Growing Tips
Mycorrhizae
Roots of evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs have a symbiotic relationship with a fungi called Mycorrhizae. This fungus invades the root cells of most trees. In most cases we would think this fungus is damaging the tree, but it is not. Mycorrhizae does steal carbon from the tree and in return gives back water, phosphates and other nutrients.
Growing Tomatoes
Growing your own tomatoes is not only a rewarding experience once you can pick them, vine ripened, but it’s a flavorful one as well. Here are some helpful ideas and suggestions for getting that juicy fruit as succulent as possible.
Hardy Mums
Your new mum may be planted in full sun or in a place where it gets half a day of sun. Plant your mum at the same level in the ground as it is now planted in the pot. Loosen any compacted roots and water it in well.
Flower Bulbs and Rhizomes to Plant this Fall
Here's what to plant this fall to enjoy a more beautiful spring!Everyone loves it when irises, daffodils, tulips, and more bloom in the early spring, mid spring, and through late spring. The sudden burst of color into the otherwise dull and sometimes muddy early days...
The Hardy Hibiscus
Here's a guide to get you better acquainted with the hardy hibiscus, and why you are going to want it to add some tropical flair to your garden!Perennial gardens in the Treasure Valley could use a touch of the tropical, with the confidence that what they are planting...
Best Times to Water Plants in the Heat
The Western United States is experiencing a heat wave, and with temperatures hanging out above the 100-degree mark in the Treasure Valley for days on end, you may be wondering when the best time to water is. Hot weather is here to stay, but that doesn't mean the...
Best Trees and Shrubs to Plant in the Treasure Valley
Whether you are new to the Southern Idaho territory or have lived here your entire life, knowing what particular species of trees and shrubs grow best in this climate is key to achieving the landscape of your dreams!Idaho is a dynamic state comprised of several...
How to prepare your lawn, trees and landscaping for dry weather
It’s going to be a dry summer. Learn how to prepare your lawn, trees, landscaping and more for best results. Idaho is going to experience another dry summer due to low snowpack in the mountains, and that means that we are likely going to be experiencing water...
When Should You Trim Your Shrubs, Bushes, and Trees?
Fall will be here in the Treasure Valley before you know it, and you may be wondering when (or if!) you should trim your shrubs, bushes, and trees. Here are some tips and information on how, when, and why you may want to trim or prune them to keep them healthy...
The Successful Planting Guide for Trees and Shrubs
Need help successfully planting trees and shrubs? Here's a great planting guide for your trees and shrubs! How-To Guide: Dig a hole 1 ½ 2 times as wide as the root ball and 4-6” deeper. Examine the soil you have removed from the ground. If you have “poor soil,” blend...
How To Grow Onions and Potatoes
It may seem less than economical to grow your own onions and potatoes, however, the taste of these fresh vegetables more than return that investment. It takes only a minimum of effort which will lead to a bountiful harvest. In this article we will discuss a couple of...
Composting Tips
It is trash day and you have a few cans on your curb waiting to be picked up. Think about all the things that go into your garbage can. Perhaps some of those things include lawn clippings, leftovers from meals over the last week or other organic materials. Many people...
Lawn & Garden Winterization
Planning for cold weather is important to the survival and vitality of your plants in the spring. Some of you may have already started this process, but there is still time for those of you who haven't. Diagnosis of ailments for treatment, clearing of debris and...
“Fall” for Fruit Trees
Summer activities are drifting off and things are cooling down. Turning leaves, pumpkin patches and hot chocolate are what's on our mind. Fall is a time for us to settle in and slow down. The natural world around us feels this too as nature begins to focus its...
Spring – Time to Get Growing
Garden Preparation:You will need to work the soil, adding organic matter and Soil Activator, to encourage an ideal growing medium. (For any root crops, such as potatoes or carrots, add some bone meal.) Now let us discuss appropriate planting times for the vegetables...
Preventing and Treating Chlorosis
Chlorosis, or yellowing, refers to plant leaves that are become faded-green or yellowed, rather than a healthy, dark green color. When manifest, the leaf veins often will remain dark while the rest of the leaf becomes lighter. This condition is common with maples, but...
Fall and Winter Gardening: Mums and Shrubs
The onset of Fall and the Winter that follows are synonymous, metaphorically and botanically speaking, with the death and dormancy of most species of foliage. However, the Fall months provide some of the best opportunities for improving your lawn and garden with Fall...
Installing a New Lawn From Seed
Starting with a good soil base will greatly increase germination of seeds and help with overall health of the established lawn. It is advised to till in compost to add organic matter to our typically clay soil. This will provide nutrients and hopefully increase...