The last few weeks have been the busiest times in the garden. 

All across Barry County, folks are picking tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, melons and plenty of other fresh vegetables. At the Barry County Community Garden, every basket we harvest is the result of hard work from volunteers and goes toward helping local families who need fresh, healthy food.

For gardeners in USDA Zones 6b and 7a, August is also a turning point. Summer crops are still going strong, but it’s a great time to start thinking about fall. You can still plant cool-weather crops like carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These do really well once the weather starts to cool down a bit.

Watering becomes especially important this time of year. Hot days and uneven rain can stress plants quickly. Deep watering once or twice a week is usually better than light watering every day because it helps roots grow deeper. Watering early in the morning is best since it reduces evaporation and helps prevent disease. 

Adding mulch around plants helps keep moisture in the soil, keeps roots cooler, and cuts down on weeds. It’s also a good idea to check hoses and irrigation systems to make sure nothing is leaking or wasting water.

August is also a time to stay on top of garden chores. Keep picking vegetables regularly so plants keep producing. 

Pull weeds before they go to seed, remove any sick or damaged leaves, and support heavy plants like tomatoes. Insects and plant diseases can show up more during hot, humid weather, so it helps to keep a close eye on things. A little attention each day goes a long way.

A lot of gardeners also feel what we call garden burnout this time of year. After months of working in the heat — planting, weeding, watering and harvesting — it’s normal to feel tired or overwhelmed. Taking breaks, working in the cooler parts of the day, and sharing tasks with others can really help.

We see the same thing at the Barry County Community Garden. August and September bring some of our biggest harvests, but also some of our heaviest workloads. There’s more to pick, more watering to do, and more weeds to manage. Even a few extra helping hands can make a big difference in getting fresh food out to local families and food programs.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you can help for an hour or a few hours a week, there’s always something that needs doing. Volunteers help with planting, watering, harvesting, weeding, mulching, garden upkeep, and even helping with youth and community education.

Donations are just as important as volunteer time. They help us buy seeds, plants, compost, mulch, tools, irrigation supplies, fencing and other basic needs that keep the garden running. Every dollar stays right here in Barry County and goes toward providing fresh food for local families.

The Barry County Community Garden is more than just a place to grow vegetables—it’s a community effort. Neighbors, volunteers, businesses, and organizations all working together to fight food insecurity and share the value of growing good food. With your support, we can keep growing and reaching more people across the county.

Volunteer and Donation Information

We’d love to have you join us at the Barry County Community Garden. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply help spread the word, you’re making a real difference.

To volunteer or learn more: people may contact Melissa Hamilton at 417-592-0432 or [email protected].

Find us on Facebook by searching Barry County Community Garden for updates, volunteer opportunities, events, and harvest news.

Donations may be mailed to: Barry County MU Extension Office, 700 Main Street, Suite 4, Cassville, MO 65625. Please make checks payable as directed by the Barry County Community Garden, or contact us if you need more information.

Together, we can grow fresh food, support our neighbors, and keep our community strong.

Melissa Hamilton is a dedicated volunteer with the Barry County Community Garden and a Barry County Master Gardener. She may be reached at [email protected].