Has Spring Sprung in Idaho Yet?

[deem]

Originally Posted by Torrie

Yes you can grow vegetables here. Last time I checked Boise was zone 5 for growing. Even though it's considered high desert, it's not the same as what you have in AZ. The soil in some areas is pretty rocky, so I recommend that you do raised beds whenever possible so you have better control of you're soil. When the weather cooperates you can have long growing seasons here, making such things as cantaloupes a possibility. Pollination might be a problem this year though as the bees are going through a crisis. You can have as many sunny days as possible, but without the pollination the plants will not bear fruit! Planting such things as catnip and salvia will attract bees and both grow quite well in Boise.

Check out Edwards Nursery when you come to Boise, incredible nursery off of Hill Rd!

Hi Torrie
what do you mean the bees are going through a crisis?

[Torrie]

Hi Deem!

There has been a big shortage of the honey bees, they have been dying in droves all over the US. I haven't heard if scientists have figured out why. I believe I did here that some of the hives are starting to recooperate but it has been a concern.....basically it could affect our food supply, YIKEs!

[MIKE ROY]

I planted all my pepper plants last nite.has anyone eles?

[MIKE ROY]

Has anyone planted tomatos yet?In boise.

[benchfan]

My husband planted our tomatoes a couple of weeks ago when we had weather in the 70's and summer felt around the corner. Sadly, our little tomato plants haven't grown an inch since then and we lost one. They look a bit bedraggled--hopefully we won't have a freeze and they'll hang on until things warm up a bit more.

My mom says, as many experienced local gardeners do, that the time to plant in Boise is when all of the snow is melted off of Shafer Butte (Bogus Basin). Sometimes it's well into June before this happens (and this year... good Lord, it could be July) but it seems to be true. We certainly haven't seen any gains from planting our tomatoes early. Hopefully warmer weather will arrive soon and we can get on our way to growing our favorite summer food! Can't wait for that first batch of summer gazpacho!

[Hesster]

It got down to 36 degrees on Saturday. I can't believe it's almost June. What a cruddy spring it's been this year. Sure has played hell with the fishing.