Gardening is a fascinating blend of art and science, combining elements of both in a way that makes it uniquely compelling. On the scientific side, gardening involves an understanding of plant biology, soil chemistry, and environmental conditions. Gardeners need to grasp how plants grow and what they need to thrive—such as the right balance of water, light, and nutrients. Soil health is a critical aspect; knowing its pH level and nutrient content helps in choosing the correct fertilizers and amendments. Understanding plant life cycles, pest management, and climate patterns also plays a vital r ..read more

Imagine savoring a cup made from your own garden's bounty, crafted from dried leaves and blossoms of beautiful seasonal plants. With a bit of planning and knowledge, you can create a tea garden that provides a personalized tea blend year-round. Here’s a guide to some delightful tea plants and tips for cultivating them: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Part Used: Buds Lavender is not only a charming addition to your garden but also a source of relaxing tea. This plant thrives in full sun and alkaline soil, and it's relatively low maintenance. English lavender is hardy to Zone 5, blooms twice ..read more

The corn root beetle is not confined to large agricultural crops; it can also invade home gardens and ornamental flowers. Fortunately, this pest has a limited life cycle, with only one generation per year. In the fall, female corn root beetles lay their eggs in the soil around corn plants. These eggs hatch the following spring, and the larvae begin feeding on the corn plant roots. By midsummer, the larvae pupate, and adult beetles emerge in search of pollen, primarily from corn silks, though they can also damage corn leaves. As the corn plants dry out later in the summer, the beetles seek othe ..read more

  If you’ve ever pulled up a suffering plant only to find a dying, rotting root system, you know how damaging root rot can be. However, root rot can take many forms and often causes symptoms similar to those of other plant diseases and pests. In this article, we will explore what root rot is and how to protect your plants from it. What is Root Rot? Root rot is a general term used to describe any disease where harmful pathogens attack and deteriorate a plant’s root system. These pathogens cause the roots to die, leading to the plant suffering and eventually dying as well. What Causes Ro ..read more

 Have you ever been surprised with a huge behemoth of a cucumber that wasn't there two days ago? What do you do with huge cukes?  Does the flavor change as they get so large? Super large cucumbers are often hard to transform into crispy pickle spears and are often quite seedy. However, they still have so much potential! Here are some harvesting tips: Don’t let cucumbers get too large or they will taste bitter. Hot dry weather can cause bitter cucumbers. Monitor your watering. At peak harvesting time, you should be picking cucumbers every couple of day ..read more

If you’re exploring the diverse landscapes of Idaho, from its lush forests and towering mountains to sprawling farmlands, you might come across a tiny but mighty pollinator—the mason bee. These solitary bees, part of the genus Osmia, are not just fascinating but also crucial for keeping our ecosystems and gardens thriving. Unlike honeybees, which live in large colonies, mason bees prefer to go solo. They nest individually in natural cavities or man-made sites like hollow reeds or wooden tubes. What’s really cool is that mason bees are super active in early spring, just when many of our native ..read more

The definition of Organic Pest Control is very broad. Generally, organic pest control means discouraging or destroying insects or pests without using manmade or synthetic chemicals that will be harmful to humans or animals. There are many means of pest control beyond the use of synthetic or natural chemicals. The following methods can reduce or eliminate the expense, preparation, storage and general need for any chemicals. Crop Rotation Crop rotation is an excellent way to manage pests, enhance soil health, and has been used for centuries. Since many pests rely on specific crops as a food so ..read more

Shade loving perennials are described as a hardy plant that persists for several years in little to no sunlight areas. These plants will grow bigger and bigger every year and some even until you can divide and split them to plant more. Shade loving perennials will take the cold a lot better and won’t need as much water compared to sun loving perennials. These perennials can be planted under trees or along a house where it is cool and moist. Ferns have stems, leaves, and roots but do not produce seeds. On the underside of the leaves are spores that contain the genetics needed to grow a new fer ..read more

If you’ve ever shucked sweet corn and found gray, swollen growths within the husk, you've encountered corn smut. This fungus, *Ustilago maydis*, thrives in young, developing corn during warm, dry weather. The spores penetrate and germinate with the help of moisture, causing the corn kernels to swell and form galls. These can appear white, gray, black, or brown. Corn injuries can increase susceptibility, and annual yield loss ranges from 2% to 10%, potentially higher in localized areas. Many farmers and consumers dread the sight of smut, but others see massive potential. In Mexico, corn smut ..read more

European Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are common insect pests throughout the United States. They feed on plants, including flowers, garden vegetables, and fruit trees. The common name “Earwig” is based on the false notion that this insect could enter a human ear and cause substantial damage. Earwigs are predominantly reddish brown and adults are typically ¾ of an inch long. The most identifiable feature of the earwig is the appendages at the tail end of the insect which appear to be pinchers or forceps and are referred to as cerci. The male earwig has strongly curved cerci while the female ..read more