Horticulture in Valley County
Gardening and horticulture
UI Extension, Valley 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, Valley County office at valley@uidaho.edu or 208-382-7190 for current class dates.
Insect identification
Did you know you can directly communicate with an entomologist to help identify insects? Visit the UI Extension Insect ID website to learn more and complete an online form and upload pictures.
Gardening
Gardening in Teton County can be rewarding, but there can be some challenges, with our short, high-elevation climate. The USDA hardiness zones for Teton County range from Zone 5a in the valley to 3a in higher elevations. The average frost-free period ranges from mid-June to early September though it is not uncommon to have a frost in the middle of the summer. The short growing season and cool nights can hinder plant growth, but with the proper plant selection, gardening techniques and season extension, gardens can flourish.
We offer gardening workshops and classes throughout the year, typically in the winter and spring. Contact the UI Extension, Teton County office for program information.
To find publications about gardening, short-season, high-altitude gardening in Idaho, visit the publications website.
Master Gardener program
Each year, hundreds of master gardeners share their gardening knowledge as they serve their communities and the environment. UI Extension, Valley County offers the Idaho Master Gardener course every other year.
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
UI Extension, Valley County currently offers three horticulture programs:
- Victory Garden Series
- Idaho Master Gardeners
- Advanced Idaho Master Gardeners
The programs offered rotate on an annual basis. Contact us at valley@uidaho.edu to learn more.
You must complete the Idaho Master Gardener class before you can become an Advanced Idaho Master Gardener. A minimum of 15 participants is required in order for the class to proceed.
Becoming an Idaho Master Gardener
If you are interested in being certified as an Idaho Master Gardener, contact the UI Extension, Valley County office at valley@uidaho.edu for an application.
Volunteers are required to complete 30 hours of instruction and 30 hours of service.
Dawn Moody Master Gardener Service Scholarship, application deadline Jan. 1
About Dawn Moody
Available annually. Please call the UI Extension, Valley County office for details at 208-382-7190.
Dawn Moudy was an active Valley/Adams County master gardener and was a strong leader for multiple community efforts. The master gardener scholarship is in recognition of her efforts. Scholarship applicants must write a one-page essay describing their interest in the Idaho Master Gardener Program and their plan for volunteer service in Valley or Adams County. The recipient of this award will volunteer six to 10 hours assisting with pre- and post-program needs throughout the course.
Application deadline is Jan. 1.
About Dawn Moudy
Dawn Moudy was raised in McCall, married Ken Moudy and had two children, Tracey and Clint. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in her 50s and passed away at age 62. She will be missed by our whole community.
Dawn was active in many activities and programs in the Valley County area. She belonged to the Long Valley Garden Club, serving as a past president, provided strong leadership for the local master gardener program and was in charge of the Roseberry Ice Cream Social.
Dawn was very knowledgeable about plants and gardening. She loved to share what she knew with those around her. That is why the Valley/Adams Master Gardeners choose to honor her through this scholarship fund.
She was a well-versed naturalist and excellent botanist for the region, referencing plants by both their scientific and common names. Thank you, Dawn Moudy, for your contribution to UI Extension's Idaho Master Gardener Program. May your passion for learning, teaching and leadership be carried on through this scholarship.
High altitude gardening
Gardening in Valley County has its challenges. McCall has around 63 frost-free days, Cascade a few more. Maintaining healthy soil is your top strategy for dealing with all gardening issues you may face. Composting can be a great way to maintain healthy soils to protect your garden from disease, weeds and low yields.
Growing plants and vegetables at high altitudes requires an understanding of what is possible and what is practical. If you are new to high altitude gardening, we invite you first to read Introduction to short-season gardening in Idaho, BUL 857.
View the following documents to learn more about short-season growing in Idaho.
Basic strategies for high-altitude gardening
- Gardening strategies for short-season, high-altitude zones, BUL 859
- Extending the gardening season, 2752 (University of Maine Extension)
Soil management
Growing fruits and vegetables
- Choosing and growing adapted vegetable varieties, BUL 863
- Growing tomatoes in cool, short-season locations, BUL 864
- Growing tree fruits in short-season gardens, BUL 867
- Growing small-fruit crops in short-season gardens, BUL 868
- Short-season vegetable gardening, PNW 497
Growing trees, shrubs and ornamentals
- Selecting, planting and caring for trees, shrubs and vines, BUL 860
- Herbaceous ornamentals: annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses, BUL 861
- Hardy roses for harsh climates, BUL 874
Landscaping and lawn care
Season extension