Category: Plant Care

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener How often to water is the most asked question at Watters Garden Center. Especially when starting a new flower bed or shallow-rooted vegetables. For this garden column, the myths are dispelled, and the best…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Research shows plants have a definite calming effect on their gardener. Plants are so understanding. They refrain from arguing, asking difficult questions, or interrupting when speaking. It’s no wonder, so many gardeners talk to…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A thought as we charge through the New Year. Gardening helps us reconnect with the earth and ourselves. Personal growth is easier if we grow plants. We accomplish new growth when blessed with health,…

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Today’s ultra-efficient homes seal outside air from penetrating their interiors, thus recirculating inside air without added freshness. A three-month-old air filter cleans only so many particles before choking on its own dust. We won’t…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Young, immature plants rarely need pruning except to deadhead faded flowers or remove dead and broken branches. Once a lilac reaches a mature height, it appreciates rejuvenation pruning. Young bushes with branched under three…

Monsoon rains hit the Lain gardens on Monday Let the Monsoon Rains do the Work for You One simple food for the entire landscape. The safety you can feel good about around family, animals, and friends. Enjoy vivid flowers &…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Mountain landscapes offer diverse four seasons of tremendous plants. Because of the cool summers, you have far more choices the desert dwellers only dream of. It can be overwhelming with where to start. Start…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener My love for cacti has grown, no pun intended. Planting without getting spines in your fingers is challenging when working with cacti. You’ve likely had a few pricks to your fingers and had spines…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Children find particular joy in plunking a carrot top in a dish of water and watching leafy greens emerge from the top days later? Growing houseplants in water twist the same idea for grownups.…

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Your houseplants aren’t immune to life-threatening challenges in winter, even though they live in your temperature-controlled climate. Indoor plants are affected by temperature fluctuation from daytime heat to evening chill, dry air, short days,…