Here's what I did this morning in the garden:

• Deadheaded rudbeckia, snapdragons, and 'Mystic Spires' salvia
• Cut back 'Monarch Magic' ageratum, aster, and salvia nemorosa by 50%
• Staked 'Hopi Red Dye' amaranth
• Harvested 'Midnight Moon' eggplant, 'Marketmore' cucumber, 'Golden Griller' squash*, 'Sweet Canyon Orange' bell pepper*, and 'Baby Bubba' okra*.

If you haven't done so already, this is your final reminder to cut back any perennials or annuals that have become overgrown or unruly.

This is known as the "Texas Chop".

What's the Texas Chop?

Before we dive into the Texas Chop, first you need to understand the Chelsea Chop.
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The Chelsea Flower Show takes place every year in England in late May which is the same time our British gardening friends cut back summer-blooming perennials (and certain annuals) by a third or half in order to create more compact plants (prevent flopping) or to stagger blooming for a longer display. They call it the Chelsea Chop.
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Borrowing nomenclature from our friends across the pond, the Texas Chop refers to the practice of cutting back perennials and certain annuals by one-third to one-half in July - after the initial bloom period - in order to maintain plant compactness, encourage a strong fall bloom, and overall refresh the plant...

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*These vegetables are new varieties sent to me for testing from Burpee Home Garden brand. I'm very impressed by them all.

UPCOMING CLASS:

Blossom Brilliance: Cool Weather Flowers for Cottage Gardens​
Live online, Saturday, August 10, 10am-12pm
(Replay will be available to registered students.)

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STOCK UP FOR FALL SEED-STARTING:

Check out my Amazon store where I have collected all my must-have tools and supplies. There's an entire section for seed-starting supplies!