Top 10 Gardener with Ken Lain

Howdy Bloom Buds. It’s Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners!

If you want a rose garden, that’s the envy of the neighborhood. We just received a shipment of 1,000 roses, all bloomed out and ready to go home with you.

Sunlight is the secret ingredient! Roses are true sun-worshippers, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to flourish. Anything less will result in fewer flowers and weaker growth. But how do you know if...

Hey there, Garden Gang. It’s Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener!

It's prime time to get those veggies growing, folks!

Don't let a little lingering frost scare you off. Most plants are tougher than you think. Herbs, strawberries, all the cabbage-y cousins – they thrive in this weather.

Get 'em in the ground now, and with those perfect May temps, they'll take off! This is also your green light for flowers, trees, anything your heart desir...

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

In this episode, we're exploring the wonders of gardening in Arizona's unique mountain regions. Whether you're just starting to cultivate your green thumb or you're a seasoned gardening veteran, we've got insights and tips that will enrich your gardening journey. Join us as we delve into the specifics of mountain gardening, from selecting the right plants to mastering...

Folks, ever get that feeling – the sun on your face, soil in your hands, and a whole world of green just waiting to bloom? That's the magic of gardening, and it's what keeps me coming back for more.

 Whether you're planting your first petunia or tending a rose bush that's been in the family for years, there's always something new to learn. That's why I love sharing tips and tricks – so you can lose yourself in your garden just like...

Douglas Forst, with 26 years of experience at Armstrong Growers, shares his passion for the industry.

For him, it’s not just a job; it’s a joyful daily interaction with living, breathing plants. The thrill of discovering new varieties each year keeps him engaged.

As the trucks roll in every Wednesday, laden with flowers, vegetables, and herbs, it's a perennial excitement that never fades. 

To watch future episodes of the Top ...

Folks, ever get that feeling – the sun on your face, soil in your hands, and a whole world of green just waiting to bloom? That's the magic of gardening, and it's what keeps me coming back for more.

 Whether you're planting your first petunia or tending a rose bush that's been in the family for years, there's always something new to learn. That's why I love sharing tips and tricks – so you can lose yourself in your garden just like...

Forget those skimpy containers with sad little plants spaced far apart! Pack your pots full of flowers, foliage to foliage, for a lush, full look that explodes with color. Forget spacing recommendations – you want it overflowing for an instant "wow" factor. Need to fill a gap? Squeeze in a six-pack of blooms for a burst of color. Your container will look like it's been growing there forever, bursting with life and vibrancy.

The sec...

Want to add some desert drama to your garden? Yuccas are the way to go!

These tough beauties come in all shapes and sizes. Try the upright "Softly Yucca" for a spiky accent or the giant "Artichoke Agave" for a bold statement piece.

Best part? Yuccas love our sunshine and hardly need any water once established. Get 'em started on a drip system, then let them thrive on their own. A touch of fertilizer brings out those gorgeous blooms...

Want gorgeous tree roses without the fuss? Growing them in containers is the way to go!

It's easier than you think and perfect for patios or spots where you want a big splash of color. Choose a roomy pot with drainage holes, and use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Keep your rose consistently watered – especially in the summer heat.

To protect your roses during winter chills, water deeply before any hard freezes – hydrated plants...

Want a garden buzzing with life? Native plants are the key! They're like magnets for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Get ready for a front-row seat to nature's show, and let me introduce you to some of the stars...

• Bear Grass: Add spiky texture with this evergreen superstar. Creamy white blooms in summer are a delightful surprise!
• California Poppy: A burst of sunshine! These vibrant orange flowers a...

John Murphy Talks with Ken Lain about  Rock the Garden

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

In this episode, we're exploring the wonders of gardening in Arizona's unique mountain regions. Whether you're just starting to cultivate your green thumb or you're a seasoned gardening veteran, we've got insights and tips that will enrich your gardening journey. Join us as we delve into the specifics of mountain ...

Hey there Garden Gang. It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, and I've got some inside tips for your spring garden center adventures! Want to be the first to snag the best plants and score amazing deals? It's all about timing.

Early birds get the prime picks! Nurseries burst with fresh stock on weekdays, usually before the weekend crowds arrive. Hit the garden center mid-week, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the season's newest...

John is passionate about feeding people.

His nonprofit, the "Make 100 Healthy Foundation", evolved into the Prescott Food Forest and the Gardeners of Destiny Training program.

They empower people to grow their own food for health and sustainability.

With over 500 members, they cultivate a fellowship of gardeners, sharing produce with local pantries.

John’s mission? To make our community healthier, one harvest at a time.

Learn More ...

Hey there, it's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, and today we're diving into the world of lavender! If you love that classic fragrance and those beautiful purple spikes, get ready for some surprises. There's a whole range of lavenders out there, and some are a far cry from the traditional look.

Let's talk about varieties like 'Princess' and 'Ghostly Princess'. Princess lavender boasts an amazing pink bloom with a hint of violet – a r...

Hey there Plant Posse, it's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener.

Let's talk about desert willows – those beauties that light up our roadsides with pink blooms. Now, the native variety is fantastic: drought-tolerant, loved by pollinators, and critters leave it alone. But there's that one thing... those pesky bean pods. They signal the plant to stop blooming and focus on seed production.

Well, plant breeders have been busy! New desert will...

Hey there, it's Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners with the scoop on the Best Gardenias for Mountain Gardens.

Want those sweet, heady blooms right in your backyard? Gardenias are a bit finicky up here, but with the right variety and spot, you'll be in fragrant paradise.

The secret? Think like a hummingbird. They love those big, white flowers, so we want to put gardenias where you'll enjoy them too – near a patio or deck where ...

Hey there Fellow Plant Pals, it's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener with your Top 10 Native Plants to Grow in AZ.

Ready to bring the desert beauty right to your backyard? Choosing native plants means they're already adapted to our climate, so they'll thrive with less fuss. Let's start with some real standouts – yuccas and agaves.

Now, you might crave those giant saguaros, but they're tricky up here. Instead, go for agaves like the Arti...

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

In this episode, we're exploring the wonders of gardening in Arizona's unique mountain regions. Whether you're just starting to cultivate your green thumb or you're a seasoned gardening veteran, we've got insights and tips that will enrich your gardening journey. Join us as we delve into the specifics of mountain gardening, from selecting the right plants to mastering...

Hey there, Petal People. It's Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, welcoming you to the rose season! As the petals unfurl and the colors burst forth, it's time to dive into the world of roses. Every color, every shape, every size, every fragrance - there's a rose for everyone. If you're considering adding these beauties to your garden, now's the perfect moment.

Spring is the prime time for planting roses. Before you, we have a splendid a...