Episodes

Sunday May 26, 2024
🎤An Interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Nursery🎤
Sunday May 26, 2024
Sunday May 26, 2024
Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Evergreens for Privacy that Screens Prying Eyes
- Insider Tips for Growing Terrific Tomatoes
- Insider Tips to Growing Faster Trees
- Fragrant Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies
- An Interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Nursery
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!
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast,

Friday May 24, 2024
🎤An Interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Growers 🎤
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
Ken Lain here, your Top 10 Gardener, I am thrilled to bring you an insightful interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Growers. Chris is a master in cultivating vibrant, resilient plants that thrive in our unique climate.
In this conversation, Chris shares his expertise on selecting the best varieties for your garden, from colorful perennials like Penstemon and Salvia to hardy shrubs and trees such as Arizona Cypress. He delves into the importance of understanding your soil, watering wisely, and the benefits of mulching.
Chris’s insights are not just theoretical; they are practical steps that will transform your garden into a flourishing oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this interview is packed with tips that will elevate your gardening game.
Join us for this enlightening discussion and let’s grow something beautiful together!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
🎤Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #GardeningWisdom, #GrowYourGarden, #ExpertInterview, #CivanoGrowers

Thursday May 23, 2024
🌼Fragrant Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies 🌼
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain here, your Top 10 Gardeners, with tips for creating a buzzing, vibrant garden.
Are you looking to fill your garden with fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies? Butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to specific plants, and with the right choices, your garden will be their favorite spot.
Consider planting Butterfly Bushes (Buddleia) – they come in a variety of colors and sizes. From the compact Pugster series to the taller Buzz Hot Rhapsody, there's a perfect fit for every garden. These bushes bloom all summer long, offering continuous color and fragrance. Regular deadheading will keep them looking their best and encourage more blooms.
Lavender and Bee Balm are also excellent choices. They provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies while adding a lovely fragrance to your garden. Plant these in sunny spots for the best results.
To attract even more pollinators, create a diverse planting scheme. Include flowers with different bloom times, colors, and shapes. This provides a constant food source and makes your garden visually appealing.
For a comprehensive list of butterfly and hummingbird-friendly plants, Go to this Link and check out our dedicated plant list. Let's make your garden a haven for these delightful creatures!
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🌼Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #FragrantFlowers, #ButterflyBush, #GardenHaven, #PollinatorParadise

Wednesday May 22, 2024
🌳Insider Tips to Growing Faster Trees🌳
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Looking to boost the growth of your garden trees?
Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here, your garden neighbor with tried-and-true tips for vibrant, fast-growing trees.
First, ensure your trees are healthy with regular care. If they seem slow to wake up, mix up a five-gallon bucket of Root and Grow, pouring it around the roots. This boosts activation and growth. Every time it rains, the moisture releases nutrients, so an application of all-purpose plant food (7-4-4) can work wonders. This is especially effective for privacy screens like Red Tip Photinia. Feeding regularly and providing natural moisture will have your garden flourishing in no time.
For the best results, fertilize in the early spring. The rain we receive activates the fertilizer, releasing food for the plants and giving them a jump start. If your trees seem stressed or not growing as quickly as you'd like, a couple of applications of Root and Grow can make a noticeable difference. Simply pour the solution around the roots, and watch your plants respond with new growth.
By using a combination of all-purpose plant food and Root and Grow, you can give your trees the nutrients they need to grow faster and stronger. Remember, a well-fed tree is a happy tree! Happy gardening!
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🌳Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Tuesday May 21, 2024
🍅 Tips for Growing Terrific Tomatoes 🍅
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Growing terrific tomatoes is easier than you think with a few simple tricks from your trusted garden experts, Ken and Lisa Lain. As your tomatoes start to flower, give them a bi-weekly spritz of Tomato & Pepper Set. This special spray helps plants focus on setting fruit rather than just growing leaves. It is a simple step, but it makes a big difference in the number of tomatoes you get.
Blossom end rot is a common problem for many gardeners. The end of the fruit rots and turns black. This is usually due to a calcium deficiency. To prevent this, use a calcium-rich spray like Yield Booster. Apply this once a week, alternating with the Tomato & Pepper Set spray. This ensures your plants get the nutrients they need to produce healthy, delicious tomatoes.
By alternating these sprays, you'll see a noticeable increase in your tomatoes' quantity and quality. The fruits will be larger, juicier, and sweeter because calcium enhances the flavor of your vegetables. Consistent care and the right products make all the difference.
With these simple steps, you can look forward to a bountiful tomato harvest. Remember, a little care goes a long way in your backyard garden. Happy gardening!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🍅 Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #TomatoTips, #homeGrownTomatoes

Monday May 20, 2024
🌲Evergreens for Privacy that Screens Prying Eyes🌲
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, here to help you create a private, lush garden sanctuary with evergreens.
We recommend Arizona Cypress, Spartan Juniper, and a wide selection of evergreen pines at Watters Garden Center for natural privacy screens.
These evergreens provide a beautiful green barrier and thrive in our local climate. The first year focuses on rooting, so plant now to give them a strong start. By the second year, you'll see significant growth, often doubling in size. Timing is everything—take advantage of this ideal planting window.
I advise working with the seasons to maximize growth. Avoid planting mums now, as they are a fall crop. Instead, consider echinaceas, iris, and especially red salvia if you love attracting baby hummingbirds. Our practical, friendly advice ensures your garden flourishes. Plant with confidence, and enjoy a beautiful, private green sanctuary all year round!
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🌲Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #EvergreenPrivacy, #GardenPrivacy

Sunday May 19, 2024
🌼 Best Blooming Flowers - May and Beyond 🌼
Sunday May 19, 2024
Sunday May 19, 2024
Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Preparing Old Containers & Raised Beds for New Flowers Plants
- Holding Hills with Honeysuckle & More
- Bugs that Bite People and Plants
- Perennial Flowers for Nonstop Blooms
- Best Blooming Flowers - May and Beyond
- Why No One will Hire a Small Business Owner
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/
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast,

Saturday May 18, 2024
💼Why No One will Hire a Small Business Owner 💼
Saturday May 18, 2024
Saturday May 18, 2024
Ken delves into the intricate art of merchandising, a cornerstone of success for any retail endeavor. Through his passionate leadership, Ken imparts invaluable lessons to his team, nurturing them into skilled retailers who can turn any space into a captivating masterpiece.
From interior design principles to the nuances of graphic arts, Ken's approach transforms merchandising into a symphony of visual delight that beckons customers and sparks their desire to purchase.
Embrace the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship alongside Ken, where every task—from selling plants to crafting spaghetti sauce—contributes to the vibrant tapestry of success. Join Ken on this enlightening journey as he unveils the secrets to thriving in the dynamic world of small business!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
💼Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast,

Thursday May 16, 2024
🌸Perennial Flowers for Nonstop Blooms🌸
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
Step into the radiant world of perennial flowers with Ken and Lisa Lain, your trusted gardening companions!
Ken unveils the secrets of plants like Veronica, boasting tall, spiky blooms that stand proud in even the sunniest spots. These resilient perennials not only endure the heat but return faithfully each year, gracing your garden with their enduring beauty and long-lasting blossoms. Imagine the joy of hosting a party or celebrating a graduation surrounded by these spectacular blooms!
Pair them with vibrant companions like million bells or coral bells for an unforgettable display that captivates all who behold it. From shaded patios to sun-drenched borders, Ken's expert tips ensure your garden thrives with nonstop blooms, creating a haven of natural beauty and endless delight in your own backyard oasis!
Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #BloomingPerennials, #BackyardBeauty, #PerennialGardening

Wednesday May 15, 2024
🐜Bugs that Bite People and Plants 🐜
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Join Ken Lain, your trusted gardening guru, as we dive into the world of "Bugs that Bite People and Plants."
Discover why those pesky critters seem to have a feast, especially in the evening hours. Ken unveils the secrets behind these springtime phenomena, from the ferocious thrips to the relentless aphids. Learn how to combat these pests with natural predators like ladybugs and praying mantises.
As the temperatures rise, bid adieu to these unwanted guests and prepare for the next wave of challengers like grasshoppers and blister beetles.
Ken's expert insights will keep your garden thriving all season long!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🐜Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #GardenPests101 #BugBattles #NaturalPestControl

Tuesday May 14, 2024
🌿Holding Hills with Honeysuckle & More🌿
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Step into the garden with Ken Lain, your friendly guide to greener thumbs! Discover the joys of "Holding Hills with Honeysuckle & More" as we delve into the world of bear grass, Cotoneasters, and the beloved honeysuckle.
Learn how honeysuckle can transform your landscape with its climbing prowess or ground-hugging charm. Embrace the trumpet creeper's fiery blooms, whether climbing fences or carpeting rocky terrain.
With Ken's expert tips, you'll master the art of coaxing vines and blooms to flourish in your own backyard oasis.
Let's cultivate together!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌿Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #HillsideHoneysuckle, #honeysuckle

Monday May 13, 2024
🌺Preparing Old Containers & Raised Beds for New Flowers Plants 🌺
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Ken Lain, the seasoned gardener, shares his wisdom on preparing old containers and raised beds for new plants.
With decades of experience, Ken understands the nuances of transitioning from cool to warm nights in spring. He advises adjusting watering schedules accordingly, keenly observing indicators like pansies, known as "crybabies," for their sensitivity to dryness and cold.
Ken's practical tips extend to tomatoes. He notes their wilting as a cue for increased hydration. He recommends watering containers and raised beds every three to four days, adjusting frequency as temperatures rise.
Join Ken's journey of discovery in your backyard.
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🌺Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #SpringGardening, #ContainerGardening, #RaisedBeds

Sunday May 12, 2024
Unveiling Garden Secrets: A Conversation with Andy Danenberger of Ferti-lome
Sunday May 12, 2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
Today’s Mother’s Day! If you still don’t have a gift for your favorite gardening Mom, we have a solution to prevent you from showing up giftless. Get them a gift card from Watters Garden Center. You can purchase it in-store or online for instantaneous, easy electronic delivery.
Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Insider Garden Tips for More Vegetables this Season
- Planting the Perfect Rose Garden
- The 3 Types of Tomatoes and Benefits of Each
- Growing Better Herbs & Vegetables in Containers
- An Interview with Andy From Fertilome
- How to Make Flowers Bloom All Season Long
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/
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast,

Saturday May 11, 2024
🌺How to Make Flowers Bloom All Season Long 🌺
Saturday May 11, 2024
Saturday May 11, 2024
Before we get into the show, Mother’s Day is tomorrow! If you are feeling stressed about what to get your favorite gardening Mom for Mother’s Day, Get them a gift card to Watters Garden Center. You can purchase it in-store or online for fast, easy electronic delivery.
Hey there, Botany Bunch. It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener!
So, I mentioned it's time to plant your vegetable garden, herbs, and flowers, whether perennials or annuals. Perennials are like old friends, returning faithfully year after year, while annuals bring their vibrant colors for a single season. Now, let's chat about keeping those blooms strong all season long.
The secret? It's all about the food! Just like us, plants need their nourishment to keep blooming. Regular fertilization is key to maintaining lush growth and vibrant blossoms. Ever noticed your flowers starting strong but then fizzling out? That's often a sign they need a boost of nutrients.
Enter Sun-Believable Sunflowers, the star of the show this season. These beauties are like perpetual sunshine in your garden, blooming tirelessly with proper care. And here's a tip: deadheading, or removing spent flowers, keeps them producing more blooms. Pair that with a dose of flower power fertilizer, and you'll have a garden bursting with color all season long.
So, are you ready to dive deeper into the world of gardening with me and Lisa? We've got more exciting gardening tips and friendly chats lined up for you throughout the week. Let's keep those flowers blooming and our gardens thriving together!
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌺Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #sunbelievable, #mothersday, #mothersdaygift

Friday May 10, 2024
Unveiling Garden Secrets: A Conversation with Andy Danenberger of Ferti-lome
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Before we get into the show, if you are feeling stressed about what to get your favorite gardener for Mother’s Day, whether you are worried about cut flowers that will be dead in a few days or the stress of finding a restaurant that will still take your reservation, we have the perfect solution: Get them a gift card to Watters Garden Center purchase in-store or buy online for fast easy electronic delivery.
In this segment, we chat with Andy Danenberger, the plant whisperer from Ferti-lome. Discover insider tips on cultivating thriving green spaces. Learn about the enduring beauty of lilacs and the continuous bloom of roses.
Ferti-lome is a trusted brand in the gardening world. It offers a diverse range of products to nurture plants and enhance green spaces.
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast,