As summer blazes across Fort Bend County, local gardeners in Grand Lakes may feel tempted to take a break from tending their landscapes—but the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners say July is still an important month in the garden. With the right precautions and a few expert tips, residents can continue gardening safely and successfully, even during the hottest part of the year.

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are a dedicated group of trained volunteers who work in partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Their mission is to provide residents with science-based, horticulturally sound information and education tailored to the unique conditions of the region. Throughout the year, they offer free training, public events, volunteer opportunities, and one-on-one assistance to help residents improve their gardening skills and solve plant-related challenges.

Summer Gardening Begins with Safety

The number one priority in July is staying safe in the heat. Residents are urged to hydrate frequently, apply sunscreen, wear hats and long sleeves, and avoid working outdoors during the hottest midday hours. The Master Gardeners also emphasize that older adults and children under the age of two are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and precautions should be taken to protect them.

Pets also need special care in the summer. Ensuring they have access to shade and fresh water is critical, especially when they accompany their humans outdoors.

Gardening Tasks for July in Fort Bend County

While the heat can be challenging, July is still a productive time in the garden with the right strategies. Homeowners should observe which plants are struggling in the sun and make notes for future relocation to shadier or more water-retentive areas. If turfgrass is suffering, it may be time to consider replacing it with drought-tolerant groundcovers such as creeping rosemary or liriope.

If irrigation is a concern, residents might benefit from hiring a certified WaterSense irrigation consultant to conduct a system audit and recommend improvements for water efficiency. Any new sod or plants introduced this month will require attentive watering, as root systems are more vulnerable in extreme heat.

Palm trees are one of the few plants that can typically be planted successfully in July, provided they are cold-hardy varieties that will tolerate winter conditions. Likewise, regular mowing is essential to keeping turfgrass healthy—removing no more than one-third of the grass blades at a time encourages dense, resilient growth.

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Container gardening, or "porta-growing," is a great option for renters or those who may not have a permanent residence. These mobile gardens allow residents to cultivate herbs, vegetables, or flowers in pots that can travel with them. Indoors, July is a good time to care for houseplants, including repotting to extend their life.

Before heading out on vacation, gardeners should prepare their plants by setting up self-watering systems or asking a neighbor for help. Pests like aphids may become more noticeable in the heat, but they can often be managed with less toxic control methods. Fire ant problems should be addressed using the recommended Texas Two-Step method.

Summer Color and Fall Prep

Despite the heat, many plants thrive in the summer and bring vibrant color to local landscapes. The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners spotlight several reliable bloomers and Texas Superstar® plants that are well-suited to Fort Bend gardens:

• Gorizia Rosemary – A tender perennial evergreen with delicate blue flowers, this herb is drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and pollinator-friendly. It grows well in containers, tolerates urban conditions, and its stems can even be used as skewers for grilling.

• Firebush (Hamelia patens) – This heat- and drought-resistant shrub features red trumpet-shaped flowers and attracts bees and butterflies. It grows 3–5 feet tall in full sun.

• NuMex Twilight Ornamental Pepper – A colorful shrub that produces very hot peppers along with glossy green leaves and white blooms. It typically reaches about 2 feet tall and wide.

• Knockout Roses and Other Heat-Tolerant Varieties – These roses continue to thrive in the summer and are known for their resilience and stunning flowers.

• Spanish Dagger Yucca (Yucca spp.) – Ideal for xeriscaping, this drought-tolerant plant blooms in spring and summer with striking white flowers on tall panicles.

Believe it or not, July is also the time to begin preparing for a fall vegetable garden. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should be planted early this month to ensure success in the next season. Planning now means gardeners will be ahead of the curve when the temperatures begin to drop.

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Woody shrubs like butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.), Ligustrum, photinia, and pyracantha may need pruning in July. Proper pruning techniques help keep these plants healthy and well-shaped throughout the growing season.

In addition to caring for plants, gardeners are encouraged to support local wildlife by installing water features such as birdbaths, fountains, or bubblers. These provide much-needed hydration to butterflies, birds, and small mammals during the dry months. Just remember to change the water frequently to prevent mosquito larvae from taking hold.

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How to Get Gardening Help or Get Involved

Residents in Fort Bend County can access a wide range of resources offered by the Master Gardeners year-round. The organization maintains a Help Desk where locals can get personalized answers to their gardening questions. Their Demonstration Gardens offer real-life examples of what thrives in the local climate, and their Article Library is full of in-depth guidance on everything from native plants to pest control.

Those who are passionate about plants and want to serve the community can also apply to become certified Master Gardeners themselves. The program offers in-depth training and opportunities to volunteer on projects that educate and beautify the community.

Whether you're a longtime gardener or just getting started, the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are ready to help you grow.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more expert gardening tips and community updates tailored to Fort Bend County residents.

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.