Backyard Garden
The Backyard Garden was established in 2005 at the Kansas State Research and Extension Center located in rural Olathe, Kansas. The objective of this garden is to provide an educational and interesting display garden featuring vegetables, herbs and fruits created with the backyard gardener in mind, thus the name “Backyard Garden.” This garden provides visitors with many diverse crops that are grown utilizing research-based techniques that can be applied to any home garden.
The garden features a wide variety of vegetables appropriate to this climate in addition to small fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. The Backyard Garden is also an All-America Selections display garden for vegetables and flowers. Periodically, the garden also participates in variety trials which help to update and maintain the official list of K-State recommended vegetable varieties.
You are invited!
Join us on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a special open house celebrating 20 years of impact, education, and community connection at the Backyard Garden!
Typically only open during Extension Master Gardener workdays or by appointment, this is your chance to explore this vibrant living classroom, featuring research-based techniques for growing vegetables, herbs, fruits, pollinator-friendly plants, and native species — all in a home-garden setting.
In 2024 alone, this productive space donated over 6,000 lbs of fresh, healthy harvest to Johnson County food banks. It’s also a proud All-America Selections display site, showcasing innovative plant varieties and sustainable gardening practices.
Help us mark two decades of growing and giving! Enjoy guided tours, educational displays, and the chance to connect with the gardeners who make it all happen.
Registration is requested so we can plan for a great day. Let’s celebrate 20 years of garden magic together!
Please let us know if you are coming: Backyard Garden 20th Anniversary Celebration
Garden Address
35230 W 135th StOlathe, KS 66061 If you are unable to attend the Anniversary Celebration Open House, visit us on Wednesday mornings.
Master Gardeners are available to answer questions and provide tours while they work the gardens Wednesday mornings, March to October. To schedule a visit on another day (M-F), please contact us at bygjocoemg@gmail.com
Individual Garden Collections
- All American Selections Bed
- Berries
- Cutting Garden
- Grapes
- Herb Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Urban Orchard
- West Orchard
Vegetable Gardens
Our vegetable gardens are divided into four sub-types, each with a different focus and purpose. Learn more:
Return to Demonstration Gardens.
Do You Have Questions?
Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.
Phone: (913) 715-7050
Email: garden.help@jocogov.org