McLennan County Master Gardeners - MCMG

08/08/2026

Summer heat and Waco traffic didn’t slow down the Master Gardeners this weekend—we were busy at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market sharing container gardening wisdom and big smiles. If you missed us, here’s what we talked about:

🌱 Container gardening = endless possibilities. With the right setup, you can grow herbs, tomatoes, flowers, succulents—almost anything.

🪴 Pick the right pot
Ceramic, clay, plastic, fabric… they all behave differently. Terracotta dries fast, fabric needs frequent watering, ceramic can crack in winter.

📏 Size matters
Pick a pot that allows room for your plant to grow

💧 Drainage is non‑negotiable
No holes? Drill some. Your roots will thank you.

🌿 Use a potting mix
Skip garden soil. Go for lightweight, well‑draining blends with peat, perlite, or compost.

🚿 Water wisely
Check soil moisture often. Larger pots need less frequent watering, and self‑watering containers can help.

🌼 Choose plants that thrive
Herbs, tomatoes, peppers, petunias, succulents—just match the plant to the pot and sunlight.

☀️ Placement is everything
Sunlight and temperature make or break container gardens. No natural light? Grow lights can save the day.

🎥 Quick educational video: https://youtu.be/MhwrHHjX4ig?is=NzZivz40zRbRG6Y9

07/14/2026

📢 Lunch with the Masters Update
Unfortunately, we have to cancel this month's Lunch with the Masters event scheduled for Wednesday, July 15th.

We'll be back on schedule next month with Carissa McAtee of Remedy Designs, who will be sharing the art of Flower Preserving and Design. We can't wait to see you then!

Thank you for your continued support of Lunch with the Masters. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone next month!

**Please share this post with your friends.

07/11/2026

07/11/2026

Summer in Texas doesn’t tiptoe in—it struts in with sunshine blazing and farmers market baskets overflowing. While folks were scooping up juicy peaches and warm loaves of bread, the master gardeners were out there sprinkling wisdom like confetti, especially about one of our most precious resources: water.

Droughts are as Texan as bluebonnets and brisket, so being smart with water isn’t just budget‑friendly—it’s eco‑friendly too. And here’s the fun part: conserving water does not mean resigning yourself to a yard full of cacti and gravel. You can absolutely have a vibrant, colorful, downright gorgeous garden.

🌿 Quick & Playful Water‑Saving Tips for Texas Gardens:

Smart garden design — Think of your garden like a dance floor: every plant needs the right spotlight. Match plants to their sun exposure and pay attention to how water naturally moves across your yard. The right plant in the right place is a total game‑changer.

Soil analysis — Before you start planting, get to know your soil. It’s like reading the recipe before you start cooking.

Native & drought‑tolerant plants — These plants are the true Texans of the garden world—tough, low‑maintenance, and ready to thrive with less water.

Less turf, more personality — Grass is thirsty. Reducing turf areas frees up space for creative landscaping and cuts down on water use.

Wise irrigation — Drip irrigation delivers water right to the roots like room service. Water deeply, water early, and water slowly enough that your soil can actually soak it up.

Mulch magic — A cozy 3‑inch blanket of mulch keeps moisture from evaporating and helps your plants stay cool.

Rainwater collection — Rain barrels turn stormy days into free garden hydration. It’s like saving up sunshine in a jar.

Garden check‑ups — Keep an eye on your plants and irrigation system. Catching issues early saves water, money, and headaches.

07/11/2026

What a difference a morning makes! 🌿

Our Master Gardeners were hard at work this morning tackling weeds and sprucing up the McGregor Demonstration Garden. Swipe through the photos to see some of the before-and-after results!

This garden showcases Texas native plants and Texas Superstar® perennials that have proven to perform well in our area—providing a great opportunity to see plants you might consider for your own landscape.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped! 🌱

06/19/2026

🌿 A New Chapter Begins at Woodway Elementary! 🌿
Today, Master Gardeners, 2026 Interns, and family came together to kick off the next chapter of the Woodway Elementary Green Classroom.

Thanks to an incredible team of volunteers, we completed the demolition phase and are one step closer to creating a beautiful outdoor learning space for future generations of students.

This garden has a wonderful history of connecting children with nature, and we're excited to partner with Woodway Elementary to bring new life to this special place.

We're grateful for the partnership and support of Woodway Elementary's leadership and Midway ISD Facilities as we work together to reimagine this special space.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, pitched in, and helped make today a success! 💚🌱

06/19/2026

Learning in the Garden! 🐝🦋🐦

Despite the Texas heat and humidity, our 2026 Master Gardener Interns were all in as they spent Wednesday afternoon learning at Miss Nellie's Pollinator Garden.

They explored the history of this special garden, met longtime City of Waco employee Santiago "Jimmy" Chavez, and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the greenhouse. They also discovered what pollinators need to thrive and how the plants in the garden provide food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

To round out the afternoon, Amy from Wild Birds Unlimited introduced us to some of our favorite feathered friends found right here in Central Texas and shared ways we can make our landscapes more bird-friendly.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their time and expertise with our interns. Even on a hot summer day, there's always something new to learn in the garden! 🌻💚

06/18/2026

Our two MCMGs presenting the June Lunch With the Masters: Laynie Miller and Nancy Siebert

06/11/2026

Come join the Master Gardeners at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market this Saturday! We’ll be diving into the tasty world of canning and food preservation. Whether you’re swimming in homegrown tomatoes or just curious about how to make your favorite produce last, this is the perfect time to learn.

We’ll walk through how proper canning helps protect food from molds, yeasts, and bacteria, and why following the right steps keeps your jars safe, flavorful, and beautifully shelf‑stable. An airtight seal isn’t just satisfying to hear—it’s essential for good storage and long‑term food safety.

If your garden is bursting with fruits and veggies, preserving them is a great way to enjoy your harvest long after the season ends. Stop by, ask questions, pick up tips, and get inspired to stock your pantry with delicious home‑preserved goodness!

06/09/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ila Jean Carothers, a pillar of the McLennan County Master Gardeners Association.

We extend our condolences to her family and friends and express gratitude for her many many years of dedication and service.

https://www.whbfamily.com/obituaries/ila-carothers?fbclid=IwdGRjcASU-29jbGNrBJT7amV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqfvZrAItTC-7f60ex99C0vaWIBZmto4v9SOcFK-SMaUXmmifebYX7K_DyT7_aem_rlnj3O2fS_hoshsn5mZYeg

View Ila Jean Carothers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.