Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about plants that grow with less effort. Low-maintenance plants are great solutions for areas with challenging conditions, particularly the Arizona Mountains. Various sumac varieties offer hardiness and visual interest while silverberry and Cotoneaster bring effective, easy-care privacy screens. Learn all about the best plants for a low-effor...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share the best sedums of summer. There are various perennials and succulents that are ideal for summer gardens, especially in the hot, sunny climates of Northern Arizona. Check out some great plants like Salvia Gregii (Autumn Sage), Rudbeckia (Amarillo Gold), and Echinacea (Coneflowers). The learn about some great sedum and succulents that wor...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the secret to forcing plants to bloom again. As the season progresses, your plant's blooms with start to fade. What can you do now to help your plants bloom again this season? What can you do in the fall to help set your plants up for successful future growth and beautiful blooms? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Ca...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott give an arborist guide to healing really big trees. Aphid infestations can be especially problematic for large trees. So, what can you do to help heal those large trees? Are organic sprays useful? How about systemic soil drenches? Listen in for tips on how to heal those large trees. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://ca...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares why plants need summer food to thrive. During Northern Arizona's harsh summer conditions, characterized by dryness, wind, and heat, plants often exhibit stress like burnt tips or stunted growth. To combat this, Ken emphasizes the critical importance of fertilizing plants in the summer to encourage a new flush of growth and revitalize st...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares what might cause your flowers to stop blooming. Learn about common garden pests that can affect your blooms and the best solutions to stop each kind. Listen in to learn how to recognize if you have caterpillars, budworms, grape leaf skeletonizers, hornworms, and more, and the best way to combat them all! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares lush lavender secrets to keep them blooming all season long. Check out the beautiful lavender varieties available at Watters Garden Center and rely on the expertise of the staff to learn how to grow lush lavender. As part of your lavender pre-order, be sure to snag a lavender success kit, complete with planting instructions and product recom...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center share rabbit-proof plants that are perfect for every garden. Lisa has a long history with Watters Garden Center, and she has some great practical advice for gardeners dealing with hungry wildlife. Learn all about the best plants like Gaillardia and Agastache that are animal-resistant to create a vibrant garden that the animals won't eat....

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses organic plant foods for healthier plants in the garden. Learn the importance of fertilizing plants in Arizona gardens just before the anticipated monsoon rains to maximize growth and health. Timing helps the initial rainfall effectively deliver nutrients directly to root structures, promoting your plant's "second growing season....

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center ask if single-trunk or multi-trunk aspen is better. Planting aspen in the area is a great tree choice, but what type of aspen is best? Also, learn what you should know about growing aspen and successful planting. Do you need to consider watering, and what type of fertilizer? What else should you know? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses lavender as an ideal plant for Northern Arizona landscapes. He introduces five main types of lavender - English, Spanish, French, Sweet, and Fern Leaf - describing their unique characteristics, such as size, hardiness, appearance, and best uses.  Listen in to learn all the great features these five fantastic lavender have to offer for you...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, highlights the expertise available at Watters Garden Center. He particularly emphasizes a free garden class taught on fruit trees by horticultural expert Chris Arthur. Learn key takeaways on general fruit care, the importance of staking trees, and more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-garden...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, gives practical advice on selecting and growing fast-growing vines. He emphasizes popular choices like Hall's honeysuckle and trumpet vine for hardiness, rapid growth, and other great features. Listen in to learn more about these plants and other fast-growing vines to include in your garden. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast1...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss summer flowers that bloom in the hot sun. The central highlands of Arizona are characterized by the unique high desert climate, and certain plants just love to grow in this environment. Succesful gardening in this region hinges on understanding local conditions like soil variations, sun exposure, and microclimates. Hear about great hea...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses what to do if your trees didn't leaf out. This winter's unusually warm and dry conditions have led to a significant number of trees failing to leaf out. What should you do if you find you have some trees that aren't doing well? Should you try to save them? Is it time to remove and replace? Listen in to find out. Listen to M...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott cover what you should know about watering in the summer. They also focus on proper watering techniques for plants during the summer months, how to avoid overwatering, and other important factors to keep those plants happy and well-irrigated. Learn the best approach for shallow-rooted plants like annual flowers and vegetables. Learn...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses summer landscapes and healthy plants. Hear about the transitions into summer, highlighting the season's official arrival at the garden center. Learn which plants are suitable for Northern Airzona's climate and which are well-adapted to strong winds. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener,  brings a garden alert highlighting the various insects that are causing significant damage to gardens. Do your garden plants have curled or missing leaves, deformities, or unbloomed flowers? Specific culprits may include aphids, caterpillars, blister beetles, and more. Learn in this episode how to combat those pests and what to do to heal your gar...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the top 10 trees for fast shade in the backyard. Midsummer is an ideal time to plant shade trees because the sun's position allows for optimal placement, and trees exhibit rapid growth this time of year. Learn which trees are fast-growing and will provide great shade for your home as they grow larger. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the top 10 shrubs for summer sizzling fragrance. They highlight shrubs that are ideal for the summer heat, emphasizing their hardiness and visual appeal, focusing on plants like Potentilla, Rose of Sharon, and more. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast1...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about growing better beans & peas in the garden. Learn how to maximize your crop yields in small spaces through strategic planting and optimizing soil conditions. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the top 10 screening plants for windy locations. Check out the tall, robust plants, such as Red Tip Photinia and native Silverberry, that will help lessen the wind in your garden while also providing great privacy screening. Also, learn about diagnosing plant issues with Watters and get advice on watering new lawns. Listen to Mountain...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the top 10 vines that cover fast. Learn about fast-growing vines that thrive in the local climate, including honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and more.  Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podcast/ Follow Cast11 on Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZ Follow Cast11 on Instagram: ht...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares the benefits of garden clubs and highlights two specific clubs: Alta Vista Garden Club and Watters Garden Club. He highlights the Alta Vista Garden Club's biennial garden tour on June 21st which will feature five diverse gardens to showcase different gardening personalities. Then he focuses on the Watters Garden Club which offers resour...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares why June is perennial month for the garden. These long-lasting plants just explode into bloom in June and will bring years of enjoyment. What are some great perennials you should plant in your garden to enjoy for years to come? Listen in to find out! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-ga...