Barton County Extension Master Gardeners

10/16/2026

🥳Fun fact Friday!!! 🥳

🍂Why do Leaves Change Color? 🍁

🍃As autumn days get shorter and cooler, trees stop making chlorophyll, allowing hidden red, yellow, and orange pigments to show through.

🍁Red and purple leaves are only that color because of the presence of sugars and sap that are trapped within the leaves. These sugars provide plants with the energy they need to survive.

🌲Evergreen trees such as pines, cedars, and spruces stay green because their leaves (needles) are covered with thick wax and they contain materials that prevent freezing when it gets cold.

More information: https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/trees-shrubs/fall-color/

10/16/2026

Our October meeting Educational Moment, “Propagate African Violets” was brought by Master Gardener Toni Rice. She had us each take a leaf from her violet plant, and follow her instructions on making a clean cut, dipping it in hormone powder, and planting it in moistened potting mix. Each pot was covered with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. In about a month we hope to see sprouts on our new plants! Thanks, Toni!

10/15/2026

Such a deal! Fresh grown tomatoes for the picking!

10/02/2026

Our Beautification Committee friends are creating an awesome autumn display in the NE library parking lot garden. Be sure and drive by to enjoy the finished presentation. Thank you, ladies!

09/05/2026

🦋 MILLIONS OF MONARCHS ARE HEADED SOUTH!

Millions of monarch butterflies will make their way through Kansas this fall as they begin their incredible migration toward central Mexico.

As the days grow shorter, temperatures cool and winter approaches, the butterflies instinctively head south toward warmer conditions. Most reach Mexico around early November, coinciding with the country’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

🌻 Kansas is an important stop along their journey, providing valuable nectar and food sources before the monarchs continue south through areas of Oklahoma and Texas, where nectar can sometimes become scarce.

Keep your eyes open — you could soon see waves of monarchs passing through! 🦋🍂

08/20/2026

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08/13/2026

Butterflies are feasting on the flowers in the Washington School Garden at 12th and Washington. It is one of the demonstration and trial gardens around town that are planned, planted, weeded, and watered by Barton County Extension Master Gardeners. The goal is to use these gardens as learning tools to demonstrate plant varieties that grow best in our area, and to teach gardening techniques to the public.

08/13/2026

At our August business meeting Horticulture Agent Jay Harris led a discussion of the EMG Handbook and Appendices. Jay also won the door prize - a beautiful zinnia bouquet grown in Barb and Harlan Davenport’s garden. Chairman Jan Keeley presented Jay with this floral door prize in K-State colors.

08/06/2026

08/04/2026

Did you know that K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff hosts a K-State Garden Hour the first Wednesday of every month? If you want to learn more about food gardening initiatives in Kansas, join them this Wednesday at https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/.