Edible Native Landscaping - “Paleo” in Your Own Backyard

Curating your home landscape or garden connects you with a tradition thousands of years old in which humans and plants share a special relationship. Native Shoshone people living nomadic lifestyles began expanding into the area now designated as Idaho as early as 4,000 years ago, and the principle diets of these hunter-gatherers included many edible plants, not to mention the many practical and symbolic uses of plant material. For thousands of years (until contact with Westerners), the indigenous peoples lived off a diet sourced by wild (unfarmed) plants. These wild native plants are still around today, and are ecologically adapted to the Idaho climate and its diverse plant hardiness zones.

Here is a sampling of plants gathered by Shoshone Native Americans for sustenance:

• 

  Arrowleaf Balsamroot

  Camas Bulb (Camassia quamash)
• Wild Onion
• Bitterroot
• Arrowleaf Balsamroot
• Tobacco Root
• Serviceberry
• Chokecherries

• 

  Bitterroot

  Currant
• Pine nuts
• Seeds from Junegrass, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, Thickspike Wheatgrass, and Nevada Bluegrass

Berries were ground and mixed along with hunted meats to form nutritional patties, called pemmican, which were preserved chemically by the acidic berries. Additionally, native tribes in Idaho such as the Nimi’ipuu (Nez Perce) collected:

• 

  Kouse

  Wild Carrot
• Kouse (also called “Biscuit Root” by non-native travelers)
• Sunflowers
• Huckleberries
• Wild Rhubarb

The list could continue, and the above links will give more information about each type of plant. But which ones would grow well in your garden? A good place to start collecting some tips is at the Idaho Native Plant Society resource website. Specifically, the publication Landscaping with Native Plants of the Intermountain Region from the BLM which contains detailed notes and descriptions of nearly all of the edible plants from the above list. The guides include landscape uses and notes, regional considerations, availability, and pollinator attractiveness. Additionally, the two guides specify which of the plants are drought tolerant, how large they grow, how much water and sunlight they need, when they flower, and what color they bloom. 

If there aren’t already enough reasons to focus your landscaping efforts on native plants, the fact that these selected plants have been used in antiquity up to the present because of their important nutritional value to humans gives one more benefit to carefully designing your landscape with location-appropriate plants. The provided references will get you started, and remember also to keep learning along with archeologists and ethnobotanists about how people and plants have survived by cooperating for thousands of years. 

How to Water Your Garden

Many people assume that planting seeds are the most important part of gardening, but proper watering is a crucial element. Keeping your plants hydrated may not seem like a big hurdle in May, but without a good plan in place, you’ll be very frustrated by mid-July. It turns out, there are a few different ways you can effectively keep your garden watered. Let’s summarize 3 basic methods for watering and analyze the pros and cons for each.

Overhead Sprinkler

Probably the simplest and most straight forward way to water a garden is to strategically set up an overhead sprinkler. Of course, there are different styles of sprinklers that can provide water to a large garden area. Two advantages of using an overhead sprinkler system are the ease of installation and low cost. Another advantage for this method is the ease with which you can measure the amount of water being applied to your garden. You can see the water hitting your garden then place bowls or buckets throughout to catch and measure the amount emitted.

There are some disadvantages and cautions to keep in mind when using overhead sprinklers. First, with most overhead sprinklers it is estimated that only about 30% percent of water coming from the sprinkler is utilized by the plant due in part to evaporation. Also, along with providing water to your plants you are also refreshing the weeds that share the garden space allowing those to thrive as well. You will find that you have bigger, happier weeds alongside your plants. Finally, overhead watering provides water to the plant leaves which, especially if wet through the night, encourage mold and fungal disease.

Drip System

Another popular way to water a garden is to utilize the drip system. A drip system was invented to combat all the dangers of overhead watering by applying water directly to the base of the plants. A visit to your local hardware store will reveal the various types of tubing and attachments available to create a drip system. One type of tubing comes with holes 12-18 inches apart so that when attached to your hose and laid in rows, the water runs onto the plant’s base. Drip irrigation provides water near the base of the plant, leaving the upper foliage dry and less susceptible to fungi.

You can also utilize a type of thick black tubing that does not have pre-made holes. With this you purchase smaller “feeder tubes” then puncture them through the main tube. You can customize exactly which plants will receive water by placing the emitter tube at the base of the plant. This works especially well in flower beds or with the bigger plants in your garden such as tomato plants. Drip systems are great for weed prevention by watering the plant and not the entire garden area. They use less water because less is obstructed by leaves and lost to evaporation and/or wind.

As a disadvantage, installing a drip system can be costly, especially if you have a large garden area. It can also be labor intensive at the start to purchase and install. Incorporating a drip system into your sprinkler timing zones adds another level of labor and requires some expertise. Also, a drip system will require that you dismantle and store the parts in your garage every Autumn. You will also need to keep an eye on your system to be sure the tubes remain unclogged and the parts in good working order, then replace or maintain parts as necessary. Because the holes that emit water in the tubing are small they can become clogged from sediments in the water. Installing a filter at the water’s outlet source or hose bib can help.

Soaker Hose

Finally, another watering method that replicates the drip system is the use of a soaker hose. A soaker hose attaches to your main hose and when the water is turned on it literally seeps out of the hose wetting the area around it. Like the drip tubes, a soaker hose is applied to the base of plants so its roots receive needed moisture and the leaves stay dry. It can also wrap around an area making it useful for a crop of small shoots like carrots.

A soaker hose will apply more water between plats than the drip tube so you may find a trail of weeds there. Soaker hoses are generally less expensive than drip tubes but because of their woven fabric and depending on your water type, soaker hoses don’t last through multiple seasons. This means you’ll have to expect the regular purchase of replacements.

You may find that you use more than one method for your garden area depending on each plant. Or, you may enjoy the ease of staying with one method. The task of developing an ideal system for watering that fits your needs and matches your time and budget will be a process. Don’t be afraid to explore different methods, get out there and enjoy what you create!

What Are Dynamic Accumulator Plants?

Ever wonder how some plants seem to improve your garden soil just by being there? That’s the idea behind dynamic accumulator plants. These are plants that naturally pull minerals and nutrients from deep in the ground and store them in their leaves and stems. When you cut these plants back or let them die down, the nutrients are released into the topsoil, right where your other plants can use them.

What Exactly Is a Dynamic Accumulator?

Dynamic accumulators are plants with deep roots that tap into underground nutrient stores. They bring up things like calcium, potassium, nitrogen, and magnesium — nutrients your garden plants love but can’t always reach. These helpful plants then store those nutrients in their foliage. When you mulch with their leaves or let them compost, you're effectively feeding your garden from within.

While gardeners and permaculturists have used this idea for decades, only recently have researchers started to study it scientifically.

Science Meets Soil

Here are a few key studies and resources you can explore:

• Unadilla Community Farm Research (2020–2021): This study cataloged over 340 plants that concentrate specific nutrients. It also created a searchable database so you can find the right plant for your needs.

• Cornell Small Farms Program: This report looks at how these plants can be used to recycle nutrients and build healthy soil.

• Oregon State University Extension: Discusses the basics of permaculture and mentions the potential of nutrient-accumulating plants.

• Scientific Study on Comfrey: This paper backs up the claim that comfrey is especially good at mining minerals.

Popular Dynamic Accumulator Plants

Here are some favorites that work in a variety of climates and gardens:

Plant	What It Brings Up	Why Gardeners Love It
Comfrey	Potassium, calcium, phosphorus	Great mulch, fast grower
Nettles	Nitrogen, iron, calcium	Boosts compost, makes great tea
Yarrow	Phosphorus, potassium, copper	Attracts pollinators
Dandelion	Calcium, potassium, magnesium	Deep taproot, soil breaker
Alfalfa	Nitrogen, calcium, iron	Fixes nitrogen, improves soil
Borage	Potassium, calcium	Bee magnet, fast grower
Chicory	Potassium, calcium, phosphorus	Deep-rooted, hardy and tough

How to Use These Plants in Your Garden

You don’t need fancy techniques, just a bit of know-how. Here are four simple, effective ways to use dynamic accumulators in everyday gardening:

Chop and Drop

This is exactly what it sounds like: cut back your dynamic accumulator (like comfrey, yarrow, or borage) and drop the leaves and stems right where they grew, especially around vegetable beds. This forms an instant mulch layer, which helps suppress weeds, feeds the soil as it breaks down, and retains moisture. You can repeat this process several times a season with fast-growing plants like comfrey.

Compost Booster

Toss the leaves and trimmings of these nutrient-packed plants into your compost pile. Since they contain high levels of minerals like calcium, potassium, and nitrogen, they act as a natural fertilizer boost. This helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your pile and speeds up decomposition. Nettles and alfalfa are particularly good at heating up the compost.

Soil Softener
Some plants, like dandelion, chicory, and comfrey, have strong taproots that drill down into hard or compacted soils. As they grow, they loosen up the earth, improve drainage, and make space for beneficial soil organisms. When these roots eventually die, they leave behind natural pathways that help water and air move through the soil.

Companion Planting

Grow dynamic accumulators alongside your veggies or fruit trees to help attract pollinators (especially with yarrow and borage), repel pests (borage near tomatoes is a classic trick), and improve nutrient availability in the root zone. Think of them as living support systems, enhancing the growth and resilience of your main crops just by being there.

Final Thoughts

Dynamic accumulator plants are an easy, natural way to feed your garden and improve soil health over time. They're not magic—but they are powerful allies. With more research popping up to support what some gardeners have known for years, it’s a great time to give these plants a try. Start simple. Plant a little comfrey or yarrow, and see how your garden responds!

Are Bees the only Pollinators? So many others...

With real evidence of bee population loss in the last few years, the term ‘pollinator’ might be on a gardener’s mind right now.  But what about other pollinators? Can you encourage other beneficial insects to your landscape and do they have any other benefits?  Do they all sting? 

In the chart below, we can find some common plant pollinators who you may not have thought of as beneficial, but all have something to give to your garden.  

Let’s start with one of the hardest to accept, the European Paper Wasp. Not to be confused with most yellowjackets!

Difficult as it may be to have around because they do sting, not only are they pollinators, but they also feed on soft bodied, leaf-eating pests - caterpillars, aphids. 

European paper wasps are relatively non-aggressive, and somewhat less likely to sting than yellowjackets. Stings occur almost exclusively when ness are accidently disturbed.

The Hoverfly is a pollinator in disguise.
 They have evolved to look like bees, mainly to ward off predators. Lucky for us these little flies are harmless, unless you’re an aphid. Once the adult Hoverfly has selected the best aphid colony in your garden to lay its eggs beside, soon those eggs develop into aphid-eating maggots. 

Butterflies and Moths are also good pollinators because of the large amount of pollen that collects on their feet and legs. Some special characteristics that set them apart from bees are not only do they taste with their feet, but they can also see the color red. 

Moths are also part of the night pollinating crew.

Less known but just as important as pollinators are bats, birds, mice, and other vertebrates. 

Psst...they also eat their weight in bad bugs!

With these factors in mind, you might want to try to attract these pollinators to your yard and garden by planting a wide variety of plants that bloom from early spring until late fall. Plant is clumps with native plants and don't forget night-blooming plants. You could also install a bee hotel for native bees and mason bees.

You may be able to do less pest control and more relaxing while these and other beneficial pollinators do the work for you. 
Follow us on Facebook during Pollinator Week June 16-22!

Blueberries in Idaho - it's work...and worth it!

 Craving fresh blueberries? It is possible to grow them here in Idaho.
 Here's how:

• Blueberries are compact flowering bushes that bear round bluish fruit.
• They require full sun and only like moist acidic soil. Soils in Southwestern Idaho are commonly alkaline, so you must  use an acidic planting mix. 
• They can be planted in a landscape with amended soil or also successfully grown in a container. 

Pruning, Maintenance and Fertilizer

Blueberries require little pruning; however, maintenance is required in terms of fertilization and sulfur. You’ll need to be patient.  For the first year you’ll need to strip off all the blossoms so the plant can use its energy to grow strong healthy canes for increased production. 

If planting in a container, you’ll need to monitor water closely because pots dry out quickly. Blueberries like moist well drained soil but not soggy conditions.  Mulching will help keep the soil moist and limit the growth of weeds.  After the first 2 springs, you’ll want to prune off older canes to encourage new growth and fertilize with an alkalizing fertilizer (21-0-0)

Which variety to choose?
There are many recommended cultivars which will grow in Idaho. Depending on bloom time,

hardiness and height, make your choice from two different cultivars to insure pollination.

Whether you chose to grow a Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, Rabbiteye, Lowbush

or Half-High, your plant will produce more and larger berries when cross pollinated.

There is still time to get your blueberry plants from your favorite local nursery

Quick tips and things you'll need:

Acid Loving Potting Mix

Soil Sulfur

Ammonium Sulfate 

Acid Plant Fertilizer

Bird Netting (the birds like blueberries as much as humans)

Plant in full sun

Protect with bird netting
Choose two different cultivars for cross pollination
Replace native Idaho soil with acid loving planting mix
Fertilize with 21-0-0
Fertilize with soil sulfur
Remove blossoms 1st year and additional canes 1st two springs

Blueberry Syrup Recipe

2 cups fresh blueberries                            

¼ cup raw stevia or equivalent                                  

½ cup water                                             

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon creme de cassis (optional)

Place Blueberries in a sauce pan on the stove.  Mix water and cornstarch together until dissolved add to blueberries.  Cook over medium heat until berries start to pop.  Use the back of a spoon to mash the berries and boil 1 minute.  Add the stevia, lemon juice and Crème de Cassis.  Store unused portion in refrigerator for up to about a week.  This sauce can also be added to plain yogurt or ice cream. 

Do Plant Brews Really Work? What the Science Says

If you’ve spent any time on gardening forums or social media, you’ve likely come across homemade plant brews like weed tea, compost tea, banana peel tea, and even eggshell tea or Epsom salts. These DIY fertilizers are praised for being natural, cost-effective, and sustainable—but how well do they actually work? Let’s look at what current research says about these popular garden elixirs.

Weed Tea: Free Fertilizer or Just Funky Water?

Weed tea is made by soaking or fermenting common weeds—such as dandelions, chickweed, or comfrey—in water, with the idea that the nutrients weeds extract from the soil will leach into the liquid and feed your plants. While weeds are nutrient accumulators, there’s little published research confirming the nutrient content or effectiveness of weed tea. Some studies on plants like Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower) used as green manure show benefits when incorporated directly into soil, but not as fermented teas. At best, weed tea may provide a mild boost, but results are unpredictable and largely anecdotal.

Compost Tea: Some Scientific Backing

Compost tea, particularly the aerated kind (ACT), is one of the most researched DIY fertilizers. It’s made by soaking compost (plant-based or worm castings, not always manure) in water, sometimes with added sugars and oxygen to increase microbial growth. Studies have found that compost tea can improve microbial life in soil, help suppress certain plant diseases, and occasionally increase plant growth. However, its success depends on how it’s brewed and applied. Using fully matured, pathogen-free compost is key, especially when used on edible crops. While compost tea shows promise, it’s not a substitute for nutrient-rich compost or balanced fertilizers.

Banana Peel Tea: Some Promise, If Processed Properly

Banana peels are high in potassium and other minerals. Recent studies suggest that processed banana peel fertilizers can improve soil quality and plant growth. For example, a 2024 review published in the journal Agriculture by MDPI discusses the potential of banana peel-based biofertilizers and their effectiveness when properly processed. Other studies support their use in nano-fertilizer or composted forms for boosting yields and plant health. That said, soaking banana peels in water for a few days may not extract meaningful nutrients. Composting them is a far more effective way to return their value to the soil.

Eggshell Tea and Epsom Salts: Popular, but Situational

Eggshell tea is made by soaking crushed eggshells in water to extract calcium. While eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, it breaks down slowly. Studies show that unless finely ground, eggshells don’t readily release nutrients into water or soil. Composting or grinding them into powder is more effective. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are also frequently used, especially for tomatoes and peppers. While magnesium is an essential nutrient, overuse can disrupt soil nutrient balance. Unless a soil test shows magnesium deficiency, regular use isn’t necessary and may cause harm.

The Bottom Line: Good Garden Practices First

DIY fertilizers like weed tea, compost tea, banana peel tea, eggshell tea, and Epsom salts can be part of a sustainable gardening routine. However, their effectiveness varies widely, and most are only mildly beneficial unless processed and applied properly. Before adding any homebrew fertilizer to your garden, remember: healthy plants start with healthy soil. Compost and organic matter are your foundation. Always test your soil before adding amendments, it’s the only way to know what your plants actually need. Use DIY fertilizers as supplements, not substitutes, for a well-balanced approach.

Welcome Wildlife with These Attractive Bushes & Trees!

We all feel it—the desire to try harder to coexist with nature. When choosing a new tree for our landscape, we want something that will provide us with shade and beauty plus provide nourishment for our birds and pollinators. We are highlighting three attractive trees that grow well in the Treasure Valley. Each of these deciduous trees are small enough to fit in most yards. They boast beautiful spring blossoms, colorful fall foliage, wonderful fragrance, and bright, edible berries. 

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a delightful landscape tree, and a favorite among birders in the Treasure Valley. Birds of all kinds flock to the Serviceberry in the summer for the sweet, juicy, red fruit. The berries are edible for humans too, tasting somewhat like blueberries! Billowing white blooms attract bees and butterflies in the spring. When fall arrives, the foliage turns a beautiful, deep red. Hardy in zones 4-9, the Serviceberry tolerates most soil types once established It grows quickly up to 25 feet and prefers full sun.

Choose the Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red') tree or shrub if you're looking for something showy that will grow in rather poor conditions. This hardy little 20 to 25-foot tree tolerates heat, cold, wind, and poor soil in zones 2-10. Even though it asks for little, it will grow beautiful clusters of long, white flowers in the spring, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Each new flush of bright green leaves turns reddish purple by mid-summer, providing striking color throughout the growing season. As the name implies, chokecherries taste bitter to humans when raw, but the fruit can be used to make wines, syrups, and jelly. You’ll have to act fast, though, if you want some for yourself! Birds love to feast on this important and nutritious food source. The leaves and berry seeds are toxic to humans and animals, so do not plant this tree if you have pets that might ingest the seeds or foliage.

A classic in Idaho landscapes, the Crabapple(Malus spp) never fails to delight our winter-weary eyes with its masses of pink flowers in early spring. This outstanding tree thrives in full sun and acidic soil but is quite adaptable to other conditions and is hardy to zone 4. The Malus ‘Indian Summer’ variety has excellent resistance to disease. Crabapples trees are a wildlife magnet. The bright-red fruit remains on the tree from fall through winter as a welcome, nutritious treat.

Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” 

There is never a better time than now to choose a tree and plant it. Even a small yard can attract birds, butterflies, and helpful insects, benefiting us all for years to come.