Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain

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 que...

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 thos...

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. Lis...

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...

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! Listen to Mountain Gardene...

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 g...

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 ti...

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 s...

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

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: ht...

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. Listen to Mountain Gard...

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. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast1...

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...

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 adjustmen...

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 Ce...

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...

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 t...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, covers trending garden products that are better than the rest. Learn what trending products are worth purchasing. Learn about "Woollets" an organic fertilizer made from sheep's wool that improves soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention, offering an excellent solution for dense clay soils. What other trending products does Ke...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center discuss the top 10 groundcovers that hold hillsides. Learn about hardy groundcovers like junipers, honeysuckle, and Mahonia that love sunny hillsides. What other plants make the list, and what features do they bring? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podca...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, discusses why bees and butterflies receive all the attention as pollinators. There are so many pollinators beyond the commonly celebrated bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Listen in to learn about fascinating creatures like the beneficial leafcutter bee, as well as various types of flies that are significant pollinators. Also, learn about the cr...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, chats about the seasonal changes found at Watters Garden Center. Garden centers in four-season climates experience seasonal changes in their plant inventory which mean the products offered shift dramatically throughout the year. As we shift into fall, what types of plant can you expect to find at Watters? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain G...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener shares what to do when rain is not enough for the gardens. Experiencing warmer temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, gardeners in the north country must adapt their plant choices and irrigation methods to ensure successful landscapes. What can you do to ensure the success of your garden? Listen in to find out. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast1...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott discuss ornamental grass and the showy landscape. Lisa advocates for the underrated beauty and utility of ornamental grasses in landscaping, particularly for late summer and fall interest. They highlight several key advantages, including drought-hardiness, low-maintenance needs, and ability to add texture and movement to the garden...

In this episode, Ken Lain, The Mountain Gardener, shares how to turn yellow plants green for better fall color. Autumn is an optimal time for vibrant garden displays. Cooler temps and reduced pest pressure often lead to longer-lasting, more abundant blooms. What are some steps you should be taking to ensure your plants remain happy and healthy as we enter into fall? Listen in to find out. Listen t...

In this episode, Ken and Lisa of Watters Garden Center in Prescott share how to force pampas to show more blooms. Fertilization is one important step, but what else should you do? Also, learn how to address yellowing maple leaves also known as chlorosis, indicating a pH imbalance in your tree. Listen to Mountain Gardener on Cast11: https://cast11.com/mountain-gardener-with-ken-lain-gardening-podca...