Lawn and Garden
Lawn and Garden Extension services provide seasonal information about the care of your lawns and garden especially for Kansas and our Northcentral area.
Soil Testing
A soil test provides information on the basic fertility of soil. It is the starting point for determining how much and which fertilizers to use. Without a soil test, everyone is guessing at what the soil fertility level really is.
Follow these steps to obtain a good sample:
1. Decide if the area can be treated as one sample or needs to be broken down into separate smaller samples.
2. Using a clean soil probe or shovel, dig vertically to a depth of 3 inches for lawns, 6 inches for vegetables, flowers and small fruits and 10-12 inches for trees and shrubs.
3. Take at least 4-5 samples from the area and mix the samples together in a clean, plastic container to create a representative sample. Samples should be dry. You can let samples air dry; do not use heat to dry your samples.
4. Bring approximately two cups of the mixed soil to the Phillips-Rooks Extension District Office in a re-sealable, plastic bag.
5. The sample will be mailed to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Kansas State University for analysis. A report and bill will be mailed to you once completed.
Insect and/or Disease Issues
You may bring soil, turf, weed, and insect samples to the Phillips-Rooks Extension District Office. Photos can be helpful as well. The samples will be sent to Kansas State University for evaluation. Suggested treatments or solutions will be provided.
Water Testing
SDK water test kits are available through the Phillips-Rooks Extension District offices. Water quality testing fees is through SDK Laboratories. For more information SDK Laboratories.
Extension Master Gardeners
An educational volunteer program sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. Master Gardeners come from all walks of life but their common bond is a love of gardening and sharing information throughout the community. They receive a basic training in the discipline of horticulture and then volunteer in projects to help K-State Research and Extension promote its educational mission. Contact the Phillips-Rooks Extension District Office if you'd like to join in the fun!
K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series
Hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff from across the state. The webinar is held the first Wednesday of each month from noon-1:00 p.m. You may join live sessions or watch recorded sessions. Find more information including registration on the K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series website .