10 Weekly Tips to Greener Plants. His tips, tricks, and garden hacks are easy to follow in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Tune in and get the most out of your garden. Ken’s weekly garden column is featured nationally. His national podcast and YouTube channel attract millions of gardeners. He also owns Watters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona, and a digital garden center at Top10Plants.com. Listen to this week’s episode of Top 10 Gardeners and watch your plants thrive.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
🌺 How to Grow a Better Holiday Poinsettia 🌺
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, but keeping them vibrant throughout the season can be tricky.
The key is to mimic their native tropical environment. Think bright, indirect light, and keep those beauties away from drafts and excessive heat.
Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch, ensuring the pot drains fully. Overwatering is a surefire way to lose their leaves!
And here's a secret tip: a touch of Watters Flower Power fertilizer every few weeks keeps them blooming bright. Stop by Watters Garden Center – we'll have you mastering poinsettias like a pro!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
🌺Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Dec 02, 2024
❄️Best Pond Care for a Healthy Winter❄️
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here! As temperatures drop, remember your pond! Fish and pumps are at risk when water features freeze.
Remove leaves and debris to prevent a toxic buildup under the ice, which can harm your fish.
A simple, affordable pond heater keeps a hole open in the ice, allowing for essential gas exchange. Don't forget to protect your irrigation valves and backflow preventers with a layer of mulch or heat tape.
This simple step can save you from costly repairs in the spring. Taking care of these often overlooked areas ensures a healthy pond and a worry-free winter.
Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
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❄️Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here! This week we will cover a range of gardening topics, from indoor pests to outdoor winter preparations. We'll discuss how to combat pesky houseplant gnats, explore the most popular holiday trees and their planting techniques, and delve into the essential steps of frostproofing irrigation systems and well houses. Additionally, we'll share top tips for year-end garden tasks to ensure a flourishing garden next season. Finally, we'll uncover the surprising variety of poinsettia colors available.
Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:
- Houseplant Gnats Inside and What to Do
- What the Most Popular Holiday Trees and How to Plant them
- How to Frostproof Irrigation and the Well House
- Top 10 Year-End Garden Tasks for a Better Yard
- Gardening Tips for Year-End
- How Many Poinsettia Colors are There Really
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 are excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!
Click Below to Join Our Garden Club
https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/
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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Saturday Nov 30, 2024
🌺How Many Poinsettia Colors are There Really🌺
Saturday Nov 30, 2024
Saturday Nov 30, 2024
Did you know there are over 100 colors of Poinsettias? Most stores only carry red, but you can find a rainbow of choices at Watters Garden Center! From the icy pink hues of the 'Ice Punch' to the speckled red of 'Country Quilt', there's a Poinsettia to match every holiday décor.
Poinsettias are known for their colorful bracts – those modified leaves surrounding the flowers. To coax your Poinsettia into its vibrant colors, it needs a period of darkness each day for about 6-8 weeks. Think of it like a beauty rest for plants!
While red remains the most popular choice, don't be afraid to explore the incredible variety of colors and patterns available. It's like choosing a unique piece of art for your home!
Click to Join Our Garden Club and Receive Early Notification of these exceptional offers.
🌺Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #WattersGardenCenterAZ, #kedj, KenLain, #Poinsettias, #HolidayPlants, #PlantCare,
Friday Nov 29, 2024
👨🌾Gardening Tips for Years End 👨🌾
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! The end of the year doesn't mean the end of gardening! Here in the mountains, it's the perfect time to prepare your garden for a stunning comeback next spring. Think of it like tucking your garden in for a long winter's nap.
Start by cleaning up any fallen leaves and spent plants. This prevents diseases from overwintering in your garden. It's a bit like washing the sheets before you crawl into bed for a good night's sleep.
Next, plant those perennials and shrubs you've been eyeing. The cool soil temperatures allow roots to establish themselves before the summer heat hits. It's like giving them a good breakfast before a big day!
Don't forget to protect your plants from the cold with a cozy layer of mulch. Think of it as a warm blanket for your garden beds. And be sure to water any newly planted trees and shrubs – they need a good drink before their winter rest.
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
👨🌾Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Nov 28, 2024
🏡Top 10 Year-End Garden Tasks for a Better Yard 🏡
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! The gardening season may be winding down, but there's still plenty to do to ensure a thriving garden next spring. Get a jump on the new year with these essential tasks:
First, give your garden a good clean-up. Remove fallen leaves and any plants that have finished blooming for the season. This helps prevent pests and diseases from making your garden their winter home. Think of it as tidying up the house before guests arrive – in this case, the guests are the healthy plants you want to see next spring!
Now is a great time to plant perennials and shrubs. The cooler temperatures and fall rains allow roots to get established before the summer heat arrives. It's like giving them a head start in a marathon!
Protect your plants from the coming cold with a cozy blanket of mulch. This not only insulates them from harsh winter temperatures but also helps the soil retain moisture. Just like we wear a warm coat in winter, your plants appreciate a little extra protection too.
Speaking of moisture, don't forget to water any newly planted trees and shrubs. Even though it's getting colder, they still need consistent watering, especially during their first winter in your garden. Think of it as giving them a good drink before a long nap.
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers
🏡Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
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Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
❄️How to Frostproof Irrigation and the Well House❄️
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Winter's coming, and it's time to protect those outdoor water systems!
Here in the Central Highlands, we don't usually experience deep freezes, but it's still important to prevent your irrigation valves and well house from freezing.
For your irrigation valves, simply lay a bag of potting soil or mulch over the valve box. This extra layer of insulation will keep the ground from freezing and damaging those expensive valves. For your well house, consider using heat tape on exposed pipes and a thermostatically controlled outlet to regulate the temperature. And don't forget the backflow preventer – this crucial part needs protection too, either by draining it or using heat tape.
Taking these simple steps now will save you headaches and costly repairs later.
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
❄️Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
🎄What the Most Popular Holiday Trees and How to Plant them🎄
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately. Choosing a living Christmas tree is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and add a new evergreen to your landscape.
To ensure your tree thrives, start by selecting a Spruce, Fir, or Pine that's been grown in your local climate.
Before the ground freezes, prepare the planting site by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
When it's time to bring your tree indoors, aim for about a week before Christmas. Keep it well-watered and away from heat sources to prevent it from drying out.
Once the festivities are over, plant your tree as soon as possible to give it the best chance to establish itself in its new home.
For more detailed instructions and our special Evergreen Planting Guide, stop by Watters Garden Center. We'll help you select the perfect living Christmas tree and ensure its success in your garden for years to come.
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
🎄Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Nov 25, 2024
Houseplant Gnats and What to Do
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Hey, indoor gardeners, Ken Lain here!
Those pesky little black flies buzzing around your houseplants? Those are fungus gnats, and they can wreak havoc on your indoor jungle. But don't worry, I'm here to help!
Fungus gnats thrive in moist soil and lay eggs that hatch into larvae that feed on your plant's roots. To break the cycle, start with yellow sticky traps to catch the adults. Then, use systemic granules to eliminate the larvae in the soil. Simply sprinkle the granules on the soil surface and water them in. The granules will release into the soil, killing the gnats and protecting your plants from other pests like mealybugs and aphids.
Give your plants a boost with a dose of houseplant fertilizer or our own Watters Root & Grow for even faster recovery. With a little TLC, your houseplants will be thriving and gnat-free in no time!
Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
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Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here!
This week, let's dive into some essential gardening topics. We'll explore the natural phenomenon of pine trees shedding their brown needles in autumn and discuss the optimal timing for pruning blooming shrubs to ensure vibrant growth. Then, we will troubleshoot the causes of black leaves on vegetable foliage as the season changes. Moving indoors, we'll learn the proper techniques and timing for repotting houseplants to keep them thriving. For those who love festive cheer, we'll examine the practice of decorating live evergreen trees for the holidays and then planting them in winter. Finally, we'll touch on the exciting world of “digital gardening” and why it's becoming so popular.
Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!
https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:
- Why Pine Trees Drop Brown Needles in Autumn
- When Can You Prune Blooming Shrubs in the Landscape
- When Vegetable Foliage has Black Leaves in Autumn
- How and When to Repot Houseplants
- Evergreen Trees Decorated for the Holidays then Planted in Winter
- A Favorite Part of Digital Gardening
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 are excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your gardening game!
Click Below to Join Our Garden Club
https://wattersgardencenter.com/garden-care-advantages/
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, #kedj, #AutumnGardening, #HousePlantCare, #IndoorGardening, #HolidayDecor
Friday Nov 22, 2024
🎄Evergreen Trees Decorated for the Holidays, then Planted in Winter 🎄
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Did you know you can have a living Christmas tree this year? At Watters, we're offering pre-orders on Alberta Spruce and Courthouse Spruce trees, which are beautifully decorated and ready to be enjoyed indoors for the holidays.
After the festivities, simply plant your tree outdoors and enjoy its beauty for years to come. It's a sustainable and festive way to add an evergreen accent to your landscape.
Plus, pre-ordering guarantees you get the perfect tree and helps us prepare for the holiday rush. We're even offering pre-orders on Christmas Cactus and Poinsettias! Thanks for supporting local businesses and making our community thrive.
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🎄Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #LivingChristmasTree, #EvergreenTrees, #HolidayDecor, #ShopLocal, #KenLain
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
🪴 How and When to Repot Houseplants🪴
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! Time to give your houseplants some love!
As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, it's the perfect opportunity to check on those leafy companions. Wondering if your houseplant needs repotting? 🤔
Here are a few telltale signs: roots growing through the drainage holes, the plant getting top-heavy, or the soil drying out super fast.
When repotting, choose a container just slightly larger than the current one and use a quality potting mix (not garden soil!). And remember, different plants have different needs, so select a soil that suits your plant's preferences.
Happy repotting!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers
🪴Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
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Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
🍅When Vegetable Foliage has Black Leaves in Autumn🍅
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Hey there, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. Seeing black leaves on your summer veggies?
It's a sure sign that Jack Frost has come to town! 🥶
Tropical plants like tomatoes and cucumbers just can't handle the cold. Their delicate cells explode, leaving the foliage looking scorched.
But don't despair! It's simply time to transition your garden to cool-season crops. Think leafy greens like spinach and kale, 🥬 or root veggies like carrots and radishes.
Now's the perfect time to pull out those old plants, enrich the soil, and get ready for a whole new season of gardening
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🍅Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
🌱When Can You Prune Blooming Shrubs in the Landscape🌱
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately, Pruning those summer-blooming shrubs like your Chaste tree and Desert Willow that got nipped by the frost? ✂️
Hold your horses just a bit longer! ⏰ While tidying them up now is tempting, the ideal time is after the New Year when the plants are truly dormant. This prevents sap from weeping and attracting pesky insects. 🐛 But if you just can't wait, it's okay to remove the damaged leaves gently. Just keep a close eye out for any bugs!
Not already a Garden Club Member? Click to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers!
🌱Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Nov 18, 2024
🌲Why Pine Trees Drop Brown Needles in Autumn🌲
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Hey, Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Get in the know! Ever wondered why your pine trees shed those brown needles every fall?
It's completely natural! Think of it like a pine tree's way of tidying up after a growth spurt. Those older needles get shaded out by new growth and thicker bark, so the tree sheds them to conserve energy.
This year's abundant rain means your pines likely grew more than usual, so you might see more needles dropping. Don't worry, it's a sign of health! Think of those fallen needles as a cozy blanket for your tree's roots. 😉 While you're at it, give your pines a boost with some granular fertilizer – they'll use it to fuel next spring's growth
Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
https://themountaingardener.podbean.com/
🌲Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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