We hear it a lot—especially in the summer—“I just don’t have a green thumb.” But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfect to love plants. You just need to keep showing up.
Texas summers are tough, and even the most experienced gardeners lose a few plants each year. It’s not always about doing everything wrong—sometimes, it’s just one skipped watering on a brutally hot day. You think, “They look okay, I’ll water tomorrow,” and by the next afternoon, you’re back on schedule.
But a few days later… something’s off. That lush salvia or blooming lantana starts to look tired. Leaves wilt or curl. The plant starts going downhill—and fast.
It wasn’t neglect. It was residual damage.
When a plant gets too hot or dry, especially in the middle of a Texas summer, it can suffer damage that doesn’t show up right away. Roots shrink back. Leaves get scorched. And even if you’re watering again, the damage is already done. The plant is still struggling to catch up.
But here’s the good news: this doesn’t mean you’re bad at gardening. It means you’re learning. Every season teaches you something new—and every plant that struggles gives you insight for next time.
A few things to keep in mind:
-
Mulch helps. It keeps the soil cooler and helps water stay put longer.
-
Deep, early morning waterings give plants the best chance to face the day’s heat.
-
Some plants are just tougher—native and heat-adapted plants bounce back better.
-
Losing a plant doesn’t mean you failed—it means the season was hard. Try again.
You don’t need to know everything or get it all perfect to enjoy your landscape. You just need to stay curious, keep asking questions, and let yourself learn from the process. And if you need help or a little encouragement—we’re right here.
Because once you realize that a “green thumb” just means not giving up, you’ll see:
You’ve been a plant person all along.