Mountain Gardener with Ken & Lisa

Growing Winter Vegetables and Herbs for Holiday Meals

The Mountain Gardener Podcast: Your Go-To Resource for Gardening in Arizona's High Country

In this episode, Ken and Lisa cover a wide range of topics related to gardening in Arizona's high altitude, included in this week’s episode:

• Perennials to Cut Back in Fall
• Why Evergreens Turn Yellow

• Why Plants Like Organic Food More than Synthetics

• Plants that Love Frosty Gardens

• Growing Winter Vegetables and Herbs

• As always there will be Q&A with Ken and Lisa: as they answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, The Mountain Gardener Podcast has something for everyone. Ken and Lisa's passion for gardening is infectious, and their expertise is invaluable.

Subscribe to The Mountain Gardener Podcast today and start gardening like a pro!

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #top10gardener,

Mountain Gardener Seg 6 Garden Tips from The Top 10 Gardener

Northern Arizona has a mild four-season climate, with cold nights and warm days even during the winter. This makes it a great time to plant and care for your garden.

Here are a few tips:

• Clean up dormant and frost-damaged plants. Remove any dead or diseased foliage from your plants. This will help to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. You can also compost this material to add nutrients to your soil.
• Plant winter flowers. Many flowers, such as snapdragons, violas, and dusty miller, can thrive in the cool fall and winter weather. These flowers will add a splash of color to your garden and provide food for pollinators.
• Mulch your garden. Mulching your garden with organic matter, such as compost or bark chips, will help to retain moisture, insulate the roots of your plants, and suppress weeds.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning up dormant and frost-damaged plants:

• Wait until after the first frost to cut back your perennials. This will give the plants a chance to store energy for the winter. Cut back perennials to about 6 inches above the ground. 
• Prune your trees and shrubs. Pruning will help to improve the shape and health of your plants.

By following these tips, you can keep your garden looking its best all through the fall and winter.

Visit Watters Garden Center today to learn more about fall gardening and to purchase winter flowers, mulch, and other gardening supplies!

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#gardentips

Growing Winter Vegetables and Herbs

Our winter climate is ideal for growing a variety of herbs and vegetables. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long.

Here are some tips for growing winter herbs and vegetables in Northern Arizona:

• Choose the right plants. Some of the best herbs and vegetables to grow in Northern Arizona during the winter include:
  • Herbs: arugula, basil, cilantro, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme
  • Vegetables: beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, kale, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, turnips
• Prepare your soil. Winter herbs and vegetables need well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you can improve drainage by adding mulch. You can also plant in raised beds to improve drainage and provide better root aeration.
• Protect your plants from the cold. Winter temperatures in Northern Arizona can be unpredictable, so it's important to protect your plants from the cold. You can do this by covering them with row covers, frost cloth, on cold nights. You can also plant your winter herbs and vegetables in a sheltered location, such as near a south-facing wall or under a tree canopy.
• Water your plants regularly. Winter herbs and vegetables need regular watering, even in the cold weather. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly dry.
• Fertilize your plants regularly. Winter herbs and vegetables need regular fertilization to produce a bountiful harvest. You can fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
• Harvest your crops. Most winter herbs and vegetables will be ready to harvest in the late fall or early winter. Be sure to harvest your crops regularly to encourage new growth.

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#wintervegetables, #herbs

Plants that Love Frosty Gardens

Our Mountain landscape is home to a variety of beautiful flowers that can withstand the cold, snowy winters. These flowers are not only hardy, but they also provide a welcome splash of color to the landscape during the winter months.

Here are a few of the most popular flowers that love the snow:

• Pansies
• Violas
• Winter Vegetables like Kale & Cabbage
• Herbs such as Rosemary, Parsley, Sage

Where to plant snow-loving flowers in Northern Arizona

Snow-loving flowers can be planted in a variety of locations in our landscape, including:

• Flower beds: Snow-loving flowers can be planted in flower beds with other winter-blooming plants, such as pansies, violas, and kale.
• Rock gardens: Snow-loving flowers can be planted in rock gardens to add color and interest during the winter months.
• Containers: Snow-loving flowers can be grown in containers and placed on patios, decks, and porches.

Tips for growing snow-loving flowers in Northern Arizona

• Choose a sunny spot: Snow-loving flowers need at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Plant in well-drained soil: Snow-loving flowers need well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
• Water regularly: Snow-loving flowers need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
• Mulch around the plants: Mulching around the plants will help to retain moisture and protect the roots from the cold.
• Fertilize regularly: Snow-loving flowers need to be fertilized regularly to keep them healthy and blooming.

Visit Watters Garden Center today to learn more about cold weather plants and to purchase a variety of plants for your garden!

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#coldweatherplants

Why Plants Like Organic Food More than Synthetics

Organic food is better for plants than synthetic food for a number of reasons. First, organic food is more biogradable, meaning that it is easier for plants to absorb and use. Synthetic fertilizers are often made from inorganic salts, which can be difficult for plants to break down. Second, organic food contains a wider range of nutrients than synthetic food. Synthetic fertilizers typically only contain the three macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic food, on the other hand, contains a variety of macronutrients, micronutrients, and beneficial microbes.

Here are some of the specific benefits of organic food for plants:

• Improved root growth and development. Organic matter helps to improve soil structure and drainage, which is essential for healthy root growth. Organic matter also provides food for beneficial microbes, which help to protect plants from pests and diseases.
• Increased nutrient uptake. Organic matter helps to make nutrients more bioavailable to plants. This is because organic matter contains chelates, which are molecules that bind to nutrients and make them easier for plants to absorb.
• Improved soil health. Organic matter helps to improve soil aeration, drainage, and water retention. It also helps to increase the soil's cation exchange capacity, which is the ability of the soil to hold onto nutrients.
• Reduced pest and disease pressure. Organic matter helps to promote a healthy soil microbiome, which can help to suppress pests and diseases. Organic matter also helps to improve the plant's immune system, making it more resistant to pests and diseases.
• Increased yields and quality. Organic food has been shown to increase crop yields and improve the quality of produce. This is because organic food provides plants with a wider range of nutrients and helps to improve soil health.
• Organic Plant Foods are safer for the environment than synthetic fertilizers because they break down over time and don’t pollute the ground water.

If you want to give your plants the best possible chance for success, choose organic food over synthetic food. Watters Garden Center has a fertilizer “All Purpose 7-4-4 Plant Food” and other products to help you grow healthy, productive plants.

Visit Watters Garden Center today to learn more about the benefits of organic food for plants!

 

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#organicplantfood, #Watters7-4-4PlantFood, #fertilizer

Why Evergreens Turn Yellow

Evergreens are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but sometimes they can turn yellow. There are a few different reasons why this can happen, but the most common ones are:

• Natural needle drop. All evergreens shed their needles eventually, even though it's not as noticeable as deciduous trees. Conifers (pine, spruce, fir, or juniper) typically shed their inner needles first, which can make them look yellow.
• Environmental stress. Evergreens can be susceptible to stress from a variety of environmental factors, such as drought, heat, cold, salt, and wind. When evergreens are stressed, they can turn yellow as a way to conserve energy.
• Nutrient deficiencies. Evergreens need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and a deficiency in any one nutrient can cause the needles to turn yellow. Nitrogen is a particularly important nutrient for evergreens, so if your soil is low in nitrogen, your evergreens may turn yellow.
• Pests and diseases. Evergreens can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, some of which can cause the needles to turn yellow. If you notice any pests or diseases on your evergreens, it's important to treat them promptly to prevent further damage.

Here are a few tips:

• Water your evergreens regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Mulch around your evergreens to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat and cold.
• Fertilize your evergreens 4 times a year with a fertilizer  such as our 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food.
• Inspect your evergreens regularly for pests and diseases. If you find any pests or diseases, treat them promptly. We recommend a Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench. One application lasts all year.

If you're not sure why your evergreens are turning yellow, or if you're not sure how to fix the problem, bring a sample branch in a baggie along with a photo of the tree into the Garden Center and we will assist you in diagnosing the problem.

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#evergreens

Perennials to Cut Back in Fall

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it's time to start thinking about preparing your garden for winter. One important task is to cut back perennials. This helps to remove dead or diseased foliage, encourage new growth in the spring, and prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.

The best time to cut back perennials is after the first frost, but before the ground freezes. This will give the plants a chance to store energy for the winter. However, there are some perennials, such as bleeding heart and ferns, that should not be cut back in the fall.

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#fallflowers

Top 10 Colors of Fall

The Mountain Gardener Podcast: Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Gardening in Arizona's High Country

Looking for a gardening podcast that's specifically designed for Arizona's High Country? Look no further than The Mountain Gardener Podcast, hosted by experienced gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain. In each episode, Ken and Lisa cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Plant selection for Arizona's High Country: Ken and Lisa will help you choose the right plants for your garden, based on your climate, soil type, and desired aesthetic.
• Planting and care of specific plants: Ken and Lisa will provide you with detailed instructions on how to plant and care for specific plants, from cacti and succulents to trees and shrubs.
• Pest and disease management: Ken and Lisa will teach you how to identify and control pests and diseases that can affect your plants.
• Water conservation and irrigation: Ken and Lisa will share tips on how to conserve water and irrigate your garden efficiently in Arizona's arid climate.
• Soil health and improvement: Ken and Lisa will teach you how to improve your soil health for healthier plants.
• Gardening through the seasons: Ken and Lisa will provide you with tips on how to garden in Arizona's unique climate, throughout the year.
• Q&A with Ken and Lisa: Ken and Lisa answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's High Country.

Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, The Mountain Gardener Podcast has something for everyone. Ken and Lisa's passion for gardening is infectious, and their expertise is invaluable. Subscribe to The Mountain Gardener Podcast today and start gardening like a pro!

Here are some specific examples of topics that Ken and Lisa have covered in this week’s podcast:

• Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
• Why are Skunks in my Yard?
• How to Keep Winter Weeds out of Rock Lawns

• Trees that Look Good All Winter

• Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting
• Top 10 Trees with Insider Tips to Grow Them

We hope you'll join us for the Mountain Gardener Podcast! Subscribe today on your favorite podcast platform.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #top10gardener,

Top 10 Trees with Insider Tips to Grow Them

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves of many trees changing color to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. If you're looking to add some fall color to your landscape, here are 10 of the best trees to plant in the fall, along with some tips for growing them:

1. Maple

• Maples prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Water maples regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize maples in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune maples in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Aspen

• Aspens prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Aspens are very social trees and do best when planted in groups.
• Water aspens regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize aspens in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune aspens in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Ash

• Ash trees prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Water ash trees regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize ash trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune ash trees in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Locust

• Locust trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Water locust trees regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize locust trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune locust trees in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Bradford Pear

• Bradford pear trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Water Bradford pear trees regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize Bradford pear trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune Bradford pear trees in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches.

Additional tips for growing fall-colored trees:

• Choose a tree that is suited to your climate and soil type.
• Plant your tree in a location where it will receive full sun or partial shade, depending on the tree's requirements.
• Water your tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize your tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around your tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune your tree in the winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape.

With proper care, your fall-colored trees will thrive for many years to come.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #top10gardener,

#fallgardening

Growing Winter Vegetables and Herbs for Holiday Meals

The Mountain Gardener Podcast: Your Go-To Resource for Gardening in Arizona's High Country

In this episode, Ken and Lisa cover a wide range of topics related to gardening in Arizona's high altitude, including in this week’s episode:

• Perennials to Cut Back in Fall
• Why Evergreens Turn Yellow

• Why Plants Like Organic Food More than Synthetics

• Plants that Love Frosty Gardens

• Growing Winter Vegetables and Herbs

• As always there will be Q&A with Ken and Lisa: as they answer listener questions about gardening in Arizona's high country.

Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, The Mountain Gardener Podcast has something for everyone. Ken and Lisa's passion for gardening is infectious, and their expertise is invaluable.

Subscribe to The Mountain Gardener Podcast today and start gardening like a pro!

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #top10gardener,

Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves of many trees changing color to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. If you're looking to add some fall color to your landscape, here are 10 of the best trees to plant in the fall:

1. Maple

Maples are one of the most popular trees for fall color, and for good reason. Their leaves turn a vibrant red, orange, or yellow in the fall, and they can grow up to 70 feet tall. Maples are relatively low-maintenance, but they do prefer moist, well-drained soil.

2. Aspen

Aspens are known for their beautiful fluttering leaves and their golden yellow fall color. Aspens can grow up to 50 feet tall, and they prefer full sun to partial shade. Aspens are best planted in groups, as they are very social trees.

3. Ash

Ash trees are known for their compound leaves and their fiery red fall color. Ash trees can grow up to 60 feet tall, and they prefer full sun to partial shade. Ash trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they are susceptible to some pests and diseases.

4. Locust

Locust trees are known for their fragrant flowers and their golden yellow fall color. Locust trees can grow up to 70 feet tall, and they prefer full sun to partial shade. Locust trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they can be invasive in some areas.

5. Bradford Pear

Bradford pear trees are known for their white spring flowers and their purple-red fall color. They can grow up to 50 feet tall, and they prefer full sun to partial shade. Bradford pear trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they are susceptible to some pests and diseases.

When choosing a tree for fall color, it is important to consider the climate you live in and the amount of space you have available. You should also choose a tree that is resistant to pests and diseases.

Visit Watters Garden Center today to see our wide selection of Maple, Aspen, Ash, Locust, and

Bradford Pear trees! Our staff can help you choose the right tree for your yard and climate.

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#fallgardening

Trees that Look Good All Winter

When the leaves fall and the ground turns white, many trees can look bare and lifeless. But there are a number of trees that maintain their beauty all winter long, with vibrant bark, colorful berries, or interesting shapes.

Here are a few trees that look good all winter:

Austrian Pines are native to the mountains of Central Europe. They have long, dark green needles and a dense, pyramidal shape. Austrian Pines are very hardy and can withstand cold winters and dry summers.

Black Pines are native to the Mediterranean region. They have dark green needles and a thick, scaly bark. Black Pines are also very hardy and can withstand cold winters and dry summers.

Colorado Blue Spruces are native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. They have silvery-blue needles and a dense, pyramidal shape. Colorado Blue Spruces are very popular ornamental trees and are known for their vibrant color.

Alberta Spruces are native to the Canadian Rockies. They have silvery-blue needles and a dense, conical shape. Alberta Spruces are smaller than Colorado Blue Spruces and are often used in foundation plantings.

Arizona Cypresses are native to the American Southwest. They have soft, gray-green needles and a columnar shape. Arizona Cypresses are very drought-tolerant and can withstand hot summers and cold winters.

All of these trees are relatively low-maintenance and can be a great addition to any winter landscape.

Visit Watters Garden Center today to see our wide selection of Austrian Pines, Black Pines, Colorado Blue Spruces, Alberta Spruces, and Arizona Cypresses! Our staff can help you choose the right tree for your yard and climate.

#wattersgardencenter, #wattersgardencenteraz, #mountaingardenerpodcast, #top10gardener,

#evergreens

How to Keep Winter Weeds out of Rock Lawns

Winter weeds can be a nuisance in any lawn, but they can be especially troublesome in rock lawns. Rock lawns are designed to be low-maintenance, but they can still be susceptible to weeds, especially if they are not properly cared for.

There are a few things you can do to keep winter weeds out of your rock lawn:

1. Remove any existing weeds. Before you do anything else, it is important to remove any existing weeds from your rock lawn. You can do this by hand-weeding or by using a herbicide. If you are using a herbicide, be sure to choose one that is safe for use on rock lawns.
2. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. A pre-emergent herbicide will help to prevent weeds from germinating in the first place. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall, before the first frost.
3. Maintain a thick layer of mulch. Mulch will help to suppress weeds and keep your rock lawn looking its best. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to your rock lawn in the fall.
4. Water regularly. Winter weeds are more likely to germinate in dry soil. Water your rock lawn regularly, especially during the winter months.
5. Fertilize your rock lawn. Fertilizing your rock lawn will help to keep it healthy and strong, which will make it more resistant to weeds. Fertilize your rock lawn in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.

Here are some additional tips for keeping winter weeds out of your rock lawn:

• Choose the right type of rock. Some types of rock are more resistant to weeds than others. For example, pea gravel is less likely to harbor weeds than larger rocks.
• Install a weed barrier. A weed barrier can help to prevent weeds from growing in your rock lawn. Place a weed barrier under the rocks when you are installing your rock lawn.
• Inspect your rock lawn regularly. Inspect your rock lawn regularly for weeds. If you see any weeds, remove them immediately.

If you have a severe winter weed problem, you may need to contact a professional lawn care company. They can help you to develop a customized weed control plan for your rock lawn.

Watters Garden Center has a variety of products that can help you to keep winter weeds out of your rock lawn.

• Watters Weed & Grass Stopper is a pre-emergent herbicide that will help to prevent weeds from germinating in the first place.
• Watters Weed Beater Ultra is a post-emergent herbicide that will kill existing weeds.
• Watters Mulch is a variety of mulch that will help to suppress weeds and keep your rock lawn looking its best.
• Watters Fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer that will help to keep your rock lawn healthy and strong.

Visit Watters Garden Center today for all of your winter weed control needs!

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#weedcontrol

Why are Skunks in my Yard?

Skunks are nocturnal animals that are native to North America. They are typically found in wooded areas, but they will also venture into urban and suburban areas in search of food and shelter.

There are a few reasons why skunks might be in your yard. One reason is that they are attracted to food sources. Skunks are omnivores, so they will eat a variety of things, including insects, grubs, fruits, and vegetables. If you have a lot of pests in your yard, such as grubs or beetles, skunks may be attracted to the food source.

Another reason why skunks might be in your yard is that they are looking for shelter. Skunks like to den in dark, secluded areas. If you have any woodpiles, sheds, or other structures on your property, skunks may be using them as dens.

Finally, skunks may be in your yard simply because they are passing through. Skunks have large home ranges, and they may travel several miles in a single night. If you live in an area where skunks are common, it is not unusual to see them in your yard occasionally.

How to discourage skunks from your yard:

There are a few things you can do to discourage skunks from your yard:

• Remove food sources. This means picking up any fallen fruit or vegetables, and making sure that your trash cans are secure.
• Eliminate shelter. If you have any woodpiles, sheds, or other structures on your property, seal them up so that skunks cannot use them as dens.
• Make your yard less attractive to skunks. This means removing any standing water, and trimming any bushes or shrubs that are close to your house.

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#skunks, #gardenpests

Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants

Houseplants are more than just pretty decorations. They can also have a profound spiritual meaning. In many cultures, houseplants are seen as symbols of life, growth, and abundance. They can also help to purify the air and create a more positive and harmonious environment.

Here are some of the spiritual meanings of popular houseplants:

• Peace Lily: The Peace Lily is a symbol of peace, tranquility, and purity. It is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Prayer Plant: The Prayer Plant is a symbol of gratitude and appreciation. It is said to help us connect with our inner selves and find a deeper sense of meaning in life.
• Snake Plant: The Snake Plant is a symbol of resilience and strength. It is said to help us overcome challenges and adversity.
• Swiss Cheese Plant: is a symbol of longevity, respect, and honor. According to Chinese symbolism, this plant represents long life and the act of honoring elders and respected figures.
• Philodendron: The Philodendron is a symbol of love and harmony. It is said to promote healthy relationships and create a more peaceful and loving home environment.

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#houseplants