As summer weather settles in across Harris County, local Master Gardener Karen Shook with the Harris County Master Gardeners shares her top seasonal tips to help home landscapes thrive through heat, humidity, and potential storms. With rainfall and temperatures tracking slightly above historical averages, local gardeners are urged to take proactive steps to ensure their landscapes remain lush, resilient, and pest-resistant during the hotter months ahead.

Weather Outlook and Mulch Matters

While forecasts suggest above-average temperatures heading into June, rainfall predictions remain uncertain. Shook encourages gardeners to use a two-inch layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and cool plant roots. This simple step can significantly improve plant health during hot spells and drought conditions common in Texas summers.

Pest Watch and Beneficial Insects

“As the weather warms, pests are becoming more active,” Shook cautions. “Some pest damage is inevitable, but it should be monitored and managed.” She recommends handpicking or hosing pests off plants and reminds gardeners not all insects are harmful. Helpful resources like the Texas Vegetable Garden Insects Field Guide can assist with insect identification.

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Seasonal Gardening Tasks by Category

Perennials and Ornamental Grasses

Deadheading and pruning back perennials by one-third after blooming can stimulate fresh growth. Fertilization should be plant-specific; those already thriving may not need extra nutrients. Summer is also a great time to add heat-tolerant ornamental grasses or foliage plants like elephant ears.

Annuals and Bulbs

Cool-season annuals should be replaced with warm-season varieties that can be directly seeded if kept well-watered. For bulbs, Shook recommends cutting back yellowing foliage only after it fully fades to help bulbs store energy for next year. “Seedpods are a waste of energy,” she adds—removing them promotes better bulb health.

Roses

Morning garden walks are perfect for cutting fresh roses. Shook advises gardeners to cut back to the first leaf with five leaflets and to continue spraying for blackspot and mildew every 7–10 days. Clean garden beds and routine fertilization every 4–8 weeks will help maintain healthy blooms throughout the season.

Shrubs, Trees, and Lawns

Spring-blooming shrubs and vines should be pruned once flowering finishes. Palm trees can be planted now thanks to warm and moist conditions. For lawns, frequent mowing at the correct height—without removing more than a third of the blade—boosts lawn density and keeps weeds at bay. Before applying weed killers, be sure to read labels, especially as temperatures climb.

Homeowners looking to address uneven lawn spots are encouraged to fill them with soil similar to their native type. Newly laid sod should be kept consistently moist.

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Planting Edibles and Managing Vines

Gardeners still have time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables such as okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes. A thorough soil soak before planting helps with establishment. The Harris County Vegetable Planting Guide offers month-by-month guidance on what to plant and when.

Woody vines that bloom in spring should be pruned after flowering. “Snip and train vines through their supports to keep them tidy,” Shook recommends.

A Reminder for Hurricane Season

With hurricane season beginning June 1, now is the time for tree maintenance. Gardeners are advised to remove any dead or damaged branches that could pose a hazard in high winds.

For those enjoying time outdoors, Shook shares her personal delight: “The bouquet of amaryllis and Louisiana iris I cut during a recent morning walk through the garden has me smiling.” Her words are a poetic reminder that gardening is not only about maintenance—it’s about joy and connection with nature.

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.