New column can turn any thumb green

Welcome to Growing in North Idaho, a bi-weekly gardening column written by UI Extension Kootenai County Idaho Master Gardeners.

Idaho Master Gardeners (IMGs) are delighted to share our knowledge of gardening information. In fact, that’s our mission: Helping People Grow. We will bring you evidence-based information that is timely and relevant to our unique growing season.

Never heard of us? We’re not surprised. We are Kootenai County’s best-kept secret!

The IMG program in Kootenai County is a volunteer-based program. Our 44 volunteers not only love to grow things, but also love to share their knowledge. We offer a free diagnostic plant clinic two days a week at our office in the UI Research Park in Post Falls.

This is where you can bring your gardening questions, problems, or samples to us — free of charge. In addition, we offer a mini clinic at the Kootenai County Farmer’s Market many Saturdays during the season.

At a time when so many people are catching the gardening bug (it’s a good one to catch!) and relocating to our area (welcome!), we are excited to share our discovery of lifelong learning in our landscapes and gardens. We can help you achieve gardening successes, educate to protect our water resources, teach about our unique population of native bees, and overall increase the value of your property.

Each article will be written by me (Kara Carleton) or Certified Idaho Master Gardener volunteer Candace Godwin. We hope you find the information useful and welcome any questions you have about your garden or landscape.

To get started, here are a few quick tips for watering wisely during a heat wave:

• Water at the plant’s base.

• Water in the morning or during cooler parts of the day.

• Don’t fertilize plants, trees, or lawns during or before hot weather. It increases the need for water.

• Water trees deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots. Lawn sprinklers don’t provide adequate deep-watering for trees. Contact us for specifics pertinent to your situation and soil type.

And, mulch, mulch, mulch! A 4-inch layer of mulch will keep the soil cool and decrease evaporation.

These tips will keep your garden cool and thriving. Remember, umbrellas provide colorful shade for select plants during hot weather, too.

We look forward to Gardening in North Idaho with you.

The University of Idaho Extension, Kootenai County Idaho Master Gardener program is located at the UI Research Park in Post Falls.

For gardening questions or problems visit us in person or our webpage: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/kootenai/garden, or email kootenaimg@uidaho.edu, or call 208-292-2525. IMG services are free to the public.

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Kara Carleton is the Idaho Master Gardener program coordinator.