Field Notes / What I'd Plant This Week on the Gulf Coast (Late July)
Field Notes

Native Plants Take Center Stage

Late July feels like the garden's dead season, but it's secretly the most important planting week of the year — fall starts NOW. Here's my actual list.

J By Jordan Polasek · July 29, 2026 · El Campo, TX

By Jordan Polasek · July 29, 2026

As we've seen in recent years, there's been a growing trend towards using native plants in our gardens, and for good reason. Not only do they require less maintenance and care, but they also provide a vital source of food and shelter for our local pollinators. Here on the Texas Gulf-Coast, we're fortunate to have a wide variety of beautiful and beneficial native plants to choose from.

Why Native Plants Matter

Native plants have evolved over time to thrive in our local climate and soil conditions, making them perfect for withstanding our hot summers and mild winters. By incorporating these plants into our gardens, we can create a haven for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some of our favorite native plants for pollinators include Esperanza, Texas Sage, and Lantana.

Getting Started with Native Plants

By embracing native plants and creating pollinator-friendly gardens, we can make a positive impact on our local ecosystem and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. So why not give native plants a try? Your garden - and our pollinators - will thank you!

Happy growing, y’all. Got a Texas gardening or homesteading question? Come back tomorrow — there’s a fresh post here every day.


“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who gives the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7

Around our little corner of the internet: BVTech.org · JordanPolasek.com · In Remembrance of Autumn 🐾

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