Episodes

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!
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🌲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,

Thursday May 09, 2024
🌿Growing Better Herbs & Vegetables in Containers 🌿
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
Hey there, it's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, back with Lisa Watters Lain in the studio, ready to share some garden tidbits. Today, let's dive into the world of "Growing Better Herbs & Vegetables in Containers".
It's a topic close to every gardener's heart, especially those eager to cultivate their own fresh produce, and with today’s high prices, we are seeing more and more of you growing your own vegetables. Container gardening isn't just convenient; it's a gateway to a bountiful harvest right on your doorstep.
So, picture this: your patio adorned with lush herbs and thriving veggies, all nurtured within the confines of a container garden.
First, choosing the right container. Opt for pots with good drainage holes, crucial for the health of your plants, especially herbs like rosemary and lavender that detest soggy conditions.
Next, placement is key. Before planting, decide where your container will reside, as moving it once filled can be a hefty task. And speaking of filling, ensure you leave a couple of inches at the top for watering. Trust me, your plants will thank you for it.
Now, let's talk watering. Aim for mornings, providing ample hydration for your plants to thrive throughout the day. And if you're considering a drip system, ensure it's evenly distributing water, reaching every corner of your container garden.
So, whether you're dreaming of fresh salsa from your own tomatoes or craving the aroma of homegrown basil, container gardening offers endless possibilities. Swing by Water's Garden Center for all your container gardening needs and let's embark on this green journey together!
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, #herbs, #vegetables, #containergardening

Wednesday May 08, 2024
🍅 The 3 Types of Tomatoes and Benefits of Each 🍅
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Hey there, Garden Gang. It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, ready to dish the dirt on "The 3 Types of Tomatoes and Benefits of Each". Think of it like this: there's a tomato out there for every garden and every tastebud!
First, let's break it down:
- Heirlooms: These are the classics, passed down through generations. They're bursting with flavor, but a bit more demanding to grow.
- Hybrids: Bred for disease resistance and reliable yields. Perfect for consistent, tasty harvests.
- Grafted: A supercharged option! A strong root system topped with a tasty variety – it's the best of both worlds.
Now, size matters too:
- Indeterminates: Big, sprawling plants that keep on producing all season long. Get those cages ready!
- Determinates: More compact, perfect for containers or smaller spaces. A burst of tomatoes, then they're done.
So, which to choose? It depends on your space and goals. Want a steady supply for salads and sandwiches? Hybrids are your friend. Dreaming of unique flavors? Heirlooms are worth the effort. Limited space? Determinates to the rescue!
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, #tomatoes, #growyourown, #heirloomtomatoes

Tuesday May 07, 2024
🌹Planting the Perfect Rose Garden 🌹
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Howdy Bloom Buds. It’s Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners!
If you want a rose garden, that’s the envy of the neighborhood. We just received a shipment of 1,000 roses, all bloomed out and ready to go home with you.
Sunlight is the secret ingredient! Roses are true sun-worshippers, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to flourish. Anything less will result in fewer flowers and weaker growth. But how do you know if a spot is sunny enough? An easy trick is to watch the area throughout the day. If it gets consistent sun for six hours or more, you've found the perfect place to plant your roses.
Of course, choosing the right rose varieties is important too. Some roses handle a little more shade than others. Come by, and I'll help you pick out the ones that'll thrive in your garden. We'll talk about fragrance, bloom size, and how to create the perfect backdrop for those stunning roses!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌹Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #roses, #rosetips

Monday May 06, 2024
🥕Insider Garden Tips for More Vegetables this Season 🥕
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Hey there, Garden Gang. It’s Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener!
It's prime time to get those veggies growing, folks!
Don't let a little lingering frost scare you off. Most plants are tougher than you think. Herbs, strawberries, all the cabbage-y cousins – they thrive in this weather.
Get 'em in the ground now, and with those perfect May temps, they'll take off! This is also your green light for flowers, trees, anything your heart desires. Give those veggies a little extra 7-4-4 Plant Food love for a bumper crop.
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🥕Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Vegetables, #vegetablegarden, #growyourownfood, #homegrown