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Spring Planting Guide for the Treasure Valley

What to plant, when to plant it, and how to grow a thriving garden from April on.


Spring in the Treasure Valley is one of the best time to get outside and start planting. With warming temperatures, longer days and just enough moisture in the soil, April through early summer is ideal for building a garden that's both beautiful and functional.


Regardless if you're starting small, or refreshing your entire yard, here's a local guide to what grows well here, and how to make it thrive.

outdoor picnic
Idaho Botanical Gardens

Spring Planting Guide:

Flowers 🌸 (Easy, Beautiful and Local Friendly)

Daffodils

When to plant:

Early spring (nursery plants)


Daffodils are one of those that are deer resistant which is huge in idaho, they come back every year and are super low effort.

If you plant them in clusters, give them full sun and water moderately, they really can become a beautiful addition to any garden.


Petunias (Spring-Summer Color)

When to plant:

Late April-May (after frost risk)


Petunias are a great flower to add in the garden this year because they constantly bloom! They do great in flower pots or beds and are a bit more forgiving to those who may not have been gifted the green thumb. They just need full sun and well drained soil. Continuously deadhead the flowers to keep them reblooming!


Marigolds (garden helper flowers)

When to plant:

Late April-May


Marigolds are great since they repel pests naturally, are super easy to grow and are great around vegtables gardens. Plant in full sun, space a few inches apart and water regularly (dont oversoak) and they will be the best helper in the garden.


Plants and Herbs (Functional and Easy Wins)

Mint

When to plant:

April


Mint is a top addition to add to any garden since it grows FAST, it's multi functional, great for drinks and other recipes and a bonus is that it smells amazing. It's best to plant it in a pot (it spreads aggressively). It is partial to full sun, however if you just water it regularly, it is a great plant to have.


Basil

When to plant:

Late April-May


Basil is probably the most commonly homegrown herb among the community. It's great for cooking with different reciepes, pairs well with tomatoes, and an easy beginner herb. Full sun, warm soil and occasional pinching of the leaves to promote growth, the basil plant is an easy addition to any full outdoor garden or small kitchen garden.


Lavender (Treasure Valley Favorite)

When to plant:

April-May


Lavender is not only beautiful and a calming scent, but its also drought tolerant, which makes it a very good beginner herb to grow. It attracts pollinators and very on theme with the "Boise Aesthetic". Full sun, well drained soil and efficient watering, it can be a really useful plant with multifunctions in day to day life.


Vegetables (Beginner-Friendly)


Lettuce

When to plant:

April (Cool Season Crop)


Lettuce is a great beginner friendly vegetable to grow, it's pretty low maintenance, fast growing and gives multiple harvests. Moist soil, partial sun and maintenance harvests, it really is a great way to get healthier greens in on a daily basis.


Carrots

When to plant:

April-May


Carrots are not only super tasty, bur they grow really well in Idaho soil and weather. It is a great plant to have the kids or little ones help with harvesting the carrots. Loose soil when planting carrots is very important. Additionally, you'd want to thin out the seelings early and water it consistently.


Tomatoes

When to plant:

Late May (after last frost)


Tomatoes are not only versitile in its usage and how many recipes or dishes you could use them for, they are high yeild and a staple garden crop. Full sun, in a stake or cage with deep watering, not daily, and it's one of the most versatile plants to have on hand.


Local Gardening Insight

The Treasure Valley has a short but productive growing season, so timing matters,


Key Tip: Wait until mid-to-late May for front sensitive plants (like tomatoes and plants)


Beginner? Don't know where to start? Starting with lettuce, mint (in a pot), marigolds, and tomatoes (later) can help get your foot in the door, or your hands in the dirt to a full thriving garden. This combo is beginner friendly, with lenient plants. This combo will give you all the garden categories of food, beauty, pest control, and quick wins!


👇 Spring is the perfect time to refresh more than just your garden — from simple home projects to seasonal maintenance, we’ve rounded up what to focus on this time of year.





Keep Growing and Exploring the Treasure Valley

There is something special about Idaho this time of year, longer days, fresh starts and the simple joy of watching something grow right at home. However, beyond the garden, there is so much more to explore, from local events and seasonal activities to hidden gems around Boise, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley, we're always sharing new ways to explore the community.



Wherever you are in the process of your Real Estate journey, buying, selling, investing or simply getting to know the market, having the right team makes all the difference. At House Of Palmer | Real Estate, we believe real estate is about more than transactions; it's about helping people feel connected to where they live.


👇 Explore more local guides, events, and seasonal inspiration on our blog.



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