When Should You Plant A Fall Garden In Texas

Getting your timing right is the most important step for a successful fall harvest in Texas. Knowing exactly when should you plant a fall garden in Texas makes all the difference between crisp, homegrown broccoli and a disappointing patch of bolted greens.

Our long, hot summers mean the fall growing season is a prized opportunity for gardeners. It offers a second chance to grow many of the crops that struggle in our spring heat. The key is to work backwards from your first expected frost date, using the “days to maturity” on your seed packets. Let’s break down the Texas fall gardening calendar so you can get your plants in the ground at the perfect time.

This is the core question. The simple answer is: late summer. For most of Texas, the prime planting window for fall crops runs from mid-August through early October. However, Texas is a big state with multiple climate zones. Your specific planting dates depend heavily on where you live and what you’re growing.

Your most valuable tool is the average first frost date for your area. You can find this from your local county extension office. Once you have that date, you count backwards.

Understanding Your Texas Climate Zone

Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 10a. This means a fall garden in Amarillo looks very different from one in Houston. Generally, the state is divided into three main gardening regions for timing purposes.

North Texas (Zones 7b-8a): First frost often arrives in mid-to-late November. Start planting hardy crops in early August and more tender ones in early September.
Central Texas (Zones 8b-9a): First frost typically occurs in late November or early December. Begin planting from mid-August through mid-September.
South Texas (Zones 9b-10a): Frost is rare or very late. The “fall” garden here is really a winter garden. Planting can extend from September all the way into November for some crops.

The Heat Challenge: Starting Seeds in Summer

The biggest hurdle for Texas fall gardening is the intense soil heat of late summer. Seeds for cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach won’t germinate well in hot soil. And young seedlings can get stressed or sunburned.

Here are two essential strategies to beat the heat:

Start Seeds Indoors: Begin broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts indoors 6-8 weeks before your transplant date. This gives them a strong start in a controlled environment.
Use Shade Cloth: After planting seeds or transplants directly in the garden, protect them with a 30-50% shade cloth for the first 2-3 weeks. It lowers soil temperature and reduces transplant shock.

Soil Preparation in the Heat

Don’t neglect your soil prep. Summer crops have likely used up many nutrients. A few weeks before planting, add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to your beds. This improves soil structure and fertility. Its also a good idea to do a quick soil test to see if you need to adjust pH or add specific nutrients.

Regional Planting Calendars for Texas

Use these guidelines as a starting point. Always adjust for your microclimate and current weather patterns.

For North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock)

Early August: Plant potatoes, pumpkins, and winter squash.
Late August: Sow seeds of beets, carrots, collards, kale, and Swiss chard. Transplant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings.
September: Direct seed lettuce, radishes, spinach, and turnips. Transplant Brussels sprouts.
Early October: Plant garlic cloves and onion sets for a spring harvest.

For Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco)

Mid-to-Late August: Plant beans, cucumbers, and summer squash for a late harvest. Start seeds of broccoli and cauliflower indoors.
Early September: Direct seed beets, carrots, and kale. Transplant your broccoli and cauliflower seedlings.
Late September: Sow lettuce, mustard greens, radishes, and spinach.
October: Plant garlic, onions, and more leafy greens like arugula.

For South Texas (Houston, Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley)

September: Plant tomatoes and peppers for a fall crop. Sow beans, cucumbers, and squash.
October: Direct seed all your leafy greens, root crops, and cole crops (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.).
November-December: Continue succession planting of fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce. This is your main planting time for many crops.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Fall Garden

Calculate Your Dates: Find your average first frost date. Check seed packets for “days to maturity” and add 14 days (the “fall factor” for slower growth in cooler, shorter days). Count back from your frost date.
Order Seeds Early: Don’t wait until August; order your fall seeds in early summer to ensure you get the varieties you want.
Prep Your Beds: Remove spent summer plants. Work in compost and a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer. Water the bed deeply a day or two before planting.
Planting: Sow seeds slightly deeper than in spring to reach cooler, moist soil. Water gently but thoroughly immediately after planting.
Mulch and Protect: Once seedlings are established, apply a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture and cool the soil. Use shade cloth as needed.
Water Consistently: Water deeply in the morning. Young plants need consistent moisture to establish roots in the late summer heat.

Best Crops for a Texas Fall Garden

Focus on vegetables that thrive in cooler weather and can handle a light frost, which actually improves their flavor.

Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collards. These are some of the easiest and most rewarding fall crops.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, parsnips. They sweeten up after a frost.
Cole Crops (Brassicas): Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi. Start these early or from transplants.
Alliums: Garlic, onions, leeks. Planted in fall for a late spring or early summer harvest next year.
Herbs: Cilantro, dill, parsley, chervil. They bolt quickly in spring but produce beautifully in fall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Late: This is the number one error. If you miss the window, plants won’t mature before frost or will yeild poorly.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: Using shade cloth or starting indoors is crucial. Don’t just rely on air temperature cooling down.
Overwatering Seedlings: While consistent moisture is key, soggy soil in the heat can cause seeds to rot. Water deeply but ensure good drainage.
Forgetting to Fertilize: Summer-depleted soil needs a boost. A side-dressing of compost tea or a balanced fertilizer a few weeks after transplanting helps a lot.

FAQ: Your Texas Fall Garden Questions

What is the latest I can plant a fall garden in Texas?

It depends on the crop. Very fast-growing crops like radishes and leafy lettuce can be planted up until about 4-6 weeks before your first frost. Slower crops like broccoli need to be in the ground much earlier, usually by early September for most regions.

Can I grow tomatoes in my fall Texas garden?

In Central and South Texas, yes! Choose short-season or determinate varieties and transplant young plants in late August or early September. They will produce fruit into the fall until the first frost takes them. In North Texas, it’s often to late for a reliable fall tomato crop.

How do I protect my fall garden from an early frost?

Keep old sheets, frost cloth, or even cardboard boxes handy. When an early frost is forecasted, cover your tender plants in the evening. Uncover them once the temperature rises above freezing the next morning. Mulching around the base of plants also helps insulate the soil.

When should I plant fall wildflowers in Texas?

For bluebonnets and other spring-blooming native wildflowers, the best time to plant seeds is in late September through October. This allows them to germinate and establish roots over the winter for a spectacular spring show.

Getting your fall garden planted on time sets the stage for months of abundant harvests. By working with the Texas climate—using shade to combat the initial heat and choosing the right crops for your region—you can enjoy fresh vegetables long after summer has passed. The effort you put in during the late summer heat will be rewarded with the best tasting greens and roots of the entire year.