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
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Fall is in the air, and it's time to transition our gardens for the cooler months ahead.
In this episode of Mountain Gardener, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your landscape thriving. We'll discuss adjusting your irrigation schedule for fall, preparing your garden beds for new plantings, and explore the best fall flowers and ornamental grasses to add color and texture to your yard. Plus, we'll share tips for boosting your home's curb appeal and invite you to a special community event benefiting the local schools.
Included in this week’s episode:
- Autumn Irrigation Adjustment for Fall Plant Health
- How to Prepare Garden Beds for Fall Planting
- Fall Flowers for Winter Long Color
- Pretty Grasses & Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Them
- Creating a Home with Curb Appeal
- Grapes for Good Garden Party Raises Money for School
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, #kedj, #FallPlanting, #Pollinators, #ContainerGardens, #LandscapeDesign
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
🍇 Grapes4Good Garden Party Raises Money for Schools 🍇
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Hey, garden friends! Ken Lain here, the Top 10 Gardener. Remember tomorrow September 29th because Grapes4Good is back! 🎉
🍇 It's the biggest garden party in the county, and we're turning Watters Garden Center into a festive fundraising fiesta from 5-8 pm.
🍷 Enjoy delicious wines paired with mouthwatering food from Torme, all while supporting local schools and community programs. We've got amazing silent auction items too, like African safaris and golf getaways! ⛳️
🎟️ Tickets are $80, and every penny goes directly to the cause. Grab yours online at www.PrescottFrontierRotary.com or swing by the garden center.
🤝 Let's raise over $100,000 together and make a real difference in our community!
Ken also summarizes the remaining fall Garden Classes which run ervery Saturday through October.
Don't miss out! Tap or Click to stay tuned for more from Top 10 Gardener
🍇 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
#WattersGardenCenter, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #WattersGardenCenterAZ, #kedj, #Grapes4Good, #PrescottRotary, #Fundraiser, #GardenParty, #CommunitySupport
Friday Sep 27, 2024
🏡 Creating a Home with Curb Appeal🏡
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Boost your Home's Value: Curb Appeal Tips from Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener.
Looking to boost your home's curb appeal and value? I'm here to share some practical tips to make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
It all starts with trees! They provide shade, beauty, and even financial benefits. Native plants and low-maintenance shrubs are also a fantastic way to enhance your landscape without breaking the bank. Outdoor lighting adds security and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider fencing for privacy and protection, and retaining walls to maximize usable space. And don't forget about walkways – they provide a welcoming path to your front door.
Remember, a well-maintained landscape is a beautiful landscape! Regular trimming, shaping, and fertilizing will keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Now's the perfect time to fertilize with a 7-4-4 all-purpose plant food. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and create a home that truly shines.
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
🏡 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Sep 26, 2024
🌾Pretty Grasses & Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Them 🌾
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, Fall is the perfect time to add those graceful, swaying grasses to your landscape! Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you...
🌾 See them in their glory: Ornamental grasses are at their peak beauty right now, showcasing their full size and vibrant plumes. No more guessing what they'll look like in your yard!
🌱 Easy-care & hardy: These beauties are low-maintenance and thrive in our mountain climate. Just a quick trim in March and some occasional fertilizer, and they'll provide year-round interest.
🐦 Wildlife-friendly: Birds love the shelter and seeds that grasses provide, adding a touch of nature to your backyard.
🍃 Movement & texture: Grasses add a unique dimension to your landscape, their graceful plumes dancing in the breeze.
🌄 Perfect for our elevation: Grasses are naturally suited to our high-altitude environment, growing strong and healthy with minimal fuss.
🌻 Plant them now: Fall planting gives grasses time to establish roots before winter, ensuring they come back even more beautiful next spring!
So head on down to Watters and check out our stunning selection of ornamental grasses! We've got everything from compact varieties like Dwarf Fountain Grass to showstoppers like Blackhawk Bluestem. Your garden will thank you!
Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
🌾Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
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Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
🌼Fall Flowers for Winter Long Color 🌼
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here.
🍂 Fall's here, and it's the perfect time to decorate your garden with vibrant hues that last all winter long! Think of it as accessorizing your outdoor space, adding pops of color to complement the changing season.
🌸 Swap out those spent summer blooms for cheerful cool-season favorites like pansies, violas, and kale. They'll thrive in the mild temperatures and keep your garden looking lively even as the days grow shorter.
🌿 Don't forget to tidy up! Remove those sprawling tomato vines and leggy sunflowers, making room for fresh plantings. A little pruning and shaping now will keep your garden looking its best through the winter.
💡 Remember, gardening in the mountains is unique! Don't be misled by advice meant for warmer climates. Hold off on heavy pruning until late winter/early spring.
🌼 With a few simple swaps and additions, you can enjoy a colorful and inviting garden all year round. So get out there and embrace the beauty of fall planting!
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 Sep 24, 2024
🌱How to Prepare Garden Beds for Fall Planting🌱
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here. Ready to help you transform those tired summer beds into thriving fall gardens!
Step 1: Out with the Old
Clear out those spent summer veggies – tomatoes, squash, the whole crew! Their big appetites leave the soil hungry, so let's replenish it.
Step 2: In with the New
Raised beds? Easy peasy! Grab a bag of potting soil, toss in some nutrients, and you're ready to plant those fall starts like broccoli and cauliflower.
Insider tip: Add a sprinkle of 'Willetts' 🐑 (wool pellets) for a nitrogen boost, better moisture retention, and amazing root growth.
In-ground beds? Spread a 2-3 inch layer of manure, BUT let it sit before planting directly into it. Too hot for those tender fall roots!
Remember: Now's the time for starts, not seeds, to get a jump on the season.
Get Growing!
With a little prep, your garden will be bursting with fall flavors in no time. Happy planting! 🍂
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌱Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #FallGardening, #GardenPrep, #PrescottGardening
Monday Sep 23, 2024
🚰Autumn Irrigation Adjustment for Fall Plant Health 🚰
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. As the crispness of autumn descends upon us, it's time to adjust our watering routines to ensure our plants stay healthy and vibrant through the changing season.
Remember, even though the temperatures are cooling down, your plants are still actively growing and establishing roots well into October.
Key Takeaways:
- Don't stop watering completely: Your plants still need hydration for healthy root development.
- Reduce watering frequency: Gradually decrease how often you water, paying close attention to your specific plants' needs.
- Monitor soil moisture: Keep an eye on the soil to prevent over or under-watering.
- Protect your irrigation system: Take precautions to safeguard your irrigation system from freezing temperatures.
Remember, a little adjustment now will go a long way in ensuring your garden thrives throughout the fall and winter seasons. Happy gardening!
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🚰Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Sep 22, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. From essential pollinators like bees and butterflies to practical solutions for landscaping challenges like hillside erosion, we've got you covered. Discover the top groundcovers to anchor your slopes, explore the latest and greatest garden products, and find inspiration in the stunning world of container gardens. As autumn paints the landscape with vibrant hues, we'll guide you through the most beautiful perennials and the top 10 plants to add fall flair to your yard. Let's dive into the wonderful world of gardening together!
Included in this week’s episode:
- Why Bees and Butterflies Receive all the Attention as Pollinators
- Top 10 Groundcovers that Hold Hillsides
- Trending Garden Products Better than the Rest
- The Most Beautiful Autumn Perennials in the Garden
- Top 10 Plants of Autumn and Why
- Stunning Container Gardens
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!
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj, #FallPlanting, #Pollinators, #ContainerGardens, #LandscapeDesign
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
🌱Stunning Container Gardens 🌱
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Hey, garden friends! Ken Lain here, the Top 10 Gardener. Let's talk container gardens!
These miniature landscapes are like living art, bringing together textures, colors, and fragrances to create a sensory delight. A well-designed container garden can transform any space, drawing you in and making you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Think of it as creating a masterpiece on a smaller scale. Choose plants with contrasting foliage shapes and textures, like feathery ferns alongside bold succulents. Add pops of color with vibrant blooms, and don't forget the subtle beauty of fragrant flowers.
Container gardening is a chance to express your creativity and personalize your space. Experiment with different combinations, try unexpected pairings, and see what sparks joy. Remember, it's not just about the plants, it's about the feeling they evoke.
Visit Watters Garden Center for inspiration and expert advice. Our stunning container gardens will ignite your imagination and help you create your own backyard oasis.
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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Friday Sep 20, 2024
🍁Top 10 Plants of Autumn and Why 🍁
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener here. Fall is the unsung hero of the gardening year!
Cooler days and warm soil create the perfect planting conditions, plus you get more bang for your buck. Summer plants like crape myrtles are on sale, making room for gorgeous fall bloomers like ornamental grasses, mums, and asters. Even trees and shrubs are larger and more established now, giving you instant impact in your landscape.
Don't forget, fall planting means winter watering! Adjust your irrigation schedule gradually, watering less frequently as temperatures drop. With a little care, your new additions will thrive, rewarding you with lush growth and vibrant colors next spring.
Some of my top fall picks:
- Ornamental grasses: These beauties add texture and movement to the garden, and many are native to our area.
- Autumn Blaze Maples: These vibrant trees offer stunning fall color and fast growth.
- Fall Mums: These cheerful blooms brighten up any space, and they come in a rainbow of colors.
- Pansies and Violas: These tough little flowers thrive in cool weather and add a splash of color to winter landscapes.
- Fall Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and lettuce all love the cool temperatures of fall.
Remember, gardening is a journey of discovery. Embrace the changing seasons, experiment with new plants, and let your creativity bloom!
To watch future episodes of the Top 10 Gardener, subscribe with this Link
🍁Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener
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Thursday Sep 19, 2024
🌻The Most Beautiful Autumn Perennials in the Garden 🌻
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here, Fall is a fantastic time for planting perennials!
The cooler weather and warm soil allow them to establish strong roots before winter dormancy, ensuring a vibrant display next spring.
Let's explore some stunning options:
- Pink Pearl Agastache: A hummingbird magnet with long-lasting blooms, this perennial offers a delightful alternative to salvia. Its compact growth and non-invasive nature make it a low-maintenance beauty.
- Sweet Sandia Coneflower: This unique variety boasts chartreuse green blooms that mature into a soft pink, creating a mesmerizing transition in your garden. Pollinators love it, and birds will appreciate the seed heads later in the season.
- Fall Vegetables: Don't forget your edible garden! Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and lettuce thrive in the cooler temperatures, providing fresh harvests for your holiday table.
Now is the perfect time to revitalize your garden with these beautiful and resilient perennials. Visit Watters Garden Center to discover these and many more fall favorites!
Be the first to know! Click to join the Top 10 Gardener gardening community!
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🌻Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners
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Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
🪴Trending Garden Products Better than the Rest 🪴
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Hey there, fellow green thumbs! Ken Lain here, excited to share some of the coolest new gardening products I discovered recently. First up, Willets: it's like magic for your soil! Made from pelletized sheep wool, it holds moisture, feeds nutrients, and boosts beneficial microbes. Perfect for our mountain clay, it works wonders in containers, raised beds, and houseplants too!
Sustainability is key, so we're also loving Mali Soils. This Canadian company has cracked the code on peat-free potting mixes that outperform traditional options. They're a bit pricier but worth it for the planet and your plants!
Finally, a touch of modern design with 3D-printed plant stands. These laser-cut beauties add a unique touch to your indoor jungle. Perfect for showcasing those climbing beauties like Monstera!
These are just a few of the innovative products hitting the shelves at Watters Garden Center. We're always on the lookout for the best tools and solutions to help you create a thriving garden. So come on down and see what's new!
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 Sep 17, 2024
🌿 Top 10 Groundcovers that Hold Hillsides 🌿
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Ken and Lisa Lain the Top 10 Gardeners here for another round of gardening tips!
Fall is in the air, and the questions are rolling in. Today, we're tackling groundcovers for those tricky hillsides. Jonathan from Prescott Valley is looking for something hearty to cover his southwest-facing slope. Calgary Carpet Juniper and Coral Beauty Cotoneaster are great picks; you can even mix them for a vibrant tapestry!
Remember, groundcovers aren't just about looks, they're about function. They prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add a splash of life to barren spots. Honeysuckle, Trumpet Vine, and Virginia Creeper are all excellent vine options, while periwinkle (Vinca) and Oregon Grape (Mahonia) are perennial favorites.
Whatever you choose, make sure it suits your specific needs. Sun, shade, soil type, and water availability all play a role in a successful groundcover. Take a stroll around your property, measure the area, and bring a picture to the garden center. We'll help you find the perfect plant to turn that hillside into a showstopper!
Garden like a Pro - unlock the secrets with Top10Gardener.
🌿Ken & Lisa Lain, The Top 10 Gardeners
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Monday Sep 16, 2024
🐝Why Bees and Butterflies Receive all the Attention as Pollinators 🐝
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here. It's a bustling time in the gardens with pollinators hard at work. We all love the colorful butterflies and busy bees, but let's not forget the unsung heroes of pollination!
Did you know there are fascinating creatures like the black 'cutter bee' that might leave a few perfectly round holes in your leaves? They're actually collecting nesting material and helping pollinate your garden!
Mason bees, tiny but mighty, are also vital for fruit trees and veggie gardens. And even some flies, masquerading as bees, are doing their part to keep your flowers blooming!
As the days shorten, hummingbirds and other birds will start their migration. Keep your feeders up and add some late-blooming flowers like asters and mums to give them a boost!
Remember, every garden, big or small, plays a part in supporting our pollinators. So let's celebrate all the creatures that help our gardens thrive!
Get in the know! Subscribe for Top 10 Gardener updates!
🐝Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener
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Sunday Sep 15, 2024
🎙️Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain! 🎙️
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners here. Autumn is truly a gardener's paradise, and we're diving deep into all its wonders this season. We'll uncover the secrets to planting the most vibrant fall flowers, coaxing those pampas grasses into a spectacular bloom, and reviving yellowing plants for a colorful autumn display. We'll explore the captivating world of ornamental grasses, learn about a fantastic local event for a great cause, and discover how garden centers transform with the changing seasons.
Included in this week’s episode:
- The Best Flowers of the Year are Planted in Autumn
- How to Force Pampas Grass to Show More Blooms
- How to Turn Yellow Plants Green for Better Fall Color
- Ornamental Grass and the Showy Landscape
- Grapes 4 Good: A Fun-Filled Evening for a Great Cause
- The Seasonal Changes found at a Garden Center
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!
#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #kedj,