De Soto rain garden grants require applications by Oct. 31

De Soto residents can get up to half their money back on rain gardens, native plantings and rain barrels. The application deadline is Saturday, Oct. 31.

Applications for the Contain the Rain program must be received by that date, according to the city of De Soto. The 2026 application requires all projects to be completed by Oct. 31

The program, run jointly by De Soto and the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program, reimburses homeowners for approved landscaping upgrades on a first-come, first-served basis. It is funded by a grant from Johnson County.

What's covered

The 2026 application lists four eligible project types with specific reimbursement caps:

Rain garden: 50% of costs, up to $1,000
Native planting (must receive some runoff): 50%, up to $1,000
Rain barrel: 50%, up to $75 each, limit of two
Native tree: 50%, up to $150 each, limit of two

Applicants must get approval before starting any work. Once a project is complete, the applicant submits receipts and photos for final review. Participants agree to maintain the project for at least three years.

Why it matters

Rain gardens and native plantings soak up stormwater before it reaches storm drains, according to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. Without those features, runoff carries pollutants into local streams, rivers and lakes. Rain barrels capture water that homeowners can reuse on lawns and gardens.

How to apply

Brandon Mills, De Soto's assistant city administrator, oversees the program. Residents can reach him at [email protected]. The online application is available through the Johnson County portal.

De Soto is one of several Johnson County communities that participate in Contain the Rain through the county. Fairway, Lake Quivira, Mission Woods, Roeland Park, Westwood, Westwood Hills and unincorporated Johnson County also take part.