Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

Welcome to Episode 24 - 47 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners hare! We are ready to help you navigate the changing seasons with your garden! From watering wisely after the first frost to creating a fast-growing privacy screen with trees, we've got you covered. We'll also explore the newest poinsettia colors that will make your holidays sparkle, discover shrubs that shine in winter, and learn how to keep your vegetable garden productive year-round. Plus, I'll share some insider tips for bringing plants indoors and keeping them healthy all winter long. Let's dive in!

 

Learn how to snag those hard-to-find specialty plants before they even hit the shelves by becoming a Garden Club Member!

 

Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Included in this week’s episode:

• What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn

• How to Best Plant Evergreen Vanderwolf Pines in Poor Soils
• When To Prune These Top 10 Shrubs
• Trees that Look Good all Winter Long
• Top 10 Deer & Rabbit Proof Plants and Repellents
• How to Irrigate Plants through Winter

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

 

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🚰How to Irrigate Plants through Winter🚰

Hey there, Plant Enthusiasts. ! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here. Here in the mountains of Arizona, we can get some pretty dry spells even during the winter. And while your plants may look dormant, they still need water to stay healthy.

 

Think of it like this: your plants are like bears hibernating for the winter. They're not actively growing, but they're not completely shut down either. They need a little moisture to keep their systems going and protect them from the cold.

 

So, how often should you water? About twice a month is usually enough. On a nice sunny day, drag out the hose and give your plants a good soaking. Pay special attention to new plantings, evergreens, and those with shallow roots like Autumn Sage.

 

This little bit of extra care will make a big difference in the health and vigor of your plants come spring. You'll be rewarded with lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and a thriving garden!

 

Join Our Garden Club

 

🚰Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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🐇Top 10 Deer & Rabbit Proof Plants and Repellents 🐇

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Deer and Rabbits Getting into Your Garden?

 

As the weather cools and plants go dormant, deer and rabbits become more adventurous in their search for tasty treats. You might notice them nibbling on plants they usually ignore. But don't worry, there are ways to protect your garden!

 

While a fence is the most effective barrier, there are other tricks you can use. Repellents with scents like castor bean oil, garlic, or rotten eggs can deter those pesky critters. You can also try sprinkling blood meal around your plants – the scent of blood will send them running!

 

Choosing plants that deer and rabbits naturally dislike is another great strategy. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage are usually unappealing to them. And consider planting tough natives like Mahonia, Cotoneaster, and Nandina.

 

For trees, protect the bark with tree wrap or even bird netting. It's an unconventional trick, but it works wonders!

 

Remember, no plant is completely deer and rabbit proof, but with a little planning and these simple techniques, you can keep your garden safe and beautiful all year long.

 

To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link

 

🐇Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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🌲Trees that Look Good all Winter Long🌲

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! Looking for trees that add life and color to your landscape, even in the depths of winter?

 

Evergreens are the answer! These beauties hold their foliage year-round, providing structure, texture, and a vibrant contrast to the muted tones of the season.

 

For a classic look, consider pines like the Austrian Pine, with its long, dark green needles, or the Oregon Green Pine, perfect for smaller spaces. If you're after something unique, the Vanderwolf Pine, with its soft, silvery-blue needles, is a real showstopper.

 

Spruce trees offer another fantastic option. The Colorado Blue Spruce is a favorite for its striking blue color, while the Baby Blue Spruce provides a more compact form with the same stunning hue.

 

And don't forget about cypresses! The Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice' adds a cool, silvery touch to the landscape, while the Deodar Cedar brings a graceful, weeping form.

 

No matter your taste or space, there's an evergreen tree waiting to enhance your winter garden. Explore the wide variety at Watters Garden Center and find the perfect one for your landscape!

 

Not already a Garden Club Member? Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers

 

🌲Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🌱When To Prune These Top 10 Shrubs🌱

Hey there, fellow plant lovers! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Hold Your Horses! When to Prune those Shrubs.

 

It's getting chilly, and you might be itching to tidy up the garden, but hold on! Many plants are just starting to wind down, and pruning them now could do more harm than good.

 

Think of it like this: your shrubs are getting ready for winter, storing energy, and forming buds for next spring. If you prune them now, you'll be cutting off those future flowers!

 

So, when should you prune? For spring, bloomers like lilacs, forsythia, and azaleas wait until after they flower in the spring. That way, you'll get to enjoy the blooms and avoid cutting off next year's flower buds.

 

For summer bloomers like Russian sage and lavender, wait until late winter or early spring. This gives them time to harden off and prepare for the cold.

 

And remember, those bare branches aren't just unsightly; they protect the plant's core from winter's chill. So, resist the urge to prune everything back to the ground just yet.

 

Take a deep breath, enjoy the changing season, and we'll get to that pruning soon enough!

 

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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🌲How to Best Plant Evergreen Vanderwolf Pines in Poor Soils🌲

Hey there, fellow mountain gardeners! Lisa and I were just chatting about some common questions we've heard lately, and one that popped up was about planting Vanderwolf Pine trees in our area.

 

These pines are gorgeous with their silvery blue needles, but they can be a bit fussy about drainage. If your soil takes a couple of days to drain, like one listener mentioned, you'll need to give your Vanderwolf a helping hand.

 

Don't plant it in a hole! Instead, create a mound of soil a few inches high and plant the tree on top. This improves drainage and keeps those roots happy. You can also dig down to a deeper layer of soil that drains better.

 

And here's another tip: after planting, add a layer of Watters Premium Mulch around the base of the tree. This will help keep the soil moist and cool, and it'll break down over time to improve the soil structure.

 

With a little extra care, you can enjoy the beauty of a Vanderwolf Pine in your own backyard!

 

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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🍂What Do Yellow Leaves Mean in Autumn🍂

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Get in the know!

 

It's autumn in the mountains of Arizona, and the leaves are putting on a show. But if you're seeing yellow where it shouldn't be, your plants might be trying to tell you something.

 

Deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves in the fall – it's natural! But evergreens like Privet, Photinia, and Cotoneaster should stay green year-round. Yellowing leaves on these plants often mean they're lacking nutrients.

 

Think of it like this: your plants have worked hard all year, blooming and growing. Now they need a good meal to prepare for winter and next spring's growth. If they're not getting the nutrients they need, they'll start to show signs of stress, like yellowing leaves.

 

The solution? A good feeding with a balanced fertilizer like our 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This will help your plants green up, develop strong buds for next year, and stay healthy through the winter.

 

Don't forget, fertilizing in autumn is crucial, especially for new landscapes. Give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive next spring!

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🍂Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 46 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners hare! We are ready to help you navigate the changing seasons with your garden! From watering wisely after the first frost to creating a fast-growing privacy screen with trees, we've got you covered. We'll also explore the newest poinsettia colors that will make your holidays sparkle, discover shrubs that shine in winter, and learn how to keep your vegetable garden productive year-round. Plus, I'll share some insider tips for bringing plants indoors and keeping them healthy all winter long. Let's dive in!

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:

• How Much Do I Water after Frost Through Winter
• How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen 
• Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year
• New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter
• Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around
• Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts

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!

 

PreOrder from Our Holiday Magic Collection

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #WinterGardening, #Poinsettias, #PrivacyTrees, #WinterVegetables

🌺Plant Drops- The Newest Ideas for Garden Experts🌺

Hey there, Plant Enthusiasts. ! Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here. The holidays are just around the corner, and that means poinsettias are back in all their glory! But this year, we're not just talking about classic red. We've got some truly unique varieties that will make your holidays sparkle. ✨

 

Imagine a pink poinsettia with frosty white variegation – that's Frosted Elegance. Or perhaps a deep, luxurious maroon called Sangria Sunset is more your style. And for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl, a red poinsettia with a unique speckled pattern.

 

These beauties are in high demand, so we're offering a special pre-sale! Order yours now, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up in three weeks. Don't miss out on these showstoppers!

Preorder Now

 

🌺Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

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🥦Winter Garden Wonders - A Guide to Growing Vegetables Year Around🥦

Hey, mountain gardeners, Ken Lain here! Just because frost has arrived doesn't mean your garden has to hibernate. Here in the mountains of Arizona, we can grow vegetables year-round!

While summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are winding down, it's the perfect time to plant cool-season favorites. Think leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, and delicious broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. 🥬

 

These veggies actually thrive in the cooler temperatures, developing sweeter, more robust flavors. Plus, they'll keep your garden productive and colorful all winter long.

 

And don't forget about those winter-blooming flowers! Pansies, violas, and snapdragons will add vibrant hues to your landscape, even when it's chilly outside. ❄️🌸

 

So, don't let your garden go bare this winter. Embrace the change of seasons and enjoy the bounty of a year-round garden.

 

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, #WinterVegetables, #YearRoundGardening, #CoolSeasonCrops

🪴New Shrubs that Look Better in Winter🪴

Hey gardeners, Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here! As the days grow shorter and frost kisses the ground, our gardens take on a different kind of beauty. And some shrubs truly come into their own during the winter months. ❄️

 

Consider the Red Twig Dogwood. This deciduous shrub boasts vibrant red stems that add a pop of color to the winter landscape. For a touch of gold, try the Goldflame Spirea, with its stunning foliage that glows in the low winter sun. ☀️

 

Evergreens like Boxwood and Holly provide structure and year-round interest. Their deep green foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for winter blooms like Hellebores and Winter Daphne.

 

And don't forget the Winterberry Holly. This deciduous holly loses its leaves, revealing bright red berries that add a festive touch to your garden.

 

So, bundle up and explore the winter wonders at Watters Garden Center. We'll help you find the perfect shrubs to add life and color to your garden, even when the temperatures drop. ❄️

 

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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🎁Newest Poinsettia Colors You Will Find this Year🎁

Hey there, fellow plant lovers! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here.  Move over, classic red poinsettias! This year, we're seeing exciting new colors and patterns that will add a touch of magic to your holiday décor.

 

First up is Frosted Elegance. Imagine a delicate pink poinsettia with a frosty white variegation running through the leaves. It's like a winter wonderland in a pot! ❄️

 

Next, we have Sangria Sunset, a deep, luxurious maroon that adds warmth and richness to any room. This poinsettia is perfect for those who prefer a more sophisticated look. 🍷

 

And finally, for a touch of whimsy, there's Scarlet Swirl. This red poinsettia features unique speckles and patterns reminiscent of a cozy quilt. It's the perfect choice for cottage gardens and festive gatherings. ✨

 

These poinsettias will surely be a hit this holiday season, so grab yours before they're gone! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

 

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, #kedj, #Poinsettias, #HolidayDecor, #NewVarieties

🌲How Close Can You Plant Trees for a Fast Screen 🌲

Hey gardeners, Ken Lain here, with, Lisa Watters-Lain, to answer your plant questions! Want to create a lush privacy screen with trees?

 

It's all about spacing! Let's take the Blue Ice Arizona Cypress as an example. It grows about 10 feet tall and wide. To create a dense screen, plant them 5-7 feet apart. This allows the branches to overlap and create a solid wall of foliage.

 

Remember, the closer you plant, the faster your screen will fill in. But if you're on a budget, you can space them further apart and enjoy the gradual growth.

 

And don't forget those fall leaves! While they might look picturesque, it's best to rake them up to prevent diseases and suffocation of your plants. As for pine needles, a thin layer is beneficial for insulation and weed suppression, but avoid letting them pile up too much. 🍂

 

Not already a Garden Club Member Click Below to Join and be notified of Plant Preorders and other Special Offers

 

🌲Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🚿How Much Do I Water after Frost Through Winter🚿

Hey, Plant Lovers Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. As temperatures drop and frost blankets our gardens, you might wonder how much to water your plants. While it's true that plants need less water in winter, they still need moisture to survive our dry mountain climate. 💧

 

Here's the key: water deeply, but less frequently. A good soaking a couple of times a month is usually enough for established landscape plants. However, newly planted trees and shrubs need more attention, especially during dry spells. Give them a deep watering every week or two to help them establish strong roots.

 

Container plants are a different story. They dry out much faster, so water them thoroughly every week to ten days. And here's an insider tip: when a hard freeze is predicted, water everything! Hydrated plants are much more resilient to cold damage. ❄️

 

So, bundle up, grab your hose, and give your garden a good drink. Your plants will thank you come springtime! 🌷

 

Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!

 

🚿Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener

 

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 45 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

This Episode dives into the fascinating world of plants, exploring both their practical care and deeper symbolism. We'll uncover the spiritual meanings associated with common houseplants, learn how to maintain the vibrant blue hue of spruce trees and discover strategies for keeping pesky weeds at bay in rock gardens. We'll also delve into selecting vibrant, foliage-rich plants that retain their color and explore the top fall-colored trees perfect for autumn planting with insider tips for successful growth. Whether you're seeking to enhance your home's energy, cultivate a thriving garden, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this guide offers valuable insights and expert advice.

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:

• The Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
• How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue

• How to Keep Winter Weeds out of Rock Lawns

• Brighter Plants That Hold Their Foliage and Stay Green
• Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting
• Top 10 Trees with Insider Tips to Grow Them

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 all 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, #plantcaretips, #indoorPlants, #Fallgardening, #Treecare