Summer

Gardening in North Texas during the summer can be both rewarding and challenging due to intense heat, variable rainfall, and clay-heavy soil. Here are practical and region-specific gardening tips to help your garden thrive during the summer months (June–August):

General Tips

1. Water Wisely

• Early morning (before 10 a.m.) is the best time to water to reduce evaporation.

• Deep soak your plants 1–2 times a week rather than light daily watering.

• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to conserve water and target roots.

• Mulch heavily (2–4 inches) around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

2. Mulch & Soil Health

• Use organic mulch (like wood chips, straw, or shredded bark).

• Add compost regularly to improve clay-heavy soil and help with drainage.

3. Watch for Heat Stress

• Wilted leaves in the afternoon may recover by evening; only water if still wilted in the morning.

• Use shade cloth (30–50%) for sensitive plants like tomatoes or peppers.

• Texas Sage (leucophyllum frutescens) and

• ‘October Skies’ Aster (aster oblongifolius).