Gardening activities really slow down for the next 3 months.  Just too hot and humid.

Lots of maintenance and watching for bugs and disease, watering, weeding,  and feeding is in order though.  Some plants may need a little sun protection via shade clothes – tomatoes, peppers.  Keep a check on plants that have fruits laying on the ground such as cantaloups and melons.  Might be prudent to slip a small pot under them or a brick/block to keep them off the ground.

And harvesting, lots and lots of harvesting.  You could consider preserving your bounty too.  Learning how to can, pickle, make jams and jellies, and my favorite – dehydrating.

Good time for repairing and sharpening tools.

Planning for the late summer/early fall garden should be started during these slow summer months too.

The few things that are still safe to plant now are

• Okra
• Southern peas (which include yard long/asparagus beans)
• Sweet potatoes

Do be careful out there… best not to garden during the heat of the day and do stay well hydrated.