“There are no mysterious ‘musts,’ no set rules, no finger of shame pointed at the gardener who doesn’t follow an accepted pattern. Landscaping is not a complex and difficult art to be practiced only by high priests”

 —Thomas D. Church in Gardens Are For People

I’ve learned so much from attending three more gardening classes this month on the Palouse. Cinda Williams of the Latah County Extension Office taught a class on Organic Gardening; Theresa Greiner of Fiddler’s Ridge Nursery in Potlatch taught a class on seeds and plants to use in our planting zones; and Gerald Meyer, the Greenhouse Manager at the University of Idaho, imparted his knowledge on Pastel Perennials for the Palouse.

Cinda expanded on the class I took in February that discussed companion planting and crop rotation as two excellent means of creating biodiversity in the garden. She says that ideally gardens will look like patchwork quilts with the above-ground diversity stimulating a like diversity, and therefore, health in the soil beneath. If a garden has problems due to insects, disease, and weeds, it is an indication that there is an ecological imbalance. By learning and using organic gardening principles and practices in our gardens, we can create healthy conditions conducive to optimal plant growth.

The Potlatch Growers Group, which was started by graduates of the County Master Gardener program, is presenting a series of garden seminars in Potlatch. Theresa shared many pearls of wisdom gained from her 20-plus years of gardening and nursery management and/or ownership on the Palouse. Depending on the zone of the micro-climate around your own home Theresa says our growing season is probably 80 to 100 days, though if you are in a sheltered warm spot you may have as many as 120 days. Use those figures in determining which crops to grow. Many heirloom varieties need longer growing seasons so knowledge of your season length is critical. Stone fruits (apricots and peaches) are questionable in our area because they bloom first of the fruit trees and our long and cold springs are death on them. If you find an apricot variety, you must have then plant it in the coldest spot on your property (which may be the north side) so that it will be delayed in breaking dormancy. This advice runs counter to all we’ve ever heard, but makes perfect sense.

Jerry’s class on pastel perennials was right up my alley as those are my favorites. I especially enjoy Jerry’s recommendations for companion plantings. Briefly, some of Jerry’s pearls of wisdom:

Our long-term spring dampness is a main reason for plant loss, not the winter cold; drought tolerant (xeric) plants must be generously watered the first year or two; and, plants that suffer water stress in summer have a harder time with winter hardiness.

One of the things I enjoy from attending classes is that most instructors share their personal favorites and biases on gardening practices, plants, and nurseries. After more than 30 years of gardening, I learn something new every time I take a class. All of these presenters impart invaluable pearls of wisdom that I eagerly absorb. There was no cost for any of the above classes.

The Backyard Harvest (BYH) program is gearing up for the coming season. Run by the very energetic Amy Grey, whom I featured in an article last summer, the program uses all volunteer gardens and harvesters to provide local food banks and meal providers with fresh produce. This year’s goal is to harvest 20,000 pounds of produce. Knowing Amy, I think she’ll do it! Plant starts are being grown right now for community plots and for people willing to plant an extra row in their existing gardens. These will be available in April and May, along with seeds that will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. BYH is piloting a tool library this year for community members. They have shovels, rakes and 7-foot orchard ladders, but are in need of a Rototiller, wheelbarrows, and hand tools. BYH also provides some community plots that will need workers for a few hours in April and May. Please email Amy for more information or to donate time and/or supplies. It’s a great program!

Latah County Extension Office (208) 883-2267 or email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or (208) 875-0644

This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or (208) 885-6379

Web page: www.backyardharvest.org or email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

In The April Garden:

Direct sow seeds of cool season vegetables and hardy annuals in the garden;

Sow seeds of more tender plants indoors according to when they can be put out in the garden;

Prune forsythia right after flowering, prune the oldest branches to 12" but allow the plant to retain an arching form;

Scatter lettuce and spinach seeds around emerging spring bulb foliage, when the bulbs die back the salad greens will cover the yellowing foliage, and you'll have the makings of a salad;

Clean out and disinfect bird houses with a bleach solution of 4 tablespoons bleach to 1 gallon water. Remount houses 6 to 20 feet above the ground.