Growing tomatoes outdoors in Southwest Idaho can be a challenge. The length of the warm weather vegetable growing season cannot be relied on to be long enough for many varieties, especially if the spring is cool or damp, or the frost dates don’t cooperate. Two months of fierce heat can’t make up the difference. And […]
The Curse of the Heavenly Blue Morning Glory
The Heavenly Blue Morning Glory has the misfortune of being related to that hideous bind weed, commonly known as morning glory, which is an invasive weed that threatens every gardener’s sanity. But everyone has a relative like that: the person who prejudices all acquaintances against the family by being continually obnoxious. Heavenly Blue Morning Glory, […]
Dinner Plate Hibiscus Adds Refreshing Splash of Pink to SW Idaho Summer Heat
One of my favorite pieces of garden advice is to plant for blooms throughout the growing season, not just during the spring rush. So, my yard may never be chock full of blooms, and it is likely that there is always something unsightly due to dying back, but there is always a burst of color […]
Reasons to Consider Bare Foot Gardening
If you have ever longed to take off your shoes and run bare footed through the garden, there’s a good reason. It’s fun and comfortable. It may take a few weeks to get your feet and legs back into shape for more regular participation in this childhood joy, but along the way you’ll discover that […]
Why I Mulch with Grass Clippings in my Southwest Idaho Garden
Using grass clippings for mulch deals with a common dilemma for the modern gardener. The lawn is pretty, nice to walk on, but it’s not my favorite part of the yard to care for, yet, if I don’t do something about those dandelions, they will infest my vegetable and flower gardens. If I don’t mow […]