When To Plant A Fall Garden In Texas

Getting your fall garden started at the right time is the most important step for success in Texas. Knowing exactly when to plant a fall garden in Texas can mean the difference between a bountiful harvest and disappointment.

The intense summer heat makes fall a perfect growing season. Cooler temperatures are ideal for many vegetables. But you have to beat the first frost. This guide gives you the clear, regional timing you need.

Fall gardening is all about working backwards from your first average frost date. You need to get seeds in the ground so plants mature during the pleasant fall weather. Planting to late means seedlings might not establish before cold weather.

Your key tool is the “days to maturity” on your seed packet. Count backwards from your frost date, then add a extra “fall factor” buffer. This accounts for shorter, cooler days that slow growth.

Texas Fall Planting Dates by Region

Texas has multiple climate zones. Your location dictates your schedule. Here’s a breakdown for major areas.

North Texas (DFW, Lubbock, Amarillo)

First frost often arrives in mid-to-late November. The summer heat lingers, so focus on heat-tolerant starters.

Early August: Plant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower transplants. Sow seeds for carrots, beets, and Swiss chard.
Late August to Early September: This is prime time. Plant kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, radishes, and spinach.
Late September: A final round of fast-growing greens like arugula and turnips.

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country)

First frost is typically in late November or early December. You have a slightly longer window than the north.

Mid-to-Late August: Start your broccoli, cauliflower, and kale transplants. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, and summer squash for a late crop.
September: The main planting month. Add all your root vegetables, leafy greens, and peas.
Early October: Plant more lettuce, spinach, and Asian greens. They’ll thrive in the cooling trend.

South Texas & Coastal Areas (Houston, Corpus Christi, Valley)

First frost may not come until December or even January. Your fall garden can extend right into winter.

Late August to September: Begin with warm-season crops like peppers and eggplants for a second harvest.
October: Shift to all the cool-season staples. This is your peak planting time for tomatoes, carrots, and greens.
November: You can still plant beets, radishes, and many leafy greens with success.

Top Crops for Your Texas Fall Garden

Some vegetables perform exceptionally well in Texas falls. They can handle the initial heat and mature in the cool.

Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard greens, and collards. They sweeten after a light frost.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips. They develop excellent flavor in cool soil.
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kohlrabi. Start these from transplants for a head start.
Alliums: Onions, garlic, and shallots. Plant garlic cloves in October for a summer harvest.
Herbs: Cilantro, dill, parsley, and chervil thrive in fall. They are less likely to bolt than in spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Fall Garden

Follow these steps to ensure your garden gets off to a strong start.

1. Prepare Your Soil

Summer crops have likely depleted nutrients. Remove any old plants and weeds. Add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to your beds. Lightly till or turn it in to refresh the soil. A balanced organic fertilizer can also give seedlings a boost.

2. Choose the Right Varieties

Select varieties noted for heat-tolerance or quick maturity. For example, choose ‘Packman’ broccoli or ‘French Breakfast’ radishes. Your local nursery will carry varieties suited to your area, which is a big help.

3. Master Seeding and Transplants

For direct seeding, keep the soil consistently moist for germination. Use shade cloth or a light layer of straw to protect seeds beds from harsh sun. For transplants, harden them off for a few days before planting. Water them in well with a liquid seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock.

4. Water and Mulch Wisely

Water deeply in the early morning. As temperatures drop, you can reduce frequency. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around plants after they’re established. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.

5. Manage Pests and Diseases

Fall brings different pests. Watch for cabbage loopers on brassicas and aphids on new growth. Use row covers as a physical barrier. Inspect plants regularly and handpick pests when possible. Good air flow helps prevent fungal diseases.

Common Fall Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Awareness of these pitfalls can save your garden.

Planting Too Late: This is the number one error. Check your dates and plant on time.
Ignoring Soil Prep: Don’t skip adding compost. Tired soil leads to poor growth.
Overwatering Seedlings: Keep soil damp, not soggy, to prevent rot.
Forgetting to Thin: Crowded carrots or beets won’t form proper roots. Thin seedlings early.
Neglecting to Protect: Have floating row covers ready for an unexpected early frost.

Extending Your Harvest Season

With a few tricks, you can harvest fresh produce well into winter.

Use cold frames or hoop houses to shield greens from freezing temps. For root crops like carrots, a heavy mulch layer can keep the ground from freezing, allowing you to harvest as needed. Some crops, like kale and Brussels sprouts, actually taste better after a frost.

FAQ: Your Texas Fall Garden Questions

What can I plant in October in Texas?
In North Texas, focus on garlic, onions, spinach, and lettuce. Central Texas can plant all leafy greens, root crops, and broccoli transplants. South Texas has the widest options, including tomatoes and peppers.

When should I start fall tomatoes in Texas?
In Central and South Texas, plant tomato transplants in late July or early August for a fall harvest. Choose early-maturing or heat-set varieties. In North Texas, it’s more challenging due to the shorter season.

How do I protect my garden from an early frost?
Water the soil before a frost—moist soil holds heat better. Cover plants with blankets, row covers, or even cardboard boxes overnight. Uncover them in the morning once it warms up.

Can I grow pumpkins for fall in Texas?
Yes, but they need a long season. You must plant pumpkin seeds in mid-summer (July) for them to mature by October. Choose smaller, fast-maturing varieties like ‘Small Sugar’ for the best chance.

Is it to late to plant a fall garden if I missed the dates?
You can still plant very fast-maturing crops like radishes, baby greens, and green onions. Using transplants instead of seeds for things like kale can also catch you up. Its worth trying.

Getting your timing right is the foundation of a productive fall garden. By following these regional guidelines and preparing properly, you’ll enjoy fresh vegetables long after summer has passed. The effort you put in now will reward you with months of harvest.