Here we are in mid-July, and if you’ve been outside at all, you know it’s been raining. A lot. The kind of steady summer rains that turn everything green and lush, from the squash vines to the weeds—and maybe even the mushrooms popping up overnight. It’s easy, in weeks like these, to let your guard down. But don’t get too comfortable. We all know how Tennessee weather works: just because it’s wet now doesn’t mean we won’t see a string of hot, dry days around the corner.

That’s why this time of year is all about balance. The garden is growing fast—sometimes too fast—but it still needs you to keep an eye on things. If you’ve been relying on rainwater, make sure you’ve still got your hoses, watering cans, or irrigation lines ready to go. One hot spell without water is all it takes to ruin a perfectly good tomato harvest.

In late July and early August in DeKalb County, a good watering schedule means soaking deeply two or three times a week if Mother Nature doesn’t help out. It’s better to water less frequently but more thoroughly, encouraging the roots to grow down into the soil where the moisture sticks around. Light, daily sprinklings leave roots shallow and fragile, which won’t help when the summer heat kicks back in. And if you know you’ll be away—family vacation, work trip, just needing a break—make sure someone’s lined up to water.

Now is also the time to replant. Yes, I said replant. We can grow almost year-round here in DeKalb County. If your green beans have slowed down, plant more. If the cucumbers are looking tired, get a fresh round in the ground. Okra, squash, southern peas, and even some late sunflowers can still go in and give you a harvest before the cooler weather sets in. Remember what my friend Carter Smith always says: “Seed is cheap—plant often and in lots of places.”

And don’t forget to look at your weeds before you pull them. Not every sprout is an enemy. I’ve had more than one volunteer tomato or pumpkin come up from last year’s leftovers. Get to know your garden well enough to recognize a friend from a foe. That patience might reward you with an unexpected treat.

So if you’re feeling a little worn out, know you’re not alone. The garden feels it too. But a little gentle attention right now—some fresh seeds, some steady watering, maybe a little wildflower mix tossed in for good measure—will keep things moving right through the heart of summer.

About the Author

Dr. Philip Seagraves is the owner, along with his wife Cathy, of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. It has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review many years running.