As summer heats up in Fort Bend County, local residents are getting timely, expert gardening advice from the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, a group of highly trained volunteers supporting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Their June recommendations are full of practical, seasonal guidance to keep gardens vibrant, productive, and ready for summer’s unique challenges.

Summer-Ready Gardening Starts Now

The transition into summer means more than just soaking up sun—it’s also the season for hurricane prep, water conservation, and smart plant choices.

Hurricane readiness is a priority this month. Gardeners are encouraged to secure or remove items that can become projectiles in high winds and to prune dead or weak branches that could cause damage during a storm. Preparing now, they emphasize, reduces stress if a storm does approach the area.

With the heat intensifying, heat-tolerant vegetables like okra, sweet potatoes, southern peas, and artichokes are ideal for planting in June. And if your lawn needs a boost, this is a suitable time to lay sod, as long as it receives around one inch of water weekly to establish strong roots.

Out with the Old, In with the Summer Growth

Cool-season annuals likely look spent by now. Gardeners are urged to clear them out and compost what they can. This cleanup is also a good time to prune dead or overgrown branches, which can improve both the health and aesthetics of your landscape.

June is also prime time for bug exploration, especially with kids. Using online insect ID tools like InsectIdentification.org, families can learn which bugs are beneficial—helpful knowledge, considering 97% of insects are beneficial or neutral to gardens.

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Water Wisely as Costs Rise

Expect higher water bills as summer progresses. To combat this, Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recommend using Earth-Kind® water efficiency tips to keep your garden hydrated without breaking the bank. This is especially vital for container plants, which may require daily watering in the heat. Just be sure those containers have proper drainage to avoid root rot.

Planning Ahead: Fall Garden Prep Starts Now

Looking toward autumn? Consider soil solarization, a natural method to reduce weed pressure by up to 90%. This process uses solar heat to sterilize soil—ideal if you’re planning to start a fall garden in August. But timing is key; to be effective, solarization should begin by the end of June.

Watch for Summer-Specific Plant Needs

Keep an eye out for chilli thrips on roses and manage them before they cause serious damage. If you're growing Louisiana or bearded irises, know that they'll enter dormancy in early summer. Trimming yellow leaves by half can help reduce water loss and neaten their appearance.

Plants like azaleas and gardenias, which thrive in acidic soil, may show yellowing leaves if they’re deficient in iron and sulfur. A dose of the right fertilizer can help revive them.

Brighten Your Garden with Colorful June Superstars

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners spotlight several colorful plants that shine in June, many of which are designated Texas Superstars® for their outstanding performance:

• Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala): A drought-tolerant Texas native that thrives in part sun and blooms from spring through fall.

• Salvia: With varieties from 6 inches to 5 feet tall, salvia provides months of vibrant red, blue, and purple blooms.

• Tropical Hibiscus: These rainbow-colored bloomers bring tropical flair to any garden and can be grown in pots for winter protection.

• Caladium: A shade-loving annual grown for its vividly patterned leaves.

• Verbena: A groundcover that blooms profusely from spring to frost; look for perennial varieties like Blue Princess Verbena.

For more on Texas Superstar plants, visit texassuperstar.com.

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Celebrate Dads and the Summer Solstice

With Father’s Day on June 15 and the Summer Solstice on June 20, gardeners are reminded to celebrate both nature and their loved ones. Garden-themed gifts like hose timers, rain barrels, or a chore-free day in the garden may be just the ticket for green-thumbed dads.

As temperatures climb, sun safety becomes essential. Gardening in the early morning or late evening, wearing sun protection, and staying hydrated are all musts for healthy summer gardening.

Dive Deeper: Free Gardening Help in Fort Bend County

For more tips, demonstrations, and free local events, Fort Bend County residents can visit fbmg.org. From the Demonstration Gardens to the Article Library, there’s a trove of gardening knowledge tailored to our region. Still have questions? Contact their help desk at fbmg.org/ask-a-master-gardener.

Stay rooted in your community—and in your garden—with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners all year long.

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.