

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
Oct 18, 2025
🐦⬛ Great Gift Idea – An AI Bird Feeder!
Oct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025
5 min
Fall migration is in full swing, and your garden plays a big part. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares what flowers to allow to go to seed so migrating birds can feed, and how an AI bird feeder can help you enjoy so many varieties of migrating birds. It’s a great gift idea for gardeners and bird watchers alike!
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, #MigratingBirds, #CentralHighlandsBirds, #FeedingWildBirds, #SeedFlowersforWildBirds
Oct 17, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
11 min
Package photos of spring bulbs promise spectacular results. If you take a bit of time to plant the right kinds and quality of bulbs now, you’ll love what happens in the spring! Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the best bulbs, which bulbs are best for our climate, and how to plant and care for them to have a wonderful display in the spring landscape.
🌺 Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
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https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #BestBulbsforCentralHighlands, #BulbsAnimalsWon’tEat, #Daffodils, #Iris, #Allium, #Tulips
Oct 16, 2025
👨🌾 A Woman’s Guide to Better Gardens
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
10 min
Winter is approaching, and Master Gardener Ken Lain recently shared his fall garden checklist. In this segment, Master Gardener Lisa Lain offers her insights on what is important to do in your garden this fall to ensure you’ll have a wonderful display next spring!
🌺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, #Lisa’sFallChecklist, #FallGardenChores, #PreparingGardensforWinter, #FallGardens
Oct 15, 2025
🍁 Why Autumn Food is Best for Spring Plants
Oct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025
7 min
Fall is most important feeding of the year for your garden. The right fertilizers in fall will set your garden plants up to weather the harsh conditions of winter, and to thrive in spring. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares why fall feeding is so important, what kind of fertilizer is the best, and how to apply it to most benefit your garden.
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #FallFertilizing, #MostImportantTimetoFeedGardens, #BestOrganicFertilizer
Oct 14, 2025
Oct 14, 2025
10 min
You’ve enjoyed caring for your beautiful garden plants all spring, summer and fall, but as winter approaches you might be thinking you’ll miss all of that beauty. But take heart, some of your favorite garden plants can be successfully wintered over in your home. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain share the which garden plants can be brought inside for the winter and how to care for them. They 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, #OutsidePlantsInside, #BringinPlantsforWinter, #OverwinteringGardenPlants
Oct 13, 2025
🌹 Why Roses look so good through Autumn
Oct 13, 2025
Oct 13, 2025
10 min
You may have noticed that roses in landscapes throughout the Central Highlands are putting on quite a show this fall! The colors are spectacular, and blooms are abundant. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares why roses do so well in our area in autumn, and what you can do to have the most beautiful blooms all the way through to winter.
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🥕Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #FallPlantFeeding, #OrganicFertilizer, #RosesinAutumn
Oct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025
53 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:
🌺 What to do With Azalea and Rhododendron in Fall
🪴 Q and A - Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container
🌲 Q&A: The Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall
🌼 Colors in the Autumn Gardens
🦌 Animal Proof Plants Deer, Rabbits, and Javelina Leave Alone
🪴Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better?
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, #PerennialFlowers, #AutumnPollinators, #FallGardenFlowers, #AutumnGarden, #FallAzaleaCare, #FallRhododendronCare, #FallGardenFlowers, #ContainerGardens, # ColorfulAutumnPlants, #Agave, #Yucca, #Yucca&AgaveinContainers, #Evergreens, #PlantingEvergreensinFall, #PlantsRabbitsWon’tEat, #PlantsJavelinaWon’tEat, #PlantsAnimalsLeaveAlone, #PlantCuttings, #PlantingFromSeed, #StartingPlantsFromSeeds, #StartingPlantsFromCuttings
Oct 11, 2025
Oct 11, 2025
5 min
Now that fall is here, are you already planning your garden for next year? You might be wondering if it’s better in the Central Highlands to grow your plants from seeds or cuttings. Master Gardener Ken Lain gives all the pros and cons of each, and what is best for our unique climate.
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, #WattersGardenWisdom, #PlantCuttings, #PlantingFromSeed, #StartingPlantsFromSeeds, #StartingPlantsFromCuttings
Oct 10, 2025
Oct 10, 2025
10 min
It’s frustrating when you plant and care for your landscape but deer, rabbits, and javelina find it a great green buffet. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the best plants and trees that animals find unappetizing and allow you to enjoy your gardens!
🌺 Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #AnimalProofPlants, #PlantsDeerWon’tEat, #PlantsRabbitsWon’tEat, #PlantsJavelinaWon’tEat, #PlantsAnimalsLeaveAlone
Oct 9, 2025
🌼 Colors in the Autumn Gardens
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
10 min
Fall is one of the most colorful seasons in the garden, and it’s easy to plant gorgeous containers and garden beds that brighten your landscape and around your home. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain share some beautiful fall flowers that brighten your fall, and how to care for them!
🌺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, # FallPlanting, #FallContainerGardens, #AutumnContainerGardenDesigns, #FallGardens
Oct 8, 2025
Oct 8, 2025
6 min
Many plants do well when planted in the fall, when temperatures are cooler and it’s easier to water and care for them. Evergreens lend themselves so well to fall planting – they can set strong roots and thrive without the stress of summer heat, wind and drought. Master Gardener Ken Lain shares the wisdom of planting evergreens in the fall, and the care they’ll need to get a great start in your landscape.
Subscribe for The Mountain Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #Evergreens, #PlantingEvergreensinFall

Oct 7, 2025
Oct 7, 2025
10 min
Yuccas and Agaves are great additions to the gardens, with beautiful and unique color and texture. Those who love to garden in containers might wonder if these plants can be successfully grown in containers or raised beds. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain answer these and 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, #Agave, #Yucca, #ContainerGardens, #Yucca&AgaveinContainers
Oct 6, 2025
Oct 6, 2025
10 min
You’ve cared for your Azaleas and Rhododendrons through the season, but now that it’s getting cooler and winter is at the doorstep, what kinds of steps should you take to keep them healthy and make sure you have colorful and growing plants next spring? Master Gardener Ken Lain talks about preparing your Azaleas and Rhododendrons through the fall and winter, including fertilizing, watering and protecting them from harsh winter conditions.
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🥕Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #GardeningTips, #TheMountainGardener, #KenLain, #FallPlantFeeding, #OrganicFertilizer, #PreparingGardensforWinter, #FallAzaleaCare, #FallRhododendronCare
Oct 5, 2025
Oct 5, 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:
🧑🌾 Why October Plant Food is the Most Important Feeding of the Year
Q & A - Top Evergreens Better Thank a Dead Pinyon Pine Tree
🍇 The Grape Harvest and Better Berries this Year
🌻 Fall Flowers for Pretty Autumn Containers
🎃 The Fall To Do List for a Healthy Landscape
🍁 Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating
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, #PerennialFlowers, #AutumnPollinators, #FallGardenFlowers, #AutumnGarden, #Top10AutumnPlants, #FallGardenFlowers, #ContainerGardens, #BestFallContainerCombinations, #FlowersforContainers, #FallGardenDecor, #FallGardenChores, # ColorfulAutumnPlants, #GardenGrapesandBerries, #PinyonPine, #EvergreenTrees
Oct 4, 2025
🍁 Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating
Oct 4, 2025
Oct 4, 2025
4 min
🍁 Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating
After the abundance of spring and summer gardening, what is more fun than to top off the season decorating with the wonderful colors and variety of textures of fall? Master Gardener Ken Lain talks about all the plants you can use to create spectacular décor in your fall garden!
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, #WattersGardenWisdom, #FallGardenDecor, #ColorfulAutumnPlants, #FallLandscapeDecor, #ColorsandTexturesofFallPlants