UI Extension, Payette County

UI Extension, Payette County Providing practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities in Payette Co

June is the time when many Idaho gardens shift from planting season into rapid growth — which means your plants may bene...
06/02/2026

June is the time when many Idaho gardens shift from planting season into rapid growth — which means your plants may benefit from a mid-season nutrient boost. But according to research-based recommendations from University of Idaho Extension, more fertilizer is not always better.

✅ Fertilize only when plants need it
✅ Water deeply after applying fertilizer
✅ Avoid over-fertilizing tomatoes — too much nitrogen creates leafy plants with fewer fruits
✅ Lawns and gardens grow best when fertilizer is applied based on soil needs, not guesswork

🌿 Vegetables like corn, squash, cucumbers, and leafy greens are heavy feeders and often benefit from side-dressing fertilizer in early June.

🌸 Flower gardens benefit from balanced slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy blooms throughout summer.

💡 Research-based tip: Applying fertilizer during cooler morning temperatures and watering afterward helps reduce nutrient loss and plant stress.

Want to know exactly what your soil needs? A soil test is the best first step for productive gardens and healthy plants.

06/01/2026

Due to short staffing, our office will be closed tomorrow June 2nd and Tuesday June 9th. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Rikki attended a fun Range Monitoring Inservice this week at the UI Rinker Rock Ranch near Hailey, ID.
05/20/2026

Rikki attended a fun Range Monitoring Inservice this week at the UI Rinker Rock Ranch near Hailey, ID.

We hosted our Extension Advisory luncheon today!  Such amazing ideas and perspectives.
05/13/2026

We hosted our Extension Advisory luncheon today! Such amazing ideas and perspectives.

For the Love of Tomatoes!  🍅 Raised Bed Tomato Planting Tips from UI Extension – Payette County 🍅Tomatoes thrive in rais...
05/07/2026

For the Love of Tomatoes!

🍅 Raised Bed Tomato Planting Tips from UI Extension – Payette County 🍅

Tomatoes thrive in raised beds when planted with healthy soil, proper spacing, and consistent watering. Here are a few research-based tips to help your garden succeed this season:

• Wait to plant until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F
• Choose a location with 6–8+ hours of full sun daily
• Mix compost into the soil before planting for improved fertility and water retention
• Plant tomatoes deep — bury part of the stem to encourage strong root growth
• Space plants properly for airflow and disease reduction
• Add cages or stakes early to support healthy growth
• Water deeply and consistently at the base of the plant
• Apply mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds

In Southwest Idaho, raised beds warm up quickly in spring, making them a great option for growing productive tomato plants. Watch for temperature swings and protect young plants if a late frost is predicted.

What varieties are you planting this year? 🍅

A few plant samples came into the Extension office today…Do you know what this is?Comment below with your answer 🌾      ...
05/06/2026

A few plant samples came into the Extension office today…

Do you know what this is?
Comment below with your answer 🌾

Welcome to May, Small FarmersUI Extension – Payette County | Rikki RuizMay is go-time in Southwest Idaho. Longer days, w...
05/01/2026

Welcome to May, Small Farmers
UI Extension – Payette County | Rikki Ruiz

May is go-time in Southwest Idaho. Longer days, warming soil, and everything starting to move fast.

Here is your Small Farm May Checklist to stay on track and set your season up for success:

Plant warm-season crops
---Get corn, beans, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons in the ground once soils warm up.

Finish frost-sensitive transplants
---Tomatoes, peppers, and basil can go out after your last frost. Keep an eye on nighttime temperatures.

Irrigation check
---Inspect handlines, pivots, and drip systems. Fix leaks, check pressure, and begin scheduling early morning watering.

W**d control early and often
---Stay ahead of cheatgrass, foxtail, and broadleaf weeds. Cultivate, mow, or manage grazing before they go to seed.

Soil health boost
----Apply compost or fertilizer based on soil test results. Healthy soil supports productive pasture and crops.

Pasture walk and assessment
----Check forage growth, watch for overgrazing, and begin planning rotation. Spring management sets summer production.

Pest and disease monitoring
-----Start scouting now. Watch for aphids, cutworms, and early fungal issues.

Livestock check-in
-----Ensure fresh water, mineral access, and monitor body condition. Plan spring vaccinations and deworming if needed.

Protect pollinators
-------Be mindful with sprays. Apply early morning or late evening when pollinators are less active.

*****Pro tip
What you do in May determines your July. Stay proactive, not reactive.

Questions or need help on your farm or pasture
Reach out to UI Extension – Payette County. We are here to help you grow.

This past Monday we were finally able to recognize Troy Wright as the 2024/2025 Payette County Friend of 4-H. 🍀 This awa...
04/30/2026

This past Monday we were finally able to recognize Troy Wright as the 2024/2025 Payette County Friend of 4-H. 🍀

This award is chosen by the Extension Office to recognize someone from the community who has continuously supported and advocated for the youth in Payette County 4-H. Troy has been an FFA advisor at Fruitland High School since 1995 and served as the Payette County Fair Overall Superintendent for the past 20 years. From spring weigh-ins to the market livestock sale, Troy was also depended on to bring order to chaos, solve problems with confidence, and provide steady leadership that benefited both the 4-H and FFA programs. While we will miss him as our overall superintendent this year, know that he is leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, guidance, and unwavering dedication to Payette County.

Comment below to congratulate Troy on this award and thank him for his service to our community 🍀💚

On today’s Extension work, we collected soil samples and helped Payette County residents with pasture management.       ...
04/29/2026

On today’s Extension work, we collected soil samples and helped Payette County residents with pasture management. .

Address

16 S 9th Street, PO Box 10
Payette, ID
83661

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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