The 70/30/30/70 Gardening Rules Hello Treasure Valley gardeners. During the past year or so, some have been asking what's the 70/30 rule and the 30/70 rule regarding landscape design, so here is information regarding those rules. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines in landscape design which many designers are following. This is just one of several design rules that landscape designers and landscape architects are applying in today's designs. Gardening in the Boise an

Gardening is a joyful journey that changes with the seasons. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, understanding how to adapt your garden to the changing weather is key. I’ve learned that mastering seasonal gardening essentials can transform your outdoor space into a thriving oasis all year round. Let’s explore practical tips and tricks that work for the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Understanding Seasonal Gardening Essentials Every season brings its own set of

Keep your pets SAFE! A Safety Guide for The Treasure Valley: DISCLAIMER : This list is not all-inclusive . Plant toxicity can range from mild irritation to severe illness or even death, depending on the plant, the amount ingested, and the animal involved. If you believe your pet has chewed on or ingested a plant—whether it appears on this list or not , please seek veterinary care immediately ! Many of the plants listed below are commonly found in Boise landsca

Deer and Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Boise Gardens Bunnies may be cute, and deer may be majestic, but when either turns your garden into a buffet, the charm quickly fades. While fencing and repellents can help, one of the most effective long-term strategies is choosing plants that deer and rabbits tend to avoid . It’s important to note that no plant is completely deer or rabbit-proof . Like many wild animals, both deer and rabbits are opportunistic and unpredictable feeders.

If you’re passionate about transforming your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant haven, The Home & Garden Store offers some fantastic gardening ideas to fuel your green thumb. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll find out why buying plants, tools, and supplies from The Home & Garden Store can make all the difference. In this guide, you’ll discover that The Home & Garden Store with over 50+ years of gardening experience provides quality nursery stock,

When to Plant Plant rhubarb in late winter or early spring as a bare-root crown, or anytime if you’re using a container-grown plant. Where to Plant Choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil (a little afternoon shade is fine).If your soil is heavy or depleted, amend it by digging a trench about 2 feet wide and at least 18 inches deep. Mix in generous amounts of Merrill’s Poultry Compost for improved texture and fertility. Set bare-root divisions so the top ¼ of the crow

General Information Red raspberries are the most common type, while yellow raspberries are actually natural mutations of red varieties. Black raspberries produce blue-black fruit that is firmer and seedier than red or yellow berries, with a deeper, more intense flavor. Purple raspberries are crosses between red and black varieties. Many gardeners place concrete rings or barriers around raspberry patches to help prevent spreading. Raspberries rarely grow under solid objects, b

Cultural Information There are two main types of kiwi: fuzzy-skinned kiwi and hardy kiwi . While the fruit of both varieties looks similar, each offers a unique flavor experience. These fast-growing, twining vines are prized for their sweet, fruity taste reminiscent of melon, strawberries, and bananas. Fuzzy-skinned kiwi has a pleasantly tangy flavor that many find irresistible. Kiwifruit prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and will not thrive in our alkaline soils wit

When I walk through the orchard in early spring, the apple trees are the first to catch my eye. Their blossoms open like promises, delicate clusters of white and pink that hint at the harvest to come. Apples are wonderfully adaptable here in Idaho, they seem at home in our climate, thriving in sunlit rows with steady watering. Most apple trees can set fruit with their own pollen, but I’ve learned that they’re far more generous when paired with another variety blooming at the

Overview: Horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana ), a member of the mustard family, originates from southeastern Europe. It is widely grown for its pungent, fleshy roots. Grated horseradish, often mixed with vinegar and spices, is a popular seasoning that adds a distinctive kick to dishes. Planting Horseradish Choose a location with loose, well-prepared soil that is as free of weeds as possible. For large, flavorful roots, enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as Fer

Cultural Information: Grapes thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soils. With several vineyards and wineries in the Treasure Valley, it’s clear that certain areas of the valley provide the ideal conditions for producing high-quality grapes. Once established, grapevines grow vigorously. Fruit is produced on stems that develop from one-year-old wood, these are stems formed during the previous season. One-year-old stems have smooth bark, while older wood develops rou

Cultural Information: Figs are hardy down to about -20°F and can grow to approximately 10+ feet tall. They are often trained in espalier form along fences or on trellises. When grown in containers, be sure to protect the pots from freezing during winter. Fertility: While figs grow well in most soils in the Treasure Valley, they flourish with organic fertilizers such as Natural Guard’s “All Purpose Plant Food ” and/or “IFA Bountiful Earth Humates which helps in loosing our hea

Cultural Information: Currants and gooseberries belong to the same plant family and typically grow 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Some varieties are nearly spineless, while others have thorns. In fall, currant leaves display vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, whereas gooseberries turn bright yellow. Gooseberry fruit is often decorative, marked with longitudinal stripes, and ripens from late spring through summer. Black currants have a strong, distinctive flavor and are ideal for

Cultural Information: Cherry trees require well-drained soil and consistent deep watering. Birds are particularly attracted to cherries, so protect your trees with “Bird X” netting, available in various widths and lengths in our garden center. To manage diseases such as brown rot and blossom blight, spray with Ferti-lome copper spray after leaves fall in the autumn, followed by a fungicide application at first bloom and weekly during the bloom period. For mite control, apply

Cultural Requirements Blueberries thrive in acidic, well-drained soil. Their shallow, compact roots require regular watering, and mulching is beneficial, especially in less-than-ideal soils which we often find tin the Boise area. These plants prefer partial protection from our intense afternoon sun and dry cold winters. Most varieties reach 4–6 feet in height and 4–5 feet in width. Planting at least two varieties that bloom simultaneously improves fruit production, resulting

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS : Blackberries will thrive on most soil types, but good drainage is desirable with most varieties. Soils that are naturally fertile, easily worked and of good moisture holding capacity are the most suitable. While not as cold hardy as the raspberries, many varieties of blackberries do well in large areas of Southwestern Idaho. We have listed below the varieties we feel do well in the Boise area. There are other varieties that perform well in the val

Apricot Growing Tips: Apricots can be trained as espaliers, making them ideal for small spaces or decorative garden designs. They produce most of their fruit on short spurs that develop on last year’s growth, and these spurs remain productive for about four years. If late frosts are expected, consider using a frost protectant like Frost Guard to safeguard the blossoms. In mid-spring, thin excess fruit from branches to ensure better fruit size and quality. Most of what we sel

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, but it comes with its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles gardeners face is dealing with pests that can damage plants and reduce yields. Knowing how to spot these unwelcome visitors early and manage them properly is key to maintaining a healthy garden. This guide will walk you through the most common garden pests found in the Treasure Valley, how to identify them, and practical ways to control their impact. Understanding Common Garden Pest

Proper nutrition is the foundation of healthy plant growth. Without the right balance of nutrients, plants can become weak, susceptible to disease, and produce poor yields. Understanding how to manage nutrition for plants effectively can transform your garden or farm into a thriving, productive space. This guide will walk you through the key elements of plant nutrition, how to identify deficiencies, and practical steps to optimize growth. Understanding Nutrition for Plants: T

Field bindweed is a persistent and invasive weed that can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked. Its deep roots and rapid growth make it a formidable opponent for gardeners seeking to maintain healthy plants and a beautiful landscape. This article explores practical and effective bindweed control methods to help you reclaim your garden and keep it thriving. Understanding Bindweed and Its Impact on Gardens Bindweed, often mistaken for morning glory due to its similar