Growing vegetables and native plants in a suburban/urban environment is on the rise. See how you can  incorporate them into your landscape.
February 2017
February is when our thoughts turn towards spring. Two growing trends that have captured the imagination of millennials is growing native plants and vegetable gardening. And AG producers, now is the time to fertilize your brome or hay pastures.

Valentine's Day flowers, mulching trees, training for community boards, and welcoming a new agent: This issue of Knowledge for Life is perfect for February's cold and dreary winter nights. It will have you dreaming of spring.
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent/Home and Family
Welcome Denise Dias
Please join us in welcoming Denise to our office. Denise celebrates 21 years in Extension, and comes to us from the Sedgwick County Extension in Wichita. Welcome Denise, we're glad to have you on our team!
Native Plant Use Continues to Grow
One of the latest trends in the garden is the use of native plants. I bet just about every one of you reading this have a native plant, whether you know it not. Many of our perennial garden favorites are native. Read more about this growing trend.
 
Vegetable Gardening: It Starts with Planning
Whether you are planting a vegetable garden for the first time or turning the soil for many a season Extension is your place for information. The Kansas Garden Guide covers vegetable gardening from asparagus to zucchinis. The printed publication is available for sale at our office or online for free.
Hay Bale
Apply Pasture and Hay Fertilizer Now
Cool season pasture and hay fields respond very well to added nitrogen. It’s important that roots have access as soon as plants start to come out of dormancy in the spring. Fertilizers should be applied by the end of February or before.
Valentine's Flowers: How to Make Them Last
Proper care is important for extending the life of fresh flower arrangements. Here are a few guidelines to make this symbol of love last longer.
How to Mulch a Tree the Right Way
It seems pretty easy, but you can actually kill your tree if you don't mulch it correctly. Think doughnuts instead of volcanoes. What? Here's how you should mulch your tree the right way.
Follow Us on Facebook
Hot new classes. Ice cold storms. Would you like timely updates on fast moving events that impact you and your family here in Johnson County? Then follow us on Facebook.
Ag Manager: A great resource for farm leasing information
Working out the details of farm leasing arrangements doesn’t have to be complicated. But it can certainly end in a disaster if you don’t think through some of the common issues. Kansas State University has a variety of resources available at the K-State Ag Manager web site.
Board Leadership Workshop
Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you. This four session workshop is designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards. The series will be hosted by local K-State Research and Extension professionals. Details here.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Foundation Dinner and Auction
The Johnson County Extension Education Foundation invites you to their annual dinner and auction. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s annual grant program, which funds Extension educational projects. Details and ticket information is here.
Job Opening
4-H/Youth Development
Do you like kids, have experience managing/supervising volunteers, and have a passion for education? If so, our job opening for a 4-H/Youth Development agent may be just for you. Screening of applications will begin February 2, 2017. Click on the link for complete details.
Free Tax Preparation Begins Feb. 1
The Sunset Drive Office Building will once again host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. Anyone whose household income is $54,000 or below may have their state and federal income tax returns completed and e-filed FREE of charge.
Beat the Spring Rush: Get your soil tested for free
Johnson County residents can get their soil tested for FREE. A soil test measures soil pH and available nutrients in the soil, and gives you accurate information about the type and amount of fertilizer or amendment to apply to maintain good plant health. This helps protect the environment, and can save you money and time.


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