Horticulture in Ada County

Gardening and horticulture

Whether you're a new gardener, a seasoned plant enthusiast, or simply looking for answers about your landscape, University of Idaho Extension, Ada County is here to help. We offer a wide range of research-based horticulture resources, educational programs and expert guidance to help you grow with confidence.

Our Plant Clinic helps with diagnosing plant problems, identifying plants, weeds and insects, and offering practical solutions for gardening and landscaping challenges. Looking to deepen your gardening knowledge while giving back to your community? The Idaho Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to become trusted gardening educators who share university-based information through outreach and service.

To learn more about upcoming classes, programs and services, contact the UI Extension, Ada County at ada@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900.

Free plant clinic

Hours — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, May-September.
Off-season—October-April (not staffed, no sample drop-offs during this time). We are closed for all gardening inquiries Oct. 1-15 as we begin our new student master gardener program.

Need help with your urban landscape or garden? Visit our Plant Clinic during May through September. Our volunteer Idaho Master Gardeners will research and advise on yard and gardening questions, including insects, plant diseases and identification. Drop off your sample and form at the UI Extension, Ada County office.

You can also submit your gardening questions, plant problems, and plant and weed identifications by email (adamg@uidaho.edu) or call 208-287-5900.

Most inquiries will require a photo submission, please use these guidelines when submitting photos to adamg@uidaho.edu.

Include one close-up picture.
Include one entire plant picture.
Include one picture which shows the plant and the surrounding landscape.
For insects, position a penny next to the insect to give us some scale.
Take photos with indirect light when possible.

Submitting samples for problems or identification

Trees — Bring a branch approximately 12-18" long showing the progression of the problem. The sample should include both healthy ad unhealthy conditions. If the problem is on the trunk email photos to adamg@uidaho.edu. Fill out a submission form at our office. No fee.
Turf — Bring a 12" square section from the problem area (showing a portion of the healthy and unhealthy conditions), including 2-3" of soil. Fill out a submission form at our office. No fee.
Weeds and other plants —Bring whole plants with root system intact. Plants with flowers or seed heads are easier to identify. Fill out a submission form at our office. No fee.
Insects —Bring in a closed container. Avoid bringing in crushed insects. Fill out a submission form at our office. No fee.
Soil test —The UI Extension, Ada County office does not test soil samples, but does offer soil test kits from University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory. Visit University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory website for pricing and more information or call 208-885-7466.
- Pick up a soil test kit at the UI Extension, Ada County office.
- Gather and prepare the soil sample according to the directions provided with the kits. Mail your soil submission to University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory, along with your payment.
- When you receive your soil results, contact our office at 208‑287‑5900 to help interpret your results.

Master gardener program

The Idaho Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to become trusted gardening educators. Each year, hundreds of master gardeners share research-based gardening knowledge as they serve their communities and the environment. Follow us on Facebook for current information about the program.

What master gardeners do

Answer horticulture questions (by telephone and in person at the UI Extension office through our free Plant Clinic)
Promote environmental responsibility and science literacy
Bring the joy of gardening to all ages
Teach classes for large groups: civic organizations, church groups, garden clubs, schools and others

Student master gardener program

The waiting list for the Student Master Gardener program is currently full. If you are interested in becoming an Idaho Master Gardener, please sign up for our newsletter by email (adamg@uidaho.edu) or call 208-287-5900.

Student master gardeners are required to complete 50 hours of classwork, 50 hours of hands-on volunteering and should have effective practice in public communication skills.

Advanced master gardener program

The Advanced Master Gardener program includes a series of in-depth horticulture classes that strengthen gardening skills and knowledge. Participants must be certified Idaho Master Gardeners and be invited to participate to become an Advanced Idaho Master Gardener. Volunteers are required to complete 30 hours of classwork and 30 hours of hands-on volunteering.

Continuing master gardener program

The Continuing Master Gardener program allows master gardeners to maintain their certification year to year, even if they have limited time. Participants must be certified Idaho Master Gardeners and be invited to participate. Volunteers are required to complete 15 hours of classwork and 15 hours of hands-on volunteering.

Master composters

Through teaching and community service, Master Composters become leaders and educators on backyard solid-waste management in their communities. Participants must complete the four session Easy composting workshops in order to be accepted into the Master Composters. The requirement for becoming a certified Master Composter is 10 hours of hands-on volunteering and one compost presentation. This certification is good for one year.

Workshops

The UI Extension, Ada County offers a variety of horticulture workshops and classes based on interest and availability. Contact us at ada@uidaho.edu or 208-287-5900 for a current list of classes.

Related resources

Plant sale

The Ada County Master Gardener Plant Sale is held the first weekend in May from 9 a.m. to Noon at our office (5880 N Glenwood St., Boise ID 83714). Plants are grown by seed or divided from home gardens by our master gardeners. Support our program by shopping with us. All sales support our free Plant Clinic and Demonstration Gardens.

Demonstration gardens

Looking for inspiration for your home landscape? Our Demonstration Gardens showcase a variety of plants that thrive in southwest Idaho and include an Idaho Native Plant bed, American Southwest bed, Dry Shade bed, Perennial and Winter Interest bed, Herb bed, several turf types and more. Open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Have a question about a plant in our garden? Call us at 208-287-5900.