubs

Nov 6, 2025
🌳 New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
7 min
Evergreen shrubs are the year-round landscape stars. Master Gardeners Ken & Lisa Lain share the many varieties of colorful shrubs that look great in your landscape all year round, what’s new, and how to care for them year-round.
🌺Ken & Lisa Lain, the Mountain Gardeners
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #EvergreenShrubs, #ColorfulShrubs, #LandscapingWithShrubs
Nov 5, 2025
Nov 5, 2025
6 min
Nothing says Christmas more than Poinsettia plants. They provide color and beauty to your home through the holiday season. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the newest Poinsettia colors and varieties for your Christmas season.
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #PoinsettiaVarieties, #ChristmasPlants, #PoinsettiaColors
Nov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025
10 min
When you need a green living screen in your landscape, you’ll want to plant the trees that provide the fastest privacy and shade. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain share this week what trees work the best for living screens and how close you can plant them for privacy. Ken and Lisa also answer additional garden questions in this segment!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
🌹Ken & Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #LivingPrivacyScreens, #HowtoSpaceTrees, #PlantingPrivacyScreens
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
10 min
Watering is trickier in the Central Highlands – we can have drought, torrential rain, drying winds, and in the winter, frost, hard freezes, snow and ice. Master Gardener Ken Lain breaks down the secrets of watering in our challenging climate, to make sure your garden and landscape winters well!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🥕Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #WateringinFrost, #WinterContainerCare, #WateringinWinter, #WateringBeforeaFreeze
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
52 min
Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken & Lisa Watters Lain, The Mountain Gardeners here!
Get ready to catch Ken and Lisa's gardening bug! They're bursting with knowledge and passion for growing beautiful things, and they're ready to share it all with you.
Don't miss out on this chance to level up your gardening game!
Included in This Week’s Show:
🪴 The Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
🌲 Seg 2 Q & A - How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue
🌿 How to Keep Winter Weeds Out of Rock Lawns
🌳 Brighter Plants That Hold Their Foliage and Stay Green
🌲 Autumn Glory: 10 Evergreens to Enhance Your Landscape
🌻 A Plant Killer’s Guide to Success
Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardeer Podcast today and get your hands dirty with expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms. To Watch the Entire Podcast Show, Tap or Click on the Link Below Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Mountain Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #TheMountainGardener, #GardeningTips, #KenLain, #AttractiveFallTrees, #SpiritualMeaningofHouseplants, #Houseplants, #PopularHouseplants, #BlueSpruceTrees, #KeepingColorinBlueSpruce, #GrowingBlueSpruceTrees, #WeedsinRockLawns, #WeedsinRockLandscape, #WinterWeedControl, #EvergreenTrees, #PerennialPlants, #EvergreenShrubs, #BestTreesforCentralHighlands, #ColorfulFallTrees, #FallLandscapeColors, #HowtoBeaGardenSuccess, #GreenThumb, #WattersGardenClasses
Nov 1, 2025
🌻 A Plant Killer’s Guide to Success
Nov 1, 2025
Nov 1, 2025
5 min
If you are the owner of a black thumb, there is hope! It just takes some knowledge of our planting area, and some garden tips and wisdom to have a thriving garden! Master Gardener Ken Lain shares what you can do to have garden success. Hint: Watters Garden Center offers classes, answers and tips to turn your black thumb into green!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers
https://wattersgardencenter.com/pages/garden-care-advantages
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #PlantSuccess, #HowtoBeaGardenSuccess, #GreenThumb, #WattersGardenClasses