Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 04 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This week, we're focused on getting a jump start on your spring garden! We'll explore how to prepare your garden beds in January, discover the magic of manure for ornamental grasses, and learn the secrets to winter sowing wildflowers. Plus, we'll venture indoors to explore the world of houseplants and how they can enhance your sleep and well-being. Let's get growing!

Included in this week’s episode:

•  How to Prepare Garden in January for Spring
•  When Can Spring Planting Begin
• Ornamental Grass Beautified by Manure
• Houseplants for a Better Nights Rest
• Why January is the Month to Plant Wildflowers
• Garden Seed and Houseplants of January

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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🌱Garden Seed and Houseplants of January

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! January is a great time to start thinking about your spring garden, and that means stocking up on fresh seeds!

 

Here at Watters, we've got a wide variety of seeds for all your favorite flowers and vegetables.

 

When choosing seeds, be sure to check the date to ensure they're fresh and haven't expired. Our seed packets are clearly labeled with the testing date, so you can be confident you're getting the best quality. We also offer a variety of seed mixes, including our popular Arizona native mix, perfect for attracting pollinators and adding local beauty to your landscape.

 

And don't forget about houseplants! They're a great way to brighten up your home during the winter months. We have a fantastic selection of houseplants in all shapes and sizes, perfect for any room in your home.

 

🌱Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌻Why January is the Month to Plant Wildflowers

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! This weekend at Watters Garden Center, we're diving into the wonderful world of wildflowers! We will explore why January is the best time to sow these beauties.

 

It might seem counterintuitive, but those tiny wildflower seeds actually benefit from winter's chill. The freeze-thaw cycle helps to break down their tough outer shells, improving germination come spring. Plus, planting now gives them a head start on the growing season and reduces competition from weeds.

 

When choosing wildflower seeds, opt for a perennial mix that's specifically designed for our mountain climate. Avoid those cheap annual mixes that look pretty but won't return year after year. To prepare your soil, simply scrape it open with a stiff rake and remove any debris. Then, mix your seeds with some Watters Premium Mulch for easier spreading and to protect them from hungry birds.

 

With a little patience and care, you'll be rewarded with a vibrant and ever-changing wildflower display that brings joy to your garden and supports pollinators.

 

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🌺Houseplants for a Better Nights Rest

Hey Houseplant Lovers, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! We all spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, so why not create a space that's both beautiful and conducive to a good night's sleep?

 

Houseplants can help! Not only do they add a touch of nature and clean the air, but studies have shown they can also improve sleep quality.

 

Plants like Aloe Vera, Dracaena, and English Ivy are known for their air-purifying properties. Peace Lilies are great for removing toxins, and Spider Plants are super easy to care for. Even the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig can contribute to a healthier bedroom environment.

 

When choosing plants, consider the light conditions in your room and your own caregiving style. And don't forget to use a moisture meter to ensure you're watering correctly. With a little planning, you can create a bedroom oasis that promotes relaxation and restful sleep.

 

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🌾Ornamental Grass Beautified by Manure

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Today, I'm sharing a little secret that will transform your ornamental grasses: the power of manure!

 

Manure is a rich, organic fertilizer packed with nutrients that grasses love. It helps to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and promote healthy growth. For best results, use aged or composted manure to avoid burning your plants. Apply a thin layer around the base of your grasses in the spring, being careful not to let it touch the leaves. Water thoroughly and repeat the process in the fall.

 

In addition to fertilizing, remember to cut back your grasses in the fall to remove dead leaves and encourage new growth. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, and mow as needed to maintain a neat appearance.

 

By following these tips and giving your ornamental grasses a little extra love, you can create a beautiful and healthy garden that adds texture, movement, and curb appeal to your home.

 

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🌷When Can Spring Planting Begin

Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions!

 

Folks are already itching to get planting, and the big question I keep hearing is, "When can I start my spring garden?" Well, here in Northern Arizona, we need to be mindful of those late frosts. Mother's Day is a good rule of thumb for planting those summer-loving veggies like tomatoes and peppers. 🌶️

 

But don't despair! There's plenty you can plant before then. Think cool-season favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, and those cheerful pansies. Watters just got our first shipment of pansies in, and they're raring to go!

 

And guess what? Our fruit trees arrive next week! So if you're dreaming of fresh peaches and apples, now's the time to get those trees in the ground. 🍎🍑

 

Don't forget about those early spring bloomers like lilacs – they'll add beauty and fragrance to your garden while you wait for those warm summer days.

 

If you're new to mountain gardening, or just need a refresher, stop by Watters! We'll help you choose the right plants for your garden and answer all your questions. Happy planting!

 

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🌱How to Prepare the Garden in January for Spring Planting

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain The Top 10 Gardener here! It's January in Northern Arizona, and while the snow might be falling, a true gardener knows it's time to start thinking spring!

 

The first step? Soil preparation. Clear out any remaining debris from last year's garden and mix in a 2-3 inch layer of composted mulch and manure. At Watters, we compost our manure extra-long so you can skip the stink and get straight to the good stuff.

 

To really give your garden a boost, mix in Watters Fruit & Vegetable Food, gypsum, and sulfur. The Fruit & Vegetable Food is packed with calcium for bigger, tastier yields (think tomatoes and cucumbers!) and helps prevent blossom end rot. Gypsum provides extra support for your veggies, and the sulfur helps balance the pH of our naturally alkaline soil.

 

Let that amended soil rest for a few weeks, allowing the snow and rain to work their magic. By March, you'll have the perfect foundation for planting potatoes, garlic, onions, and all those early spring vegetables! Don't forget to stop by Watters Garden Center – our early spring pansies are here, and the fruit trees arrive this week!

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 03 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This week, we're exploring various topics to help you create a thriving and fulfilling garden. We'll delve into the mysteries of plant dormancy, discover solutions for view-blocking plants, and unveil the perfect companion plants for January, featuring the Winter Gem Boxwood. Plus, we'll share tips for designing your landscape and explore the joy and happiness of gardening.

Included in this week’s episode:

•  What Happens When Plants are Dormant
• Dealing with Plants that Block a View
• Winter Gem Boxwood Combination Plant of January
• Fun Fruit Trees for a Better Spring Harvest
• 8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes
• Why Gardening Makes Me Happy

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!

 

🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #KenLain, #kedj, #Dormancy, #LandscapeDesign, #CompanionPlanting, #FruitTrees, #GardeningJoy

😊Why Gardening Makes Me Happy

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, your friendly neighborhood gardener! After a busy holiday season, I'm back in the garden, and it feels great!

 

There's something truly fulfilling about getting my hands dirty, planting new life, and connecting with nature.

 

Whether I'm pruning, planting, or simply enjoying the fresh air and birdsong, gardening brings me joy and a sense of peace. It's a chance to nurture and care for something outside of myself, and watch it grow and thrive.

 

Gardening also keeps me active and engaged, both physically and mentally. It's a constant learning process, with new challenges and discoveries everywhere. And there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce or enjoying the beauty of a blooming flower that I've nurtured from seed.

 

So, if you're looking for a way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and connect with the natural world, I encourage you to try gardening. It's a rewarding journey that brings happiness and fulfillment, one seed at a time.

 

😊Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌾8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes

Hey DIYers, Ken Lain here, ready to empower you to create the landscape of your dreams! Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your garden.

 

I've got some tips to help you design a truly stunning landscape.

 

First, remember to include plants that shine in every season. Think vibrant spring bloomers like Forsythia and Lilacs, followed by summer showstoppers like Crape Myrtles and Roses.

 

Don't forget the fiery hues of fall with Maples and Aspens, and the year-round beauty of evergreens.

 

Create depth and visual interest by layering your flowers. Place taller plants like Snapdragons at the back and shorter ones like Pansies in the front. Combine the long-lasting beauty of perennials with the vibrant, non-stop blooms of annuals like Petunias and Geraniums.

 

And don't forget about foliage! Add interesting textures with plants like Nandina or Euonymus for year-round appeal. Remember to choose plants suited to our mountain climate and consider the intense sun at our higher elevation.

 

Finally, aim for a balanced mix of plants and non-living elements like patios and fences. Visit TopPlants.com to research plants and learn how they grow in our unique climate.

 

With a little planning and these simple tips, you can create a landscape that brings you joy for years to come. Happy gardening!

 

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🍎Fun Fruit Trees for a Better Spring Harvest

Hey fruit tree fans, Ken Lain here with Lisa Watters Lain! Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about planting fruit trees.

 

At Watters Garden Center, we're getting ready for our first truckload of the season, and I'm excited to share some of the unique varieties we'll be offering.

 

This year, we're featuring combination fruit trees, also known as cocktail trees. These innovative trees offer multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree, perfect for small spaces and diverse harvests. Imagine enjoying apples, pears, and plums all from the same tree!

 

We'll also have a fantastic selection of dwarf fruit trees, including peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These compact trees are ideal for patios, containers, and small gardens.

 

And don't forget about our fruit salad combo, a unique tree that features a mix of pitted fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines, all ripening at different times for a continuous harvest.

 

So, if you're dreaming of fresh, homegrown fruit, visit Watters Garden Center soon and choose your favorite varieties. Happy planting!

 

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🪴Winter Gem Boxwood Combination Plant of January

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here! Even though it's the middle of winter, your garden can still be a vibrant and colorful space. This January, I'm featuring the Winter Gem Boxwood and its perfect companion plants.

 

Winter Gem Boxwood is a fantastic evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage that looks great year-round. It's low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners.

 

To create a stunning winter display, combine Winter Gem with other hardy plants that thrive in our mountain climate. The Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster adds a pop of color with its bright red berries, while the Mint Julep Juniper offers a contrasting texture with its silvery-blue foliage. For height and structure, include the Arizona Cypress and Austrian Pine.

 

These companion plants create a dynamic and beautiful landscape that will add interest to your garden throughout the winter months. Visit Watters Garden Center to see these beauties and get expert advice on planting and care.

 

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🌸Dealing with Plants that Block a View

Hey there, backyard buddies! Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here, to answer your gardening questions! It happens to the best of us - a once-loved tree or shrub now dominates your landscape and blocks that stunning view. But don't worry, there are solutions!

 

First, identify the culprit. Is it an overgrown evergreen or a sprawling shrub? Once you've pinpointed the problem, consider your options. Pruning can help manage size and shape, but sometimes removal is necessary.

 

When replacing the plant, choose wisely! Consider mature size and growth habits. Opt for varieties that complement your view instead of obscuring it.

 

Remember, framing a view is like composing a painting. Use columnar plants like Aspens to draw the eye, or create layers with shorter shrubs and perennials.

 

And if you're unsure about the best approach, visit us at Watters Garden Center! We're always happy to offer expert advice and help you create a landscape that showcases your views, not hides them.

 

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🌱 What Happens When Plants Are Dormant

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain The Top 10 Gardener here! What happens when plants go dormant? It's like they're taking a long winter's nap to recharge for the next growing season!

 

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in a beautiful autumnal display, while evergreens slow down their growth and conserve energy. Beneath the soil, roots are also taking a break, but they're still alive and active. Think of it as a time of preparation for the burst of growth and blooms that await in spring.

 

Learn how to care for your dormant plants, including proper watering and protection from the cold. And don't forget to fertilize those spring bloomers like forsythia and lilac now to encourage a spectacular show! With a little understanding and care, you can help your garden thrive through the winter months and emerge even stronger in the spring.

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 25 – 02 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

This January, embrace the diverse world of gardening, from nurturing your soil with coffee grounds to understanding the symbiotic relationship between cypress and companion plants. Learn how snow benefits wildflowers, discover strategies for gardening in harmony with local wildlife like deer and javelina, and find inspiration from 17 showstopping shrubs to enhance your landscape. Finally, cultivate your green thumb with free garden classes at Watters Garden Center.

Included in this week’s episode:

• Java Jolt: Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants
• Nature's Trick: How Snow Helps Wildflower Seeds
• Arizona Cypress Perfect Partners Companion Planting in January
• Living in Harmony Gardening with Deer and Javelina in the Southwest
• 17 Showstopping Shrubs for Your Landscape
• Grow Your Green Thumb for Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center

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!

 

🎙️Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #KenLain, #kedj, #Gardening, #ArizonaGardening, #WildlifeGardening, #JanuaryGardening, #FreeGardenClasses