Mountain Gardener with 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.Â
How Much to Water During Frost Through Winter
In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses how much to water during frost through winter. Learn why watering after frost is crucial for plant survival, even when annuals fade away. Ken reveals his top three “bulletproof” maple trees perfect for high-altitude, alkaline soils. Additionally, learn how to keep both container and landscape plants hydrated during the cold months to ensure a vibrant spring comeback.
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A Plant Killer's Guide to Success
In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, provides a plant killer's guide to success. Gardening mistakes aren’t failures; they’re part of the learning process, and this guide shows new gardeners how to grow with confidence. Learn the basics of garden zones and frost dates for thriving plants in challenging climates. Plus, discover how understanding your region’s growing season can set you up for gardening success.
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Top 10 Fall Colored Trees for Autumn Planting
In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about the top 10 fall colored trees for autumn planting. You'll learn how to choose the best fall-colored trees for challenging, high-altitude gardens and discover strategies for vibrant, lasting autumn color even in windy or poor-soil conditions. Plus, find out which trees make ideal long-lasting, resilient additions to your landscape.
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Brighter Plants That Hold Their Foliage and Stay Green
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the brighter plants that hold their foliage and stay green. They'll also talk about unusual evergreens, colorful mums, pansies, and how the center’s vibrant, plant-focused team creates a unique and inspiring workplace. Find out why now is the perfect time to plant before the cold weather sets in.
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How to Keep Winter Weeds Out of Rock Lawns
In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about how to keep winter weeds out of rock lawns. He also mentions how fall is the perfect time to give your plants the nutrients they need for strong roots and a vigorous spring bloom. Listen to find out how timing applications now and before the summer monsoon can save you hours of labor later.
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How to Keep Blue Spruce Silvery Blue
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how to keep blue spruce silvery blue. You'll discover tips for maintaining the stunning silvery-blue color of spruce trees before the first hard freeze. Plus, find out why Arizona gardeners prefer organic, slow-release fertilizers over typical winterizers.
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Spiritual Meaning of Houseplants
In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, talks about the spiritual meaning of houseplants. Explore the spiritual meanings of houseplants like Chinese money plants, ivy, and Peace Lilies. Find out which plants bring luck, love, and prosperity, and why they make perfect gifts. Also, learn what triggers seasonal changes and how to prepare your garden as the outdoor season winds down.
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Birds and the Top 10 Feeding Mistakes
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about birds and the top 10 feeding mistakes. Get advice on maintaining bird feeders, selecting the best feed, and designing a garden that nourishes both local and visiting birds while keeping pests at bay. Learn how simple actions can have a big impact on our feathered visitors!Â
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10 Evergreens to Enhance Your Landscape
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about 10 evergreens to enhance your landscape. Explore a variety of evergreens and shrubs that add color, texture, and life through every season. Tune in to discover expert tips on selecting the right plants to enhance your landscape and solve common gardening challenges.
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Trees That Look Good All Winter Long
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott will discuss trees that look good all winter long. Find out their top picks for pines, spruces, and cypress perfect for the central highlands. Also, discover which varieties thrive in cold weather, how to choose the right size and color for your yard, and why fall is the best time to plant them.Â
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The Best Cedars for Mountain West Gardens
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about the best cedars for mountain west gardens. Discover which types might be right for your space and how to make them stand out. Whether you want towering statement trees or low-maintenance shrubs, find out which cedars can thrive and transform your outdoor space.
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How Low an Elevation Can Aspens Tolerate?
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss how low an elevation can aspens tolerate. They will also talk about managing aging Pampas grass, and explain why pine needles naturally brown and drop in the fall. Plus, get tips to keep your pines healthy and protected from pests!
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Top 7 Pine Trees for the Mountain West Landscape
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about the top 7 pine trees for the mountain west landscape. He will tell you what to plant, what to avoid, and why now is the perfect time to get them in the ground. Ken also reveals the best time to plant cold-weather crops and evergreens. Are your garden and trees ready for the first frost, or are you planting the wrong pines for Northern Arizona?
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Bird Feeder Mistakes
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about common bird feeder mistakes. Learn how to support hummingbirds and other migrating species with smart feeding tips and natural food sources like seed-heavy perennials. Plus, hear about the launch of AI-powered bird feeders, perfect for holiday gifting, and get expert placement tips using the 5-7-9 rule to keep backyard birds safe and healthy.
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Insider Secrets to Planting Majestic Spring Bulbs
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott gives insider secrets to planting majestic spring bulbs. You'll learn why fall is the only time to plant for vibrant spring color, how to choose top-quality bulbs, and when to plant favorites like iris, tulips, and daffodils. Plus, get tips for container planting and keeping pests like javelina at bay. Proper timing and bulb care now will lead to a stunning, low-maintenance garden come spring.
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Your Guide to a Healthier, Happier Garden
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott give you your guide to a healthier, happier garden. From using up extra tomatoes and cucumbers to documenting container combos, listen for smart seasonal tips. Learn why it’s time to pull tired annuals, plant cool-weather blooms, prep potted plants for indoor life, and feed trees before winter sets in.
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Why Autumn Fertilization is Best for Spring Plants
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott talks about why autumn fertilization is best for spring plants. He shares why organic granular fertilizers are best, when to apply them, and how extras like humic acid and aluminum sulfate can boost root health and color. Get it done by Halloween for the biggest impact!
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Bringing Outdoor Plants Indoors for Winter
In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss bringing outdoor plants indoors for winter. Additionally, learn about controlling stubborn horehound weeds and growing a Black Hills Spruce in a container. Whether you're renting or prepping for frost, these insights will help your garden thrive.
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Why Roses Look Good Through Autumn
In this episode, Ken Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discusses why roses look good through autumn. He covers timing around first frost, planting tips for cool-weather veggies and flowers, and why fall, not spring, is ideal for planting roses. Learn how to work with microclimates and make the most of the season’s cooler temps.
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Growing Plants by Seed or Cuttings - Which is Better
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares whether it is better to grow plants by seed or by cutting. Learn the critical difference between propagating plants through seed versus cuttings or grafting.Â
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Animal Proof Plants the Deer, Rabbits, and Javelina Leave Alone
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares animal-proof plants that deer, rabbits, and javelina will leave alone. An animal-resistant landscape can be key to a healthy garden and can be necessary when living in the Prescott area. What are some of the best animal-proof plants you should be planting? Ken provides a curated list of animal-resistant landscape plants that are generally avoided by the most common pests. Listen in to find out what they are!
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The Colors in the Autumn Gardens
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss the best colors in the autumn gardens. Fall is one of the most colorful seasons in the garden, and it's easy to plant gorgeous containers and garden beds that brighten your landscape and around your home. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa share some beautiful fall flowers that brighten your fall, and how to care for them.
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Brightest Evergreens are Planted in Fall
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the brightest evergreens that are best planted in the fall. Watters Garden Center is transitioning to fall and plants that love the winter months. New evergreens and holiday plants are beginning to hit the shelves! Fall is the perfect time to get your plants into the ground to allow them time to root out through the end of the year and set buds for the spring. What evergreens will you start to see at the garden center now, and which will bring brilliant green to your garden? Listen in to...
Can Yucca and Agave Grow in a Container?
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share if yucca and agave can grow in a container. Yucca and Agaves are great additions to the gardens, with beautiful and unique color and texture. Those who love to garden in containers might wonder if these plants can be successfully grown in containers or raised beds. Master Gardeners Ken and Lisa Lain answer these and additional garden questions in this segment.
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What to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in Fall
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what to do with Azalea and Rhododendron in the fall. We are now fully in fall, but your spring-blooming plants still need care. While pruning should not be done this time of year, there are still other tasks you should do to ensure your plants remain healthy through the winter to bring a great spring bloom! What should you be doing with those spring-bloomers in the fall? Listen in to find out.
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Autumn Landscaping is All About Decorating
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses how autumn landscaping is all about decorating. Learn why fall is the perfect time to plant or prep echinacea, also known as coneflower. These are low-maintenance blooms that make a perfect addition to your garden. We cover care tips, planting advice, and why this resilient wildflower is a must-have for vibrant late-season landscapes.
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The Fall To Do List for a Healthy Landscape
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the fall to do list for a healthy landscape. October is the ideal time to get ahead on key landscape tasks before winter arrives. Learn why garden cleanliness matters more than ever this time of year, how to winterize fountains and ponds, and what steps to take now to protect trees from pests like bark beetles and aphids. Plus, discover the importance of fall fertilizing and watering, even after the first frost, for healthier plants come spring.
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Purple Fall Flowers for Pretty Autumn Containers
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss purple fall flowers for pretty autumn containers. Learn how to create colorful, long-lasting arrangements that carry your containers through winter and into spring, and which plants are must-haves. Plus, get the scoop on an upcoming free gardening class with Lisa, featuring a live demo you won’t want to miss!
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The Grape Harvest: Get Better Berries This Year
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about the grape harvest and how to get better berries this year. Learn how smart pruning right after fruiting for berries and in late winter for grapes can make all the difference. Plus, find out why fall fertilizing is crucial for setting the stage for next year’s harvest. Whether you’re growing blackberries, raspberries, or vineyard-ready grapes, these practical tips will help you boost yields and keep your plants thriving season after season.
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Top Evergreens to Replace That Dead Pinion Pine
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center talk about top evergreens to replace that dead pinion pine. Learn why fall is a critical time for feeding your landscape and how to support native plants through the seasonal change, as well as replacing a lost pine tree. Whether you're troubleshooting tree troubles or wondering when to cut back wildflowers, this episode is packed with timely advice for fall gardening in the high country.
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Why October is the Most Important Feeding of the Year
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about why October plant food is the most important feeding of the year. This feeding sets the stage for both vibrant fall color and an eruption of full, healthy blooms the following spring. Monsoon rains can wash away essential nutrients, and Ken shares how to keep your plants healthy despite this challenge. From soil care to smart feeding strategies, tune in to learn how a few simple steps now can lead to a thriving, colorful garden come spring.
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Grapes 4 Good
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, talks about Grapes 4 Good event. This lively garden party features wine, food, and music, all to support local schools and summer reading programs. Want to continue learning about plants, catch the complimentary garden classes at Watters Garden Center every Saturday.
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Creating a Home with Curb Appeal
In this episode, Ken Lain discusses creating a home with curb appeal and value with smart landscaping strategies inspired by realtors and research. This episode explores how trees, native plants, lighting, fencing, and thoughtful hardscaping can enhance beauty, save money, and improve energy efficiency, all while creating a welcoming, well-maintained look.
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Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Pretty Grasses
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center explain why fall is the best time to plant pretty grasses. Fall is the optimal time for shopping and planting ornamental grasses because they are fully mature, allowing gardeners to accurately gauge their size and appearance. Learn about these low-maintenance grasses that bring year-round interest and wildlife benefits.
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3 Fall Flowers for Winter Long Color
In this episode, Ken Lain discusses how fall planting offers a chance to revitalize your garden with 3 fall flowers for winter long color. Learn how to make the most of this season by filling empty spaces and planting trees and shrubs that establish roots before winter. Plus, find out why region-specific advice is essential for success in the Arizona mountains.
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How to Prepare Garden Beds for Fall Planting
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share how to prepare garden beds for fall planting. Fall gardening has begun, and it's time to ensure your garden bed soils are ready for planting. Learn how to prepare your soil for planting after summer crops have been harvested. Also, learn how to amend the soil in your raised beds and what you should do differently for your in-ground beds. Bonus: get a little info on pruning fruit trees and why you should wait until winter.
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Autumn Irrigation Adjustment for Fall Plant Health
In this episode, Ken Lain, "The Mountain Gardener," discusses autumn irrigation adjustments to maintain plant health for the fall. Lain stresses the importance of not stopping irrigation too early, as this could harm plants that continue to root through October. When should you reduce watering as the temperatures start dropping? Going into autumn with an understanding of these adjustments will set you up for gardening success! Â
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Stunning Container Gardens
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares some stunning container garden ideas. Ken's passion for plants stems from their ability to enhance an environment and engage all five senses. A well-designed garden, much like good graphic design, can transport individuals and foster an appreciation for the subtle details of life. Check out the upcoming garden class at Watters Garden Center focusing on container gardens for your space.
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Top 10 Plants of Autumn and Why
In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, covers the top 10 plants of Autumn and why. Autumn is an underappreciated optimal season for planting, offering several advantages for gardeners. The cooler temperatures and warm soil reduce transplant shock, allowing new plants to establish roots more easily and grow more vigorously in the spring. Listen in the find out those top plants of autumn and why this is a great season for planting.
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The Most Beautiful Autumn Perennials in the Gardens
In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center offer insight into the most beautiful autumn perennials in the gardens. Learn about bright plants like the Pink Pearl Agastache, Sweet Sandia Coneflower, and other late-season bloomers that attract pollinators. Also, learn about fall vegetables to get in the ground now to take advantage of our third growing season, allowing for fresh produce through the holidays.
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