Johnson County
Pocket Prairie Program
The Johnson County Pocket Prairie Program provides plants, training, information, and technical assistance to guide participants in adding high-value native plants to their yards, creating a 10' by 10' pocket prairie. These native plantings provide critical pollinator habitat for bees, butterflies and more, and also improve soil health. Healthy soil helps infiltrate more rainfall and keep pollutants out of our creeks and streams.
The Pocket Prairie Program is a collaboration between Johnson County and the Master Gardeners of Johnson County. The program is administered by the Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability Department. Johnson County Master Gardeners provides education and technical assistance throughout the process, and works with Johnson County to select, acquire, and distribute plants. A predefined set of plants is free to program participants.
Why a Pocket Prairie Program
Native plants improve soil health.
Adding native plants to your yard or landscape is an excellent way to improve your soil health. Native plants have extensive root systems that range from 5-15' deep. These roots help break up heavy clay soils, stabilize the soil, and create pore spaces that facilitate the movement of air, water, and organisms.
With the above-ground plant mass and a portion of the underground root mass dying back every season, these plants also provide a continuous source of organic matter. Organic matter can hold up to 90% of its weight in water, significantly increasing the ability of soil to soak up and store water.
Native plants provide habitat.
Native plants provide critical habitat for pollinators as well as other insects, birds, and wildlife. Even small additions (like pocket prairies!) can have positive impacts.
Native plants reduce inputs.
Native plants thrive in local conditions, and their resilience reduces the need for watering, fertilization, and pest control.
Requirements
- Must be a landowner in the unincorporated area of Johnson County.
- Must provide a map of the property and where the pocket prairie will be located.
- Must commit to 3 years of maintenance (sleep, creep, and leap!) to establish the pocket prairie.
- Must have suitable site conditions.
- Must convert an area that is currently maintained.
Plants
Each approximately 100 square foot pocket will have 100 plants in total, with a mix of 8 forbs and 2 grasses.
- Summer Sun - Full Sun Pocket: requires 6 hours or more of direct sunlight.
- Speckled Shade - Full/Part Sun Pocket: requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Drizzle Dazzle - Part Sun/Wet Pocket: requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Plant Lists and Characteristics
Process
- Apply for participation in the program.
- Participate in the Pocket Prairie Program Workshop (held in August).
- Plan your garden location and shape.
- Prepare your site. Site preparation is key, and must be completed no later than October 1 to remain in the program.
- Plant your pocket prairie.
- Monitor and maintain your plot. If you have concerns during this time, you will have access to experts with the Master Gardeners.
Prepare, Plant, and Maintain Your Plot
Application
Ready to Get Started? Check back here July 1!
Applications for the upcoming cycle will be accepted starting at 9:00 AM on July 1, 2025. At that time you will find a live link here to the online application form.
Resources, Articles, and Events
Johnson County Soil Health Main Page
