The Texas seasons are great, but it can cause gardening to get overwhelming trying to keep straight what can be planted and when. The unique seasons cause the time for gardening to differ from that of other areas. Keeping track gets even more complicated, due to the fact that many plants will have two growing seasons. Use this seasonal guide to follow what to plant and when in the Texas seasons.
Fall:
This shorter season has optimal temperatures for producing results in the garden. The fall season brings slightly cooler weather but still enough warmth for growing plants and vegetables. The key to successful growth in the fall season is time. It can take longer for crops to grow in this season, and it is best to get them planted in July/August meaning you have to get the crops to overcome the heat to enjoy them in fall. Until seedlings are established, lots of water is crucial to crop survival. Broccoli and cabbage are two of the most successful fall crops. Green beans, carrots, and squash are also ideal for Texas fall. This will be the second growing season for cucumbers, beans, peas and corn.
Winter:
One of the great things about growing a garden in north Texas is the ability to continue through winter. There are many options when it comes to a winter garden, so choose vegetables or plants that will benefit you and your family. Onions, lettuce, radishes and garlic adapt well for winter growth, and to top it off these are all items that are very versatile and will easily be used. If harsh weather hits, you may want to consider planting these in a planter that could be moved indoors for the day if needed. Lettuce, potatoes, or carrots however, won’t need to be moved and can survive outdoors just fine. These winter crops will create the perfect mixture for a warm winter soup.
Spring:
Texas spring arrives earlier than other parts of the country, and brings ideal conditions for an abundance of crops. Corn, tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini are a few of the best items to plant in spring weather. January through May bring great conditions for almost any crop desired. Spring and fall tend to allow some overlap in crops, since fall is a second growing season for some crops such as onions. Plant accordingly so that these two season growths will be things you use frequently. Take advantage of the spring weather for your crops, before the summer heat takes over.
Summer:
The extreme Texas heat brings less variety for summer crops, but it can be a great time to focus on flowers. Flowers are the perfect thing to plant in summer, because there are many varieties that can be grown in shade and survive heat more than most crops can. Try Mexican firebrush, an ideal red flowering plant that performs well in dry heat. This is a great choice for a sunny area in your yard, because the colors will become more vibrant under the Texas sun. Depending on the amount of sun your yard gets, many shade-loving flowers will survive the heat. If your heart is set on producing crops in summer, figs, chickpeas, and cherries are an option. Since the summer weather isn’t great for many crops, use spring for your vegetable growing and focus on flowers this summer.
When narrowing down your choices for crops, planning according to season is critical. Choose plants that will have a double growing season so that you can really make use of the Texas conditions. Keeping track of which plants grow and when in the Texas seasons will allow you to take advantage of the garden year-round.
Mary Potter is takes great pride in her flower garden, and is quick to share her tips and tricks any way she can. She loves creating center pieces for special occasions and has also been putting her efforts into The Flower Exchange, who specialize in wedding flowers.
This is terrific information. What about the crops that say do subsequent sowings every 2-3 weeks throughout the season? If you’re planting something in the spring and do those other showings will they survive the summer heat?
depends! (terrible answer, sorry!) some plants will survive the heat, but very few will actually put out fruit in the heat.
The information about spring is a little misleading and could be a little clearer for new gardeners. The last frost date is March-ish–you don’t want to plant out corn, tomatoes, etc. before then. Certainly not the whole of “January to May.”
You are right, that ‘spring’ season is broken down further between cool and warm season plants. The local planting calendars show a split around the last freeze date: http://northtexasvegetablegardeners.com/forum/index.php?topic=249.0
You’re quite right Brittany – thanks for catching that and clarifying. I’m sorry for the misinformation!
I started my entire spring garden in February this year with terrific results in Dfw. From watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers, beans to ground cherries. Everything did great!
Could you please publish information on when to start tomato seeds for a fall garden in the Allen area?
Thank you!
Hi Louise. There are multiple published calendars. Here is most of the collection: http://northtexasvegetablegardeners.com/forum/index.php?topic=249.0 Here is the one I created: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AhhwkjyRMQi6dFk3V0hRQWYwREhDOC1HeDU5NVJDelE&single=true&gid=1&output=html note the blue ‘S’ is planting indoors from seed
I know this is off topic but I have signed up on the forum almost two weeks ago and haven’t been approved to post. I would like to be a part of this forum as most other gardening forums aren’t from our area. This is my fifth year gardening here but still have a lot to learn. I didn’t know where else to ask about this since I don’t see any contact info. Thanks! :)
yup, this is a fine way to make contact…. I get so depressed going through the mountain of spammers that sign up for the forum I tend to put it off! sorry! I’m going there now.
No problem. I do understand. Thanks! Looking forward to it. :)
Brian, I finally got some time and was going to introduce myself today and ask a few questions on the forum, but I just tried to log in today and it now says my username does not exist. I thought I logged in before without problem. Did I get deleted for some reason? I think for now I’m going to head over to facebook and ask my questions. :)
haha! We are not having a good experience with this. :) Yes, I went on a delete binge and wasn’t careful enough. I was cleaning up all the suspect spammers who had an approved account but had zero posts. I’m sorry! You will need to sign up again.
Sorry this is late but thanks so much for the calendars and planting information! Louise
My cilantro is doing well in the summer heat. Do you have any advice for herb gardeners?
I would say to just check your herbs every day to make sure nothing is eating it like a bunny might. And also, make sure the herbs get plenty of water since it is hot, but not to much because that can also kill the herbs. If necessary, put something over them so they won’t over heat or if it rains, they don’t get to much water and die. You never know with Texas’s crazy weather!!! ( IF THESE ARE OUTDOOR HERBS)
I just stumbled on this website and OMG, thank you!! I’m a city slicker who started gardening for the 1st time ever last year. I’ve bought books and magazines but our north Texas climate is rather unique and i’ve been completely lost. Thank you for this wonderful resource!!
This really helped me know what to plant thanks! I am going to plant onions and lettuce since it is about mid fall and soon going to be winter!! Burr, it’s getting awfully cold outside. Good thing I like. Old weather. LOL
I meant cold weather… Oops!
Been waiting a few days to get approved…any idea when that might happen??
My biggest problem isn’t the growing, it’s the pests. Deprived of any natural enemies, rabbits abound in my area, with squirrels following a close second. They eat everything in sight, right down almost to the roots. Four apple trees, a peach tree and two pear trees are denuded of their fruit by squirrels, birds consume the fig tree’s output; I appear to be raising food for the wild life and the bugs.