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10 Weekly Tips to Greener Plants. His tips, tricks, and garden hacks are easy to follow in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Tune in and get the most out of your garden. Ken’s weekly garden column is featured nationally. His national podcast and YouTube channel attract millions of gardeners. He also owns Watters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona, and a digital garden center at Top10Plants.com. Listen to this week’s episode of Top 10 Gardeners and watch your plants thrive.
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Marker Stone

Paul J. Joseph

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There’s trouble on CMC-6 and it’s been brewing for a long time. The golden age of space travel and asteroid mining has ended almost before it began and the bean counters have taken over. Sally Buds’ patients are all suffering from low-gravity syndrome because the Canadian Mining Consortium won’t spring for gravity generators and the miners won’t exercise. On top of this the station might be facing hard times. An expensive mining robot disappeared while surveying a region of space known and K ...
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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Don't wait for spring to enjoy a vibrant flowering tree! Summer's the perfect time to plant these beauties, ensuring they're well-rooted and ready to burst into bloom next season. Think of it as giving your garden an early holiday gift! Consider the Ornamental Pear, with its stunning white spring bloss…
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Monsoon Rains? Turn Erosion into a Flower Show! Ken Lain here. Those monsoons can unleash a torrent, leaving your landscape vulnerable to erosion. But fear not, fellow gardeners! Nature has a beautiful solution: fast-spreading flowers. These vibrant heroes not only hold soil in place with their tenacious roots but also transform erosion-prone areas…
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We love the monsoon rains, but those weeds sure love them too! Ken and Lisa Lain here. Don't let those pesky invaders take over your garden. Get ahead of the game with Watters "Decimate" weed killer and "Herbicidal Enhancer." This dynamic duo sticks to weeds like glue, even in the rain, for a quick and lasting knockout. For long-term weed preventio…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Don't let those yellowing leaves fool you! It's not fall yet, folks. If your plants are sporting an early autumn look, they're stressed out. Overwatering is the usual monsoon culprit. Remember, plants need to breathe at their roots too! Cut back on the watering, especially if you're getting those afternoon showe…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Beat the heat and keep your garden thriving with our expert tips on protecting plants from extreme weather. Included in this week’s episode: Sustainable Landscapes - Native Trees That Thrive on Their Own Shady Shrubs for Shady Garden Successfully Planting BIG Trees for Fast Growth Slim Sentinels - The Elegance…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here; Summer brings a bounty of blooms but also a surge of pesky bugs. Don't worry, I've got your back! Right now, those bugs are bigger and tougher, sporting armor-like exoskeletons. But we're tougher! For those voracious caterpillars munching on your precious plants, hand-pick them or use a natural spray like Bacill…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Christina Salwitz, the personal garden coach from Seattle, now coaching our Watters Garden Center team in Prescott, Arizona. Christina’s expertise in merchandising, colors, flowers, and container gardening transforms our store and inspires our gardening community. From childhood, Christina had a keen eye for des…
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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! Ready to share some tree-spiration for those tight spaces in your yard. We all have those awkward spots where a wide-spreading tree just won't fit. That's where slender trees come in! These vertical beauties add height, texture, and interest without taking up too much space. Here are a few of my favori…
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Hey there, green thumbs! Ken Lain here, ready to share some tree-planting wisdom for a lush and thriving landscape. Planting big trees now is a smart move – they establish faster and can transform your yard in no time! But remember, success lies in the details. Here are my tried-and-true tips: Bigger is Better: Opt for larger trees with established…
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Are you tired of struggling with dim corners and gloomy spots? Ken and Lisa Lain are here, ready to brighten your shady yard with gorgeous shrubs. Shade doesn't have to be dull! Embrace the cool tranquility with shrubs like the evergreen Daphne, boasting fragrant blooms, and Hydrangeas, offering stunning flowers in various shades. Explore the elega…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer's in full swing, and Arizona's native plants are stealing the show! The Desert Willow, a stunning tree found throughout the state, is blooming right now. It's a hardy beauty that thrives with little care once established. We've even developed new varieties that bloom longer than ever! For a non-flowering …
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Beat the heat and keep your garden thriving with our expert tips on protecting plants from extreme weather. Learn how to grow better berries in your landscape, ensuring a bountiful harvest with our easy-to-follow advice. Get a sneak peek into the future of gardening with exciting plants and innovative products…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, I've got to tell you, there's nothing quite like the pride of watching your plants flourish, just like a proud parent. If you're eager to grow your green thumb this summer, join us for our FREE garden classes every Saturday at 9:30 AM. Saturday, August 5th: Beat the heat with our guide to the best shade trees fo…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! your go-to resource for all things gardening in our beautiful Arizona climate. If you're new to the area or just looking for reliable plants that thrive with minimal effort, you've come to the right place. Our region offers a unique opportunity to grow both hardy, cold-tolerant plants and those that love a littl…
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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here! Just got in some new, impossible-to-kill varieties that are sure to thrive in our Arizona heat. Check out the compact and colorful Neptune Catmint, the dwarf and ever-blooming Gold Star Black-Eyed Susan, or the heat-loving and well-behaved Mango and Orange Popsicle Red Hot Pokers. Want something to…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! The Future of Gardening is HERE! I just returned from the Cultivate trade show, and wow, the future of gardening is brighter (and maybe even glow-in-the-dark!) than ever. Imagine petunias that light up the night like fireflies, thanks to a little genetic magic. Picture drones the size of your car, tending fields…
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Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain are here! We're ready to help you grow the tastiest berries in your backyard. Imagine juicy raspberries, plump blueberries, and sweet strawberries bursting with flavor... Now, let's make it a reality! First, choose the right berry varieties for our mountain climate. We love thornless options like Apache…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! The Arizona summer sun can be intense, but don't let it stress out your plants. First things first, water early in the morning before the heat sets in. Your plants will thank you for a refreshing drink before the day gets too hot. Next, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and p…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Transform your yard with our Top 10 Shrubs for summer, providing vibrant hues and elegance all season long. Beat the heat with the best shade trees for Verde Valley, like majestic Oaks and fast-growing Maples. Tackle erosion with top groundcovers such as Vinca and Creeping Thyme, while creating a stunning, wat…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, Birds, birds, birds, birds, I love and garden for the birds. I've noticed one plant they really enjoy, especially the smaller finches and sparrows. They really, really like my sunflowers. Interestingly, they're not after the flowers, but the foliage! I don't know if it's the roughage or what, but they love my Su…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ever feel like your backyard's a bit too open? Like you're waving to the neighbors while grilling burgers? Well, let's create your own secret garden! Big & Fast Evergreens: These guys are your tall, thick privacy champs. Think upright evergreens like Deodar Cedar or Arizona Cypress. They shoot up fast, reaching …
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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here! With minimal water usage, you can transform your garden into a stunning xeriscape landscape. Embrace the beauty of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the summer heat. Lantana, with its vibrant colors, loves the sun and provides a splash of summer joy. Crape Myrtles, blooming brilliantly, are he…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! It's time to turn to nature's best groundcovers for soil stability. Cotoneaster, with its sprawling varieties like Coral Beauty and Cranberry, is perfect for covering large areas quickly. Its robust root system holds the soil, while its white spring flowers and red berries add beauty. Pair it with Creeping Rosem…
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Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, Looking for a fast-growing shade tree? Go for a hybrid elm like Frontier, Alley, or Princeton. These beauties thrive at all elevations, resist bugs and diseases, and grow quickly. Want more options? Locusts (honey, golden, purple robe) handle heat and wind like champs. Ash trees (Raywood, Arizona,…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer is the perfect time to revamp your garden with vibrant, hardy shrubs that thrive in the heat. If you are looking to create a stunning yard, here are my top 10 shrub picks for a spectacular summer display. Start with Merlot Euphorbia, a perennial with deep purple foliage that pairs beautifully with its gol…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners. Summer's arrived and so have your gardening questions! This episode of Top 10 Gardener tackles keeping your plants vibrant, with tips for treating yellow leaves and caring for summer wildflowers. Plus, we'll explore fast-growing privacy plants and shade trees to keep your backyard cool. Want a growth spurt? Le…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here, with some friendly advice to keep your garden flourishing. Ever notice your plants acting a little...off? They might be trying to tell you something! Just like me with my overwatered lilies, some plants wilt when they get too much love. Bulbs and tubers store water, so constant moisture can actually harm them. D…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Planting fast-growing trees and shrubs is an art, especially here in Arizona. You can’t just chuck a plant in the ground and hope for the best. Here, precision is key. Roots grow sideways, not downwards, so dig a hole the same depth as your bucket but three times as wide. Remove rocks and debris bigger than a go…
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Ken and Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, are here to help you transform your backyard into a shady sanctuary. Has the summer sun got you burning up? Fear not! Planting a strategic shade tree is a fantastic way to cool things down. Here are some fast-growing champions to consider: Austrian Pine: This speedy evergreen offers year-round shade and hand…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Ready to chat about creating a private paradise – and fast! Summer is prime time for plant growth, especially for privacy screens. Here are some superstar shrubs that'll shoot up in no time: Arizona Cypress: This native beauty boasts silvery-blue foliage and reaches a majestic 25 feet tall. It thrives in our cli…
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Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, chatting about those summer stunners – wildflowers! Want a vibrant meadow bursting with color, but worried about constant care? Here's the secret: wildflowers are practically self-sufficient! Through the summer, you'll get a dazzling display, but to encourage even more blooms next year, let's talk…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Your go-to guide for all things gardening. If you're seeing yellow leaves this summer, don't panic. It's common, especially during these hot months, and usually means your plants are thirsty or need a little boost of nutrients. The technical term is Chlorosis, which means a yellowing of normally green leaves due…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, In this episode, we'll cover a variety of topics to help you make the most of your summer garden. Learn how to coax tomato and pepper plants to set more fruit even in the summer heat. Discover the secrets to growing a stunning backyard crape myrtle and get tips on coaching your flowers to bloom again and again…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! I have to tell you, one of the joys of being a small business owner is seeing our family business thrive through generations. Watters Garden Center has been a Prescott staple for 62 years, and Lisa and I have proudly owned it for the last 22 years. It's rare to see a business stay within the same family for so l…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer's in full swing up here, and while the storms can be dramatic, it's also when your garden truly comes alive. Now's the time to embrace the best of summer blooms! Think vibrant crape myrtles, colorful rose of Sharon, and those hardy hibiscus you might not expect to thrive in our high desert. Plus, our pere…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! We're diving into the best summer-blooming shrubs for your backyard. Let’s start with Moscheutos Hibiscus, a robust cousin of the Rose of Sharon. Unlike its relative, Moscheutos resets underground each year, growing to hip height and width. It’s a tremendous grower, setting spectacular flowers from now t…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Let's dive into the art of coaching your flowers to bloom again and again. Imagine a garden where flowers like yarrow, meadow sage, and Jupiter's beard are in constant bloom. It's possible with a few simple steps! As your blooms start to fade, grab your shears and deadhead those spent flowers. This encourages th…
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Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, Growing a backyard Crepe Myrtle is a rewarding journey that transforms your garden with vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Start by choosing the right variety for your climate. Look for hardy options like 'Dynamite' or 'Tonto,' which thrive in both heat and cold. Plant your Crepe Myrtle in a sunny s…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! If your tomatoes and peppers are slacking in this summer heat, you're not alone. These plants, just like us, slow down when temps hit 95°. But don't worry, the monsoon rains are nature's remedy! Clouds offer shade, humidity rises, and BAM – your plants are back in business. Give 'em a boost with Watters Flower P…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Feeding your plants organically is key to taking full advantage of the growing season. Fertilize now to boost growth during the monsoons, ensuring vibrant blooms and strong, healthy plants. Organic fertilizers, rich in natural nutrients like cottonseed meal and bird guano, not only nourish your plants but also e…
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! June is upon us, and you know what that means? Time for the summer perennial superstars to take center stage! These beauties aren't just colorful companions in your garden beds, they're powerhouses of blooms that'll keep your yard dazzling all season long. Forget the tiny green blobs you see in spring – …
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Let's talk about vinegar as a weed killer. Vinegar can be a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds, but there's a catch: vinegar alone might not be strong enough to tackle the whole job. Vinegar can be effective in killing small weeds and young weeds, but it mostly targets the leaves and won't kill the roots.…
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Hey Summer babes! ☀️ The weather's heating up, and it's time to make sure your closet is ready for some fun in the sun. In this episode, Tinsley breaks down the **5 trending summer essentials you NEED** to add to your wardrobe! We're talking comfy-cute pieces that'll have you looking effortlessly stylish all season long. Listen in for outfit inspo …
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Hey there, Watters friends! Ken and Lisa Lain here, and I know some of you might be seeing yellow leaves on your summer trees. Let me tell you, it's not always a sign of fall coming early. Those pale leaves could be a cry for help from a hungry tree! Sometimes, our summer beauties struggle with iron deficiency, especially if the soil's pH is a litt…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! The monsoon season is in full swing here in Northern Arizona, and the difference in plant growth is astonishing. It's not just the rain, but the humidity, shade, and charged atmosphere that make plants go wild. Summer rain is like a second growing season. It's easier to start plants now than in spring. The warm,…
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Included in this week’s episode: How to Force Tomatoes to Set More Fruit How to Keep Flowers Blooming Through Summer The Easiest Roses Anyone Can Grow Summer Flowers that Bloom in Hot Sun Top 10 Trees for Summer Shade The Most Important Feeding of Summer is Before Independence Day Ken and Lisa are eager to hear from you! They'll be answering listen…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! As we approach Independence Day, it’s time for the most crucial feeding of the summer. Your trees, shrubs, and flowers need a nutrient boost to stay healthy and vibrant. Apply an all-purpose plant food to keep them strong, especially if they’re showing signs of stress like leaf damage. Additionally, humic acid, …
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Summer shade can transform your yard into a cool oasis. Here are the top 10 trees to consider planting for ample shade. The Maple tree tops our list with its fast growth and vibrant fall color. Sycamores grow quickly and are affordable, making them popular in subdivisions, but they can be messy. A better choice …
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Ken & Lisa Lain, the Top 10 Gardeners, here! If you want your garden to burst with color despite the scorching summer sun. We've got just the tips for you. Choose plants that love the heat, like Lantanas. These beauties thrive in containers, offering vibrant pinks and yellows that brighten any space. Plus, they come in both annual and perennial var…
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Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here! Let’s talk about the easiest roses anyone can grow. Choose ever-blooming varieties for constant blooms. Unlike old-school roses that bloom once and disappear, these modern beauties offer wave after wave of flowers throughout the season. In our garden, we love the Easy Elegance series and Grace ‘n Grits. These va…
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