Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain

In this episode, Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener shares the newest poinsettia colors you will find this year. From unexpected colors to unique patterns, these festive plants offer a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Tune in to discover which varieties are capturing attention and why gardeners everywhere are eager to get their hands on them. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.co...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center in Prescott explain how close to plant trees for a fast privacy screen. Lisa shares updates on fall garden conditions and offers crucial winter prep advice. Learn how to fertilize and water roses properly, and discover the best way to space privacy screen trees like the Blue Ice Arizona Cypress for a fast, lush privacy wall. And when it c...

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 ensu...

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...

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....

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. Listen to Mountai...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https:/...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/...

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. Listen...

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!  Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cas...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/...

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.  Listen to Mountain Gardener on...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mount...

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! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-la...

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 f...

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 bird...

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...

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. Listen to Mountain Garde...

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! Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-g...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/moun...

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.  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 I...

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 av...

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....

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 b...