Horticulture in Fremont County

Gardening and horticulture  

University of Idaho Extension in Fremont County provides research-based resources, hands-on classes and expert guidance for eastern Idaho home gardeners.

Community gardening classes

Join us each month for a community gardening class offered throughout Fremont County. Whether you are a beginner looking to grow your first vegetable garden or an experienced gardener tackling a tricky problem, these classes offer something for everyone — and they are a great way to connect with fellow gardeners in your community.

Class details

• Offered monthly at rotating locations — St. Anthony, Ashton and Island Park
• Each class runs approximately one to one-and-a-half hours
• Instruction on a current gardening or horticulture topic
• Open Q&A — so you can get answers about what is happening in your own yard and garden

Stay informed

Follow us on Facebook for upcoming class dates, topics and announcements. Explore the calendar or contact us for current scheduling and to confirm class locations at fremont@uidaho.edu or 208-624-3102.

Master gardener program

The Idaho Master Gardener Program trains dedicated volunteers to share research-based gardening knowledge with their communities each year.

What master gardeners do

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

Time commitment

• 36 hours of classroom time from mid-January to mid-April, including open book quizzes and reading assignments
• 40 hours of hands-on training, including time answering gardeners' questions alongside an Advance Idaho Master Gardener

Regional master gardener conference

Fremont County's UI Extension office participates in the Regional Master Gardener Conference annually held by Brigham Young University-Idaho. This is a great opportunity for master gardeners and those interested in the program to connect, learn and grow. Contact our office for information on the next conference at fremont@uidaho.edu or 208-624-3102 for more information.

For full class details of our programs

Visit UI Extension, Bonneville County horticulture — our regional partner for master gardener program, pest alerts newsletter, home garden tips and plant talk. Or contact our office to learn how to get involved or how to sign up at fremont@uidaho.edu or 208-624-3102.

Pest alerts

Our weekly Pest Alerts newsletter is distributed during the spring, summer and fall months to help homeowners stay ahead of garden pests in our region. Each issue provides the most current, science-based information for managing common pests in eastern Idaho. What the newsletter covers:

• Tracks the Apple Codling Moth, Western Cherry Fruit Fly and weather patterns associated with Fireblight — giving you timely, accurate pest control guidance
• Highlights other pest species throughout the season as they become prevalent in our area
• Focuses on integrated pest management — using the most effective strategies while minimizing risks to people and the environment
• Includes gardening tips on topics like garden planning, irrigation and frost protection

Home garden tips

Idaho Home Garden Tips is a series of online gardening classes available to those who want to learn more about home gardening. Classes are offered:

• Second and fourth Tuesday from February through October
• 7-7:30 p.m. Mountain Time
• Held via Zoom — free to join

Each session covers a practical home gardening topic presented by UI Extension educators. All classes are recorded so you can watch at any time if you miss a session. Explore past sessions on UI Extension YouTube playlist.

Plant talk

Have a question about your yard or garden? Plant Talk is a Q&A session offered immediately after the Idaho Home Garden Tips class from 7:30-8 p.m. MT.

UI Extension educators and plant experts Ron Patterson, Jared Gibbons and Reed Findlay answer your real gardening questions in real time. Whether you are dealing with a mystery pest, struggling with soil or wondering why your tomatoes are not producing, bring your questions and get answers from the experts. Explore past sessions on UI Extension YouTube playlist.

In the garden column

In the Garden is a regular column on East Idaho News written by UI Extension educators. Articles cover practical topics tailored to eastern Idaho conditions — from pest management and soil health to landscape design and new plant varieties.

• Using artificial intelligence in horticulture — AI tools offer quick guidance, but local knowledge remains essential for east Idaho gardeners.
• Coming attractions to your flower bed — Standout new annual flower varieties for 2026 suited to east Idaho's wind, sun and dry climate.
• Balanced beds: Making balance and simplicity work — Using balance and simplicity as design principles for landscapes that feel intentional and inviting.
• Path to purpose: Combining movement and structure — How line, form and transition in hardscapes and plantings shape the experience of a landscape.

For the full archive of "In the Garden" articles, visit EastIdahoNews.com and search "In the Garden."