What to Plant in Fall Garden in Texas

Fall gardening in Texas presents a fantastic opportunity for gardeners to grow an array of fresh, delicious produce even as the temperature begins to drop.

With a little planning and the right selection of plants, you can enjoy fall harvests that are both abundant and nutritious. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best crops to grow in your Texas fall garden – from cool-weather vegetables like broccoli and greens, to root vegetables such as beets and turnips, as well as fruits, herbs, and flowers that thrive during autumn months.

Key Takeaways

Cool – weather vegetables, root vegetables, leafy greens, herbs and flowers can all be planted in a fall garden in Texas for a successful harvest.
Timing is important when planting different crops. Lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens and kale should be planted from August to October; broccoli, cabbage and herbs in September to October; radishes, carrots and beets from October to November.
Soil preparation is key to ensure healthy plant growth. Tilling the soil, adding compost or organic matter and fertilizing will help improve the texture of your soil.
Regular watering techniques are necessary for optimal growth. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that may spread quickly during the cooler months of autumn.

Best Plants To Grow In A Fall Garden In Texas

Beginners in Texas fall gardening can grow cool-weather vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach and kale; root vegetables like radishes, carrots and beets; leafy greens including Swiss chard and collard greens; herbs such as parsley, cilantro or mint; and even flowers like marigolds or pansies for a splash of color.

Cool-Weather Vegetables

Cool-weather vegetables thrive in the milder temperatures of fall and can even tolerate light frost, making them perfect for Texas gardens. Some popular choices include:

Broccoli: As an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, broccoli grows well in the fall when planted in September to October.
Cabbage: Another nutritious vegetable, cabbage can also be planted in September to October for a successful harvest.
Cauliflower: Perfect for adding variety to your garden, cauliflower grows best during fall and provides plenty of nutrients.
Brussels Sprouts: These delicious veggies perform well in cooler temperatures and can add interest to your fall garden.
Turnips: Known for being able to tolerate some shade, turnips prefer at least six hours of sunlight daily and make a great addition to any Texas fall garden.
English/French Peas: These cool-season crops can be found on the North Texas Fall Planting Schedule by Crop list and do well when planted during the autumn months.
Bush Green Beans: With a relatively quick maturity time, bush green beans planted now should provide bountiful harvests come October and November.

Don’t forget that many herbs like basil, scented geraniums, lemon grass, pineapple sage, and rosemary are also well-suited for growing during the cooler months in Texas as they continue to perform exceptionally well throughout the season.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are great to plant in a fall garden in Texas. These plants thrive in the cooler weather and produce delicious and nutritious vegetables that can be harvested and used throughout the winter. Here are some root vegetables that you can plant:

Beets – Beets are easy to grow in the fall and can tolerate light frost. They come in different colors, from deep crimson to golden yellow.
Carrots – Carrots also love cooler temperatures, and they do well when planted in a loose, well-draining soil. They require consistent watering.
Turnips – Turnips can grow quite large when planted in the fall, and they prefer full sun. They mature quickly, so you can harvest them after just a few weeks.
Radishes – Radishes are fast-growing and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. They like cool weather and grow best in partial shade.
Green Onions – Green onions or scallions make a tasty addition to soups, salads or sandwiches. Plant them during the fall months for an early spring harvest.

Planting root vegetables is an excellent way to extend your growing season into the cooler months of fall and even winter!

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are a great addition to any fall garden in Texas. They are easy to grow and offer a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the best options for your fall garden:

Lettuce: varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce do well in cooler temperatures. They can be harvested as early as 40 days after planting.
Spinach: this green vegetable loves cooler weather and takes around 6-8 weeks to mature. It is packed with iron, calcium, and other healthy nutrients.
Swiss Chard: this colorful vegetable is both beautiful and delicious. It can be harvested young for baby greens or mature for larger leaves.
Mustard Greens: these spicy greens add flavor to salads or can be cooked like spinach. They have a strong flavor that mellows out when cooked.
Collard Greens: a southern favorite, collards are packed with vitamins A and C. They take around 80 days to mature but can withstand colder temperatures.
Kale: this trendy vegetable is high in vitamins K, A, and C. It has become popular because of its versatility in recipes.

These leafy greens add texture and variety to salads while also providing key nutrients for your diet. Plant them in your fall garden for a healthy harvest!

Herbs

Herbs are a great addition to any fall garden, and they won’t take up much space. Here are some popular herbs that are easy to grow in Texas:

Basil – plant this herb in the early fall for best results.
Cilantro – sow seeds directly into the soil, and it will be ready to harvest within a month.
Oregano – prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight
Thyme – this herb thrives in cool weather and can withstand light frosts
Sage – produces beautiful purple flowers while also repelling pests
Chives – plant these in the fall for an early spring harvest

Herbs can be used fresh in cooking or dried for later use, and they’re a low maintenance option for beginner gardeners. Plus, they add flavor and vibrancy to any dish!

Flowers

Fall isn’t just about vegetables! There are many types of flowers that you can plant in your Texas fall garden. Here are some great options:

Pansies – These colorful blooms thrive in cooler weather and come in many different shades.
Chrysanthemums – Also known as mums, these flowers add a stunning pop of color to any garden.
Asters – With their daisy-like blooms, asters come in shades of pink, purple, and blue.
Celosia – This unique flower comes in a variety of shapes and colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
Ornamental kale – Known for its vibrant colors and interesting texture, ornamental kale is a great way to add visual interest to your fall garden.

Remember to do your research on when to plant each type of flower for best results!

When To Plant In The Fall In Texas

Plant cool-weather vegetables like lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens and kale from August to October; broccoli, cabbage and herbs in September to October; radishes, carrots and beets from October to November.

August To October: Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Kale

If you’re looking to plant a fall garden in Texas, there are certain vegetables and plants that will thrive during the season. Here are some cool-weather vegetables and leafy greens to consider planting from August to October:

Lettuce: This crisp, cool-weather crop is a great addition to any salad. Choose looseleaf or butterhead varieties for a quick harvest.
Spinach: High in iron and antioxidants, spinach can be eaten raw or cooked. Plant seeds 1 inch apart in well-drained soil for best results.
Swiss Chard: With colorful stems ranging from red to yellow, Swiss chard is both beautiful and nutritious. It prefers partial shade and regular watering.
Mustard Greens: Spicy and flavorful, these greens grow quickly and can be harvested within 30 days of planting.
Collard Greens: A staple of Southern cooking, collards are packed with vitamins A and C. They do well in full sun or partial shade.
Kale: Rich in vitamin K and calcium, kale is easy to grow and can withstand colder temperatures than many other greens.

By planting these vegetables in the late summer and early fall months, you can enjoy fresh produce throughout the cooler months in Texas. Just make sure to water regularly and fertilize as needed for optimal growth.

September To October: Broccoli, Cabbage, Herbs

September to October is the perfect time to plant broccoli, cabbage, and herbs in your fall garden in Texas. Here are some tips and tricks for growing these plants successfully:

Broccoli: This cool-season vegetable needs at least six hours of sunlight a day and well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can sow broccoli seeds directly or transplant seedlings into your garden bed about 18-24 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvest the broccoli head when it’s firm and tight, before the yellow flowers start to bloom.
Cabbage: Cabbage is another cool-season crop that thrives in Texas during the fall months. It prefers full sun and fertile soil that’s neutral to slightly alkaline in pH. You can sow cabbage seeds indoors or outdoors and then transplant them into your garden bed once they’re large enough (about 4-6 weeks old). Space them about 12-18 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and watch out for pests like cabbage loopers.
Herbs: Fall is a great time to grow herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and sage in Texas. These flavorful plants love warm days and cool nights, which is exactly what you’ll get in the autumn season. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil with some organic matter added in. You can start them from seeds or cuttings and then transfer them into pots or garden beds once they’ve established roots. Water them regularly but don’t overwater.

By planting broccoli, cabbage, and herbs in your fall garden, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh produce throughout the cooler months of the year. Plus, these crops are relatively easy to grow even for beginner gardeners!

October To November: Radishes, Carrots, Beets

October to November is the perfect time to plant root vegetables in your fall garden in Texas. Here are some of the best root vegetables that you can grow during this time:

Radishes: These fast-growing vegetables can be harvested just within a month after planting. They come in various colors and add a tangy flavor to salads and sandwiches.
Carrots: These cold-hardy crops can tolerate light frost and do best in loose, well-drained soil. They take around 70 days to mature and come in different sizes, shapes, and colors.
Beets: These colorful vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They prefer fertile soil with a neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5. You can harvest them when they reach golf ball size.

Planting these root vegetables at the right time will ensure they have enough time to mature before winter sets in. Make sure to provide them with consistent moisture and fertilize regularly for optimal growth.

Tips For Planting And Maintaining A Successful Fall Garden In Texas

Prepare your soil ahead of planting by tilling, adding compost, and fertilizing to ensure healthy plant growth. Water deeply and regularly, mulch around plants to conserve moisture and deter weeds.

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, which can spread quickly in the fall.

Soil Preparation And Fertilization

Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil in your fall garden properly. Soil should be loose and have good drainage so that it doesn’t become waterlogged during heavy rainfalls.

One way to improve the texture of your soil is by adding compost or organic matter.

Another crucial step is providing adequate nutrition for your plants through fertilization. It’s recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).

If you’re unsure about what type of fertilizer to use, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local gardening center or extension office for advice.

Overall, proper soil preparation and fertilization will set your fall garden up for success by ensuring optimal growing conditions for each crop while also increasing yield potential come harvest time.

Proper Watering And Mulching Techniques

Proper watering and mulching techniques are crucial to ensure the health and success of your fall garden. In Texas, the hot and dry climate can quickly dehydrate plants, so it’s essential to water them regularly.

Water deeply once or twice a week instead of lightly every day to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil where they can absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil by preventing evaporation. It also regulates soil temperature, prevents weeds from growing, and adds organic matter as it decomposes over time.

An important fact to keep in mind is that overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering for most plants. A good way to check if your plants need water is by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil and feeling for moisture; if it feels dry at that depth, then it’s time to water again.

Another useful tip is not to water during peak heat hours when the sun is high in the sky since most of it will evaporate before being absorbed by plant roots.

Pest And Disease Control

Pests and diseases can be a major concern for any gardener, but especially for beginners. One of the keys to controlling pests and diseases is prevention. Keeping your garden clean, removing debris, and practicing good hygiene are all important steps to preventing outbreaks.

If you do spot an issue with pests or diseases, there are several solutions available that don’t involve harsh chemicals or pesticides. For example, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings into your garden can help control aphids and other harmful insects.

By taking proactive steps towards pest and disease prevention in your fall garden in Texas, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying a bountiful harvest come autumn.

Watch Out For Weather Changes

As with any garden, weather conditions play a critical role in the success of your fall planting. The temperature and humidity levels can have a significant impact on how well your plants grow.

Texas is known for its unpredictable and extreme weather changes, especially during the fall season when temperatures can fluctuate from one day to the next.

One way to protect your plants from sudden drops in temperature is by utilizing shade cloth or greenhouses. Shade cloth can help prevent sunburn during hot days while also providing insulation against cold snaps.

Greenhouses, on the other hand, create a microclimate that shields plants from wind and rain while trapping heat to maintain consistent temperature levels inside.

Utilize Shade Cloth And Greenhouses

One way to ensure a successful fall garden in Texas is by utilizing shade cloth and greenhouses. Shade cloth can protect your plants from intense sun rays and help them maintain moisture during the hotter months of fall.

It is especially useful for heat-sensitive vegetables such as lettuce or spinach.

For beginners, starting small with a few raised beds covered with shade cloth or investing in a simple greenhouse kit can go a long way towards ensuring healthy plant growth throughout fall.

Keep an eye on temperature fluctuations – too much heat inside the greenhouse will lead to fungal diseases while too little will stunt plant growth – and don’t forget to water regularly.

Common Problems And Solutions For Fall Gardening In Texas

To ensure a successful fall garden, gardeners in Texas should be aware of common problems such as soil nutrient deficiencies, pest and disease infestations, and weather changes; solutions include addressing the soil’s nutrient needs, implementing effective pest control measures, and utilizing shade cloth or greenhouses to protect plants from extreme temperatures.

Addressing Soil Nutrient Deficiencies

It’s important to ensure that the soil in your fall garden is rich in nutrients to provide a healthy growing environment for your plants. Soil nutrient deficiencies can affect plant growth and yield, so it’s crucial to address them before planting.

One way to address these deficiencies is by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. These natural fertilizers will help improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

It’s important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to problems like burning the roots of plants or causing excessive growth at the expense of flower or fruit production.

It’s best to have your soil tested before adding any amendments, especially if you’re unsure about what type of nutrient deficiency your soil may have.

Dealing With Pests And Diseases

Fall gardening in Texas does come with its fair share of pest and disease problems. Some common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests from taking over your garden, it is important to keep an eye out for early signs of infestations.

Diseases like powdery mildew may affect leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, or kale in fall gardens. To prevent diseases from spreading quickly throughout your garden, make sure you provide adequate spacing between plants.

Remove any foliage that has been affected by a disease promptly as well as plant debris at the end of the season.

By being vigilant against pest and disease threats while still maintaining your fall garden properly with proper soil preparation and fertilization approaches plus correct watering/mulching techniques based on best planting schedules for different crops highlighted within [IMPORTANT FACTS], beginner gardeners can enjoy their flourishing yields all through autumn in Texas!

Climate And Weather Changes

The climate and weather changes can have a significant impact on your fall garden in Texas. As the temperature starts to drop, there is a higher chance of frost occurring which can damage or kill your plants.

To combat this, it’s important to monitor the weather forecast regularly and take any necessary precautions, such as covering your plants with blankets or sheets during colder nights.

Additionally, drought conditions are common in Texas during the fall season, so proper watering techniques are crucial for maintaining healthy plants.

It’s also important to pay attention to any extreme weather events that may occur, such as heavy rainfall or strong winds. These can cause soil erosion and uproot plants if they’re not properly staked down.

Adding mulch around your plant beds can help prevent runoff from heavy rainfall and protect roots from damage caused by strong winds.

Conclusion And Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are plenty of great options for planting a fall garden in Texas. From cool-weather vegetables like kale and Swiss chard to root veggies such as turnips and beets, the possibilities are endless.

Herbs like rosemary and basil also do well in the cooler temperatures of autumn. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s important to maintain proper soil preparation, watering techniques, and pest control measures.

By following our tips and utilizing resources like the Texas A&M fall planting guide, even beginner gardeners can enjoy a bountiful fall harvest in their Texas gardens.