K-State deals in carefully researched facts. But this pro is happy to share opinions

Since becoming the Johnson County K-State ornamentals and turf extension agent, I have discovered the questions routinely asked aren’t always easy to answer. They are not questions about the fine details of pruning shrubs or what lawn grass is best for dry, shady environments. Instead, these are questions that were no challenge for me to answer before becoming an extension agent.

Usually, the questions are framed as, “What do you think about…?”, “How do you feel about…?” or even “What’s your opinion on…?” We are in the researched, fact-based information business at K-State Research and Extension. Therefore, I must give research, context and facts instead of my opinions.

The most common question is, “What is your opinion on my landscape company’s (any number between 3-10)-step fertilization plan?” I get this question from the public when they are interested in getting a soil test, and I also ask myself when I am giving soil amendment recommendations.

Many soil test results show that these lawns contain above-optimal phosphorus and potassium levels. The K-State Soil Lab includes suggested amending recommendations with the results in the packet. We then share those results with the customer. The exact wording in the comments reads:

Established lawn: Tall fescue is normally fertilized two or three times each year. The most important fertilizations are done in September and again in November. For high quality turf, also fertilize in May. If nitrogen is only applied once per year, fertilize in September for best results.

September application: Use a fertilizer that contains primarily nitrogen such as one of the following: ...

November application: Use a high nitrogen fertilizer for the November application as well.

May application: If you decide to use a May fertilization, apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer at the rate suggested on the bag.

If you have received this recommendation, I have a question for you. Did you follow those recommendations? Did you pass them on to the landscape company that fertilizes your yard? Has the fertilizing regiment changed at all? These recommendations are not my opinions: They come directly from the university. My opinion is if you receive soil test results and take no recommended corrective action, you’re not helping your turf.

I also get questions about native plants in a suburban landscape. I have opinions about what should and should not be planted in the landscape. However, in my professional capacity, I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way of providing fact-based information.

I also get questions about native plants in a suburban landscape. While I can and do give recommendations in my professional capacity, for properties that range from highly manicured country club golf courses to diverse native edge habitats for insect and wildlife populations, I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way of providing fact-based information, regardless of what my opinions might be.

While trends in the garden industry have changed and will continue to change, look for the research that can help any grower, landscaper or gardener, no matter how “natural” they decide to be. That research is the information I provide.

Subjective opinions I don’t mind sharing (and no amount of research will sway these opinions), include my favorite tree and sunflower. Since you asked, bald cypress, only because I like the texture of the leaves and the tree’s knobby knees. I enjoy growing burgundy-colored sunflowers. But the point is, I don’t allow my personal preference to get in the way of recommending research-based best practices.

If you want to learn more about best practices in your lawns, gardens, or yards, come to the Healthy Yards Expo at the Shawnee Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 29. Purchase native plants, register for door prizes, and learn from educational speakers and local vendors. Two puppet shows by StoneLion Puppet Theatre are offered for young kids, and a Soil Tunnel Trailer traveling museum is all free.

Markis Hill is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org.

This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.