Why January is the Best Month to Plant Wildflowers

01/26/2023 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener On the Go Answer – Readers Digest-type Condensed Version of this Article Wildflowers are best planted in winter Most flowers prefer at least 6 six hours of sun per day Hydromulch – blend wildflower…

Read More

Best Annuals to Grow from Seed

02/02/2022 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener A handful of flower seeds starts an entire garden full of color, fragrance, butterflies, and joy. Starting seeds in the garden is easy, though it does require some planning and patience. The seed shortage…

Read More

Reading a Seed Packet for Better Plants this Spring

03/12/2021 Ken Davis

How to buy seed for the garden. How to read flower, herb, and vegetable packets inside and out. How to plant Sweet Peas from seed. by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener There is a lot of information on a seed…

Read More

Gardening Tips for Year’s End

11/22/2019 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener The days grow short as we move into the last of the 2019 gardening season. This is a time to relax, sip tea while warming our feet by the fire, and reflect on our…

Read More

Ultimate Guide to Garden $avings

08/22/2019 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Gardening is a hobby, and like all hobbies, it’s easy to get carried away beyond hobby-budgeted funds. Even after you have the necessary tools and supplies, there always are new plants, hats, gloves, and…

Read More

What Does Pea and Bean Inoculant Do?

02/01/2017 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Question: What Does Bean and Pea Inoculant Do and Is It Really Necessary? Many sources recommend using an inoculant when planting the seed of legumes beans and peas, especially when planting in cool, wet…

Read More

Some Seeds Need Light to Germinate

02/03/2016 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener When I was a young man a dear friend taught me to plant seed to a depth that is three times its thickness.  That means that chubby bean seeds or peas should be planted…

Read More

Caring for Our Winter Birds

11/21/2015 Ken Davis

By Ken Lain, the mountain gardener It’s surprising how many winter birds grace our dormant gardens with their graceful flight and beautiful sounds.  Many have migrated from far cooler climates in the north, and actually find Prescott weather to be…

Read More

Autumn’s Ornamental Kales and Cabbages

10/02/2015 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener Sumacs and flame maples have drawn our attention to those first hints of autumn.  Chrysanthemums are in their full glory, and everywhere we turn we find pumpkins are in coffees, teas, beers, and even…

Read More

Growing and Roasting Sunflowers

09/11/2015 Ken Davis

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener This week’s garden photo is taken in Amsterdam at the entrance of the Van Gogh museum, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Dutch master’s death.  Guests take cover from the rain as they walk…

Read More