Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener here. Growing grapes and berries can be a rewarding adventure for any gardener, and I'm here to help you every step of the way.

If your grapes are coming out late or your berries didn't thrive last year, there's a reason behind it. Join us as we explore the best practices for fertilizing, pruning, and planting. We'll cover the top varieties, from blueberries to raspberries, boysenberries to elderberries...

Join us as we chat with Master Gardener Lesley Alward about the upcoming Master Gardener Tour in Prescott on June 15th. The Master Gardeners are a dedicated branch of the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension.

This year’s tour showcases four stunning gardens, each featuring an array of native plants. Tickets are available at the Cooperative Extension office at the Rodeo grounds and other convenient locations.

For more detai...

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here to help your garden survive the scorching sun.

Looking to brighten up your garden with flowers that thrive in the scorching sun? Discover the Sparkler series Butterfly Bush! These unique bushes grow to a manageable three to four feet tall, making them easy to care for. Unlike the typical long, spiky blooms, the Sparkler series boasts round, pompom-like buds, adding a whimsical touch to ...

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener, here to help you transform your garden into a living masterpiece with the magic of topiary

Tired of the same old shrubs and hedges? It's time to elevate your landscape with the captivating art of topiary!

Here at Watters Garden Center, we're passionate about helping you discover the magic hidden within every plant. And there's no better way to showcase that magic than by sculpting living masterpieces w...

Ken and Lisa Watters Lain the Top 10 Gardeners are here with unique Father's Day suggestions!

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? Consider giving a fast-growing shade tree! The Princeton Elm is an excellent choice. It maintains all the charm of native Elms without the common problems. This tree thrives in our area, providing instant shade and growing rapidly to create a cool, relaxing spot in your yard.

Another fantastic opt...

Ken Lain the Top 10 Gardener Here! Looking to attract more butterflies into your garden? Let me share the top 10 plants that will bring these beautiful creatures fluttering in no time!

Monarchs and other butterflies are drawn to plants like the mimosa or silk tassel tree. This tree blooms all summer, covering its tops with flowers that butterflies can’t resist. Another excellent choice is the desert willow, a local native with doze...

Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Why Every True Gardener Needs 2 Water Cans and Moisture Meter
• Can You Really Water Fruit Trees Just Once a Week for a Bountiful Harvest

• How Much Water Does a New Container Garden Need to be Healthy
• Top 10 Cactus & Desert Agave for Mountain Gardens
• Bright Blooming Shrubs in the Summer Garden this Year
• Summer Pruning –...

Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardner, is here to help you clean up those Summer Perennials in your landscape.

Never be afraid to summer prune or clean up those perennials. Pruning in the summer is not only okay, but it can also benefit your plants. Removing spent blooms and trimming excess growth encourages healthier and more vigorous blooms.

For example, I recently pruned the green growth on a Red Hot Poker, and it doubled in size within ...

Transform your garden into a vibrant summer haven with bright blooming shrubs that add an explosion of color and delightful fragrance. Imagine strolling through a landscape alive with the hues of Catmint, Butterfly Bush, Honeysuckle, Crape Myrtle, and more, each contributing its unique charm to your outdoor space.

Other noteworthy summer-blooming shrubs include Hydrangeas, with their large, lush flower heads in blue, pink, or white...

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here with the solution to all your prickly landscape needs.

Cactus and desert agave bring a touch of the wild to your mountain garden, thriving with minimal water and maximum resilience. These hardy plants are perfect for those looking to add unique, low-maintenance beauty to their outdoor spaces. The Century Plant, or Agave, is a standout, with its dramatic bloom that can reach feet in ...

It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with the scoop on Container Watering

Think of your soil as a sponge to keep your new container garden thriving. A freshly planted container needs plenty of water to get started - imagine filling a five-gallon bucket with water to hydrate the soil thoroughly. This initial soaking is crucial as it ensures your soil holds enough moisture around the plant roots, promoting healthy growth. Witho...

Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here to guide you. Follow these tips, and your fruit trees will thrive!

Watering your fruit trees just once a week can indeed yield a bountiful harvest, but timing and soil type are crucial. For those of you dealing with heavy clay soils, be aware that these soils retain moisture longer than sandy or loamy soils. While the surface might appear dry, just a few inches down, the soil can st...

It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener Here with Garden Tool Tips!

Every gardener knows the joy of nurturing plants to full bloom, and the right tools make all the difference. For peak efficiency, invest in two 2.5-gallon plastic watering cans. While one is filling, you can use the other to evenly distribute water or a fertilizer like our Watters  Flower Power across your garden. This simple practice doubles your productivity and ensur...

Welcome to 'The Top 10 Gardener Podcast' with Ken and Lisa Lain!

Included in this week’s episode:

• Evergreens for Privacy that Screens Prying Eyes
• Insider Tips for Growing Terrific Tomatoes
• Insider Tips to Growing Faster Trees
• Fragrant Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies

• An Interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Nursery

Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listener que...

Ken Lain here, your Top 10 Gardener, I am thrilled to bring you an insightful interview with Chris Shipley from Civano Growers. Chris is a master in cultivating vibrant, resilient plants that thrive in our unique climate.

In this conversation, Chris shares his expertise on selecting the best varieties for your garden, from colorful perennials like Penstemon and Salvia to hardy shrubs and trees such as Arizona Cypress. He delves int...

Ken and Lisa Lain here, your Top 10 Gardeners, with tips for creating a buzzing, vibrant garden.

Are you looking to fill your garden with fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies? Butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to specific plants, and with the right choices, your garden will be their favorite spot.

Consider planting Butterfly Bushes (Buddleia) – they come in a variety of colors and sizes. From the compact ...

Looking to boost the growth of your garden trees?

Ken Lain, The Top 10 Gardener here, your garden neighbor with tried-and-true tips for vibrant, fast-growing trees.

First, ensure your trees are healthy with regular care. If they seem slow to wake up, mix up a five-gallon bucket of Root and Grow, pouring it around the roots. This boosts activation and growth. Every time it rains, the moisture releases nutrients, so an application of...

Growing terrific tomatoes is easier than you think with a few simple tricks from your trusted garden experts, Ken and Lisa Lain. As your tomatoes start to flower, give them a bi-weekly spritz of Tomato & Pepper Set. This special spray helps plants focus on setting fruit rather than just growing leaves. It is a simple step, but it makes a big difference in the number of tomatoes you get.

Blossom end rot is a common problem for m...

Ken Lain, the Mountain Gardener, here to help you create a private, lush garden sanctuary with evergreens.

We recommend Arizona Cypress, Spartan Juniper, and a wide selection of evergreen pines at Watters Garden Center for natural privacy screens.

These evergreens provide a beautiful green barrier and thrive in our local climate. The first year focuses on rooting, so plant now to give them a strong start. By the second year, you'll...