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!