Want to grow a thriving garden, lush lawn, or vibrant houseplants without breaking the bank? The K-State Research and Extension Office in Salina, Kansas, has you covered with a treasure trove of free gardening resources! Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first tomato harvest or a seasoned gardener tackling Kansas’ tricky climate, these tools from the Central Kansas District will help you cultivate success. From calendars to webinars to expert blogs, here’s your guide to the best free resources available right in Salina. Let’s dig in!
KSU Garden Calendar: Your Year-Round Planting Guide
Timing is everything in gardening, and the KSU Garden Calendar is your go-to for knowing when to plant, prune, and harvest in Kansas’ unique climate. This free resource, available through the K-State Research and Extension website, offers month-by-month tips tailored to our region. Want to know the best time to sow cool-season crops like lettuce or when to fertilize your lawn? The calendar has you covered. Check with K-State’s Salina Research & Extension office for an emailed copy. It’s a must-have for planning a productive garden year-round.
Central Kansas Lawn & Garden Blog: Local Expertise at Your Fingertips
For practical, Kansas-specific gardening advice, dive into the Central Kansas Lawn & Garden blog at ckdgardens.com. Written by Jason Graves, the Central Kansas District Horticulture Agent, this blog is packed with timely articles on everything from battling local pests to selecting the best tomato varieties for Salina’s soils. Recent posts include tips on growing flavorful tomatoes and supporting native pollinators with the right plants. It’s like having a horticulture expert in your pocket—free, accessible, and tailored to Central Kansas gardeners. Bookmark it and check back regularly for fresh insights. Click here to go to the Central Kansas Lawn & Garden blog page.
Kansas Garden Guide: Your Gardening Bible
The Kansas Garden Guide is a 202-page gem that’s essential for anyone gardening in our challenging climate. Available for free online at bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf, this comprehensive guide covers everything from soil prep to pest control to growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Updated in 2023, it includes new sections on fall gardening, season extension, and pollinator-friendly practices. Whether you’re starting a small container garden or managing a sprawling backyard plot, this guide is your roadmap to success. Visit the Salina Extension Office or download it today by clicking here to start growing smarter.
K-State Garden Hour Webinars: Learn from the Pros
Want to boost your gardening know-how from the comfort of home? The K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series is a free, monthly event hosted by K-State horticulture experts. Held on the first Wednesday of each month at noon CST, these 45-minute sessions (plus 15 minutes for Q&A) cover timely topics like water-efficient drip irrigation, vertical gardening, and selecting the best trees for Kansas. Past webinars, like Jason Graves’ talk on native bees or tips for growing vegetables year-round, are archived for free viewing. Register for upcoming sessions or binge-watch past recordings to grow your skills. Click here to check it out.
Master Gardener Certification: Grow and Give Back
Ready to take your gardening passion to the next level? The Master Gardener Certification program offers free horticultural training in exchange for volunteer hours. Organized by the K-State Extension Office, this program covers topics like botany, soil health, and pest management. After completing the course (next session starts September 5, 2025), you’ll volunteer in Salina’s community, helping maintain the demonstration garden at Kenwood Park or answering local gardening questions. It’s a fantastic way to learn, connect, and share your love of plants. Contact the Salina K-State Research & Extension office for details on applying or click here to fill out the online application.
Visit Your Local Extension Office
The K-State Research and Extension Office in Salina is your one-stop shop for free gardening support. Located at 2218 Scanlan Ave, Salina, KS, the Central Kansas District offers personalized advice, diagnostic services (send clear photos of plant issues!), and access to all the resources above. Call (785) 309-5850, email jlgraves@ksu.edu, or click here to visit their website and explore their full library of publications, videos, and more. Whether you’re troubleshooting a wilting houseplant or planning a native prairie garden, they’re here to help, and most services are free of charge.
Get Growing with K-State!
From the KSU Garden Calendar to the Lawn & Garden Blog to the Kansas Garden Guide, the K-State Extension Office in Salina offers an incredible array of resources to make your gardening dreams a reality. Tune into the K-State Garden Hour, subscribe to the Horticulture Newsletter, or join the Master Gardener program to deepen your skills and connect with fellow plant lovers. Visit their website today to start exploring these tools and transform your garden, lawn, or landscape.
Happy growing, Salina!
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