The Joy of Gardening: A Season-Long Journey from Soil to Harvest
Welcome to the Garden Series, a collection of weekly articles originally published in the Morning News, Blackfoot, ID (March 27, 2018 – October 2018). Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands in the dirt for the first time, this series is designed to guide you through the ever-changing rhythm of the gardening season.
From early spring preparations to fall harvest and winter soil care, these articles explore practical gardening techniques, plant care tips, and the science behind successful gardening. Each week, we delve into topics like starting seeds indoors, soil health, pest management, companion planting, pollination, irrigation methods, and even creative ways to use your homegrown produce.
But gardening is more than just technique—it’s about experimentation, discovery, and connection with nature. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “All of life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” This philosophy applies to every garden, as no two plots of soil are alike, and every gardener finds their own best practices through experience.
Throughout this series, you’ll also find stories, lessons, and personal insights that celebrate the gardening lifestyle, from the thrill of the first seedlings breaking through the soil to the satisfaction of a bountiful harvest. We also explore local gardening wisdom and techniques that are particularly well-suited to the high-desert climate of Southeast Idaho’s Zone 5 growing conditions.
As you read through these weekly articles, we hope you’ll find inspiration, new techniques to try, and a deeper appreciation for the wonderful world of gardening. Whether you're looking to extend your growing season, battle persistent garden pests, or experiment with heirloom varieties, there's something here for everyone.
So, grab your gloves and trowel, and let’s dig in!
Garden’s Hidden Treasure – Storing Tubers.
Ensure your peonies thrive next year! Learn how to properly dig, divide, and store peony tubers over winter for bigger, healthier blooms.
Garden’s Hidden Treasure – Storing Rhizomes.
Learn how to store iris rhizomes for winter properly. Keep them healthy, prevent rot, and prepare for beautiful spring blooms.
Garden’s Hidden Treasure
What’s the difference between bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes? Learn how to identify, store, and care for these underground plant treasures.
Sweet Winter Winds
Get your garden winter-ready! Learn how to protect soil, plant cover crops, and clean up garden beds for a successful spring season.
The Garden Hunter
Praying mantises have arrived in Idaho! Learn about their role in the garden, whether they’re helpful or harmful, and how to attract them naturally.
Outside the Fruit Box
Too much fruit? Explore creative ways to use homegrown fruit, from making jams and tarts to drying and preserving for year-round enjoyment.
The fruit or NO FRUIT? of our labor!
Wondering why your plants aren’t producing fruit? Learn about pollination, self- vs. cross-pollinating plants, and how to attract more pollinators.
Can Flood Irrigation Coexist with Urban Development?
As cities grow, can flood irrigation continue? Explore the impact of urban development on traditional watering methods and water rights.
Yikes! Are those bad bugs in my garden?
Aphids taking over your garden? Learn natural ways to get rid of aphids and other pests using organic, eco-friendly methods.
Let’s Fall for the Garden again!
Don’t stop gardening when summer ends! Discover the best vegetables to plant in fall and how to protect them from frost.
Wriggly, Slimy, Nature's plow and the Gardeners Best Friend!
Earthworms are nature’s best soil builders! Learn how they improve soil health, aeration, and plant growth in your garden.
Sweet, Crispy, Crunchy Carrots!
Learn how to grow sweet, crispy carrots! Get tips on soil prep, best carrot varieties, and harvesting techniques for a successful garden.
It’s summertime and the watering is easy! Or is it?
Watering your garden properly is key to healthy plants. Learn the best irrigation methods for clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Common garden troubles this June:
Protect your garden from summer pests like potato psyllids and spider mites. Learn how to identify and manage these common garden threats naturally.
Summertime Tomatoes!
Maximize your tomato harvest with expert tips on choosing the best varieties, pruning techniques, and growing conditions for juicy tomatoes.
What’s all the hype about?
Confused about GMO, hybrid, and heirloom seeds? Learn the differences, pros & cons, and how to choose the best seeds for your garden.
It’s Idaho Weed Awareness Week!
Learn how to identify and manage noxious weeds in Idaho. Find organic and sustainable methods to keep your garden weed-free.
Watching baby plants grow up!
Ever wondered how seeds grow into plants? Learn about seed germination, plant anatomy, and tips for nurturing healthy seedlings.
Sweet, Crisp, Colorful Lettuce!
Grow crisp, flavorful lettuce at home! Learn about different lettuce varieties, planting tips, and how to prevent bolting in hot weather.
Prepping the dirt for gardening!
Prepare your garden soil with proper tilling, aeration, and amendments for a thriving garden. Learn how to improve soil structure and avoid hardpan.