New Year, New Garden, New You
#1: I will learn how to improve the soil health of my garden by getting a soil sample at Johnon County K-State Extension.
Getting a soil test is the first step to knowing what your garden needs. A soil test measures soil pH and available nutrients in the soil. It cannot identify insects, diseases, or chemical pollutants. However, there are recommendations that our agents can give you about best practices that our soil test results cannot answer, such as questions about soil composition, drainage, compaction, and plant specific problems. Testing the soil gives you accurate information about the amount and type of fertilizer or amendment to apply to maintain good plant health. This helps protect the environment and can lead to success in your lawn and garden.
#2: I want to try planting something new and different in my garden with interesting forms, textures, and colors.
A great way to tackle this resolution is to put June 12th and 13th on your calendar for the 2026 Public Garden Tour. Tickets go on sale March 15. You won’t want to miss this annual event that our Extension Master Gardener program offers. You will feel inspired for sure.
Learn more about the gardens featured on the tour
#3: I want to track successful results in my garden to better understand and repeat effective practices.
A garden journal helps you document what you planted, where it was planted, and what worked—or didn’t—throughout the season. Tracking this information builds a better understanding of how plants perform in your local growing conditions and helps you become a more confident, informed gardener. If you visit our 2026 Garden Thyme Marketplace during the Public Garden Tour, we’ll have simple garden journals available for purchase to help you get started. Learn more about the Garden Thyme Marketplace
by Markis Hill, Horticulture Turf and Ornamentals Agent, 2025