Smith County – Gardening to Handle the Heat
Tyler, TX — Gardeners across East Texas are invited to attend the final presentation of the 2026 Master Gardeners at the Library Lecture Series on Friday, May 15, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at the Tyler Public Library Taylor Auditorium, 201 S. College Avenue. Seating will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. This free program is open to the public.
The May lecture, “Gardening to Handle the Heat,” will be presented by Elizabeth Waldrop, Smith County Master Gardener and East Texas native with many years of experience growing vegetables in challenging local conditions. This timely program focuses on one of the most consistent hurdles gardeners face in our region: prolonged periods of heat, humidity, and seasonal drought.
As summer stretches into late July, August, and beyond, many gardens struggle to survive—much less remain productive. This presentation will help gardeners understand how plants naturally respond to heat stress, how to recognize what is normal versus what signals a problem, and how to adjust expectations and practices for success. Attendees will learn practical strategies to mitigate heat damage, including proper watering techniques, the smart use of mulch, artificial and natural shade, and when not to fertilize.
The lecture will also cover methods for keeping plants alive during dry periods and introduce vegetable varieties and plants that are proven to be more heat- and humidity-tolerant for East Texas gardens. With research-backed tools from Texas A&M AgriLife and real-world experience, gardeners will leave better prepared to face the toughest part of the growing season.
Whether you are a beginner feeling discouraged or a seasoned gardener looking to fine-tune your approach, this program offers reassurance, realism, and practical solutions for a more successful late-season garden.
