Horticulture in Canyon County
Gardening and horticulture
UI Extension, Canyon County offers a variety of resources and programs to help you better understand horticulture and gardening issues. The Idaho Master Gardener Program trains citizens to share their gardening knowledge through community outreach. Contact the UI Extension, Canyon County office at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6003 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 and Instagram or read our Idaho Growin’ blog 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, contact the UI Extension, Canyon County office at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6003 to learn about upcoming classes and request an application.
Plant clinic
Have a question or concern about your yard, landscape or home garden? Our Idaho Master Gardeners are available to help diagnose plant problems and answer your gardening questions.
Plant clinics are held May through September on Mondays and Thursdays from Noon-2 p.m. Visit or call 208-459-6003 our office during these hours to speak with a master gardener.
Submit a plant sample
Plant samples may be submitted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Samples will be evaluated during Plant Clinic hours or when not in session, by our horticultural Extension educator.
When submitting a sample, you will be asked to complete a short form with your contact information and a description of the issue. We will contact you once the evaluation is complete and a conclusion has been reached. Plant Clinic services are provided free of charge.
Site visits
Site visits are available during the growing season, typically May through September. For additional information please contact the UI Extension, Canyon County office at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6003.
Photo submission guidelines
Photos of plants can also be emailed. 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
- Additional pictures can be included as needed
- Take photo with indirect light when possible
Tree samples
Bring a branch approximately 12-18 inches long showing the progression of the problem. If the problem is on the trunk, bring or submit a clear picture following photo submission guidelines.
Weed samples
Bring whole plant(s) with root system intact. Plants with flowers or seed heads are easier to identify.
Insect samples
- Submit several specimens, when possible.
- Idaho Insect Identification
- Submitted specimen(s) should be in a closed container.
- Clear photos may be submitted via email. Include clear images of the insect from top, bottom and side when possible. Include a penny next to the insect for scale.
Soil testing
The cost of a standard soil fertility test is $57. Local lab resources are western laboratories in Parma or University of Idaho’s Analytical Sciences Laboratory in Moscow. Contact us at canyon@uidaho.edu or 208-459-6003 for more information. Soil test results can be interpreted by Brad Stokes by submitting a PDF form to bstokes@uidaho.edu.
Related resources
UI Extension publications
View peer-reviewed, research-based educational materials produced by U of I experts.