K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Lawn and Garden

Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and trees.

Maintaining attractive home and commercial landscapes not only increases property values but promotes an improved quality of life that makes our community a great place to live.

Whether you have a question about lawns, vegetables, flowers, or landscape maintenance, Extension information is created for use by everyone, including homeowners, lawn services and nurseries.

How to Trap Moles

Kansas Garden Guide

Are you familiar with the Kansas Garden Guide? This book, published by K-State Research and Extension, is a gardeners "must have". This newly updated, 202 page publication has sections on planning a garden, composting, improving soil, seeding and planting, garden care, watering, planting gardens for fall production, insect and disease control, container gardening, season extension and harvesting and storing. This is followed by an extensive section on how to grow specific vegetables and herbs. You may access a free PDF copy of this publication by clicking the cover below.

Kansas Garden Guide Cover

K-State Garden Hour

Have you checked out the K-State Garden Hour? At noon, on the first Wednesday of each month, horticulture agents from across the state will offer training on a variety of topics to help you grow more produce, have a beautifully landscaped yard, get rid of pests, see new flower varieties, and more! A one-time registration gets you access to all of the sessions, and the videos in case you miss one. You can watch recorded training's here. The following list are session topics:

  • January 3, 2024 - Nature's Decor: A How-To in Floral Design
  • February 7, 2024 - Gardening for a Changing Climate
  • March 6, 2024 - Selecting and Planging Fruit Trees for Kansas
  • April 3, 2024 - Companion Plants in Your Garden
  • May 1, 2024 - Understanding Water Sources for Your Garden
  • June 5, 2024 - Growing Cut Flowers for the Home & Farmers Market
  • July 3, 2024 - Success with Cacti and Succulents
  • August 7, 2024 - Establishing a More Environmentally Sustainable Lawn
  • September 4, 2024 - Season Extension in the Vegetable Garden
  • October 2, 2024 - Evergreens in Kansas
  • November 6, 2024 - Rabbit, Mole, and Deer Mitigation
  • December 4, 2024 - Home Hydroponics

Click HERE to Register and Watch!!

Garden Hour Watch Part

Master Gardener Class

Master gardner class of 2022

Congratulations to the Master Gardner Class of 2022! Our new class of Master Gardeners completed their training on December 8th! They are ready to head into the Southwind communities to complete their volunteer service hours!

Extension Master Gardeners are a vital part of K-State Research and Extension. Donating time in return for horticultural training, Master Gardeners help our county agents meet the need for horticultural information in their communities. The means of providing this information are diverse including community projects, demonstration gardens, working garden shows, public presentations, and providing tours.

Any Kansas citizen with a passion for gardening, life-long learning, and community education can apply for the Master Gardener program.

Gardening Videos

Organized by subject or season, there are more than 85 short gardening videos produced by K-State Research and Extension professionals. You can find them here.