Task List & Planting Guide
Garden Care
Water deeply, early morning (before 9 AM), 2–3x per week instead of daily light watering
Check irrigation systems for leaks or clogged emitters
Add or refresh 2–3 inches of mulch (huge for your red clay + heat combo)
If soil is crusting, lightly cultivate the surface to help water soak in
WEST TEXAS-SPECIFIC TIPS * Wind + heat = faster drying → always check soil before assuming it’s wet
Container plants may need daily watering
Clay soil tip: water slowly so it soaks instead of running off
Afternoon shade is your best friend—use structures, taller plants, or cloth
Deadhead constantly to keep blooms coming-don’t let them sit and go to seed yet. Examples: Zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, petunias
Pinch/harvest regularly (cut-and-come-again flowers produce more when cut)
Stake or support tall growers before wind hits: Examples like Gladiolus, cosmos, snapdragons
Watch for spider mites (super common in dry heat)
Fertilize lightly every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid feed
Vegetables & Herb Care
Harvest frequently: Squash, cucumbers, green beans (don’t let them get to big)
Provide shade cloth (30–50%) for: Tomatoes, peppers (prevents sunscald). Decide what is best for your garden.
Watch for: Blossom end rot (calcium + inconsistent watering)
Start seeds indoors or in shade for: Fall tomatoes & Peppers
Trim herbs often to prevent flowering (bolting): Examples like Basil, mint, oregano
Let some go to flower if you want pollinators—but expect flavor drop
Harvest in the morning for best oils
Tree & Shrub Care
Deep water trees every 1–2 weeks
Do NOT heavy prune right now (heat stress risk)
Remove only dead/damaged branches
Watch for heat stress (leaf scorch, drooping)
Lawn Care
Mow higher than usual (taller grass = cooler roots)
Water deeply 2–3x/week
Avoid fertilizing heavily in extreme heat
Pest & Problem Watch
Spider mites (look for speckled leaves/webbing)
Grasshoppers (they’ll show up fast)
Aphids on new growth
Powdery mildew (if humidity spikes after rain)