Vegetables That Grow Well in Northern Idaho: A Comprehensive Guide

Northern Idaho is a unique region for gardening, with its mountainous terrain, cooler climate, and shorter growing season. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 6a, the area typically experiences cold winters and mild summers. Despite these challenges, there are many vegetables that thrive in Northern Idaho, thanks to its fertile soil, ample water supply, and long summer days. By selecting the right crops and following some gardening best practices, you can achieve a bountiful harvest in this region. In this article, we’ll explore the best vegetables to grow in Northern Idaho and provide tips on how to maximize your garden’s productivity.

1. Understanding the Growing Conditions in Northern Idaho

Before diving into specific vegetable recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key factors that affect gardening in Northern Idaho:

  • Climate: Northern Idaho experiences a relatively short growing season, typically ranging from late May to early September. The region is prone to late spring and early fall frosts, so it’s important to choose frost-tolerant plants or plan for season extension methods like row covers and cold frames.

  • Soil: The soil in Northern Idaho is often well-drained and fertile, but it can vary depending on location. Amending the soil with organic matter like compost improves its structure and nutrient content, making it more suitable for vegetable growth.

  • Sunlight: The long summer days in Northern Idaho provide plenty of sunlight for growing vegetables, which is particularly beneficial for crops that require a lot of light.

  • Water: With abundant natural water sources, irrigation is generally manageable. However, it’s still important to monitor soil moisture and water consistently, especially during dry periods in July and August.

2. Cool-Season Crops for Northern Idaho

Cool-season crops thrive in Northern Idaho’s cooler spring and fall temperatures. These vegetables can be planted early in the season and often perform well even with the region’s occasional late frosts.

1. Leafy Greens

  • Lettuce: Lettuce is one of the easiest and most reliable crops for Northern Idaho. Varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Romaine’ do well in the cooler weather and can be grown in succession for continuous harvests.
  • Spinach: Spinach prefers cool temperatures and grows quickly. You can plant it in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. Cold-hardy varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ are ideal.
  • Kale: Kale is a hardy green that can tolerate frost and even improve in flavor after a light frost. ‘Lacinato’ and ‘Red Russian’ varieties are popular choices.
  • Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is both heat and cold-tolerant, making it a versatile green for Northern Idaho gardens. It can be planted early and continue producing well into the fall.

2. Root Vegetables

  • Carrots: Carrots thrive in cool temperatures and do well in the loose, well-drained soils typical of Northern Idaho. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ and ‘Danvers’ are known for their sweet flavor and consistent growth.
  • Beets: Beets are another cool-season crop that performs well in this region. They’re easy to grow and can be harvested for both their roots and greens. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Golden’ are great options.
  • Radishes: Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that mature in as little as 3-4 weeks. Varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are popular for their crisp texture and mild flavor.
  • Turnips: Turnips are cold-hardy and can be planted in early spring or late summer. They are dual-purpose vegetables, offering both edible roots and nutritious greens.

3. Cabbage Family (Brassicas)

  • Broccoli: Broccoli thrives in cooler temperatures and does well with Northern Idaho’s climate. ‘Calabrese’ and ‘Waltham 29’ are reliable varieties that produce large heads and side shoots.
  • Cabbage: Cabbage is a staple crop for cooler regions. Early maturing varieties like ‘Golden Acre’ and storage varieties like ‘Brunswick’ do well in Northern Idaho’s growing season.
  • Cauliflower: Although slightly more finicky than other brassicas, cauliflower can be successfully grown in Northern Idaho. ‘Snowball’ and ‘Cheddar’ (an orange variety) are popular choices.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts require a long growing season, but they thrive in cool weather and can even be left in the garden after light frosts, which improve their flavor.

3. Warm-Season Crops for Northern Idaho

While Northern Idaho’s growing season is shorter, there are still plenty of warm-season crops that can be grown successfully with careful planning and a bit of season extension.

1. Peas and Beans

  • Peas: Peas, both shelling and snap varieties, are cool-season crops that can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. Varieties like ‘Sugar Snap’ and ‘Little Marvel’ are well-suited for early spring planting.
  • Bush Beans: Bush beans grow quickly and can be planted after the last frost. Varieties like ‘Blue Lake’ and ‘Contender’ are productive and have a relatively short maturity period.
  • Pole Beans: Pole beans require more time to mature but produce continuously throughout the season. ‘Kentucky Wonder’ and ‘Scarlet Runner’ are popular options.

2. Tomatoes

  • Tomatoes: Despite the cooler climate, tomatoes can be grown successfully in Northern Idaho with the right varieties and techniques. Choose early-maturing, cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Early Girl,’ ‘Stupice,’ or ‘Glacier.’ Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and use season extenders like cloches, row covers, or greenhouses to give them a head start.

3. Peppers

  • Peppers: Although peppers prefer warmer climates, certain varieties do well in Northern Idaho. ‘Yankee Bell’ and ‘King of the North’ are bell peppers that mature quickly, while smaller hot peppers like ‘Jalapeño’ and ‘Hungarian Hot Wax’ also perform well. Starting them indoors and providing extra warmth early in the season is key.

4. Squash and Zucchini

  • Summer Squash and Zucchini: Summer squash and zucchini are fast-growing and productive. Varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Yellow Crookneck’ are well-suited for Northern Idaho’s growing season.
  • Winter Squash: Winter squash like ‘Butternut,’ ‘Acorn,’ and ‘Delicata’ can be grown, but it’s essential to select varieties with shorter maturity periods. Planting them as early as possible and using season extenders can help them ripen before the first frost.

5. Cucumbers

  • Cucumbers: Cucumbers can be grown in Northern Idaho with some care. Choose varieties like ‘Marketmore 76’ or ‘Boston Pickling’ that are known for their adaptability and shorter growing seasons. Starting them indoors or using row covers to warm the soil helps them establish quickly.

6. Corn

  • Corn: While corn requires a longer growing season, short-season varieties like ‘Early Sunglow’ or ‘Trinity’ are ideal for Northern Idaho gardens. Plant corn in blocks rather than rows to ensure good pollination, which leads to better ear formation.

7. Potatoes

  • Potatoes: Northern Idaho is an excellent region for growing potatoes, a staple crop for many gardeners in the area. Varieties like ‘Yukon Gold,’ ‘Red Norland,’ and ‘Russet’ are popular and perform well in cooler climates. Potatoes can be planted as soon as the soil is workable in the spring.

4. Herbs for Northern Idaho Gardens

In addition to vegetables, many herbs do well in Northern Idaho’s climate:

  • Parsley: Parsley is a cold-tolerant herb that grows well throughout the season.
  • Cilantro: Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures and can be planted in succession for continuous harvest.
  • Chives: Chives are hardy perennials that return each year, providing fresh onion-like flavor in early spring.
  • Thyme and Oregano: These hardy herbs are drought-tolerant and perform well in Northern Idaho gardens, even with cooler temperatures.

5. Gardening Tips for Northern Idaho

1. Start Seeds Indoors:

Given the short growing season, starting seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash is essential. Use grow lights and heat mats to ensure strong seedlings, and transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

2. Use Season Extenders:

To maximize your growing season, use tools like row covers, cold frames, and cloches to protect plants from late spring or early fall frosts. These season extenders can help you start planting earlier and keep your garden productive longer into the fall.

3. Practice Succession Planting:

For crops like lettuce, radishes, and spinach, practice succession planting every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. This method helps you make the most of the shorter growing season.

4. Focus on Cold-Hardy and Early-Maturing Varieties:

Select varieties specifically bred for cold climates or those with shorter days to maturity. This increases your chances of success, especially with warm-season crops.

5. Soil Preparation:

Prepare your soil in the fall by adding compost and other organic matter. This not only enriches the soil but also improves its structure, making it easier to work in the spring.

Conclusion

Northern Idaho may have a shorter and cooler growing season, but with the right vegetable choices and techniques, you can still enjoy a productive garden. Cool-season crops like leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas are particularly well-suited to the region, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash can thrive with a bit of extra care and season extension. By understanding the local growing conditions and planning accordingly, Northern Idaho gardeners can look forward to a successful and abundant harvest.