Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain

40 Episodes
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By: Watters Garden Center - Ken Lain

Gardening season is year-round with Watters Garden Center's Ken Lain. The Mountain Gardener shares his secrets on how to have the most beautiful, blooming Prescott landscape.

Chris Shipley of Civano Nursery
Yesterday at 4:00 PM

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats with Chris Shipley, owner of Civano Nursery in Tucson. Chris shares about his family's nursery and the low-maintenance, hardier native plants they provide to garden centers across the country.

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Growing Better Vegetables and Herbs in Containers
Last Wednesday at 4:00 PM

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss growing better vegetables and herbs in containers. There are times when planting in containers rather than traditional garden plots can be beneficial. What are some key factors gardeners should consider when planting in containers? Listen in to find out.

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Three Types of Tomatoes and Their Benefits
Last Tuesday at 4:00 PM

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about three types of tomatoes and their benefits. Learn the basic types of tomatoes that are popular for home gardening as the planting season begins. Learn about the plant sizes, canning varieties, best tomatoes for container gardening, and more.

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Raised Bed Gardens
Last Monday at 4:00 PM

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott chat about raised bed gardens and all you should know. How much sun should they get? What is the best soil for roses to thrive and bloom? Listen in to learn this and more!

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Insider Garden Tips to More Vegetables this Season
Last Sunday at 4:00 PM

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses insider garden tips to grow more vegetables this season. Learn the importance of buying plants, especially less common varieties, as soon as they are available. It is also important to consider soil quality and what to add to your plant's soil to ensure a healthy plant and a great growing season.

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What I love Most about Gardening
05/02/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what he loves most about gardening, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits as a way to manage stress and find joy. He also touches on the impact of recent moisture on plant growth as well as how the climate of our area can affect plant growth.

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An Interview with Douglas Forest of Armstrong Growers
05/01/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats with Douglas Forest, a plant expert of Armstrong Growers. The conversation highlights Armstrong Growers' unique structure as an employee-owned company that prioritizes partnerships with independent garden centers. Listen in as these two plant experts talk about the process of trialing new plant varieties before bringing them to market and touch on essential planting advice.

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Updated Container Style with Spring Flowers
04/30/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss updated container style with spring flowers. Are you looking to update your container garden? What can you do to revitalize your old pots and make them look fresh with spring flowers? Listen in to find out.

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Three Types of Yucca for Every Garden Style
04/29/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses three types of Yucca for every garden style. Did you know that Yucca can come in three different sizes? Learn all about the standard form, the "giant" variety, and the compact "break light" dwarf variety of yucca in this episode. 

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How to Grow Tree Roses in Containers
04/28/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share how to grow tree roses in containers. Learn what you should know about container gardening, including the appropriate pot size and soil, quality potting soil, and more. What else should you know about container gardening? Listen in to find out.

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Arizona Native Plants for Mountain Gardens
04/27/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, introduces listeners to a selection of his favorite native plants found in the central highlands of Arizona. Listen in to learn about eight resilient, blooming species as well as other notable native flora.

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Definition of Planting with Native Plants
04/25/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the definition of planting with native plants. What constitutes a native plant? Are they all easy care, minimal upkeep plants or is there more to it? Listen in to find out.

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Jim Rupe Monrovia Nursery Interview
04/24/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats with Jim Rupe from Monrovia Nursery. Learn about Monrovia's history as a large-scale plant grower, along with some behind-the-scenes info on the company. These two plant experts also delve into the diversity of plants Monrovia offers, noting regional specializations. Listen in to see which plants at Watters are from Monrovia.

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Best Lavender for Fragrance and Beauty
04/23/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the best lavender to plant for fragrance and beauty. There are varieties of lavender including English and Spanish and all bring their unique characteristics. Learn about animal-resistant types and different characteristics like fragrance, foliage, and flower shape. What else will you learn in this episode? Listen in to find out!

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Native Desert Willow and the Best Variety
04/22/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses Native Desert Willow and the best variety. This native Arizona beauty is drought-tolerant and appeals to pollinators. Some newly bred varieties of Desert Willow don't produce seed pods, which leads to prolonged and repeated blooming. Which variety is this, and what are the benefits to your garden? Listen in to find out more!

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Best Gardenia for Mountain Gardens
04/21/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the best gardenia for mountain gardens. Gardenia are often thought of as a southern plant instead of one that would do well in the Central Highlands. With all the varieties of gardenia around, is there a kind that would do well here? If so, what should you know about growing them? Listen in to find out!

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Top 10 Native Plants to Grow in Arizona
04/20/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about the top 10 native plants to grow in Arizona. Arizona Cypress, Silver Berry, and Manzanita are some great native plants that love the local weather. What other plants are on this top 10 list? Listen in to find out.

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When Can Roses be Planted in Spring?
04/18/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener talks about when roses can be planted in the spring. The weather is warming up and gardeners are eager to get those roses in the ground for some beautiful summer blooms. What should you be doing now? When can you start planting? Listen in to find out.

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How to Grow the Top 10 Vegetables for an Increased Harvest
04/17/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener shares how to grow the top 10 vegetables for an increased harvest. Learn the importance of seasonal planting and understanding frost dates for optimal vegetable growth. Learn about techniques you can use to protect your plants and how to make your warm-weather crops thrive.

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5 Reasons to Update Your Landscape
04/16/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center, share 5 reasons to update your landscape. Do you have aging or unsightly plants? Do you want to enhance your home's curb appeal? How about a desire to manage overgrown vegetation? What are 5 things you can do to update the landscape? Listen in to find out.

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Insider Secrets to Big Juicy Tomatoes
04/15/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares insider secrets to big, juicy tomatoes. Should you use soil, can you use manure? What about watering? How much should you use? What else should you know? Listen in to find out.

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Why Evergreen Oaks Turn Yellow in Spring
04/14/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center, discuss why evergreen oaks turn yellow in spring. Is it normal for oaks to turn yellow or is something wrong with it? Listen in to find out what you should do if your evergreen oaks are turning yellow.

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Growing Better Veggies and Herbs this Year
04/13/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses how to grow better veggies and herbs this year. With warmer temperatures arriving, it's time to focus on those essential spring gardening tasks for northern Arizona. Listen in to learn more about what you should be doing to ensure a great growing season this year.

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Mother's Day Hydrangeas: New Varieties for Mountain Gardeners
04/11/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener discusses the great hydrangeas that are perfect for Mother's Day gifts. There are five wonderful repleat-blooming hydrangea that boast vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, perfect for local mountain gardens. Listen in to learn all about the varieties and how you can order yours today!

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John Murphy Rock the Gardens and Prescott Food Forest
04/10/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener welcomes John Murphy to discuss his Rock the Gardens fundraiser for the Prescott Food Forest. Learn how you can support this fundraiser and the amazing work that John Murphy is doing!

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Top 10 Bloomers in Spring Gardens
04/09/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the top 10 bloomers in spring gardens. Learn all about waxed amaryllis bulbs, dwarf and specialized fruit trees, blooming trees, and cool-season vegetables and herbs. Plus you'll get a sneak peak at some other great spring bloomers arriving at Watters Garden Center now!

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How to Grow Hydrangea in Mountain Landscapes
04/08/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about growing hydrangea in mountain landscapes. Can hydrangea thrive in the Prescott area? Is there a specific variety that grows best here? Listen in to find out.

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How to Use Ladybugs and Praying Mantis in the Gardens
04/07/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how to use ladybugs and praying mantis in the gardens. They also explore concerns about codling moths and their effect on apples and pears and using horticultural oil. How do you use ladybugs and praying mantis in your gardens? Listen in to find out.

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Insider Tips to Growing Herbs with Flavor
04/06/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the arrival of spring in Northern Arizona, noting the blooming of various plants. He also advises listeners to activate their irrigation systems once growth is evident, especially after temperatures consistently reach 70 degrees F. Listen in to also hear tips on watering, transitioning to herbs, and more!

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How to Pre-Order Your Mother's Day Hydrangeas
04/04/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to pre-order your Mother's Day hydrangeas. It seems spring has barely begun, and we're already talking about Mother's Day, but let's be real: it's not that far away. So, if your mom is a gardener and loves those beautiful blooms, this is your time to put in your pre-order for a hydrangea plant. Listen in to find out how!

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Top 10 Flowering Trees of Spring in the Landscape
04/03/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses the top 10 flowering trees of spring. Which spring trees are easy-care? Which are pollinators? Which brings bright blooms to your landscaping? Listen in to learn all the trees on the top 10 list and more!

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Perennial Flowers that Bloom Early in Spring
04/02/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott chat about perennial flowers that bloom early in spring. Do you love early spring blooms? Listen in to learn which flowers bring those beautiful flowers in early spring.

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Making Trees Bloom Better
04/01/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about making trees bloom better. Bad water, poor fertilizer, soil quality, and nutrients can all have an impact on your plant's health. What should you do to ensure your trees bloom for years to come?

Listen in to find out.

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How to Help Plants Recover from Frost Damage
03/31/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott chat about how to help plants recover from frost damage. Did your plants get hit by frost over the winter or this spring during one of the temperature dips? Learn what you should know about how to save those plants that got some frost damage.


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What Day Does Spring Gardening Officially Begin?
03/30/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about when spring gardening officially begins. Spring season is already here! The weather is warming nicely, however, the season can still turn. Planting has already begun, so dig in! Be ready to protect your plants should we experience another dip in the weather.

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How to Plant For Fast Growth
03/28/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener shares how to plant for fast growth. Once spring has begun, we want to see those plants grow quickly to bring the blooms, the beautiful hedges, lush trees, and more. So what should we do during the planting process to get fast growth? 

Listen in to find out.

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Interview with Aaron Lamb, Trees of Corrales
03/27/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, welcomes Aaron Lamb from Trees of Corrales located in New Mexico. As a supplier of Watters Garden Center, trees of Corrales brings high-quality to retail nurseries and landscape distribution centers. Hear from these two gardening experts on the great plants offered that love the Central Highlands environment.

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How to Grow California Poppy and Their Companion Plants
03/26/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center chat about the California Poppy and their companion plants. Watters is getting lots of new plants right now along with California poppies, delphiniums are arriving, and many other fun spring plants that grow along with poppies. Which plants like to grow with poppies? Listen in to find out!

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Bloomers of Early Spring
03/25/2025

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener discusses the bloomers of early spring. Spring officially arrived on the 20th and gardeners are ready for those blooms to arrive as well. What are those early bloomers? What should you know about planting them?

Listen in to find out.

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What's the difference between Atlas Cedar and Deador Cedar?
03/24/2025

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the difference between Atlas Cedar and Deador Cedar. Also, spring is here but there is still potential for freezes. Is it okay to plant? If so, what should I plant?

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