mid-summer garden update

As a Texas gardener in La Vernia’s Zone 9a, midsummer is both a rewarding and busy time in the garden. The heat can be intense, but several plants are thriving and continue to produce abundantly. Tomatoes and peppers are among the stars of my garden right now. The tomatoes are bursting with flavor, perfect for fresh salads and homemade sauces. Peppers, both sweet and hot, add vibrant colors and a range of heat to our meals. Okra is another heat-loving plant that’s doing exceptionally well, making for delicious summer dishes. My herb garden, including basil, thyme, dill, and rosemary, is flourishing, providing fresh, aromatic ingredients for our cooking. Additionally, the cantaloupe vines are producing sweet, juicy melons, which are a true summer delight.

Some plants have completed their initial cycle, but there is still time to replant and enjoy another harvest before the season changes. I’ve recently replanted zucchini, green beans, and cucumbers. These crops initially fizzled out due to the intense heat, but with a bit of replanting, we can look forward to another round of fresh produce as the temperatures start to moderate.

Now is also a crucial time to start preparing the garden for fall planting. It’s an excellent opportunity to clean up any weeds or dead plants. This not only helps maintain the garden’s aesthetics but also prepares the soil for the next round of planting. Adding compost at this stage is particularly beneficial. It enriches the soil, providing essential nutrients that will support the new crops. Incorporating compost now will ensure the garden beds are in top condition for the upcoming season​.

While it’s still a bit too hot for cold-loving plants, you can begin planning for their planting. Tomatoes and peppers can be started again this early, but it’s advisable to wait until the temps get considerably more mild to plant cool-weather crops like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage. These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and will do well as the weather begins to cool down​. I usually try to wait for mid to late August to begin planting these.

Gardening in Zone 9a means adapting to the hot summers and planning for the mild winters. By managing the garden’s current state and preparing for the next season, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year-round. Feel free to comment below with any questions, or send me a DM on Instagram! Happy gardening, and stay cool out there! For more garden inspo, check out these posts: here.