January is the perfect time to start making a garden wish list and planning for spring. K-State Research and Extension has several lists of plants that are proven to do well in our unpredictable Kansas climate. From trees, shrubs, to vegetables, make sure to check out these recommendations before hitting up the garden center.
Recommended Plants for Kansas: https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/recommended-plants/
By: Cassie Thiessen
Bird watching is a fun hobby and can be a way to connect with nature in the cold winter months. For more information on how to attract birds to your landscape, watch this Kansas Healthy Yards Video:
By: Cassie Thiessen
If you want beautiful, colorful tulips in the spring, now is the time to plant the bulbs! Spring flowering bulbs are often one of the first signs of spring in the landscape and a wonderful addition to any flower bed.
Planting bulbs can occur any time in the fall but should wrap up by mid to late November. Earlier in the fall is best, as it allows more time for root development. Fertilize when planting using a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10.
Plant bulbs where they will receive full sun. Bulbs should be planted about twice as deep as the height of the bulb. 4-6 inches is a good depth for tulips. Make sure that the soil will drain well, as bulbs are prone to rotting.
Put a little extra effort into your flower beds now to have a beautiful show of color in the spring. For more information on spring flowering bulbs check out this K-State Garden Hour: https://mediasite.k-state.edu/mediasite/Play/bb82330923124f468402d0492fd79c7d1d
By: Cassie Thiessen
Come learn how to tidy up your garden for the season! We will cover topics such as garden and flower bed clean up and preparing trees and lawns for the winter season.
Thursday, October 14 
at 6:30 p.m. Smith County Courthouse Meeting Room 218 S. Grant St. Smith Center, KS
To register for this free program please fill out the following link or contact your local Extension Office: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPLvY2rZPxoRkD0bHZXJu1mCvmkcEiuuNwX3tqAbBmh2xI-Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
By: Cassie Homan
Want to learn more about caring for your garden and landscape?
K-State Research and Extension has excellent resources. Throughout 2020 the horticulture team presented several informational webinars. They have been recorded and can be accessed on the HNR Website. https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinar-series/k_state_garden_hour.html
By: Cassie Homan
Fall is a great time to plant a tree. If you have been wanting to get a tree planted in your landscape, start shopping now. K-State has tested many shade trees to do well in our weather conditions.
Follow this link to find the perfect tree for your yard: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2688.pdf
By: Cassie Homan
You may have heard the Chinese Proverb “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Trees offer shade and beauty in our landscapes as well as reducing utility costs and providing food sources and habitat for wildlife. The fall season is an excellent time to plant trees! In the spring, soils are cold and may be so wet that there isn’t enough oxygen for adequate root growth. Fall soils are warm and moist which encourages growth. When planted in fall, the tree becomes established well before a spring planted tree and is able to withstand summer stresses.
To pick the perfect tree for your landscape, consult K-State’s recommended list: https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf
By: Cassie Homan
