With Thrill, Fill, Spill - Container Gardening May Be your Answer!

Want to add color to your landscape without fighting Idaho’s heavy clay soil?

Container gardening may be the answer! More than just for areas with limited space, containers are great for adding height in an existing garden, as a way to plant areas with difficult in-ground soil conditions, or as a portable home for plants that cannot survive the winter months outdoors. They also allow gardeners an opportunity to experiment with combinations of colors and textures on a small scale before taking on a bigger planting.

Additionally, I use container gardens within my own landscape in order to create visual levels of plantings within my border, as well as an alternative to battling digging out and amending the hard clay soil.

Key considerations when gardening in containers: 

1. Location: When determining where to place your containers, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight the location gets during the day. 

2. Container: Containers should have adequate drainage and not be too much larger in size (around) than the combined area needed for the plants that will be planted in the container.

3. Soil: The soil should be mostly a potting soil mix, that can be amended with organic material (compost, peat moss). When adding material to the potting soil, the soil and organic material should be well combined in order to have a uniform texture and allow for proper drainage. 

4. Plant selection: Based on the amount of sun that the container will get during the day, select plants that have similar amounts of sunlight and water required. 

5. For plant recommendations and ideas, check out this article from Oregon State University.

How to Design a Container Garden:

Designing a container garden lets the gardener be free to create playful and eye-catching garden spaces. 

The primary design elements of a container garden are the thrill, fill, and spill. 

1. The thrill is usually a planting that creates height in the container, it is a planting that is often centered in the container and is taller than the rest. 

2. The fill is a plant or plants that are similar in height, but shorter than the thrill. The fill occupies the middle section of the container planting and may have pops of color contrast that draw the eye toward the container. 

3. The spill is typically a trailing plant that spills over the side of the container and adds both drama and texture.   

Trying to decide which is right for you - container gardening or raised beds? Check out these five tips.

From Indoors to Outdoors: How to Start Melons, Squash, and Pumpkins for a Perfect Transplant

As winter fades and spring temperatures rise, mid-April is the ideal time to prepare for warm-season crops like squash, melons, and pumpkins. While it is still too early to plant them directly outdoors, taking steps now will ensure a strong start to the growing season.

Since squash, melons, and pumpkins thrive in warm soil (60–70°F), starting them indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date provides a head start. The University of Idaho Extension recommends this method to establish strong plants before transplanting.

These crops do not like their roots disturbed, so careful handling during transplanting is essential. To minimize stress, peat pots or other biodegradable containers are recommended.

Seed Starting Steps:

✔ Containers: Peat pots or biodegradable pots reduce root disturbance during transplanting. If plastic containers are used, seedlings should be handled gently.
✔ Soil: A light, well-draining seed-starting mix promotes healthy root development.
✔ Temperature: Soil should be kept at 75–85°F for optimal germination. A heat mat can help maintain consistent warmth.
✔ Lighting: Grow lights should be positioned 2–3 inches above seedlings for strong, compact growth.
✔ Watering: Soil should remain moist but not soggy to prevent disease.

Seeds should be planted 1 inch deep, with 1–2 seeds per pot. Once seedlings emerge, thinning to one strong plant per pot will ensure healthy growth.

Preparing the Garden Bed

While seeds germinate indoors, garden beds should be prepared for transplanting in mid-to-late May. The University of Idaho’s vegetable gardening guide highlights the importance of well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and full sun exposure for these crops. 

Soil Preparation Steps:

✔ Remove weeds to prevent competition.
✔ Loosen soil and incorporate compost for improved fertility.
✔ Rake soil smooth and ensure good drainage.

Since squash, melons, and pumpkins are heavy feeders, preparing the soil early allows nutrients to integrate before transplanting.

Mulching Plan: A Natural Approach

Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature while protecting delicate roots from disturbance. Consider using one or a combination of the following:

• Compost (1–2 inches): Feeds soil and improves structure.
• Shredded leaves or dried grass clippings (2 inches): Insulates and holds moisture.
• Straw or hay (3 inches): Prevents rot by keeping fruit off the soil.

Choose the best option for your garden, or layer multiple types for added benefits.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Transplanting

Since squash, melons, and pumpkins do not like their roots disturbed, extra care must be taken when transplanting. When moving plants outdoors, the entire peat pot should be planted directly into the soil to avoid disrupting the roots. If plastic trays were used, seedlings should be gently removed and transplanted with as much of their root system intact as possible.

A week before transplanting, seedlings should be hardened off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours each day in a sheltered location.

With seeds started indoors and garden beds prepared, everything will be in place for a successful growing season. Careful transplanting will ensure these plants establish quickly, leading to a productive harvest of squash, melons, and pumpkins by late summer.

Three Bumble Bees of Idaho

Bees are vital to Idaho's ecosystems and agricultural economy, serving as key pollinators for crops, wild plants, and native vegetation. The Treasure Valley, with its fertile soils and ideal climate, is home to both wild and managed bee populations that play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring agricultural productivity. From honeybees to native species, these pollinators are crucial for supporting crops such as fruits, vegetables, and seeds, making them indispensable, to the region's farmers and gardeners. Protecting and encouraging healthy bee populations is vital not only for Idaho’s agricultural success but also for preserving its diverse natural habitats.

Idaho's landscapes host a variety of bee species. Three of the over twenty species of bumble bees that have been observed in various regions of Idaho on a myriad of plants are summarized below.

Red-Belted Bumble Bee
(Bombus rufocinctus)
This beauty thrives in higher elevations, such as the Northern Rockies and Idaho Batholith, foraging on plants like lupines, sweet clover, and knapweed. It is a significant pollinator in meadows, forests, and shrublands.
 

Hunt’s Bumble Bee 
(Bombus huntii)

The Hunt’s Bumble Bee is highly adaptable, thriving in diverse habitats such as riparian zones and shrublands, often visiting flowers like teasel and lupine.
 

Morrison Bumble Bee 
(Bombus morrisoni)

This Bumble Bee is found in grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and even urban parks, where it pollinates a wide range of flowering plants including milkweed, thistle and bee balm. The Morrison Bumble Bee population has been in decline in recent years and the monitoring of it is of particular interest. 

Supporting Idaho’s bee populations requires community action. Planting native flowers, creating pollinator gardens, reducing pesticide use, and preserving wild habitats are essential steps to help bees thrive. Small efforts, like planting diverse flowers in urban areas or leaving natural spaces untouched, can significantly impact the survival of these pollinators. By fostering environments that support healthy bee populations, we not only contribute to agricultural productivity but also sustain the natural beauty and biodiversity of Idaho. For more information on creating pollinator-friendly spaces, visit Creating Bee Habitat in Idaho or Planting a Bee Garden. Together, we can ensure that Idaho’s bees—and the ecosystems they support—thrive for generations to come.

I want a fruit...& maybe a nut tree - Now What?

 Selecting fruit trees to grow in your yard or orchard depends on several factors:  available space, height and width restrictions, soil type, exposure to good light and air circulation, preferred type of fruit, type of root-stock, and much more. 

The first step is to plan. 

·         The following factors should be considered as you plan: 

• Climate zone
• Soil type and pH
• Location and surrounding landscaping
• 
  Drainage
• Overhead restrictions (power lines, other trees, shading)
• Width restrictions (fences, buildings property lines)
• Underground restrictions (sewer/power/telephone lines, septic tanks or drain fields, layers of poor soil, wells)
• Irrigation and fertilizing
• Time needed for tree care
• Pruning
• Harvesting
• Spraying

Selection of the trees is one of the most important steps. 

There are several great resources to help you select a tree for your yard.

The Pacific Northwest Handbooks publication EC 819, Growing Tree Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard  The Treasure Valley is Area II in this publication.

Other factors to consider are: 

•          Choose a reliable nursery with appropriate stock selected for this area
•          Choice of fruit
•          Varieties of chosen fruit that grow best in this region 
•          Dwarf or semi-dwarf root stock
•          Bare root, ball and burlap (B&B), or containerized stock
•         Need of a pollinator or self-pollinator,
•          Blooming and harvest times
•          Pests – insects, birds, or disease resistant

To maintain a strong tree or orchard, time must be given towards tree health.   There are numerous publications from Extension Services through the University of Idaho, Washington State University, and Oregon State University to assist you with your specific trees.

https://youtu.be/_YqQPtsC-eA

The following are important items to consider toward maintaining a vigorous home fruit tree:

•          Training of tree branches
•         Thinning and pruning
•          Irrigation needs
•          Fertilization needs
•          Insect and disease control
•          Weed 
•          Rodent control

A backyard fruit tree or orchard is a wonderful addition to your landscaping.  Be sure to choose trees that are compatible to your region, soil, and property.  With the proper selection, you can enjoy fruit from your backyard trees for many years to come.                                 

Using protective clothing: A key to safe gardening

Gardening can be very rewarding. Not only is it a great form of exercise, but when done correctly, it can also provide delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and a true sense of accomplishment. However, gardening comes with risks. Knowing how to protect yourself is essential for an enjoyable and safe experience. One of the best ways to stay safe is by wearing the right protective clothing. Proper gear can help prevent injuries caused by exposure to pesticides, the elements, and common gardening hazards.

Protection from Pesticides

Exposure to pesticides can be harmful to your health. Since 90% of chemical exposure occurs through skin contact, wearing protective clothing is crucial when handling pesticides. To minimize risk, wear chemical-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt tucked over the gloves, long pants over unlined rubber boots, safety glasses with side and brow shields, and a wide-brimmed rain hat or hooded raincoat. These precautions help reduce harmful exposure and keep you safe. 

Protection from the Elements

Proper clothing can also protect you from extreme weather conditions. Heat exhaustion and sunburn, for example, can be significantly reduced by wearing garments made from tightly woven, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking fabrics. Choose loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing made of synthetic blends rather than cotton, silk, or linen, as these fabrics absorb moisture and trap heat. Protect your feet with polyester blend socks, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s intense heat and harmful rays.

Protection from Common Gardening Hazards

Proper clothing choice can help prevent injuries while performing everyday gardening tasks. Uneven or unstable terrain, sharp tools, and bites or stings from insects and other critters can all pose risks. To better protect yourself, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a proper hat, boots with good tread and foot support, safety gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. When working with chemicals or in dusty environments, consider wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. 

While it may take some planning and effort, wearing proper protective clothing can make the difference between a successful gardening experience and a painful one. Making it a routine practice ensures both safety and enjoyment in the garden

Billbugs Cause Major Damage to Lawns (Turf) in the Treasure Valley

Billbugs are small, snouted beetles that belong to the family Curculionidae and are considered to be major pests to lawns in the Treasure Valley. These pests are known for causing significant damage to turf grass and lawns, leading to unsightly brown patches and reduced aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we will discuss what billbugs are, their impact on turf grass, and how to control them using integrated pest management (IPM) methods.

What Are Billbugs?
Billbugs are cylindrical beetles that range in size from 3 to 10 millimeters in length, depending upon life stage. As adults, they have a hard exoskeleton and are usually brown or black in color. Their snout, which is often longer than their body, is used for boring into plant stems. Billbugs undergo a complete metamorphosis, passing through the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with a one-year life cycle (Oregon State University Extension, 2018). The majority of damage from billbugs occurs during the larval stage, as they feed on stems, rhizomes, and crowns, typically just below the soil surface. Damage from billbugs is typically visible in late June or early July each year.

In the Treasure Valley of Idaho, billbugs are particularly abundant in lawns, parks, and golf courses. They feed on the stems and roots of turf grass, causing significant damage to the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. This feeding can lead to large areas of grass dying, creating unsightly brown patches that are not only aesthetically unpleasing but also difficult to repair (Idaho State University Extension, 2017).

Impact of Billbugs

The impact of billbugs on turf grass can be significant. In addition to the unsightly brown patches, Billbugs can reduce the health of the grass, leading to reduced aesthetic appeal and causing economic losses for lawn owners (Idaho State University Extension, 2017).

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to managing billbug infestations that involves multiple control methods. This strategy utilizes cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to promote the health of the turf and prevent billbug damage. Cultural control methods involve selecting the proper grass varieties that exhibit resistance to billbug feeding. Several cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass, such as ‘Park’, ‘Arista’, and ‘NuDwarf’, have been proven to exhibit resistance to billbug feeding. Additionally, endophyte-enhanced ryegrasses and fescues display high resistance to billbug feeding (University of Utah). IPM of Billbugs also includes implementing proper irrigation, fertilization, and mowing practices to maintain healthy turf. Biological control methods may involve releasing beneficial insects that feed on billbugs to control their population. Several nonchemical bio-pesticides exist, including purchasing and applying predatory nematodes (Stinernema & Heterorhabditis spp.), as well as a fungal organism (Beauveria bassiana) that are listed and registered for control of billbug larvae in lawns. When necessary, insecticides can be used to control billbugs, but should be used with caution to avoid harming beneficial insects and creating insecticide-resistant billbug populations (The University of Idaho Extension, 2017). 

Properly implemented IPM practices can effectively manage billbugs and maintain healthy turf. 

Is Square Foot Gardening Right for You?

Square Foot Gardening (SFG), a high-density garden method invented by Mel Bartholomew in the late 1970s, gives gardening a new look from plants being planted in the traditional long rows to plants strategically planted within a square foot. This gardening method reduces the size of a garden’s footprint while increasing its productivity and offers a simple and accessible garden layout for the new gardener no matter the age or physical ability, allowing anyone to be able to grow their own food.

SFG requires less space and uses less water than conventional gardening while producing more in a comparable space. Planted in raised beds, thus no tilling or heavy digging, the garden beds can be in any shape from the classic 4 x 4-foot bed to a narrower 3 x 7-foot bed or anywhere in between to take advantage of your available space. The bed size flexibility makes SFG an excellent gardening method for urban gardeners with limited space, while the higher density planting will allow community gardens to grow more produce. Also, the garden beds can be raised up on legs, instead of being placed on the ground, to create an elevated bed making it more accessible for seniors and individuals in wheelchairs.

Beds are divided into one-foot squares for planting with the number of plants per square foot depending on the plant. In SFG vegetables are divided into four classes: Extra-large (ex. cucumbers) are generally planted only one per square or sometimes one plant for two squares; Large (ex. head lettuce) are planted four per square; Medium (ex. spinach) are planted nine per square; and Small (ex. radishes) are planted sixteen per square.

For the extra-large plants, trellises can be added to the side of the raised bed, allowing a vining plant to climb or placed in a cage to support plants like tomatoes to keep the produce off the dirt and control the foliage by keeping it within the one or two square feet allotted for the plant.

There are several online resources available to assist the new gardener as well as a seasoned one with additional research of the square foot gardening method and apps to help plan out the garden. There are online courses you can enroll in. This Square Foot Gardening article covers the basics and special techniques involved with this gardening method. 

So, is Square Foot Gardening right for you? Has your interest in this gardening method been piqued? This method of gardening can help just about anyone, no matter where they live, or their experience level to be able to enjoy growing their own food. Happy Gardening!