July in Montgomery County can test even the most experienced gardeners. High temperatures, intense sunshine and periods of inconsistent rainfall create challenges for lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens alike. Fortunately, a few seasonal adjustments can help homeowners in Magnolia Springs keep their landscapes healthy while avoiding common summertime mistakes.

The Montgomery County Master Gardeners, a volunteer program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, provide research-based gardening education to residents throughout Montgomery County. Working alongside AgriLife Extension horticulture experts, Master Gardeners help homeowners make informed decisions about landscaping, vegetable gardening, water conservation and environmentally responsible gardening practices suited to Southeast Texas.

For July, Master Gardener Bob Dailey says gardeners still have opportunities to grow productive gardens while focusing on protecting plants—and themselves—from the summer heat.

July Is Still Planting Season for Several Vegetables

Although spring planting has long passed, several warm-season vegetables can still be planted successfully during July in Montgomery County.

"It’s not too late to plant some vegetables," Dailey said.

According to Dailey, gardeners can continue planting:

• Okra
• Southern peas, including black-eyed peas, purple hull peas and crowder peas
• Malabar spinach

Gardeners hoping to harvest pumpkins or winter squash in time for fall should act quickly.

"If you want to grow pumpkins or winter squash, do it this week," Dailey said.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension also recommends selecting varieties adapted to Texas conditions and maintaining consistent soil moisture during germination. Applying a layer of mulch around vegetable plants helps reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperatures and suppress weeds during the hottest part of the season.

For tomatoes, patience pays off.

Rather than planting during the peak of summer, Dailey recommends waiting until early August, which has traditionally been one of the best windows for establishing fall tomato plants in Montgomery County if healthy transplants are available. Once planted, keeping soil evenly moist and using mulch around the base of plants helps reduce stress caused by extreme heat.

Help Flowers Survive the Heat

July is often the toughest month of the year for flower beds.

Annuals and perennials can become stressed as temperatures climb, although native plants typically tolerate the heat better than many introduced species.

Deep watering is far more effective than frequent shallow watering. Gardeners should aim to moisten the soil at least eight inches deep, allowing roots to develop farther below the surface where moisture lasts longer. Drip irrigation is especially effective because it delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone while minimizing evaporation. Emitters that provide approximately one gallon per hour can help achieve thorough soil penetration in flower beds.

Dailey also highlights recommendations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulturist Robert "Skip" Richter, who identifies several dependable summer annuals for Texas landscapes, including:

• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Mexican sunflower
• Traditional sunflowers
• Moss rose (Portulaca)

Gardeners should also keep an eye out for common summer pests such as spider mites and aphids. In many cases, a strong spray of water is enough to knock these insects off plants before populations become established, reducing the need for pesticides.

Water Lawns Smarter—Not More

One of the biggest misconceptions during summer is that lawns need constant watering.

For St. Augustine grass—the most common lawn grass in many Montgomery County neighborhoods—approximately one inch of water per week, including rainfall, is generally sufficient. If half an inch of rain falls during the week, only about another half inch of irrigation is needed.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension encourages homeowners to water deeply but infrequently to promote stronger, deeper root systems. Early morning irrigation also reduces evaporation and allows grass blades to dry quickly, helping lower the risk of fungal diseases.

Dailey recommends using the cycle-and-soak method when irrigating. Rather than watering a zone continuously for 20 minutes, run it for 10 minutes, allow the water to soak into the soil, then return for another 10-minute cycle. This approach helps reduce runoff and allows more water to reach the root zone.

Applying more than an inch of water each week can actually create problems by weakening root systems, encouraging fungal diseases and attracting unwanted pests.

Mow High and Skip the Fertilizer

How homeowners mow during July can make a significant difference in lawn health.

Weekly mowing is appropriate during the growing season, but mower decks should remain at their highest recommended setting. Taller grass blades shade the soil, reduce moisture loss and allow the lawn to produce more energy through photosynthesis.

Dailey also advises against fertilizing lawns during the heat of summer unless there is a specific need identified through soil testing or other circumstances.

Grass clippings left on the lawn naturally return valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for supplemental fertilizer.

Likewise, homeowners should avoid applying broadleaf weed control products when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, as these herbicides can stress St. Augustine grass, making it more vulnerable to diseases and insect damage.

Don't Forget About the Gardener

July's extreme heat doesn't just affect plants—it affects people, too.

Whether spending a few minutes pulling weeds or several hours tending vegetable beds, gardeners should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protect exposed skin from prolonged sun exposure. Scheduling outdoor work during the early morning or later evening can also help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Excessive sun exposure can contribute to skin cancer and other long-term skin damage, making sun protection an important part of every gardening routine.

A Little Summer Care Goes a Long Way

While July may be one of the most demanding months for gardening in Southeast Texas, it's also a time when thoughtful maintenance can pay off later in the season. Proper watering, careful mowing, timely planting and routine observation for pests can help gardens and landscapes remain healthy despite the heat.

For residents of Magnolia Springs, following research-based guidance from the Montgomery County Master Gardeners and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can help keep gardens productive throughout the summer while preparing landscapes for a strong fall growing season.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more seasonal gardening tips, local horticulture resources and community news affecting Magnolia Springs and Montgomery County.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.