When the scorching summer sun is replaced by the golden fall, with its invigorating coolness, it’s the right time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. In fact, right now, all across North Texas to Central Texas and even East Texas, fall is exactly the right time to get busy planting a wide variety of crops. Here, we want to share with you everything you need to know from when to plant a fall vegetable garden in Texas to recommending the best vegetables for a fall vegetable garden in Texas.
Why a fall vegetable garden in Texas is a great idea
No one would argue that fall is exactly the time when the days get shorter and the weather is milder. The extreme heat is behind us, and the threat of frost is still far away in all areas of Texas. This weather allows many crops to grow without the stress that the heat of summer contributes. Well, in addition, a fall vegetable garden extends the season for growing vegetables and herbs, which provides you with fresh produce even in the winter.
However, there is a difference where you live – North Texas, Central Texas, or East Texas – that can make the timing of planting a fall vegetable garden vary. Let’s get into when to plant a fall vegetable garden in Texas, in which part of Texas and what exactly you should plant.
When to plant a fall vegetable garden in Texas
Timing is the most important thing when it comes to planning your fall vegetable garden in Texas. A lot of things depend on it. You can’t plant too early, as all of your crops could suffer from the lingering heat of summer. But planting too late is also dangerous in that you’ll face early frosts. So what’s the right way to go about choosing exactly when to plant a fall vegetable garden in Texas?
Planting time in North Texas
It can be unequivocally stated that in North Texas, temperatures start to drop a little earlier than in other parts of the state. The optimal time for most vegetables is late September. It’s fall vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and white cabbage that are perfect for this region. But for root vegetables like carrots and radishes, planting time is late August or early September.
Planting time in Central Texas
In Central Texas, the optimal time to plant a fall vegetable garden comes a little later. Most gardeners already know to start planting in early to mid-September. Vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce and beets grow smoothly in cooler weather, and it usually arrives in this region in late September or October.
Planting time in East Texas
In East Texas, fall planting can be extended into late September or early October. Cooler, wetter climates allow for slightly longer planting times, especially for leafy greens and root vegetables.
What to plant in a fall vegetable garden in Texas
Now that you know when to plant a fall vegetable garden in Texas, let’s talk about what exactly to plant for a fall vegetable garden in Texas, what crops will take root best here. The great thing about fall gardening is that a lot of crops that love the cooler weather grow great during this time. Here’s a list of the best options for planting across the state:
Greens and leafy vegetables
Leafy greens are the backbone of a fall vegetable garden in Texas. Spinach, lettuce, kale and chard can be planted in September and will thrive in the cooler months. These crops love mild fall temperatures and are frost resistant.
Root crops
Carrots, radishes, turnips and beets are great for fall planting in Texas. These crops easily tolerate cooler soil temperatures and become even tastier after light frosts.
Cabbage vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage, and Brussels sprouts would be good additions to a fall vegetable garden in Texas. These plants are frost tolerant, so they are great to grow in regions like North Texas where fall is particularly unpredictable.
Onions
Onions and garlic are usually planted in the fall to harvest in the spring. We do this to prepare our vegetable garden for next year in advance. Plant them in well-drained soil and don’t forget to water them during drought.
Planning your fall vegetable garden
You can’t start planting in your fall vegetable garden in Texas without taking the time to plan it. Whether your vegetable garden is in North Texas, Central Texas, or East Texas, you should try to make efficient use of every bit of space. For smaller plots, consider vertical gardening or participatory planting to utilize every square inch of land.
If you’re new to gardening, or maybe you just want to refresh your knowledge on how to reclaim an abandoned garden, you’ll find our tips and advice here.
Tips for a fall vegetable garden in Texas
- Watering. Fall in Texas is often dry, especially in Central and North Texas. It’s important to make sure your fall vegetable garden gets enough water, especially in the early stages of planting. Install a drip irrigation system for more efficient watering.
- Mulching. Mulching plays a key role in fall vegetable gardens in Texas. It helps retain moisture in the soil and regulates its temperature, You should consider this especially important as the nights get colder.
- Frost protection. Although Texas doesn’t experience harsh winters, early frosts are possible. So be prepared to use sheltering materials or greenhouses to protect frost-sensitive plants if temperatures drop dramatically.
Recommended items for your fall vegetable garden in Texas
Here are a few items that will help your fall vegetable garden in Texas be productive:
A drip irrigation kit – Your plants should get moisture without wasting water. View on Amazon.
Frost protection shelters – This is a must-have to protect your crops from early frosts. Available on Amazon.
Organic compost – Improve the health of your soil with quality compost. Find it here.
Best in fall gardening
We love fall gardening because it gives us the opportunity and pleasure of seeing your hard work continue to bear fruit as the temperatures drop. There’s nothing better than picking fresh, crisp vegetables when everyone around you is already preparing for winter.
If you’re just starting out or need more detailed advice on how to maximize your fall vegetable garden in North Texas, feel free to check out our fall gardening resources.
It’s important to maximize your time, space, and weather, no matter where you are in Texas. I’d be interested to know what you plan to plant in your fall vegetable garden in East Texas or Central Texas? Share your plans in the comments – what’s your planting situation.
