August in Fort Bend County can be a tough month for gardeners in Fulshear, with extreme heat and dry spells testing both plants and people. The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners—highly trained local volunteers under the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service—recommend working in the early morning or evening to beat the heat, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated.

Key August gardening tasks include:

• Photograph thriving local plants: Drive around neighborhoods and note which plants are looking their best in the summer heat. These heat-loving varieties are strong candidates for adding to your own garden, and having photos will help when you visit a nursery for plant selection.

• Plant fall annuals like zinnias: Late August is prime time to start annuals that will provide fall color, with zinnias being a favorite “Texas Superstar” plant known for thriving in high temperatures.

• Install rain barrels and prep beds: Gardens need extra water to survive August heat. Rain barrels are eco-friendly, money-saving solutions for capturing water, and this month is ideal for preparing planting beds for fall crops.

• Sow warm-season vegetables: Summer squash, pole and bush beans, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers can be planted mid-to-late August. These crops will mature in time for harvest before the first frost. Check out this fall vegetable planting guide here.

• Start cole crops indoors: Begin broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage from seed in shaded indoor spaces, then transplant them later in the season for strong fall growth.

• Plan for Halloween pumpkins: Early August is the last chance to plant pumpkins. Give them plenty of sunny space so the vines can spread and produce in time for fall.

• Prune and maintain ornamentals: Trim one-third of butterfly bushes, fertilize them to encourage blooms, and prune back okra plants to promote side shoots. Repeat-blooming roses can also be lightly pruned to extend their flowering season. Quick-growing vines like star jasmine can be shaped to increase density.

• Lawn care: Ensure turf receives about one inch of water per week and check irrigation systems using the catch-can test to avoid dry spots. Watch for chinch bugs, which commonly affect St. Augustine grass in hot weather, and keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts.

• Prepare mulch and soil: Consider ordering mulch in bulk before fall, potentially sharing with neighbors to save costs, and prepare soil for future plantings.

Mobile Sidebar Ad

Gardening Safety in Extreme Heat

• Time Your Work: Garden in early mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat.
• Dress for Protection: Wear light, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunscreen.
• Hydrate Constantly: Drink water regularly and take breaks in the shade.
• Know the Signs of Heat Stress: Dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps signal you need to stop and cool down immediately.

Top 5 Heat-Tolerant Plants for Texas Gardens

Looking for hardy plants to thrive in heat? The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recommend these five standouts:

• Chinese Pistache – A drought-resistant shade tree offering beautiful fall color.
• Barbados Cherry – An evergreen shrub producing delicate pink blooms and edible fruit.
• Shrub Morning Glory (Bush Morning Glory) – A low-maintenance shrub with lavender blooms from spring through fall.
• Fall Zinnias – A colorful, heat-loving annual perfect for late summer planting.
• Star Jasmine – A fast-growing vine that can be pruned for shape and density.

Who Are the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners?

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are a volunteer-based, science-driven organization providing horticultural education and support to residents. These volunteers live and garden in Fort Bend County, giving them unparalleled knowledge of local soil, weather, and seasonal conditions. Their work includes managing demonstration gardens, offering public workshops, and providing expert advice to homeowners.

Currently, their demonstration gardens are undergoing major renovations to improve learning opportunities and expand resources for the community.

How to Get Involved

Residents interested in gardening education or volunteering can connect with the Master Gardeners in multiple ways:

• Volunteer – Join as a Master Gardener trainee to learn horticulture and serve your community.
• Visit the Demonstration Gardens – See real-life examples of what thrives in Fort Bend County.
• Attend a Workshop – Participate in seasonal classes on everything from lawn care to vegetable gardening.
• Ask the Experts – Contact their plant help desk for advice tailored to local gardening challenges.

Why They Matter

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are more than hobbyists—they’re a trusted source of gardening expertise backed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service training. For homeowners who want beautiful, thriving landscapes adapted to local conditions, these are the experts to trust.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for seasonal updates, local gardening events, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.