May Gardening Tips for Fort Bend County: Expert Advice for Homeowners in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, and Beyond
As spring matures into summer across Fort Bend County, gardening enthusiasts from Katy to Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, and surrounding communities are eager to make the most of the season. With blooming landscapes and rising temperatures, May presents a critical window for planting, maintaining, and protecting your garden.
Thanks to the expertise of the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, homeowners have access to science-based, local gardening advice tailored to the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. Whether you're cultivating vegetables, perennials, or simply trying to keep your lawn green, these tips will help you grow with confidence.
What to Plant in May in Fort Bend County
May is prime time for planting summer vegetables in Fort Bend County. The warm weather supports the growth of heat-loving crops such as:
- Okra
- Cantaloupe
- Eggplant
- Watermelon
- Southern peas
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkins
Not only are these vegetables easy to grow, but they also provide delicious ingredients for summer recipes. Check out these easy vegetables to grow from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Now is also an ideal time to plant heat-tolerant perennials to boost curb appeal. Browse the list of recommended perennials for South Texas landscapes to find long-lasting color for your yard.
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Watering and Irrigation Tips
As rainfall becomes sporadic and temperatures climb, maintaining the right watering schedule is key:
- Irrigate lawns and gardens with ½ to 1 inch of water per week.
- Water vegetables and berries twice a week, checking soil moisture at a depth of 8–10 inches.
- Use your fingers to test moisture and avoid overwatering.
Explore best practices for vegetable watering to ensure healthy crops.
May Flowers and Superstar Blooms
Nothing says “Texas garden” like vibrant blooms. The Texas Superstar® of the Month is the Blue Princess Verbena, a butterfly- and hummingbird-attracting perennial with lavender-blue flowers. Learn more about this plant at texassuperstar.com/blue-princess-verbena.
Other standout blooms for May include:
- Blue Daze – A sun-loving annual with bright blue blossoms
- Giant Turk’s Cap – A bold, native perennial with drooping red flowers
- Yellow Bells (Esperanza) – A riot of yellow from spring to frost
- Purslane – Colorful and low-maintenance groundcover
- Bougainvillea – Ever-blooming tropical with showy, thorny branches
Visit texassuperstar.com for more plant profiles and landscaping ideas.
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A Note for Memorial Day May ends with Memorial Day, a time to honor fallen service members.
 Whether planting a memorial flower or wearing a symbolic poppy,
it's a thoughtful moment to reflect in your garden.
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Pruning, Fertilizing, and Lawn Care
May is a maintenance month for herbs, roses, and lawns:
- Prune herbs and dry them for later use. Learn how to grow and prune herbs here.
- Fertilize roses after spring pruning. See expert rose care tips here.
- Water and fertilize tomatoes regularly. For more, review top tomato growing tips here.
- Mow properly according to your grass type and don’t remove more than one-third of the blade at once.
Spring bloomers can be trimmed now to make way for new growth. Need help? Refer to this pruning guide.
Smart Landscaping and Weed Control
Thoughtful landscaping not only beautifies your home but also improves energy efficiency. Plant strategically to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Struggling with weeds? Mulching is a simple, effective deterrent. Read this weed management guide to take a holistic approach to your flowerbeds.
If you have a low-lying area in your yard that collects water, consider installing a rain garden. These eco-friendly features help manage stormwater while supporting moisture-loving plants. Learn how to get started at WaterSmart’s rain garden resource.
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Gardening With Confidence
When in doubt, snap a picture of any suspicious pests or plant problems and contact the Fort Bend County Master Gardener Help Desk for free expert advice at fbmg.org/ask-a-master-gardener.
And don’t forget to explore their full gardening article library for more regional tips and techniques.
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.
