August in Texas, with its relentless hot summers, might seem an unlikely time to think about cooler temperatures and the hush of cold weather gardens.
But it was in the clutch of late August’s swelter when I found myself wandering the shaded aisles of Mike’s Garden Center, looking for yet another plant and asking the employees: when’s the best time to start a fall garden in Texas?
I was excited about fall gardening and I brought my daughter and husband along for the trip, though they didn’t seem to be particularly excited about walking through the nursery. But thats okay, because chances are if you’re here you want to know the exact same thing.
I’m about to share what I’ve learned along the way about starting a garden in the fall in Texas.
So, roll up your sleeves and get your leafy greens and fall vegetables ready for the ride! Get that green thumb to work, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor in the heart of the harvest season.
When to Plant a Fall Garden in Texas
The best time to plant a fall garden in Texas is typically from late September to early October, after the extreme summer heat has subsided but well before the first expected frost.
Our mild winters might be forgiving, but they also bring a level of unpredictability. It’s essential to know the average first frost date in your area. This date is our ticking clock, the countdown to when we need to have our plants snug in their beds. In Texas, this could be as late as early December, but it’s always a gamble with Mother Nature.
Once you’ve got that date, work backward. Most cool-weather crops need to be planted when the air and soil are still warm enough to encourage germination but late enough that they can mature in cooler weather, which they prefer. Think about it like putting a roast in the oven—you want it to finish just in time for dinner.
Account for Maturity Times
Every plant has its own schedule. Some sprint to the finish line, while others take their sweet time. Check the seed packets or plant tags for “days to maturity” and count those days back from your first frost date to get your ideal planting window.
For instance, if you’re planting kale that takes 50-60 days to mature, you’ll want to plant it by early October to ensure a late November or early December harvest.
Keep An Eye On Your Soil
While the air might start feeling nippy, the soil holds onto summer’s warmth like a fond memory. Use a soil thermometer to check the temperature.
Cool-weather crops generally prefer soil temperatures between 45°F and 70°F. If the soil’s too warm, your seeds might sprout too early and bolt. Too cold, and they won’t germinate at all.
Take it from someone who’s watched her broccoli sit idly in the garden when planted too early. One year, I was a little too enthusiastic and put my broccoli out in the heat of late summer. It was a waiting game where not much happened.
It wasn’t until the calendar flipped to late October and early November that the magic happened. The cooler temperatures gave the broccoli the cue it needed, and it sprang to life, growing with the kind of vigor I had been waiting for.
Through this experience, I learned that while our Texas heat can linger well into the fall, cool-season crops like broccoli truly wait for their moment—their performance peaking when the nights get longer and the heat finally relents.
Choosing the Right Plants for a Texas Fall Garden
While setting up a fall garden in Texas could seem challenging, understanding the best plants and the ideal weather for each can lead to a bountiful harvest. And isn’t that what every gardener is working towards?
Hardy Vegetables for Hearty Meals
In Texas, fall is the perfect time to plant vegetables that can handle a little chill in the air. Think root vegetables like beets and carrots, leafy greens like kale and spinach, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. These plants can withstand a light frost, and many gardeners say the cold actually sweetens their flavors.
Here’s a list of vegetables ideal for a Texas fall garden:
- Broccoli: Plant in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. Broccoli enjoys cooler temperatures but still needs plenty of light to develop those hearty heads. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertile with rich compost.
- Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower needs nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Be patient as it can take a bit longer to mature. Blanch the heads by tying the leaves over them to keep them white and tender.
- Carrots: Sow carrot seeds directly into loose, rock-free soil that allows for deep root development. Thin the seedlings to prevent crowding, which can result in stunted growth.
- Beets: Plant beets in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 for the best development. Mulch around the plants to maintain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Spinach: Choose a spot with full sun to light shade; spinach can handle a little warmth but prefers cooler temperatures. Regular watering is key to tender leaves, and a light layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture.
- Lettuce: Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested at several stages, so plant in succession for a continuous crop. It prefers moist, cool conditions, so use mulch to keep the roots cool and the soil moist.
- Kale: This cold-hardy vegetable can be planted in full sun or partial shade and can survive temperatures down to 20°F. Fertilize kale with a balanced N-P-K fertilizer to support its leafy growth.
- Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is versatile and can tolerate both cool temperatures and heat. Ensure that it has well-draining soil and consider using row covers to protect it from pests.
- Peas: For a fall crop, choose a fast-maturing variety. Peas need support for climbing, so set up trellises or stakes at planting time to encourage upward growth and easier harvesting.
- Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, making them a satisfying choice for fall. Plant them in loose, aerated soil and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lots of leaves and small roots.
- Turnips: Turnips can be grown for both their roots and greens. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Thin seedlings early to allow room for the roots to expand.
Bright Blooms to Cheer the Shorter Days
While vegetables might be the workhorses of your garden, don’t overlook the joy that fall flowers can bring. Consider adding pops of color with marigolds, chrysanthemums, or pansies, which can bloom beautifully in cooler temperatures and add life to your fall landscape.
- Marigolds: Plant marigolds in a location with full sun to promote maximum blooming. They are quite hardy and can tolerate the variable Texas fall climate. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming.
- Chrysanthemums: Often known as the quintessential fall flower, mums thrive in well-draining soil and full sun. Pinching back the stems in early summer can lead to a bushier plant with more flowers in the fall.
- Pansies: Pansies are cool-weather favorites that can withstand a frost and bounce back. They prefer sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Plant them in the ground or in containers for a splash of color.
- Asters: Asters bring a delightful array of colors and attract pollinators. They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent mildew issues.
- Snapdragons: These tall, vibrant flowers prefer cooler weather and can bloom well into fall. Plant in full sun and deadhead to encourage more blooms. They can handle a light frost, which makes them perfect for Texas falls.
- Zinnias: Zinnias can bloom into fall if you plant them late in the summer. They need full sun and good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadheading will extend the blooming period.
- Mexican Bush Sage: This sage is perfect for Texas’s climate, blooming in late summer and fall. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Pruning in late winter encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
Herbs that Persist
Many herbs, such as cilantro, dill, and parsley, prefer the cooler, less intense sun of the Texas fall to the scorching summer rays. These can be sown in early fall to refresh your herb garden and bring fresh flavors to your autumn kitchen.
- Cilantro: Cilantro favors the cooler temperatures of fall and will bolt and flower as the days get longer and warmer. Plant it in well-drained soil and give it some shade if the days are still a bit warm when you plant.
- Dill: Like cilantro, dill enjoys the cooler weather. Plant in a spot with full sun and protect it from strong winds. You can harvest dill fronds as needed, which encourages the plant to grow more.
- Parsley: Parsley, both curly and flat-leaf varieties, can thrive in the cooler months. Plant parsley in rich, moist soil. It’s a biennial, so it will continue to grow into the next year if protected from frost.
- Sage: This hardy herb can survive the cooler temperatures and can be planted in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Sage is a perennial and will grow back each year if the winter isn’t too harsh.
- Thyme: Thyme is another perennial herb that can handle a Texas fall. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil. It doesn’t need much water once established, making it perfect for the Texas climate.
- Oregano: Oregano is a robust herb that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a perennial that will grow back each spring and can be harvested throughout the fall.
- Mint: Mint is a vigorous grower that can even become invasive, so you might consider planting it in a pot to contain its spread. It prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade.
- Chives: Chives can be planted in the fall and will often last through the winter. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade and require minimal care once established.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is a hardy perennial that loves the Texas climate. Plant it in full sun and don’t overwater, as it prefers drier conditions.
- Lavender: Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained, even sandy, soil. It’s a great herb for the drier parts of Texas and can withstand cold if not too wet.
- Fennel: Fennel can be grown for its leaves and bulbs. It likes full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Keep in mind it can grow quite tall, so plant it where it won’t shade other sun-loving plants.
Preparing the Soil for Your Texas Fall Garden
Soil preparation is the bedrock of any successful garden. Here in Texas, with our diverse range of soil types—from the heavy clay in the east to the sandy loams of the hill country—tailoring your approach to soil prep can make all the difference as you transition into the fall season. Here’s how to get your garden’s foundation ready for a productive fall:
Before planting, it’s crucial to know your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. A simple soil test can provide this information. Based on the results, amend your soil accordingly.
Regardless of your soil type, incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure will boost its fertility and improve its structure. This is especially beneficial after a taxing summer season, as it helps replenish the nutrients used up by previous plants.
Applying a layer of mulch after planting can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In Texas, where the weather can swing from hot to cold quickly, mulch acts as an insulator, keeping plant roots cozy as the temperatures drop.
As you prepare your garden beds, aim for a uniform soil texture. Remove any large clumps, rocks, or debris that might impede root growth or make it difficult for young plants to establish themselves.
After planting, water your garden thoroughly to help settle the soil around the seeds or seedlings. However, make sure not to overwater; soggy soil can lead to root rot and other diseases. A good rule of thumb in Texas is to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root systems.
If you’re planting heavy feeders like tomatoes or squash, consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting. For leafy greens, an addition of nitrogen-rich amendments like blood meal can encourage robust foliage growth.
Maintenance and Care for Your Texas Fall Vegetable Garden
As the gardening season in Texas transitions from the high temperatures of summer to the cooler fall months, maintaining and caring for your fall vegetable garden is crucial to achieving the best results. From Central Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, each region has its nuances, and here’s how to ensure your fall crops receive the proper care they need to thrive.
Watering Wisely
It’s still important to water deeply rather than frequently. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, which can help protect them from temperature fluctuations and make them more resilient.
Soaker Hoses: In regions like Central and East Texas, where fall can still be quite warm, using soaker hoses can provide consistent moisture to your plants, especially crucial for thirsty crops like tomato plants and green onions.
Good Drainage: If you’re gardening in beds or containers, making sure they have good drainage is vital, particularly for root crops in North Texas that can rot in overly wet soil during early winter rains.
Frost Protection
Row Cover: As the first freeze approaches, using row covers can protect sensitive plants like pepper plants and tomato transplants. This is especially important in North Texas, where early winter can bring unexpected frost.
Last Frost Dates: Keep an eye on the last frost dates and be prepared to cover your cool-weather crops in South Texas to extend the harvest into the winter months.
Pest and Disease Control
Best Defense: Regular inspection of your plants is the best defense against pests and disease. Remove any damaged plant material promptly to prevent issues from spreading.
Pests can be a problem for container gardens any time of the year, so make sure you check this post out about common pests in your container garden.
Temperature Management
High Temperatures: In the early fall months, particularly in Central and South Texas, high temperatures can still pose a threat. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent bolting in cool-weather crops like lettuce and brussels sprouts.
Harvesting for Freshness
Right Time: Harvest your vegetables at the right time for the freshest produce. Leafy vegetables should be picked in the morning when they are most turgid. Root crops like Irish potatoes and lima beans often taste better after a light frost.
Preparing for Winter
As the fall harvest comes to an end, start preparing for your winter garden. In South Texas, where the winter months are mild, this is a great time to plant English peas and other cool-weather crops that will benefit from the longer growing season. Wondering how to what to do with your container garden for the winter? I’ve got you covered with some frost-fighting tips.
Embracing the Fall Gardening Season in Texas
As our Texas gardens make the seasonal shift from the scorching summer sun to the more temperate and forgiving fall months, we’re reminded of the unique gardening opportunities that this time of year brings.
It’s a great way to extend our time outdoors, to connect with the earth and the rhythm of the seasons. As the season wraps up, don’t forget to gather your harvest and enjoy the fresh flavors. And remember, now’s a great time to start thinking about what you’ll want to grow when the next gardening season rolls around.
Want to join in? Swing by your local garden center, grab some seeds, and let’s keep growing together. Here’s to fresh veggies and great gardening days ahead!
