How Do I Start Planning for a Fall Vegetable Garden?
When planning a new garden, keep in mind that vegetable crops require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day and should be planted in soil that drains well. Use a soaker hose and a timer (your phone will do) to ensure that your plants are sufficiently hydrated at the root level. You can make a soaker hose from an old garden hose and an inexpensive end cap! Remember, watering times are best for plants early in the morning. It is also beneficial to choose an area that has decent air circulation. I would highly recommend creating a garden journal which will help you to remember when/what you planted. It’s good fun to look back and read/share (or in my case, improve on) after the season is complete.
Soil Health, the Building Blocks for Productive Produce!
Did you know that there are 17 elements or nutrients that are essential for plant growth and reproduction? They are divided into two categories: mineral essential and non-mineral essential.
We can help our plants to thrive if we use the correct amount of mineral essential fertilizers. I prefer organic products because the ingredients follow nature’s laws, leading to healthier plants, fewer problems, and long-term savings. They reduce the need for pesticides, water, and replacements—saving you time, money, and protecting the environment. Be sure to research thoroughly before applying; plants, like people, have different needs.
What Else Will Help My Fall Vegetable Garden?
It’s always a good idea to incorporate compost and mulch. You can start your own compost production with leaves and grass from the yard. Use this guide from Texas AgriLife, opens a new window for directions; it’s super easy and cost-effective. Another proven technique is always to use mulch to protect the soil. This will help keep the soil hydrated and prevent weeds. Organic mulches include straw, leaves, grass, bark, compost, sawdust and peat moss.
What Vegetables Work Best in the Fall?
Texas A&M has an excellent guide that will help you determine when and what to plant!
Group Fall plants according to their frost tolerance.
Long-term, frost tolerant |
Short-term, frost-tolerant |
| beets | beans |
| broccoli | cantaloupe |
| brussels sprouts | corn |
| cabbage | cucumber |
| carrots | eggplant |
| cauliflower | okra |
| collards | peas |
| parsley | peppers |
| spinach | potatoes |
| turnips | squash |
Although many varieties of garden vegetables are available, only three or four varieties of any one vegetable are well-suited or adapted to a particular area of Texas. Choose the varieties that are proven to do well in your area of the state. Don’t forget to read the information on the back of the seed pack to determine the correct harvest time. You can learn more on the Texas AgriLife Veggies and Herbs site.
What About Those Pesky Pests?
Diseases and insects can certainly cause problems for Texas gardeners! Long growing seasons, combined with relatively mild winters, encourage large insect populations. Avoid using chemical applications when possible, try to find an organic solution first and only use recommended and approved chemical solutions if necessary. Disease control is a preventive rather than an eradication procedure. Cool, damp conditions are conducive to foliage diseases, so be vigilant in watching your garden for symptoms. Publications on disease and insect identification and control are available from your County Extension office and from AgriLife Learn. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you have questions!
We are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with Houston Urban Harvest, which generously supplies the garden at the Evelyn Meador Branch Library with veggie starter plants in the Spring and Fall. I have learned so much from this experience! They also donated fruit trees for our edible forest area. If you have a garden organization, I highly recommend contacting Houston Urban Harvest for approval. Last year, I planted pumpkins, which were so much fun to watch grow. This year, we have okra, squash, and celery in the library garden. The Evelyn Meador branch also features a seed library, opens a new window, so stop by, visit our garden, and pick up some seeds if you are in the area!
Happy Gardening!
If you have further questions, feel free to submit them to a Harris County Master Gardener.
July Green Thumb Gardening Video
This month on the “Green Thumb” Program, Carol Brouwer, PhD (Harris County Extension Agent – Horticulture) answers any questions you might have and breaks down all you need to know about Fall Vegetable Gardening. The “Green Thumb” program is a monthly video lecture series led by a Harris County Master Gardener and hosted by the Harris County Public Library.
Raised-bed Vegetable Gardening Made Simple
Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening
Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening
Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
Watch all of HCPL's Green Thumb Gardening with Harris County Master Gardeners on our YouTube Playlist
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