When To Plant Vegetables In North Texas

Knowing when to plant vegetables in north texas is the single most important factor for a successful home garden. Our unique climate, with its hot summers and variable winters, requires a specific schedule. Get your timing right, and you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of fresh produce. Get it wrong, and you’ll face constant battles with the heat and frost.

This guide breaks down the north Texas planting calendar into simple, actionable steps. We’ll focus on the two main growing seasons and the best crops for each. You’ll learn how to work with our weather, not against it.

North Texas gardening revolves around two distinct seasons: the cool season and the warm season. The key is to plant crops so they mature during the weather they prefer. Cool-season veggies grow best in the milder temperatures of spring and fall. Warm-season crops need the heat of summer to thrive.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Your average frost dates are your calendar’s anchor points. The last spring frost typically falls between March 15th and April 1st. The first fall frost usually arrives between November 15th and December 1st. These dates can vary, so its a good idea to check local historical data.

Last Spring Frost: Target for planting tender summer crops.
First Fall Frost: Deadline for harvesting most summer crops and planting cool-season ones.

The Cool Season Planting Guide (Spring & Fall)

Cool-season vegetables can handle a light frost and even taste better after one. They are planted in late winter for a spring harvest and again in late summer for a fall harvest.

Spring Planting (February – March)

Begin sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. The soil is workable and starting to warm.

Direct Seed: Carrots, radishes, peas, spinach, lettuce, kale, beets, Swiss chard.
Transplants: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, lettuce.

These crops will produce until the heat of June causes them to bolt (flower and go to seed).

Fall Planting (August – September)

This is often the most productive and enjoyable season. You start planting in the late summer heat for a harvest in the cool fall. The trick is to count backwards from your first fall frost date.

10-12 weeks before frost: Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage from transplants.
8-10 weeks before frost: Sow seeds for carrots, beets, and bush beans.
6-8 weeks before frost: Plant lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and Swiss chard.

Using shade cloth for newly seeded areas can help with germination in the late summer heat.

The Warm Season Planting Guide (Spring & Summer)

These vegetables are sensitive to frost and need warm soil and air temperatures to grow. Planting to early can stunt them.

Spring Planting (After Frost Danger Passes)

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. This is usually mid-to-late April.

Direct Seed: Corn, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, beans, melons.
Transplants: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, sweet potatoes.

Okra and sweet potatoes in particular love intense heat and can be planted a bit later, even into early June.

Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest

Don’t plant all your beans or squash at once. To avoid a glut, sow small batches every 2-3 weeks. This provides a steady harvest over many weeks instead of all at once. This technique works great for beans, cucumbers, and summer squash.

Monthly Planting Calendar Snapshot

January: Plan garden, order seeds. Plant potatoes late month.
February: Plant cool-season crops (potatoes, onions, peas, leafy greens).
March: Continue cool-season planting. Start tomato/pepper seeds indoors.
April: Plant warm-season crops after frost (tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn).
May: Plant heat-lovers (okra, sweet potato slips, southern peas).
June: Harvest spring crops. Plant pumpkins for fall.
July: Prepare for fall garden. Start broccoli/cauliflower seeds indoors.
August: Begin fall planting of cool-season crops.
September: Main month for fall garden seeding and transplanting.
October: Plant garlic cloves. Continue harvesting fall crops.
November: Harvest before hard freezes. Add mulch to overwintering crops.
December: Protect plants from hard freezes. Rest and enjoy the harvest.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Garden Bed

Test Your Soil: North Texas often has heavy, clay soil. A soil test reveals pH and nutrient needs.
Amend the Soil: Add 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. This is the best thing you can do for your garden.
Create Beds: Form raised beds or rows to improve drainage further.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (straw, wood chips) to conserve water and suppress weeds.

Tips for Beating the North Texas Heat

Summer here is intense. These strategies help your garden survive and produce.

Water Deeply and Early: Water at the base of plants in the early morning. Deep watering encourages strong roots.
Use Shade Cloth: A 30-40% shade cloth over summer crops like tomatoes can prevent sunscald and reduce heat stress.
Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties: Look for varieties labeled “heat-set” or “drought tolerant.”
Mulch Heavily: A thick mulch layer keeps soil cooler and reduces water evaporation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Early in Spring: Impatience leads to frost-damaged tomatoes. Warm the soil with black plastic if needed.
Ignoring Soil Health: Our native soil needs regular additions of organic matter. Don’t skip the compost.
Overcrowding Plants: Follow spacing on seed packets. Good air flow prevents disease, especially in our humidity.
Forgetting to Rotate Crops: Don’t plant the same family (like tomatoes and peppers) in the same spot year after year. It helps prevent pest and disease buildup.

FAQ: North Texas Vegetable Gardening

What vegetables grow best in north Texas?

Great choices include tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, cucumbers, beans, leafy greens (in cool seasons), broccoli, and root crops like carrots and radishes.

When should I plant tomatoes in north Texas?

Plant tomato transplants after the last spring frost, typically mid-April. You can also plant a second crop for fall by putting in transplants in late July.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in north Texas?

Yes, with careful planning. You can grow cool-season crops from fall through spring and warm-season crops through the summer. There are only a few weeks in deep winter where active growth pauses.

How do I protect my garden from a late frost?

Use frost cloth, old bedsheets, or even cardboard boxes to cover tender plants. Watering the soil before a light frost can also help, as moist soil retains heat better.

What is the best month to start a garden in north Texas?

You can start in February for cool-season crops. For a beginner focusing on summer harvests, April is the best month to begin planting after the frost danger is gone.

Gardening in north Texas is incredibly rewarding once you sync your schedule with the seasons. By using this planting guide as a reference, you’ll maximize your harvest and minimize frustration. Remember to keep a simple garden journal each year, noting what you planted and when. This personal record will become your most valuable tool for continual success in your own backyard.