By Jo Ann Stevenson, Harris County Master Gardener
Jo Ann Stevenson is a native Texan, an Aggie, and a Master Gardener since 2020. She enjoys writing and editing for the Urban Dirt newsletter, coordinating the Green Thumb lecture series, and serving on the Education and Publicity committees and the Board of Directors. When she’s not gardening, you can find her browsing in a local resale or antiques shop.
Why Fall is Better, Y’all -- Fall gardening, that is.
I love growing tomatoes and eggplant in the spring and summer, but here are the reasons why fall gardening is my preference:
Temperature
Obviously, it’s much more comfortable to be out in the garden when it’s below 85 degrees. But lower temps also mean your lettuce doesn’t bolt so quickly (send up flower stalks that signal the end of the season).
Healthier garden
Squash bugs, tomato hornworms, spider mites and other summer pests start to disappear as temperatures drop, and less humidity can mean fewer diseases in cooler weather.
Flavor
Light frost can actually sweeten and intensify the flavor of greens and roots; for instance, cabbage has better flavor once it has experienced a “frost kiss”.
Herbs
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme do well in the fall, and all are great for your holiday turkey, dressings and gravies. But don’t forget basil, oregano and chives can also be grown until first frost, and cilantro loves cool weather. Herbs can be harvested, chopped and mixed into butter, which can be frozen to use in winter. Nasturtiums grow best in cooler weather, attract aphids and repel other pests, and their leaves and flowers are edible.
Varieties
More varieties of lettuce and greens than you have room to plant, green beans, peas, and those wonderful root crops! Radishes, carrots, beets and turnips are some of my favorite vegetables, and the ones you grow are the best. Did you know cauliflower doesn’t have to be white? There are other colors, such as ‘Veronica’ Romanesco (spiky green), Cheddar (orange), Purple Moon and more.
Bulbs
Certain vegetables and spring-flowering bulbs are planted in fall. Plant garlic in the fall, and by spring you will have fresh garlic for your pasta sauce and dahlias on your table. Watch the Green Thumb video and learn how to plant garlic.
Have fun with your fall garden, try new varieties, play with your food, and keep learning, y’all.
Resources:
Vegetable Garden Planting Dates from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
"Top Tips for a successful Fall Vegetable Garden" from Agrilife Today
"Keep Your Garden Going Tips for a Successful Fall Garden" from Transylvania County Center
"Vegetable Varieties" from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
"Texas Home Vegetable Gardening Guide" From Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
For More Great Advice
WATCH: This month's Green Thumb -- Teresa See talks about "Fall Vegetable Gardening"
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