By Salina311 Staff
Salina, Kan., April 2025
With spring underway and planting season beginning across Kansas, Kaw Valley Greenhouses is once again preparing to meet the needs of Salina-area gardeners by providing plants grown to withstand the region’s unpredictable weather and climate extremes.
Speaking with Salina311, Becky Schroeder, business manager at Kaw Valley, offered guidance for new and returning gardeners navigating the growing season in central Kansas.
Planting typically begins as early as March 10 for frost-tolerant varieties. However, Schroeder advises that more sensitive plants should wait until late April or early May to avoid exposure to potentially damaging cold.
“There are a wide variety of perennials, annuals, and vegetables that thrive in our area,” she said. Kaw Valley’s selection includes petunias, calibrachoa, lantana, salvia, Shasta daisy, and butterfly milkweed. On the vegetable side, tomatoes and peppers remain best-sellers—particularly the Emerald Fire jalapeño, known for producing extra-large peppers.
The company grows all of its plants in conditions designed to mirror the region’s challenges. “We grow our plants in cold, dry conditions to battle drought and freezing temps,” said Schroeder. “We also conduct a large trial garden on our farm every summer to help us select the best genetics for heat and drought tolerance.”
For those new to gardening, Schroeder recommends starting with established plants rather than growing from seed. “The starter plants are well acclimated and strong,” she said. “They can help produce earlier fruit and higher yields.”
Salina's dry summers present another challenge. Schroeder suggests paying close attention to soil color and texture to determine when to water. Pale, dusty soil typically signals the need for watering, while dark, damp soil does not. Kaw Valley’s plants are also conditioned to handle periods of drought, offering gardeners some flexibility during hotter months.
With grocery prices rising, the company has observed increased interest in homegrown herbs and vegetables this season. Still, traditional favorites remain in demand. In Salina, vegetables continue to be among the best-selling plants each spring.
When it comes to plant selection, Schroeder recommends matching sun or shade tolerance to the home’s exposure, noting that some varieties can tolerate both conditions and are ideal for beginners. She also confirmed that the company offers a wide variety of drought-resistant and native plants suited to Kansas.
For first-time planters, Schroeder encourages using quality soil amendments. “We would recommend mixing some of our soil ‘The Good Stuff’ in with the dirt,” she said. “Our soil has top-quality time-release fertilizer which helps give the young plant a nice boost.”
Kaw Valley provides customers with planting support through printed plant tags and online resources. Additional questions can be directed to the company through Facebook or their Manhattan-based office.
Inventory at the Salina location is selected through trials at Kaw Valley’s home site in Manhattan. “We bring in new genetics and test them against our standing varieties,” said Schroeder. “We only choose the best.”
For more information about seasonal offerings and gardening guidance, customers can visit Kaw Valley Greenhouses at their Salina location at the corner of Cloud St. and 9th St.
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