July: Beating the Heat: Protecting Your Plants from the Central Florida Sun

July's intense sun can be tough on plants. Provide afternoon shade with shade cloth or strategically placed trees and trellises. Water deeply and less often in the mornings to avoid fungal diseases. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like zinnias, lantana, and certain herbs like rosemary and thyme. Move container plants to shadier locations. Protect tender young plants with row covers. Monitor soil moisture carefully and adjust watering as needed. The goal is to beat the heat and make sure your garden will thrive.