Mountain Gardener with Ken Lain
Self-Improvement
About
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.
Episodes
- Growing Better Herbs & Vegetables in Containers
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss how to grow herbs and vegetables in containers, covering essential techniques like drainage, container size, soil preparation, watering, and companion planting.
- Planting the Perfect Rose Garden
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss the essentials of planting a successful rose garden, covering necessary sunlight and expected outcomes. The episode also briefly addresses the timing for fruit trees and when to anticipate fruit from a dwarf peach…
- Update Your Containers with Spring Flowers
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss updating containers with spring flowers, including clearing out old plants and mixing varieties for a fuller appearance. The episode also touches on garden products, fertilizers, perennial…
- How to Grow Tree Roses in Containers
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss growing tree roses in containers, spring planting tips, and considerations for container gardening, including reusing soil for tomatoes and peppers.
- Best Lavenders for Fragrance and Beauty
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss the best lavender varieties for fragrance and beauty, offering ideas for adding color, texture, and scent to your spring garden.
- Best Gardenia for Mountain Gardens
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss the best gardenia variety for mountain gardens, explore new everblooming plants, and offer advice on transplanting trees and maintaining sensitive plants like gardenias.
- 5 Reasons to Update Your Landscape
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss 5 reasons to update your landscape, offering advice on when to make changes and how to approach them without feeling overwhelmed on the Mountain Gardener podcast.
- Why Evergreen Oaks Turn Yellow in Spring
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss why evergreen oaks turn yellow in spring, covering the causes of stress and appropriate responses. The episode also addresses proper spring irrigation techniques and the needs of established trees and shrubs.
- What to Plant Now for a Stunning Spring Garden
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss plants to sow now for a vibrant spring garden, including early-season bloomers, edibles, and landscape favorites. The episode offers timely advice for starting a beautiful garden.
- How to Use Ladybugs and Praying Mantis in the Gardens
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss using ladybugs and praying mantis for natural garden pest control. The episode also covers navigating cold spells, avoiding early-season mistakes, and managing apple tree pests.
- Perennial Flowers that Bloom Early in Spring
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss perennial flowers that bloom early in spring. They cover how choosing the right perennials can transform a garden with lasting interest.
- How to Help Plants Recover from Frost Damage
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss how to help plants recover from frost damage. This episode provides guidance on plant recovery and ongoing maintenance following cold weather events.
- How to Grow California Poppies and Their Companion Plants
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss growing California poppies and companion plants. They cover selecting colorful options for spring gardens and choosing varieties that offer extended seasonal performance.
- Atlas & Deodor Cedar
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center differentiate between Atlas and Deodor Cedar trees. They also discuss the effects of unpredictable spring weather and temperature swings on garden planting decisions.
- Spring Garden Favorites
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watter's Garden Center discuss standout spring garden plants. They provide insights to help listeners choose the best plants for their garden this season.
- What to Plant Right Now in Prescott
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, explains what plants to sow in Prescott right now, focusing on the crucial timing for planting trees and other flora for optimal long-term growth.
- Perennial Spring Flowers that Thrive for Years
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss perennial spring flowers that are ideal for Northern Arizona gardens. The episode highlights colorful plants that perform well as the season warms.
- Top Hedge Plants for Privacy
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss top hedge plants for privacy, weed and grass preventer application, and fruit tree care, including the use of horticultural oil on blooming peach trees. Evergreen hedge options for year-round beauty are also cover…
- Unique Flowers for the Season Ahead
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss unique flowers for the season ahead, highlighting options with bold color, soft fragrance, and distinctive blooms to bring personality to garden spaces.
- Aphids in the Garden
Mountain Gardener hosts Ken and Lisa Lain discuss the common problem of aphids in the garden, including when they appear and what signs to watch for. The episode also touches on planting advice and suitable shrubs for hedges.
- Gardening Through Changing Weather
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss how to garden through changing weather conditions, including what plants tolerate cooler temperatures and how to make informed planting decisions.
- Freshen Up Your Yard and Add Spring Color
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss freshening up your yard for spring, including yard tasks, container combinations, early-season plants, and planting techniques. They share advice on steps to take as the gardening season begins.
- New Rose Arrivals for Spring
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss new rose varieties arriving for spring. They cover new seasonal colors and popular selections that are generating interest for landscape additions.
- Peony Care & Spring Gardening
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses peony care and spring gardening, covering variety distinctions, planting schedules, and maintenance strategies for long-term plant health.
- Lenten Roses and Early Spring Favorites
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss Lenten roses and other early spring favorites, noting their subtle color shifts, textures, and why certain plants are drawing attention.
- Cold-Season Gardening Tips
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss cold-season gardening tips, including planting new fruit trees, pruning techniques, and deciding what to cut back or leave as the weather changes.
- Unique Garden Gifts Now Available Nationwide
Ken Lain of Mountain Gardener discusses unique garden gifts, including handmade jewelry and seasonal succulents, now available online nationwide. The store combines small-town charm with convenience, supporting local artisans.
- Early Spring Warning for Gardeners
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, issues an early spring warning, noting that a warm winter has caused plants and pests to emerge prematurely. The episode covers strategies to protect trees and shrubs, strengthen plants, and prepare gardens…
- Valentine’s Gifts Any Gardener Will Love
Ken and Lisa Lain share Valentine's Day gift ideas for gardeners, including horticultural gifts that offer lasting value. Learn how to choose high-quality plants and gifts that continue to provide enjoyment after the holiday.
- How to Successfully Plant Trees and Shrubs
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, explains how to successfully plant trees and shrubs, focusing on techniques suited for mountain soil. The episode covers hole dimensions, soil amendments, and methods to promote healthy root development, in…
- Fruit Tree Pollination Tips for a Bountiful Harvest
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss fruit tree pollination, including strategies for boosting yields with multi-variety plantings. The episode also covers planting cool-season vegetables and identifying plants suitable for local winters.
- Prune, Protect, and Plant for a Healthy Garden
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, provides practical strategies for pruning, protecting, and planting to ensure a healthy Northern Arizona garden. He discusses common mistakes, pest control, and steps to improve spring growth and fruit prod…
- Valentine Ideas for Gardeners
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, offers Valentine's Day gift ideas for gardeners. The episode covers strategies for protecting delicate roots during harsh winters and techniques for maintaining garden health through temperature fluctuation…
- Why January is the Month to Plant Wildflowers
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, explains why January is the ideal month to plant wildflowers. He discusses the optimal timing for native wildflower success and methods to create a vibrant, self-sustaining garden.
- Houseplants for a Better Night’s Rest
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss houseplants that can improve air quality and support well-being for a better night's rest. They also cover strategies for selecting easy-care plants suitable for any home or workspace.
- Make Your Ornamental Grasses Thrive This Season
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, explains how to make ornamental grasses thrive by focusing on proper timing and preparation. The episode covers challenges impacting grass health and provides effective solutions.
- When Can Spring Planting Begin?
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center address the timing of spring planting and discuss essential winter tasks that impact the growing season. The episode offers advice on maintaining plant health and planning for future success witho…
- How to Prepare Your Garden in January for Spring Planting
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses how to prepare your garden in January for spring planting. He explains the importance of timing and how early preparation techniques can lead to larger, more sustainable harvests.
- Airplant Drop
In this episode of Mountain Gardener, Ken Lain discusses 'airplant drop,' featuring a unique online collection of exotic airplants. The show also explores innovative ways to share gardening tips and humor via social media.
- Steps for a Better DIY Landscape
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses essential steps for a successful DIY landscape, focusing on plant ratios and layering techniques suitable for high elevation environments. Thoughtful design is key to creating a year-round outdoor…
- Fun Fruit Trees for a Better Spring Harvest
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss unique fruit trees for a better spring harvest. They highlight multi-variety trees on a single trunk and explain why these trees differ from standard options.
- January Landscapes With Winter Gem Boxwood
In this episode of Mountain Gardener, Ken Lain explores how Winter Gem Boxwood can create vibrant January landscapes. Learn how to use evergreens to maintain garden structure and beauty during the coldest months.
- Dealing With Plants That Block a View
In this episode of Mountain Gardener, Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss how to manage plants that obstruct views. They emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning during the quieter season for long-term garden health a…
- What Happens When Plants Are Dormant
Ken Lain discusses what occurs when plants enter dormancy. The episode covers how various plants react to cold temperatures and seasonal changes, and how climate cycles affect plant health.
- How to Prune Russian Sage
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, details how to prune Russian Sage. The episode covers how pruning and thinning affect plant growth, color, and health, while also offering strategies for pest and disease management to encourage blooming.
- 17 Showstopping Shrubs for Your Landscape
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, presents 17 showstopping shrubs suitable for Northern Arizona landscapes. The episode covers resilient, low-maintenance varieties that tolerate wind, sun, and soil challenges, while also supporting pollinat…
- Gardening in Harmony with Deer and Javelina
Ken and Lisa Lain of Watters Garden Center discuss strategies for gardening in harmony with deer and javelina, focusing on planning, prevention, and clever tactics to protect gardens and business.
- Companion Planting with Arizona Cypress this January
Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, discusses companion planting with Arizona Cypress in January. The episode covers the benefits of Arizona cypress for fast-growing winter privacy screens and how to use hardy evergreens for year-round garden…
- Nature's Trick of How Snow Helps Wildflower Seeds
Ken and Lisa Lain discuss how snow benefits wildflower seeds and provide gardening tips for soil preparation and seasonal maintenance to ensure a successful growing season.
- Are Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?
Ken Lain addresses whether coffee grounds are beneficial for plants, detailing their effects on soil and plant health, and advising on proper usage to avoid harm. He also provides advice for preparing your garden for a healthier spring.