Horticulture in Ada County

Gardening and horticulture

UI Extension, Ada County offers a variety of resources and programs to help you better understand horticulture and gardening issues. Plant clinic services help you tackle problems like plant disease; plant, weed or insect identification; and simple landscaping ideas. The Idaho Master Gardener Program trains citizens to share their gardening knowledge through community outreach. Contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at ada@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900 for current class dates.

Master gardener program

Each year, hundreds of master gardeners share their gardening knowledge as they serve their communities and the environment. Follow us on Facebook for current information about the program.

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, fill out and return an application to ada@uidaho.edu or mail to 5880 Glenwood St., Boise, ID 83714. Space is limited, so apply early. For updates on the program, contact the UI Extension, Ada County office at ada@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900.

Volunteers are required to complete 50 hours of classwork, 50 hours of hands-on practicum and should have effective practice in public communication skills.

Advanced Idaho Master Gardener

The Advanced Idaho Master Gardener program includes a series of in-depth horticulture classes that strengthen gardening skills and knowledge. Participants must be certified Idaho Master Gardeners and be invited to participate in the advanced program. Volunteers are required to complete 36 hours of classwork and 33 hours of hands-on practicum.

Continuing master gardener program

The Continuing Master Gardener program allows Idaho Master Gardeners to maintain their certification year to year, even if they have limited time. Participants must be certified Idaho Master Gardeners and be invited to participate. Volunteers are required to complete 25 hours of classwork and 25 hours of hands-on practicum.

Plant diagnostic clinic

Need some help with your urban landscape or garden? Visit our free Plant Diagnostic Clinic from May thru September. Our volunteer Idaho Master Gardeners will research and advise on yard and gardening questions, including insects, plant diseases and identification. Samples can still be submitted during the off season. Drop off your sample and form at the UI Extension, Ada County office.

You can also submit your gardening questions, plant problems, and plant and weed identifications by email or phone call. If you prefer email, please fill out the appropriate form below and email your form with pictures (if appropriate) to the Ada County master gardeners. Use the recommendations below.

Include one close-up picture.
Include one entire plant picture.
Include one picture which shows the plant and the surrounding landscape.
For insects, position a penny next to the insect to give us some scale.
Take photos with indirect light when possible.

Submitting samples for problems or identification

Trees

Bring a branch approximately 12-18" long showing the progression of the problem. If the problem is on the trunk, bring clear pictures. Please bring the completed submission form and your sample into the office. No fee.

Turf

Bring a 12" square section from the problem area (showing a portion of the healthy and unhealthy conditions), including 2-3" of soil. Please bring the completed submission form and your sample into the office. No fee.

Weeds and other plants

Bring whole plants with root system intact. Plants with flowers or seed heads are easier to identify. Please bring the appropriate completed submission form and your sample into the office. No fee.

Insects

Bring in a closed container. Avoid bringing in crushed insects. Please bring the submission completed form and your sample into the office. No fee.

Other problems

Please use the information request form for all other questions or additional information not specific to the listed categories.

Soil test

The UI Extension, Ada County office does not test soil samples, but does offer soil test kits from University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory. Visit University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory website for pricing and more information or call 208-885-7466.

Pick up a soil test kit at the UI Extension, Ada County office.
Gather and prepare the soil sample according to the directions provided with the kits. Mail your soil submission to University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory, along with your payment.
When you receive your soil results, contact our office at 208‑287‑5900 to help interpret your results.

Master composters

Through teaching and community service, Master Composters become leaders and educators on backyard solid-waste management in their communities. Participants completing the three sessions of composting workshops and the required 20 hours of practicum hours are certified as Master Composters.

Workshops

The UI Extension, Ada County office offers a variety of horticulture workshops and classes based on interest and availability. Contact us at ada@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900 for a current list of classes.

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