Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

🌻Top 10 Flowers to Plant for Fall Blooms🌻

Hey Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Fall in the mountains is simply magical, and your garden can be, too, with the right flowers.

Mums are a classic choice with their rainbow of colors, while tough-as-nails snapdragons add a cheerful touch. For a bit of wild beauty, try native asters, and for stunning pink to red blooms, Autumn Joy Sedum is a must-have. Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flower, is a native wildflower that blooms from spring to fall, and Russian Sage provides a lovely contrast with its silvery foliage and purple flowers.

Don't forget the hardy penstemon, which attracts hummingbirds, and salvias, which come in a variety of colors and bloom for a long season. Add texture and movement with ornamental grasses like Purple Fountain Grass or Blue Fescue, and for cheerful color throughout the cooler months, pansies are a great choice. Now's the perfect time to plant, so grab your gardening gloves and create a stunning autumn display!

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🎙️Welcome to Episode 24 - 42 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

As summer fades and we welcome the vibrant hues of autumn, our gardens require special attention. In this episode, we'll explore a range of fall gardening topics, from preparing azaleas and rhododendrons for the colder months to discovering the best evergreen varieties for a splash of color. We'll also delve into the intriguing possibilities of growing yucca and agave in containers, explore the captivating colors of the autumn garden, and learn how to protect our plants from hungry deer, rabbits, and javelina. Finally, we'll discuss the pros and cons of growing plants from seed versus cuttings, helping you make informed choices for your garden.

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

• What to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in Fall
• Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container
• Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall
• The Colors in the Autumn Gardens
• Animal Proof Plants the Deer Rabbits and Javelina Leave Alone
• Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better

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!

 

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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🌱Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better🌱

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ever wonder how plants are grown?

 

There are two main ways: seeds and cuttings. While seeds are a cheaper way to grow plants, they don't always produce consistent results. It's like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get!

 

Cuttings, on the other hand, are clones of the parent plant. This means you get the exact same characteristics, which is great for hedges, specimen plants, and fruit trees. 🌳

 

Imagine planting an apple tree from seed, only to find out years later that the apples are small and sour. Not ideal, right? That's why grafting, a form of taking cuttings, is so important for fruit trees. It ensures you get the delicious apples you crave. 🍎

 

At Watters Garden Center, we focus on providing high-quality plants grown from cuttings. This ensures consistency and beauty in your garden. Plus, we can even control things like allergies by selecting specific varieties.

 

So next time you're choosing plants, consider whether they were grown from seed or cuttings. It can make a big difference in the long run!

 

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🐇 Animal Proof Plants the Deer Rabbits and Javelina Leave Alone 🐇

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Tired of deer, javelina, and rabbits treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? 😠  I hear you! This week, I'm sharing my top plant picks that those pesky critters tend to leave alone.

 

Think vibrant Sumacs with their fiery fall colors, graceful ornamental grasses like Pampas and Deer Grass, and tough-as-nails evergreens like Arizona Cypress and Junipers.  Don't forget the flowers!  Mums and Echinacea add pops of color that animals avoid.

 

Want a personalized plan to protect your garden?  Bring in a photo and measurements, and we'll create a critter-proof paradise together!

 

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🍂The Colors in the Autumn Gardens🍂

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, Let’s talk about the stunning fall foliage that's gracing our gardens. From vibrant reds and oranges to subtle yellows, there's a color for everyone to enjoy. One of my favorite fall shrubs is the Heuchera. They come in a variety of colors, like Ruby Tuesday, Siren Song Orange, and Northern Exposure Amber, providing a beautiful mix of hues. Heucheras are also versatile, thriving in containers or as accents in the garden.

 

Another great option is Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo. Its fiery red foliage in the fall is a sight to behold. Popular varieties include Tuscan Flame, Plum Passion, and Gulf Stream.

 

For a more unusual choice, consider the Barberry. The Golden Ruby variety has striking burgundy leaves with yellow edges, while Lava Nuggets offer a deep burgundy hue.

 

And let's not forget the native Sumacs, like the Trilobata and Tiger Eye, which add splashes of orange and yellow to the landscape.

 

If you're looking for a larger statement, consider the Amur Maple. Its vibrant fall colors and graceful form make it a standout.

 

Finally, don't overlook the beauty of evergreens like Hollies. Varieties like Gold Coast and Sky Pencil offer stunning foliage and berries to brighten your winter garden.

 

Remember, fall is the perfect time to plant evergreens, as they'll have time to establish their roots before the harsh winter weather arrives. With a little care and attention, your garden will be a vibrant showcase of color all season long.

 

So get out there and enjoy the autumn foliage!

 

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🌲The Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall🌲

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here.

 

Did you know that fall is the perfect time to plant evergreens? Here in the mountains, we bring in a fresh batch of these beauties in early fall so they can acclimate to our climate before winter sets in. 🌲

 

Right now, the garden center is bursting with the healthiest, chubbiest evergreens you've ever seen! From classic spruce and pine to vibrant hollies, there's something for every garden.

 

Why plant now? Because it gives your evergreens a head start. They'll establish their roots throughout the fall and be ready to burst forth with new growth come spring. 🌱

 

Just remember to water them regularly as they settle in. A good soaking a couple of times a month will keep them happy through the winter. 💧

 

So come on down to Watters and find the perfect evergreen to add year-round beauty to your landscape. Your garden will thank you! 😊

 

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🌵Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container🌵

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. And we're excited to answer a question from Lynn about growing yuccas in containers. The answer is a resounding YES!

 

Those striking yuccas and agaves you see gracing magazine covers can thrive in pots for years. Just imagine a beautiful glazed pot with a spiky yucca as the centerpiece – it's a Southwestern dream!

 

For best results, use a well-draining soil like our cactus mix. Water weekly in winter and every few days in summer, especially when in bloom. And don't worry about choosing between yellow or red yucca – both are stunning!

 

Want more ideas for hot spots? Native manzanita, coral beauty cotoneaster, and junipers are all excellent companions. Stop by the garden center, and we'll show you the perfect ground cover for your sunny spot. ☀️

 

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🌼What to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in the Fall🌼

Hey Gardeners Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here.

Fall is upon us, and it's time to give your garden a feast before the winter slumber.

 

Think of it like this: your plants have worked hard all summer, producing beautiful blooms and foliage. Now, they need to replenish their energy stores for next spring's show. That's where fertilizer comes in.

 

Before Halloween, give everything in your garden a good dose of 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. This slow-release, organic blend is perfect for our mountain gardens. Sprinkle it around the base of your plants, and let nature do the rest.

 

This is especially important for spring-blooming beauties like azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilacs. Those vibrant flowers require a lot of energy, and fertilizing now will ensure a spectacular show next spring. 🌸

 

And hold off on the pruning shears! Let your plants enjoy their fall colors and store energy for the winter. We'll tackle pruning later in the season. ✂️

 

So grab your fertilizer and give your garden the nourishment it deserves. Your future self will thank you! 😊

 

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Welcome to Episode 24 - 41 of The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it's time to prepare your landscape for the beauty of autumn.

October is the ideal time to provide your plants with a final nutrient boost, ensuring they have the strength to withstand the winter months. Evergreens, in particular, will thrive with the additional fertilization.

This is also the perfect season to harvest ripe grapes and consider planting berry bushes for a bountiful harvest next year. Enhance your outdoor spaces with vibrant purple blooms in containers, adding a touch of autumnal charm. Remember essential tasks like pruning and winterizing as you transition your landscape for the colder months.

Finally, embrace the spirit of the season by incorporating festive autumn decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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

• Why October Plant Food is the Most Important Feeding of the Year
• Top Evergreens Better Thank a Dead Pinion Pine Tree
• The Grape Harvest - Add Better Berries this Year
•  Purple Fall Flowers for Pretty Autumn Containers
• The Fall To Do List for a Healthy Landscape
• Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating

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/

 

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🎃 Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating🎃

Hold off on those pruning shears, friends! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with a tip to turn your spent summer blooms into a vibrant autumn display.

 

Echinacea, or coneflower, is a superstar in the fall garden. These tall perennials boast stunning flowers all summer long, and guess what? They keep shining well into autumn!

 

Here's the magic: Instead of deadheading (removing spent flowers), let your Echinacea go to seed. The seed heads transform into striking tan structures with dark centers. They're beautiful on their own and provide a valuable food source for migrating birds.

 

Double bonus: By letting your Echinacea seed, you're helping it multiply naturally. Those seeds will spread and create even more cheerful blooms next year!

 

Here's the Ken Lain timeline:

• October: Leave your Echinacea seed heads standing tall. They may brown a bit, but they'll still be attractive.
• November (or later): If the seed heads become unsightly, cut them back. But leave them standing until winter harshens.
• Spring: Enjoy a new generation of Echinacea springing up from the "mother plant" and the scattered seeds.
•  

Autumn is prime planting time! There's still plenty of season left to add Echinacea or other colorful perennials to your yard. Visit Watters Garden Center for a fantastic selection and expert advice.

Let's keep those fall gardens blooming!

 

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🍁The Fall To-Do List for a Healthy Landscape🍁

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. October is the perfect time to tackle those fall gardening chores! The weather is still pleasant, and the work you do now will pay off with a healthier, more vibrant landscape come spring.

 

Start by spreading a 2–3" layer of composted manure, like Watters Barnyard Manure, on your empty vegetable and flower beds. This will add nutrients and improve soil structure over the winter.  Next, collect seeds from your wildflowers and zinnias to sow next spring. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the blooms you love year after year.

 

Don't forget our feathered friends! Clean your bird feeders to welcome migrating birds passing through your yard.  It's also time to winterize water features. Bring in pumps and drain fountains to prevent freeze damage. For ponds, make sure the skimmer box is working and consider a pond heater to keep the water open for birds.

 

Finally, give your trees and shrubs a good drink. Even though it's fall, they still need water, especially new plantings.  And don't forget to fertilize everything with Watters 7-4-4 All Purpose Plant Food. This will help your plants store energy for a strong start next spring.

 

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🪻Purple Fall Flowers for Pretty Autumn Containers🪻

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, with some tips to transform your summer containers into stunning fall masterpieces.

Mother Nature's calling for a wardrobe change, and your pots deserve one too!

Let's ditch the tired blooms and bring on the vibrant hues of autumn! Here are some of my favorite fall container plants:

• Mums (Chrysanthemums): The undisputed king of fall flowers. These beauties boast long-lasting blooms in a dazzling array of colors – whites, oranges, reds, and even purples! Bonus tip: Opt for garden mums from your local garden center (like Watters!) They're acclimated to our climate and will outperform their greenhouse-grown cousins.
• Pansies: Tough little troopers that bloom all winter long! Pansies come in a delightful range of colors, from classic orange to majestic burgundy with a yellow halo.
• Violas: These pansies' petite cousins might be smaller, but they make up for it with nonstop blooms. Perfect for adding pops of color.
• Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Not just for salads! These come in stunning shades, adding a touch of whimsy and contrast to your container.

Looking for more? Here are some additional options:

• Dusty Miller: This workhorse provides beautiful silvery foliage that complements any flower. Plus, it's deer-resistant and keeps going all season long.
• Ornamental Grasses: Add a touch of height and texture with ornamental grasses like red sedge.
• Snapdragons: Fall is prime time for snapdragons! Choose from tall varieties for drama or shorter ones for a more compact look.

 

🪻Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners

 

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🍇The Grape Harvest - Add Better Berries this Year🍇

Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here. Wow, what a harvest!

This year's berry and grape crops were incredible, thanks to some simple tricks I want to share. For bigger, juicier berries, remember two things: food and pruning.

 

Feed them every other month with Watters 6-4-4-7 Fruit & Vegetable Food, especially after harvest for strong roots come spring. Prune back canes that have finished fruiting to make room for new growth. Grapes love the same food, but focus on those deep roots with fall and spring feedings.

 

Train them high for more sun-loving leaves, which means more sugar for those plump grapes. Water them deeply, just like your trees, and prune back those long vines in late winter.

 

Don't forget, October is the month to feed all your fruiting plants for a bumper crop next year!

 

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🌲Top Evergreens Better Thank a Dead Pinion Pine Tree 🌲

Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Losing a pinion pine can be tough, but it opens opportunities for something new! Don't plant in the same spot – decaying roots can hinder new growth. Instead, plant a few feet away and consider a different evergreen. Austrian pines are a great choice with their long needles and hardiness.

Worried about your other pines? Bring a sample in a sealed baggie to Watters, and we'll check it for pests and diseases under our microscope. 🔬

To give your remaining pines a fighting chance, fertilize them now and apply Watters Tree & Shrub Drench to prevent pests.

Need help choosing a replacement? We have a fantastic selection of evergreens and a planting guide to help you find the perfect fit for your landscape. Come see us – we're here to help your garden thrive!

 

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🍂Why October Plant Food is the Most Important Feeding of the Year 🍂

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. October is the most important month to fertilize your plants!  Here in the mountains of Arizona, our soil needs a boost to keep our gardens thriving.

Why? Because our topsoil is thin and the monsoons wash away vital nutrients. To keep your trees healthy and your flowers blooming, you need to replenish those nutrients now.

Forget those chemical fertilizers!  Go organic with Watters 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food. It's a blend of cottonseed meal, bird guano, iron, and sulfur, perfectly balanced for our unique mountain soil. This feeds your plants now and helps them develop strong buds for a spectacular spring bloom. 🌷

For your veggie gardens and fruit trees, try our 6-4-4-7 Fruit & Vegetable Food. It's packed with organic ingredients and calcium to boost your harvest. 🍎

Stop by Watters Garden Center today and grab the food your garden needs. Your plants will thank you!

 

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