What to Plant in July in Houston

What to Plant in July and How Simply Sprinkler Keeps it Lush!

July in Houston means one thing: heat! While many gardeners might think of summer as a time to put their green thumb on hold, it's actually a fantastic opportunity to prepare for a bountiful fall harvest and enjoy some truly resilient blooms. And here at Simply Sprinkler of Texas, we know that smart irrigation is key to making your garden flourish, no matter how high the mercury climbs.

So, what can you be planting this month to beat the heat and ensure your landscape stays vibrant? Let's dig in!

Vegetables: Planning for a Fall Feast

While direct seeding many spring vegetables might be a challenge in July's scorching sun, this is the perfect time to get a head start on your fall garden.

* Direct Sow Heat-Loving Heroes:

* Okra: A true Southern staple, okra absolutely thrives in Houston's hot, humid summers.

* Southern Peas: Black-eyed peas, crowder peas, and other Southern pea varieties love the warmth.

* Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe): If you didn't get them in earlier, you can still plant melon seeds now for a late summer/early fall harvest.

* Pumpkin and Winter Squash: Plant these now, and you'll be ready for festive fall decorations and delicious cool-weather meals.

* Cucumber: While some varieties might struggle with the extreme heat, certain heat-tolerant cucumbers can still be sown.

* Start Indoors for Fall Transplants: For a head start on your fall cool-weather crops, consider sowing seeds indoors this month:

* Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts: These brassicas prefer to be transplanted, and starting them indoors gives them a crucial advantage before the fall planting window.

* Lettuce & Collard Greens: Some heat-tolerant varieties can be started indoors for a later transplant.

Simply Sprinkler Tip: New seedlings and transplants are incredibly vulnerable to the heat. Ensure they receive consistent, gentle watering. Our precise sprinkler systems can be programmed to deliver the perfect amount of water, preventing wilting and promoting strong root development.

Flowers: Adding Color That Can Take the Heat

Don't let the summer heat deter you from adding pops of color to your landscape! Many beautiful and tough flowers thrive in Houston's climate.

* Drought-Tolerant Beauties: These flowers are not only stunning but also remarkably resilient, making them perfect companions for efficient irrigation.

* Lantana: A true Texas favorite, lantana boasts vibrant clusters of flowers in a rainbow of colors and is incredibly drought-tolerant once established.

* Zinnias: Easy to grow from seed and prolific bloomers, zinnias offer a fantastic burst of color and are excellent for cutting.

* Pentas: These star-shaped blooms come in various shades of pink, red, and purple, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

* Salvia: Many salvia varieties, especially native ones like Autumn Sage and Texas Sage, are heat and drought-tolerant and attract pollinators.

* Marigolds: Cheerful and hardy, marigolds can withstand the Texas summer heat.

* Vinca (Periwinkle): This low-maintenance annual offers continuous blooms even in hot and humid weather.

* Coneflowers (Echinacea): These daisy-like flowers are tough, low-maintenance perennials that return year after year.

Simply Sprinkler Tip: Even drought-tolerant plants need adequate water to establish. Our expert technicians can design and install a sprinkler system that delivers water precisely where it's needed, minimizing waste and ensuring your heat-loving flowers flourish.

Essential Irrigation for Houston's July Heat

No matter what you're growing, proper irrigation is paramount in July. Here are Simply Sprinkler's top tips for keeping your landscape hydrated and healthy:

* Water Deeply and Infrequently: Encourage deeper root growth by watering for longer periods, but less often. This helps plants become more resilient to dry spells.

* Water in the Early Morning: This is the ideal time to water. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds mean less water loss to evaporation, allowing your plants to absorb moisture effectively before the day's heat sets in. Avoid midday watering at all costs!

* Check Soil Moisture: Don't just set it and forget it! Before you water, stick your finger 2-3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to irrigate. If it's still moist, you can wait.

* Monitor for Leaks and Inefficiencies: A small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water. Regularly inspect your sprinkler heads for damage or misdirection.

* Consider a Smart Irrigation System: At Simply Sprinkler of Texas, we specialize in smart irrigation solutions. These systems use local weather data to automatically adjust your watering schedule, ensuring your plants get exactly what they need, saving you water and money. Plus, with a professional system, you can rest assured your entire landscape receives even coverage.

Don't let the Houston summer intimidate your gardening dreams! With the right plant choices and a reliable, efficient irrigation system from Simply Sprinkler of Texas, your landscape can thrive even in the hottest months. Contact us today for a system check-up and let us help you achieve a greener, healthier yard!