The best source for timely, accurate information in Johnson County, Kansas.
March 2018

After a long, dreary winter bring on March Madness!

But if you're not into wall-to-wall hoops we have some tricks for luring you outside.
  • Walk Kansas starts March 18. If you're sick of sitting this is the perfect motivator for you and your friends. And it's fun, too! Sign up by March 16.
  • Stretch your dollar with these thrift store shopping tips.
  • Now registering for our kids camps! Don't wait. Our youth camps fill up quickly.
  • FREE Income Tax Preparation continues. Find out if you're eligible below.
  • Start planning the veggie garden. If you've tried in the past but failed maybe you chose the wrong variety. Check out the list of recommended vegetables from K-State Extension.
  • Start Your Engines! (Or at least, tune them up.) You asked. We listened. Our Seasonal Lawn Care Guide gives you a quick month-by-month overview of what you should be doing and when.

Have questions? Give us a call at 913.715.7000. Or email us at [email protected]
Walk Kansas March 18
Break the Sitting Habit
Isaac Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. If you're having a hard time getting off the couch, K-State's Walk Kansas fitness challenge can help you break inertia and move into spring.
Thrift Store Shopping
Thrift stores can be a great place to find stylish clothes or items for your home at affordable prices. Thrift store shopping is great, but sometimes you need to plan ahead a little to get the most out of your visit. Here are a few tips to help maximize your savings while thrift store shopping.
Successful Vegetable Gardening Starts with The Right Variety
K-State Research and Extension has updated their list of recommended vegetables. These listed varieties must have a track record of being high yielding and less susceptible to pest issues. K-State works with the surrounding land grants to find the right selections. Here is the list of recommended vegetab les.
Lawn Care Seasonal Guide
You asked. We listened. We've created these simple guidelines for caring for cool-season lawns here in Kansas City. The key to success is all in the timing.
Free! 9am - 2pm
Earth-friendly Home, Lawn and Garden Event
The Johnson County Healthy Yards Expo is your opportunity to discover how to have a beautiful lawn and garden while being a little more environmentally friendly. Talk with the experts, attend educational talks and see a puppet show for all ages. 

Get 2 native plants and a tree seedling! Sign up for door prizes. Be sure to check out the native plant sale -- choose from 1,000 plants.
Think You Don't Have Room for Fruit? Think Again!
Growing edibles in the landscape is as popular as ever. Fruit doesn't have to be a space hog. With a little creative planning and selecting the right crops there are ways to incorporate such fruits as apples, raspberries and strawberries into your plantings. Learn more practical tips by watching our K-State Healthy Yards video.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas have long been popular in the Kansas City landscape. But there's lots of confusion about pruning. How, when, and where are common questions. We help you identify what kind you have and how to prune it here.
Tickets on sale April 1
Buy early and save
EMG Public Garden Tour
Anticipation is building for the 2018 Extension Master Gardener Public Garden Tour May 18 and 19. Tickets go on sale April 1 at a discounted rate. For now enjoy this sneak peek of the seven gardens that are sure to please.
Mice in the Home
We've had lots of calls on mice this winter. They’re looking for warm places to make their nests that are close to food. The best way to combat mice is to prevent them from entering your home. Look for any openings ¼” and greater. Steel wool is a great temporary filler, but more permanent measures such as wood, cement, or metal coverings are the most optimal. Be sure to keep all food in your kitchen and pantry areas in containers and to clean up any spills. Dog food and bird seed should also be kept in closable containers. Once an infestation happens, population control is nearly always the only option. Traps and rodenticides are the most commonly recommended. Click here for more information on controlling house mice.
4-H Youth Development
Now Registering Kids for Camps
Your child does not need to be a 4-H member to enjoy our camping experience. There are several camps to choose from including overnight camps and day camps. Please note that our camps are very popular and fill up quickly.
Feb. 1 - April 14
Free Income Tax Preparation
Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site opens Feb.1 here at the Sunset Drive Office Building. If your household income was $60,0000 or less in 2017, you are eligible for FREE state and federal tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers.


Classes & Events
To register online click on the class link or call 913-715-7000.
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