Gardening Suggestions for July

Third Quarter (July, August, September): In Houston this is the peak of summer and the transition into autumn. Hot and dry conditions are common. Appropriate plant irrigation and water conservation becomes crucial.
July in Houston means extreme heat, so cost-saving measures heavily revolve around correct irrigation. Houston’s intense heat and humidity put significant stress on plants.

• Lawns: Raise the mowing height of lawnmowers - St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches). Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and weed growth.
• Water deeply and infrequently. 
• Bulbs: Continue watering caladiums, lilies,… Remove spent flower stalks.
• Annuals/Perennials/Roses/Tropical Plants/Shrubs: Monitor for pests/diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Trees: Monitor for heat stress. Water deeply.
• Fruit Trees: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly during dry spells. Check for any signs of heat stress.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Apply herbicides, as needed.
• Pests: Spider mites, scale insects,…
• Diseases: Fungal diseases due to high humidity,…
• Watering: May need to increase. Water deeply and infrequently preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation.