Horticulture in Latah County

Gardening and horticulture

We offer resources and programming regarding soils, vegetable gardening, fruit trees, ornamentals, lawns, insects, weeds and other related topics. Our volunteers are available to help answer questions. Contact the UI Extension, Latah County office at latah@uidaho.edu or 208-883-2267 for more information.

Small farms

The Farm and Garden Series classes are taught in the evening throughout the winter/spring. These classes are tailored to the community’s needs and differ each year. Check our calendar, contact the office or follow us on Facebook for more information.

Tuesday Market

The Tuesday Market opens the first Tuesday of June and is held from 4-7 p.m. on the lawn at the Latah County Fair and Event Center. The market is held every Tuesday from June to mid-October featuring local bands, vendors selling eggs, milk, microgreens, plants, produce, beer, food and more. If you would like to participate in the market or have additional questions, please contact us at tuesdaymarket@uidaho.edu or 208-883-2267.

Master gardener program

Each year, hundreds of master gardeners share their gardening knowledge as they serve their communities and the environment. UI Extension, Latah County offers the Idaho Master Gardener course every other spring. During off years, we offer a six-week, beginner gardening class. For more information, please email latah@uidaho.edu.

What master gardeners do

Answer horticulture questions (by telephone and in person at the UI Extension office)
Promote environmental responsibility
Bring the joy of gardening to all ages
Teach classes for large groups: civic organizations, church groups, garden clubs, schools and others

Becoming an Idaho Master Gardener

If you are interested in being certified as an Idaho Master Gardener, contact the UI Extension, Latah County office at latah@uidaho.edu for an application.

Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of instruction and a minimum of 30 volunteer service hours.

Plant clinic

Join our Idaho Master Gardeners every Thursday from 1-4 p.m., between June and September, for expert advice addressing plant issues and receiving valuable recommendations. Additionally, our virtual plant clinic is at your service via the links below. Please reach out beforehand if you plan to visit in person to ensure we are available to assist you.

To submit a Plant Clinic request, please follow the instructions closely and complete the appropriate diagnostic form linked below. You may also bring in a sample to the UI Extension office by calling 208-883-2267 to make an appointment.

Submitting a virtual request

You will be asked to upload photos of your issue. When taking pictures, make sure you keep the following in mind:

Plant/tree/weed issues or identification

Are the pictures in focus?
Does at least one picture show the whole plant/tree/weed with surrounding vegetation?
Are there close-up pictures of the infected area? In-focus, close-up pictures of the leaves, needles, branch, bark, etc. are helpful.
Can you show a comparison of healthy versus unhealthy parts of the plant?

Insect identification

It is difficult to identify insects through photos, so we ask that you capture a live specimen and bring your sample to the office in a securely lidded container with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Please call or email 208-883-2267 for additional instructions and drop off times. We will NOT except insects without a call first.

Submitting your request

Please send your completed diagnostic form, along with all pictures taken and your contact information to latah@uidaho.edu. If the sample/specimen must be brought in for proper identification/diagnosis, call 208-883-2267 and set up an appointment.

Diagnostic forms

Please use the appropriate link below and complete the information as thoroughly as possible.

Once your form and photos are received by the UI Extension office, your inquiry will be processed in the order they are received. If you choose, you can fill out a form by hand and bring a physical sample into the UI Extension office. Please call 208-883-2267 or email latah@uidaho.edu for instructions and drop off times.

Soil sampling

The UI Extension, Latah County office provides assistance and information on soil testing.

Soil fertility test

The standard soil fertility test includes pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and organic matter and costs $35. Call the office at 208-883-2267 to check the availability of the soil probe and receive a collection bag and submission form at no charge.

How to take a soil sample

Assemble a clean plastic bucket and a shovel or soil probe. Tools should be stainless steel or aluminum alloy. No iron.
Take 8-12 randomly spaced soil samples at a depth of 8-12 inches.
Mix samples thoroughly and fill collection bag with two cups of composite soil.
Fill out the submission form (pdf) with name, address and phone. Indicate what you are sampling in the “Submitter ID” column.
Take sample, a $35 check payable to “Bursar, University of Idaho” and submission form to the Analytical Sciences Laboratory: 2222 W 6th Street, Moscow, ID.
Results will be available in approximately 10 days.
Contact the UI Extension, Latah County office at latah@uidaho.edu or 208-883-2267 for help interpreting results.

Resources

Check out the following publications for more information on soil sampling and testing: