A B O U T   U S

Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center

​
​​
​K-State's Olathe Horticulture Center, in rural Johnson County, Kansas, is situated on the eastern side of land that was once the Sunflower Ammunition Plant.  The research center sits on 342 acres that includes 150 acres native woodland, 75 acres bottomland and 117 acres upland soil grassland. Spoon Creek runs through the site and provides irrigation water for research plots.  The center, which is part of the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, supports six full-time employees, several graduate students in the Urban Food System program and part-time summer student workers.
​
Our Vision: To be a regional resource and center of excellence in applied research and extension programs that serves the current and future needs of turfgrass, landscape, fruit, vegetable, and forestry industries as well as the local and regional economies they support.
Fruits & Vegetables
High Tunnel & Open Field Production
Turfgrass
Warm and Cool Season Turfgrass Research


HAPPENING NOW
Open Garden Wednesdays
at The Backyard Garden
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Visit with Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners at their Backyard Garden (BYG) Demonstration area. Open to the public every Wednesday. Talk with experts. Learn new tricks. Find out what grows best in our Midwest climate. 
​
Special Topic Wednesdays for 2019
May 15 - Spring Perennial Flowers - Check out the large selection of peonies, bearded iris, and Siberian iris. You'll also get a good look at other flowers, vegetables, and berries in the garden.
June 26 - Warm Season Flowers and Vegetables - See what's growing in BYG with a look at dozens of colorful daylilies and discover warm season plantings of tomatoes, beans, and peppers.
July 10 - All American Selections (AAS) Display - View award winning flowers from this independent testing organization. Vegetables will be in full production with hardy hibiscus providing a show of colors.

Home of the Johnson County Master Gardeners 'Backyard Garden'
Established in 2005, this demonstration garden is organized and maintained by volunteers in the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program. It showcases fruit, vegetables, and flowers with the home gardener in mind.
​ 
Find out more at their website.