Task list & Planting Guide
Garden Care
Water deeply 3x/week (more for containers = often daily)
Always water before 9 AM
Check soil 2–3 inches down before watering again
Maintain thick mulch (3–4 inches) — this is critical now
Use shade cloth (30–50%) on: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers
Expect some slowdown—this is normal
Keep cutting + deadheading: Zinnias, gomphrena, celosia, cosmos
Remove burned or crispy foliage
Watch closely for: Spider mites (biggest issue now) & Thrips on blooms
Light feeding every 2–3 weeks (don’t overdo it in heat)
If flowers look rough mid-month, cut plants back by ⅓ and let them flush again.
Vegetables & Herb Care
Harvest early and often: Okra (daily!), squash, cucumbers
Tomatoes may pause production above ~95°F
Prevent sunscald: Leave leaf cover on fruits
Keep watering consistent to avoid: Cracking, Blossom end rot
Basil: harvest constantly (it will bolt fast now)
Mint: cut back hard if leggy
Dry herbs by hanging bundles indoors
Tree & Shrub Care
Deep soak every 1–2 weeks
Check for heat stress: Leaf curl, scorch
No fertilizing or heavy pruning
Lawn Care
Raise mower height
Water deeply, not frequently
Expect some dormancy—it’s okay
Pest & Problem Watch
Spider mites (hose off undersides of leaves)
Grasshoppers (they explode in July)
Aphids + whiteflies
WEST TEXAS REALITY CHECK Wind + heat = extreme moisture loss
Containers dry out FAST (water sometimes 2x/day)
Some plants will look rough no matter what—don’t chase perfection