July Gardening

Blackberry bushes with Frog Fruit as ground cover Photo:  Debbie Roland

By Debbie Roland, Master Gardener

July is a quiet gardening month since it’s not the time to plant, prune, or fertilize.  Your chores should include protecting plants from heat and sudden storms, conserving water, and taking care of pests.

Water deeply, which encourages root growth, making plants more drought- tolerant.  It is best to water in the morning since it allows water to soak in before the heat of the day evaporates it.  Keep a close eye on your container plants since they dry out faster than in-ground plants.  Container plants may require twice-daily watering.

Check on your mulch.  This is a good time to add more since it will help suppress the dreaded weeds and regulate soil temperature.

Some of your flowers are probably dying back about now, and it is a good time to deadhead them since removing spent blooms encourages new growth. 

Provide adequate shade for your plants using shade cloth or other materials.  The afternoon sun can be intense, and using 50% shade cloth is advised.

Stake plants like hollyhocks and tomatoes to prevent the West Texas wind from breaking them.

Check regularly for pests and diseases.  Handpick or use organic pesticides when necessary.

Pick vegetables like beans, peas, squash, and cucumbers to encourage continued production.

Believe it or not, it is time to start planning your fall garden.  Fall seeds should be sown in late July.  Plant cool-season veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts indoors from seed.  Starting seeds indoors allows for a longer growing season and protects the new plants from the intense West Texas heat of July and August.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700.   Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org.  Click on “Resources.”