UI Extension Nez Perce County Horticulture and Master Gardeners

09/14/2026

Learn more about how to attract hummingbirds to your landscape with flowering plants or a properly placed and filled feeder!

It is always breathtaking to watching a tiny, shiny, colorful hummingbird working it’s little heart out to keep those wings beating while eating from flowers and feeders. Many of us, old and young, enjoy the experience of watching hummingbirds at work. But how can we have that experience at home? ...

09/12/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans in 2025 to decommission the Beltsville Bee Lab, a major research center focused on pollinator health, disease, and pests. For Idaho, where agriculture depends heavily on pollination, the loss could have far-reaching consequences.

In Idaho, public awareness efforts through a combination of community programs and volunteer-driven research are being created. Education is not just happening in labs, it is happening in classrooms, at public events, and in backyards, where small changes can make a measurable difference.

If you'd like to know more how to be involved, contact our office and we can provide information on local events focused on pollinator education and support.

Idaho is home to one of the most diverse populations of native bees in the country, but researchers say many of those species remain largely unknown and increas

09/11/2026

How do you like to spend time in nature and nurture yourself? Check out this article about ways to promote self-care through caring for the nature around you in outdoor spaces.

Spring 2026 Introduction Maybe it is the twinkle in the eye, or lightness of step, or dexterity of limbs, I am not entirely sure, but…

09/10/2026

Check out this new gardener series available online! Pick the topic or two (or all of them) that you would like to know more about! Only $27 each class topic!

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty, the new Savvy Gardener Series offers a chance to dig deeper into the science and practices behind successful gardening.

These online, self-paced courses cover topics such as botany, pruning, vegetable production and more. Each course draws on educational content from the University of Idaho's Online Master Gardener program, making gardening knowledge accessible to even more Idaho gardeners.

Courses are just $27 each.

Explore the Savvy Gardener Series: https://bit.ly/3UhAn2B

09/09/2026

Having new resources and expertise on fruit production and management for backyard orchardists or commercial growers is exciting!! 🍏🍎🍐🍑🍒

Jonathan Clavijo-Herrera was among the first scientists in Florida to successfully establish a high-density peach orchard, using trellises to train tree branches to grow on fruiting walls, which reduces labor

09/08/2026

Knowing when to fertilize trees is an important step in tree care. Many times, trees do not actually need to be fertilized, but there are times when it is needed. Deciding to fertilize is usually to accomplish tree growth, better flower or fruit set, or to keep trees healthy. The main things to consider when deciding when to fertilize are:
🟤 1st get your soil tested!
🔢 Choose the right fertilizer type - slow release granular is usually best for trees
🌳 Apply in the right location based on root location and tree size
🔢 Apply in the right amounts based on the soil test and plant needs
🌧️Apply at the right time - spring or fall is best and split total need into separate applications

Things not to do:
❌ Don't fertilize when poor growth is exhibited - find the root cause first
❌ Apply too much - more is not always better
❌ Don't fertilize stressed trees or trees that do not receive adequate water.

Discover how to properly fertilize trees and shrubs for healthier plants and improved growth in your outdoor spaces.

09/07/2026

Does Labor Day get you in the fall mood? This is generally a day thought to be the transition between summer and fall, though we still have between 2-3 weeks of summer. The weather is changing: more moisture is coming, cooler temps, and daylight is waning. Here are some good tips on how to make your garden transitions during this time!
https://extension.missouri.edu/news/labor-day-marks-transition-from-summer-to-autumn-gardening

09/05/2026

Today is so it's a good time to remind people of gardening practices they should consider when donating to food banks or other food donation programs! Check out this resource from Michigan State University Extension about things be aware of when planning to donate your home grown produce!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/good-gardening-practices-for-fresh-produce-donations-from-home-and-community-gardens