Houston in July: Hotter Than Your Ex's Breath, But Your Garden Doesn't Have to Be!
You know it's July in Houston when you can fry an egg on the sidewalk (don't try this, folks) and the humidity makes you look like a walking slip-and-slide. But fear not, fellow green thumbs! While the rest of the country is hiding indoors with a bowl of ice cream, Houston's unique brand of scorching summer offers a smorgasbord of planting opportunities. That's right, gardening in July in Houston is like a wild west showdown – only instead of six-shooters, you're armed with seeds and a watering can.
Here's the Lowdown on What to Plant When the Heat is On:
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Veggies That Like the Sizzle: Forget about your delicate lettuces and leafy greens. This month is all about heat-lovers. Think okra, eggplant (because, let's face it, misery loves company), bush beans that grow like crazy vines in a jungle movie, and edamame for your inner edamame enthusiast (we all have one). Sweet potatoes also get a shout-out – plant those suckers in early August and watch them thrive.
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Herbs That Can Handle the Heatwave: Fresh herbs are the Beyoncé of the culinary world – they elevate everything they touch. And lucky for you, Houston has a whole squad of herbs that can handle the July inferno. Basil (all varieties – sweet, Genovese, you name it) will flourish with proper watering. Rosemary isn't fazed by the heat, thyme will grow with gusto, and savory will bring its peppery magic – all summer long.
Pro Tip: These herbs also love container gardening, so you can bring that fresh flavor right to your doorstep (or balcony, if you're rocking the apartment life).
Now, a Word About Established Plants: July can be brutal on your already planted friends. Make sure they're getting enough water (Houston summers are thirsty work!), and consider mulching around the base of your plants to retain moisture and keep those precious roots cool. You can also give them a little shade during the hottest part of the day with some shade cloth or strategically placed umbrellas (because, why not give your garden some flair?).
Remember: Gardening in Houston is a test of resilience, for both you and your plants. But with a little know-how and a whole lot of sweat (okay, maybe mostly the plants' sweat), you can have a thriving oasis even when the rest of the world feels like a giant oven. So, grab your hat, sunscreen, and a positive attitude, and get ready to conquer the July heat with your green thumb!
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