Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🍅How to Force Tomatoes to Set More Fruit 🍅

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Want to force your tomatoes to set more fruit and enjoy a juicier, sweeter harvest?

Here's the secret: calcium. Adding calcium to your garden can enhance the flavor of your tomatoes, as well as cucumbers and eggplants. It’s a simple way to boost your garden's productivity. Remember, calcium can only help your plants – it cannot hurt. When applying calcium or any spray, aim for the morning hours. The temperatures are cooler, the wind is calmer, and the humidity is just right for your garden.

Whether you are combating pests with neem oil or tackling grasshoppers with a stronger spray, morning is the best time for action. This approach not only benefits the plants but also makes your gardening experience more pleasant. Embrace these tips and watch your garden thrive!

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🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Included in this week’s episode:

• Top 10 Vines that Cover Fast
• Top 10 Screening Plants for Windy Locations
• Growing Better Beans & Peas in the Garden
• Top 10 Shrubs for Summer Sizzling Fragrance
• Top 10 Trees for Fast Shade in the Backyard
• Garden Alert

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.

 

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🐛Garden Alert 🐛

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Garden Alert! Summer is here, and so are the bugs.

Your plants are growing fast, but if you notice curled leaves, missing parts, or deformities, it's likely due to insects. Aphids and other pests can wreak havoc on your garden.

To combat this, use a Hudson sprayer with an indoor/outdoor setting. Pour the product full strength into the container, set it to the lowest setting, and let the water mix it automatically. Any leftover product can be poured back into the bottle for future use.

Remember, good tools make gardening easier.

Also, fertilize everything in your yard by the end of the month. This timing takes advantage of the heat and draws in moisture from upcoming monsoons, promoting healthy new growth.

Stay vigilant and keep your garden thriving!

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🌳Top 10 Trees for Fast Shade in the Backyard 🌳

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here! Planting shade trees like birch and aspen can transform your backyard into a cool, inviting retreat.

These trees are more drought-hardy than you think! Once established, give them a deep soak once a week; this is perfect for aspens too. Overwatering can suffocate roots, causing rot, so avoid watering every day.

Healthy trees have vibrant, white roots, a sign they are active and taking in nutrients efficiently. This is the best time to plant shade trees, with a wide selection available. Whether you choose an instant tree or a smaller one, there’s plenty of growth season left.

 

Happy planting!

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🌹Top 10 Shrubs for Summer Sizzling Fragrance 🌹

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Enhance your garden with the top 10 shrubs known for their sizzling summer fragrance!

 

Roses are a fantastic choice, offering a stunning display of blooms with surprisingly low maintenance, especially in drier climates. Don’t overlook Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris), which thrives in the heat and attracts pollinators. Desert Willow adds a touch of elegance with its graceful flowers, while Vitex (Chaste Tree) is another excellent option, producing aromatic blossoms that stand up to the summer sun.

 

These shrubs not only bring delightful scents but also vibrant colors to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight.

 

Regular pruning and occasional feeding will keep them healthy and blooming beautifully. By selecting these fragrant shrubs, you'll create a summer garden that's both visually appealing and wonderfully aromatic.

 

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🫛 Growing Better Beans & Peas in the Garden 🫛

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Growing beans and peas in your garden can be incredibly rewarding with a few simple tips.

 

Start by choosing a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Beans and peas love rich, organic soil, so consider adding compost or aged manure to enrich it. When planting, space your seeds about an inch apart, and support them with a trellis or stakes as they grow.

 

Consistent watering is key; keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

 

Testing different soil mixes can also help you find the perfect blend for your garden. In our greenhouses, we always compare soils side-by-side to see which produces the healthiest plants. Remember, the right soil can make all the difference in achieving a bountiful harvest.

 

Happy planting, and may your garden flourish with vibrant beans and peas!

 

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🌲Top 10 Screening Plants for Windy Locations 🌲

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Windy locations can be tough on your garden, but with the right screening plants, you can create a serene, sheltered space.

Consider Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster, a fantastic choice with its fast growth, white flowers in spring, and striking red berries through winter. Junipers, like Blue Arrow, are another excellent option. They are tall and narrow and perfect for creating a privacy screen.

When choosing plants, it's important to know your local soil and microclimates, so don't hesitate to ask us for advice tailored to your neighborhood. By selecting the right plants, you'll not only block the wind but also enhance the beauty and privacy of your garden.

Remember, a well-chosen plant can make all the difference in transforming your outdoor space into a cozy haven.

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🌿Top 10 Vines That Cover Fast🌿

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Transform your garden into a lush haven with vines that grow fast and cover beautifully!

 

Whether it's a bare fence or a blank wall, vines like Boston Ivy or Honeysuckle can work wonders.

 

For the best results, here's an insider tip: prune your vines in March. Trim them back as close as six inches to your support structure. This timing ensures they don't have a "cut-back" look for too long. Right after pruning, apply an all-purpose plant food to encourage vigorous growth. By April, your vines will burst forth with fresh greenery, creating a stunning, natural tapestry.

 

This advice comes from experience and a deep love for gardening, just like a trusted neighbor's words of wisdom. Remember, a well-tended vine is a garden’s best friend, adding both beauty and privacy.

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🌼Why June is the Best Month to Plant Perennial Flowers 🌼

Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Sunburned Soil is Detrimental to Your Garden and How to Prevent It
• Top 10 Perennials Groundcovers for Hillsides
• How to Best Water Plants with New Growth to Stop Wilt
• Summer Perennials that Love Blooming in Summer
• Why June is the Best Month to Plant Perennial Flowers
• Top 10 Flowers That Love the Summer Heat

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/

 

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🌡️ Top 10 Flowers that Love the Summer Heat 🌡️

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Summer is here, and it’s time to let your garden shine with flowers that love the heat.

 

Top picks include Sunflowers, Zinnias, Marigolds, Salvia, and Lavender. These vibrant blooms not only tolerate high temperatures but thrive in them, bringing color and life to your garden even on the hottest days.

Plant these flowers in well-draining soil and give them plenty of sunlight—at least six hours a day. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems. Deadheading spent blooms will keep your flowers looking fresh and encourage continuous blooming.

Sunflowers are great for adding height and drama, while Zinnias and Marigolds bring a splash of bright colors. Salvia attracts pollinators, and Lavender adds a soothing fragrance. With these heat-loving flowers, your garden will be a summer paradise.

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🌼Why June is the Best Month to Plant Perennial Flowers 🌼

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! June is the perfect month to plant perennial flowers, ensuring a garden full of vibrant blooms and resilient plants.

This time of year, the soil is warm, promoting root growth, and there’s ample sunlight for thriving foliage. Consider planting hardy varieties like Coreopsis, Premier Orange Carnations, and Black-eyed Susans. These perennials not only add a splash of color but also attract butterflies while deterring pests like rabbits and javelinas.

When planting, make sure to choose well-draining soil and water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root systems. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. For added flower power, use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.

Enjoy the beauty and ease of these perennials, making your garden a colorful, lively haven. Happy planting!

 

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🌺Perennials that Love Blooming in Summer🌺

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant beauty of perennials that thrive in the heat.

Plants like Coneflower, Black-eyed Susans, and Russian Sage are excellent choices for adding a splash of color to your garden. These perennials not only tolerate the summer sun but also attract pollinators, enhancing the overall health of your garden.

Start by planting them in well-draining soil and ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, which helps the plants withstand dry spells. Mulch around your plants with organic compost or shredded cedar bark to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Regular deadheading, or removing spent blooms, will promote continuous flowering throughout the season. With these simple tips, your garden will be a colorful, blooming paradise all summer long.

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🚿How to Best Water Plants with New Growth to Stop Wilt 🚿

Ken Lain, the Top10 Gardener, here. Ensuring your plants stay hydrated during hot weather is crucial for preventing wilt, especially with new growth.

Start by checking your drip irrigation system regularly. Look for leaks or damaged emitters—rats, gophers, and other critters often go after the moisture. You can identify problems by walking through your landscape and listening for unusual spraying sounds.

Next, prepare for the heat by spreading organic compost or shredded cedar bark. This mulch helps keep the soil cool and retains moisture, reducing the frequency of watering. Pay attention to the positioning of your drip emitters. For larger plants, consider adding a second emitter to ensure even coverage.

You'll keep your garden thriving even in the hottest weather by staying proactive and attentive. Watch your garden flourish with these practical steps, and remember, regular maintenance is key to a healthy, vibrant yard.

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🪴Top 10 Perennials Groundcovers for Hillsides 🪴

Hey there, fellow plant enthusiasts! Ken  Lisa Lain here, The Top 10 Gardeners, ready to transform your challenging hillsides into thriving gardens.

Tired of soil erosion and dull slopes? Groundcovers are the answer! They're nature's carpet, preventing erosion while adding vibrant color and texture.

Whether you crave the lush green of creeping thyme, the delicate charm of creeping phlox, or the sun-loving resilience of sedums, I've got you covered. We'll explore top performers that thrive in our mountain climate, from spreading junipers to cascading rosemary.

Remember, choosing the right groundcover depends on your hillside's sunlight exposure and your personal style.

Swing by Watters Garden Center for expert advice and a colorful array of groundcovers. Let's create a hillside haven together!

 

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☀️Sunburned Soil is Detrimental to Your Garden and How to Prevent It☀️

Ken Lain here, The Top 10 Gardner with the perfect sunblock solution for your soil

As the Arizona sun intensifies, it's time to shield your soil from its scorching rays. Sunburned soil dries out quickly, cracks, and makes it tough for your plants to thrive.

We recommend a generous 2-3 inch layer of organic material like shredded cedar bark or compost at Watters. Cedar bark repels pests and doesn't break down too quickly, while compost enriches the soil as it decomposes. Both do a fantastic job keeping your soil moist, cool, and happy!

Remember, happy soil means happy plants!

Let's keep those gardens thriving all summer long.

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