Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🪻Growing Better Peony as Fragrant Spring Flowers

Ken and Lisa Lain here each week to answer your garden questions! Spring's arrival brings fragrant peonies, a garden favorite.

 

If you're eager to cultivate these beauties, remember they crave well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine—at least four to five hours daily.

 

Amend heavy clay soils with ample compost or consider raised beds. Peonies are long-lived perennials, so choose their location wisely.

 

For those battling deer, rejoice! Peonies are deer-resistant. And if you're looking for a hardy, deer-proof hedge, consider Elaeagnus ciliaris, also known as silverberry. Its dense, evergreen foliage and resilience make it a fantastic choice.

 

Let's make your garden bloom!

 

🪻Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🍎Staring Tomato and Peppers for the Perfect Garden

Hey garden enthusiasts! It’s Ken Lain, and spring is bursting with life.

 

Now is the perfect time to start your tomato and pepper seedlings for a bountiful summer harvest.

 

Here in Northern Arizona, with our cool nights, starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before our late April/early May planting window is crucial.

 

Use quality seed trays, good potting soil, and provide consistent warmth for germination. Consider early producers like the 'Early Girl' tomato and 'Jalapeño Zing' or 'Serrano Spice Shot' peppers for delicious, homegrown Pico de Gallo.

 

Remember, the right varieties and timing make all the difference. If indoor starting isn't your style, Watters Garden Center has a wide selection of established plants ready for your garden. Get your seeds or plants now, and let's grow together!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 08 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Hey, fellow gardeners, Ken and Lisa Watters - Lain here!

This week, we're all about prepping for spring! We'll explore the telltale signs of the season, like blooming daffodils and buzzing bees, and discover the best ways to spruce up those containers with cool-season flowers like pansies and snapdragons. We’ll also highlight the most amazing shrubs for early spring color, like Forsythia and Lilacs, and share expert tips on planting new trees and preparing your soil for a successful growing season. Let's get those gardens growing!

Included in this week’s episode:

• How to Tell When Spring Arrives
• Cool Flowers for Ugly Containers
• The Most Amazing Shrubs of Early Spring
• Newest Trees for Stunning Landscape and How to Plant Them
• How to Prepare the Landscape for Maximum Spring Beauty
• How to Prepare Garden Soils for the Next Planting Season

Ken and Lisa will also answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

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! Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms.

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👨‍🌾How to Prepare Garden Soils for the Next Planting Season

Hey fellow gardeners, Ken Lain here! Get your garden beds ready for spring planting!

 

It's time to nourish your soil and give your plants the foundation they need to thrive. Start by fertilizing with Watters 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food, an excellent organic choice that strengthens plants and feeds the soil. It's easy to apply - simply sprinkle it around the drip line of your plants, where the feeder roots are located.

 

For an extra boost, consider adding a layer of compost or manure to your garden beds. This will help improve soil structure, increase water retention, and provide additional nutrients for your plants. And remember, healthy soil is the key to a healthy and productive garden.

 

With a little preparation and the right nutrients, you'll be enjoying a vibrant and bountiful garden all season long!

 

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🌸How to Prepare the Landscape for Maximum Spring Beauty

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Spring is just around the corner, and it's time to get your landscape ready for a spectacular show.

 

Here are three key tasks to tackle now:

First, feed your plants. Just like us, plants need nourishment to thrive. Fertilize everything in your landscape with a good quality organic or all-natural plant food. Avoid synthetic fertilizers, as they can harm beneficial soil organisms and pollute our waterways.

 

Second, focus on the drip line. When fertilizing, remember that the feeder roots of your plants are located at the drip line, or the outermost edge of the canopy. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly around the drip line for optimal absorption.

 

Finally, choose the right fertilizer. At Watters Garden Center, we offer two excellent organic fertilizers: our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food and our 6-4-4-7 Organic Fruit and Vegetable Food. Both are pelletized for easy application and provide slow-release nutrients for healthy growth.

 

By following these simple steps, you'll be setting your landscape up for a vibrant and productive spring season. Happy gardening!

 

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🌳Newest Trees for Stunning Landscape and How to Plant Them

Hey tree lovers, Ken Lain here! Spring is the perfect time to add new trees to your landscape, and at Watters Garden Center, we've got a fresh batch of beauties ready to enhance your yard.

 

We just received a shipment of stunning Oklahoma Redbuds, Krauter Vesuvius Plums, and a variety of Crabapples, including new varieties like the Ivory Spear and Raspberry Spear.

 

Remember, planting early is key to maximizing your spring blooms. Choose the right location, amend the soil with compost and mulch, and water regularly. With a little care and attention, your new trees will thrive and bring you years of beauty and enjoyment.

 

Happy planting!

 

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🪴The Most Amazing Shrubs of Early Spring

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Spring has sprung in the Central Highlands, and it's time to add some vibrant color and fragrance to your landscape. While those early blooming trees are a must-have, don't forget the amazing shrubs that shine in early spring!

 

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Forsythia: These cheerful shrubs burst into bloom with bright yellow flowers, signaling the arrival of spring.
• Lilacs: Enjoy the intoxicating fragrance and beautiful blooms of these classic shrubs.
• Flowering Quince: These hardy shrubs offer a profusion of colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, and orange.
• And many more! We have a wide variety of early-blooming shrubs at Watters Garden Center, so stop by and find your perfect picks.

 

Remember, planting early is key to maximizing your spring blooms. So, grab your shovels and get those shrubs in the ground!

 

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🌺Cool Flowers for Ugly Containers

Ken and Lisa Lain here each week to answer your garden questions!

Ah, spring cleaning in the garden! It's a great time to refresh those containers and add some vibrant color. Lenten Roses (Hellebores) are a fantastic choice for early spring blooms. And here are a few more cool-season favorites to brighten up those pots:

• Pansies and Violas: These cheerful flowers come in a rainbow of colors and can handle cooler temperatures.
• Ornamental Kale and Cabbage: Their vibrant foliage adds texture and drama to containers.
• Snapdragons: These tall beauties offer long-lasting blooms and a touch of whimsy.
• Stock: Add fragrance to the mix with these colorful, sweet-smelling flowers.

Remember to refresh the soil in your containers with some fresh potting mix. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. And if you're looking for animal-resistant options, snapdragons and stock are great choices.

Happy planting!

 

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🍀How to Tell When Spring Arrives

Hey garden enthusiasts, Ken Lain here! Spring fever is in the air, and even though the calendar might say it's still winter, there are telltale signs that the season of growth and bloom is upon us.

 

Here in the mountains of Arizona, we experience a unique progression of seasons. We're currently in early spring, a time of bright days and chilly nights when winter's grip starts to loosen, and the first signs of life emerge. Daffodils and other early spring bulbs are pushing through the soil, hellebores are in full bloom, and trees and shrubs are starting to leaf out. You might even see some early blossoms on fruit trees! Honeybees are out and about, foraging for nectar and pollen, and birds sing their hearts out.

 

So, while we might still have a few weeks of winter weather ahead, spring is definitely on its way. Get out in your garden, enjoy the signs of new life, and start planning for a beautiful and productive growing season!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 07 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This week, we're covering a variety of topics to help you create a thriving and productive garden. We'll explore how to prune damaged trees, discover the proper spacing for fruit trees, and learn the secrets to growing a lush Calgary Carpet Juniper. Plus, I'll share tips on planting bare root roses and choosing the perfect fruit trees for your landscape, including those amazing fruit cocktail trees! Let's get growing!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Pruning for Recovery - Repairing Broken Tree Branches
• Space to Thrive - Guidelines for Planting Fruit Trees
• Mastering the Green Carpet - A Guide to Growing Calgary Carpet Juniper
• Blooms Ahead! Unleash the Power of Spring-Planted Fiber Roses
• Unlocking Nature’s Bounty - Grow Perfect Fruit Trees
• Unbox a Garden - Explore the Wonder of Fruit Cocktail Trees

Ken and Lisa will also answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

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! Subscribe to The Top 10 Gardener Podcast today and get your hands dirty with their expert tips and tricks. You'll find it on all your favorite podcast platforms.

Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!

 

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🍐 Unbox a Garden - Explore the Wonder of Fruit Cocktail Trees

Hey fellow gardeners, Ken Lain here! If you dream of a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits but have limited space, fruit cocktail trees are the answer! These unique trees offer a multitude of benefits, making them a perfect choice for today's gardens.

 

Imagine the convenience of growing multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree! This not only saves space but also extends your harvest season as different fruits ripen at other times. Plus, with self-pollinating varieties, you don't need multiple trees to ensure a successful harvest.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we offer a variety of fruit cocktail trees, including popular combinations like apples, pears, and plums. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect trees for your climate and preferences.

 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to create a mini-orchard in your backyard! Visit Watters Garden Center today and discover the magic of fruit cocktail trees.

 

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🍎 Unlocking Nature’s Bounty - Grow Perfect Fruit Trees

Hey fruit tree lovers, Ken Lain here! Want to harvest your own delicious apples, peaches, and pears? Then, you need the right trees for our unique mountain climate!

 

Here in the Central Highlands, we experience late frosts that can damage early bloomers. Choose varieties with a longer chilling requirement (650-700 hours) to ensure they bloom later and avoid those frosty mornings.

 

We also need to consider our alkaline soil and intense sun. Select trees adapted to these conditions and amend your soil with compost and mulch for optimal growth.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we specialize in fruit trees that thrive in our region. We offer a wide variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and more!

 

Remember our unique cocktail trees! These multi-grafted trees offer multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree, perfect for small spaces and those who want a diverse harvest.

 

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🌹 Blooms Ahead! Unleash the Power of Spring-Planted Fiber Roses

Hey, rose lovers, Ken and Lisa Lain here! Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get those roses in the ground!

 

At Watters Garden Center, we've got a fantastic selection of fiber pot roses, ready to burst into bloom and fill your garden with color and fragrance.

 

Fiber pot roses are a great option for spring planting because they're already well-rooted and ready to take off. Unlike bare root roses, which can be finicky and prone to transplant shock, fiber pot roses have a higher success rate and will bloom beautifully in their first year.

 

We have a wide variety of roses to choose from, including new and exclusive varieties like the fragrant yellow 'Quest for Zest' and the striking 'Midnight Fire' with its purple and orange blooms. We also have classic favorites like Double Delight and Chrysler Imperial, as well as climbing roses like 'Golden Opportunity' and 'Rock 'n' Roll'.

 

So, if you're dreaming of a rose-filled garden, visit Watters Garden Center today and choose your favorites. Our expert team can help you select the perfect roses for your landscape and provide you with tips on planting and care.

 

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🌿 Mastering the Green Carpet - A Guide to Growing Calgary Carpet Juniper

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover that thrives in our mountain climate? Look no further than the Calgary Carpet Juniper!

 

This versatile evergreen forms a dense, vibrant green carpet that's perfect for replacing lawns, covering slopes, or adding texture to rock gardens. It's also incredibly hardy, tolerating drought, heat, and even our cold winters.

 

Calgary Carpet Juniper requires minimal care. Simply plant it in well-drained soil, water regularly during the first year, and fertilize annually. It's also deer-resistant, a big bonus for those of us who share our gardens with hungry wildlife.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we have a great selection of Calgary Carpet Junipers ready to add life and texture to your landscape. Stop by and let our expert team help you find the perfect spot for this versatile ground cover.

 

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🍒 Space to Thrive - Guidelines for Planting Fruit Trees

Hey fruit tree enthusiasts, Ken and Lisa Lain here! Planting fruit trees is rewarding, but proper spacing is crucial for their health and productivity. Here's the lowdown on spacing your trees for optimal growth and a bountiful harvest.

 

Standard-size trees: Typically grow 20-30 feet tall and need about 20 feet of space between them. This allows for ample sunlight, air circulation, and room to work in your orchard.

 

Semi-dwarf trees: These smaller trees, reaching 15-20 feet tall, can be spaced closer together, around 15 feet apart. This is a great option for smaller yards or those who want to maximize their planting space.

 

Consider the type of tree: Some trees, like apples and pears, tend to grow larger than others, so adjust spacing accordingly.

 

Pruning and training: If you're willing to prune and train your trees regularly, you can potentially space them closer together.

 

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