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Farmer Joe's Tips
Meet Farmer Joe
Farmer Joe is a graduate of Boise State University's Horticulture program.
Joe spends most of his time up on our farm on Boston Post Rd. Joe also spends a lot of time at various farmer markets throughout the state. It's a rare occasion when you'll spot him at our garden center, even more rare to see him lounging in a chair (although he has been known to whine loudly on the radio about his need for a nap). It's his expertise that keeps things growing so well up on the farm - the same farm that he grew up on.
In addition to filling 35,000 sq ft of greenhouses with lush plants for you to put into your own garden, Farmer Joe raises a vast array of yummy fruits and vegetables on our farm. If he doesn't grow it himself, Joe brings the freshest fruits and vegetables direct from their farms to our stand.
He's a busy guy!
Farmer Joe's Planting Tips
Friendly, practical advice for every season of the year
🌱 Spring Planting
Spring is the season of new beginnings. As the ground warms up and the last frost passes, it's time to get your hands dirty and set the foundation for a great growing year.
Farmer Joe's Spring Tips
✔ Test Your Soil First: Before planting anything, do a simple soil test. Knowing your pH and nutrient levels helps you amend properly — no guessing, no wasted effort.
✔ Start Seeds Indoors Early: Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs love a head start. Begin them 6–8 weeks before your last frost date so transplants are strong and ready.
✔ Don't Rush the Soil: Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 50°F before direct sowing. Cold, wet soil leads to poor germination and disease.
✔ Plant Cool-Season Crops First: Lettuce, spinach, peas, and broccoli can go in early. They thrive in cooler temperatures and will bolt once summer heat hits.
✔ Mulch After Planting: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cool as temperatures rise.
☀️ Summer Planting
Summer is peak growing season — but it also means heat stress, pests, and dry spells. Stay proactive, and your garden will reward you well into fall.
Farmer Joe's Summer Tips
✔ Water Deep, Not Often: Give plants a long, deep soak a few times a week rather than a light sprinkle daily. Deep watering encourages strong root systems.
✔ Plant Heat-Lovers Now: Squash, cucumbers, melons, peppers, and beans are in their element. Get them in the ground early summer for a full harvest.
✔ Watch for Pests: Japanese beetles, aphids, and caterpillars are most active in summer. Check plants regularly and catch problems early before they spread.
✔ Succession Plant for Continuous Harvest: Every 2–3 weeks, sow a new round of beans, lettuce, and herbs. This keeps fresh produce coming all season long.
✔ Deadhead and Prune: Remove spent flowers and trim leggy growth to keep plants producing and air circulating. Good airflow prevents fungal disease.
🍂 Fall Planting
Fall is often underestimated. With cooler temperatures and fewer pests, it's one of the best times to grow — and to set your garden up for next year.
Farmer Joe's Fall Tips
✔ Plant Cool-Season Crops Again: Kale, chard, arugula, radishes, and garlic all love fall. Count back from your first frost date and get them in the ground in time.
✔ Plant Garlic for Next Year: Fall is the ideal time to plant garlic bulbs. They overwinter underground and produce a full, flavorful harvest the following summer.
✔ Add Compost to Beds: After clearing out spent summer crops, work compost into the soil. Over winter, it breaks down and enriches the soil for spring planting.
✔ Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses need to be planted in fall. Chill hours underground prepare them to bloom beautifully come spring.
✔ Cover Crops Are Your Friend: Sow clover or winter rye in empty beds. Cover crops protect the soil from erosion, add nitrogen, and suppress weeds all winter long.
❄️ Winter Planting
Winter isn't a time to stop — it's a time to plan, prep, and get a quiet head start. With the right approach, you'll be ready to hit the ground running come spring.
Farmer Joe's Winter Tips
✔ Order Seeds Early: Seed catalogs come out in January. Popular varieties sell out fast — order early so you have exactly what you want for spring.
✔ Start an Indoor Herb Garden: Basil, chives, parsley, and mint grow happily on a sunny windowsill. Fresh herbs in winter are a simple and satisfying project.
✔ Plan Your Garden Layout: Use the quieter months to sketch out your beds, rotate crops on paper, and research companion planting to maximize yield next season.
✔ Tend to Your Tools: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools. Well-maintained tools last longer and make spring work much easier.
✔ Protect Perennials: Mulch around perennial plants to insulate roots from hard freezes. A few inches of straw or leaves can make a big difference in survival rate.
Happy growing from Farmer Joe — every season has something worth planting!
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