Summer Gardening in Montgomery, TX: How to Help Your Plants Thrive in the Texas Heat
Texas summers can be tough, but your garden doesn’t have to suffer. In Montgomery, we know that gardening in summer means more than just watering—it’s about knowing what to plant, when to plant it, and how to protect it from intense sun and high temperatures. The good news? With a little planning and the right local advice, your garden can thrive—even in July. At A&A Plants and Produce, we love helping our neighbors turn their outdoor spaces into something vibrant, sustainable, and beautiful all season long. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned green thumb, here’s everything you need to know about gardening in Montgomery, TX, this summer. What to Plant in a Texas Summer Garden Contrary to popular belief, summer isn’t just a time to maintain—it’s also a great season to plant! You just have to choose varieties that are heat-tolerant, drought-resilient, and suited to our local climate. 🌿 Herbs Most herbs love the heat and are easy to grow in containers or raised beds. Basil – Thrives in full sun and grows fast Rosemary – Low maintenance and drought-tolerant Oregano – Hardy and flavorful Thyme – Perfect for rock gardens or border edges Lemongrass – Adds height and a tropical scent 🍅 Vegetables Texas heat doesn’t stop vegetable lovers! You can plant: Okra – Heat-loving and super productive Eggplant – Great for raised beds or large pots Peppers – Bell and hot peppers do well in full sun Sweet potatoes – Thrive in warm soil Squash and zucchini – Quick to mature and easy to grow 🌸 Flowers Add color and pollinator power to your yard with summer blooms like: Zinnias Marigolds Celosia Portulaca (Moss Rose) Sunflowers All of these do well in Montgomery’s hot, sunny climate and bring butterflies and bees into your garden, supporting the local ecosystem. Smart Watering Strategies for Hot Weather Watering in Texas heat isn’t just about frequency—it’s about timing and technique. Here’s how to keep your garden hydrated without wasting water: 💧 Water Early The best time to water is early morning (before 9 AM). This reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before peak heat sets in. 💧 Deep Watering Instead of shallow, daily watering, aim for deep watering 2–3 times per week. This encourages roots to grow deeper and become more resilient. 💧 Mulch Matters Use mulch around your plants to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and keep the soil cool. We recommend hardwood mulch, pine bark, or straw—all available at A&A Plants and Produce. Soil Health: The Foundation of Every Successful Garden In Montgomery’s clay-heavy or sandy soils, it’s essential to amend your soil with organic matter before planting. That might include: Compost Aged manure Leaf mold Organic soil blends At A&A, we offer soil amendments that are specially mixed for Texas gardens, so your plants can establish strong roots and get the nutrients they need to survive summer. Shade Solutions & Heat Protection When the Texas sun gets intense, some shade can save your plants, especially leafy greens, young seedlings, or container plants. Here are a few easy options: Shade cloths (30–50% density) for raised beds Lattice panels to diffuse afternoon sun Umbrellas or patio covers for sensitive containers Companion planting with taller crops to provide natural shade Ask us in-store and we’ll help you choose the right setup based on your space. Gardening in Containers? Here’s What You Need to Know Container gardening is great for patios, porches, and renters, but they dry out faster than in-ground beds. Here’s how to keep your container garden healthy in summer: Use high-quality potting soil (not garden soil) Choose pots with good drainage Add mulch on top of containers Water more frequently—sometimes daily Move pots to partial shade if they show signs of stress At A&A Plants and Produce, we carry Texas-tested pots, soil blends, and herbs perfect for container gardening success. Pest Watch: What to Look For in Summer Summer brings more than heat—it also brings pests and diseases. Common summer culprits in Montgomery include: Aphids Whiteflies Squash vine borers Spider mites Powdery mildew The best defense is observation. Check your plants daily for signs of damage or discoloration, and treat early. We carry organic pest control options that won’t harm beneficial insects or pets. Why Shop Local at A&A Plants and Produce? We’re not a big-box store. We’re a family-owned garden center right here in Montgomery, TX—proud to serve the community with: ✔️ Locally grown plants and vegetables✔️ Organic soil, mulch, and compost✔️ Seasonal produce and specialty herbs✔️ Friendly, expert advice tailored to our Texas climate✔️ A love for all things green, homegrown, and sustainable Whether you’re planting your first tomato or planning a backyard oasis, we’re here to help. Stop by A&A Plants and Produce This Summer Summer gardening in Texas can be rewarding—if you know how to work with the weather, not against it. And with the right plants, the right watering schedule, and a little help from your local experts, you’ll be amazed at what you can grow. 👉 Visit us at A&A Plants and Produce in Montgomery, TX, to explore our full selection of heat-tolerant plants, gardening supplies, and local produce. Let us help you keep your garden growing strong all season long! Your garden deserves a little A&A care. 🌱
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