It is time for fall planting in South Texas. Yes, you will get your best garden in Texas in the fall. You should be planting the first and second weeks of September so your vegetables can grow and ripen before any cold air comes to Texas.
Good morning! Trump and I took an early morning walk around the property, long before the gate opened. We went up and down our handicap ramp four times. That is Trump's favorite part of a walk, going up and down the ramp. I am glad someone is making good use of it. No one who really needs it has used it yet.
It wasn't very humid but the sun was just coming up then. Alexa tells me it is 77° and will get up to 98° today. It is still summer here despite the calendar saying that yesterday was the first day of fall. We won't get that until sometime in November.
Trump and I spent some time looking at some of the plants that we are growing for the fall picking season. My sweet potatoes have been growing all summer long and should soon be ready for harvest.
Today promises to be busy. It is payday and I have lots of orders to fill from the sale and from Amazon.
I worked on orders all day long. At the end of the day, one couple came by. Their feed store sent them here as they did not have bluebonnets. October is the month that bluebonnets need to be planted here in Texas for early spring blooms. So they came here, never hearing of us before. They liked it and said they would be back for spring seeds.
The baby chicks should be going outside soon. Hopefully, we will put them out on Wednesday or Thursday. They will be so much easier to manage outdoors where they belong.
It was payday so I had to write the checks. I felt so tired all day long. I was so glad when it was time to go in. I came in to a sink full of dirty dishes and animals that needed to be fed. I worked on house stuff until almost 7pm and then made us some ramen noodles for dinner. I went out and put the chickens away at 7:30pm, took a shower and got ready for bed. Fortunately, I fell asleep on the couch for a while.
Hey there, fellow gardener! If you're wondering about Fall Planting In South Texas and what you can grow during this time, you're in the right place. Even though fall in South Texas might feel a lot like an extended summer, there's plenty you can cultivate. We'll take a friendly, step-by-step journey on what grows well, how to plant it, and when to harvest. Let's dive in!
First off, let's talk about the weather. Fall in South Texas means warm days stretching well into November, with the real cool-down only beginning later. This unique climate needs a special approach to gardening. While other regions are wrapping up, we're just getting started.
The best fall vegetables
that do well in South Texas share a love for warm soil and ample
sunlight. They include root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, parsnips, radishes, onions, and beets, leafy
greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and kale, and hardy plants like broccoli and
cauliflower. We get our best bush beans (green beans) of the year in the fall. A variety of peas can be grown now, but not Southern Peas. They like it hot. Some cabbages and lettuce varieties do well during fall planting in South Texas. These vegetables all thrive in the lingering warmth and can
handle the cooler nights. You even have time for some tomatoes, corn, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini now.
So let’s get to the nitty-gritty. One
key to successful fall planting is timing. Since the soil remains warm,
seeds can germinate quickly. But the challenge is managing the heat.
We've found that planting in the early morning or late afternoon can
protect the seeds from the harsh midday sun. Shade cloth can help a lot. Yes, it is a game changer, especially in the hot summer here in South Central Texas.
When considering how to plant seeds for the fall garden in South Texas, think about spacing. Proper spacing is crucial because it reduces competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. For example, carrots need about two inches apart, while spinach can be planted closer together.
Let’s break it down by plant specifics. Carrots, for example, prefer soil that’s loose and well-drained. Make sure to mix in plenty of compost to improve soil structure. Plant them about ¼ inch deep and watch for them to sprout within 10 to 20 days.
Beets are another excellent choice. They enjoy a sunny spot but can tolerate partial shade. Plant beet seeds ½ inch deep and about four inches apart. Water them well and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes around 5 to 10 days.
Good morning. It is time for another day on the farm and working in our business. Due to high prices everywhere, our orders are down so we are getting the orders out pretty quickly unless we are out of a certain seed. Yesterday, we got in a bunch of seeds that we needed so they should fly out today.
David had a guy come to the farm to detail his truck and Matt's car. He has been here since 9:30am. It is now 1:10pm and he is still working on Matt's car. He was here for more than five hours but he did a nice job.
The chicks are almost feathered out but some have more feathers than others. All of their heads are still yellow fuzz. Hopefully, by Friday they will be ready to move.
We now have four colors of bluebonnet seeds and they are now on sale for 22% off when you buy $15 worth of bluebonnet seeds. This sale lasts until Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The other sale is for all seeds. Spend $15 on seeds and save 15% on any and all seeds without a discount code.
I pulled up some dead zinnias in pots today and put in some different plants over by the pond. They look good.
It is 91° at 1:15pm. The sky is cloudy but with no rain. Nothing new there!
We had one set of customers in the Farm Store today. They bought eggs and treats. The orders for bluebonnets are now pouring in and we will soon be out of the purple and royal blue bluebonnets. We still have plenty of regular and maroon bluebonnets. By the way, David had me write an article on bluebonnets today. In a few weeks, on this website, we will have a much longer article on the Texas State Flower.
David got an email from a man today in New Jersey who wants to buy a lot of our rice and eggs. He told David that he would send someone today to pick up 250 cases of 50 pounds of rice as well as 250 dozens eggs and that he would pay us in two weeks. What? We don't have that. We have about 12 bags of rice and eight dozen eggs. Taking all of that without paying us first? Why do people think we are stupid?
The only way anyone is getting something from us is to pay first, plus we are not a warehouse. We do not have tons of rice and eggs. We drive several hours away to pick up rice and we have 50 chickens. In the heat, we are lucky to get two dozen eggs a day. Who in their right mind would ever give away that much and expect payment of thousands of dollars in two weeks? As David always says, we must have STUPID tattooed across our foreheads.
Then there was another letter wanting us to replace a pack of rancid edible sunflower seeds that someone bought from a gas station. Again, we are David's Garden Seeds®, not David Seeds. We sell sunflower seeds to grow, not to eat.
All of this nonsense (yes, there is so much more) takes time and energy away from our business. Maybe all business owners go through these things.
Switching to leafy greens, spinach is a fantastic fall crop. It’s a cool-season vegetable that grows best in temperatures between 35°F and 75°F. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and about three inches apart. Spinach grows quickly, often ready to harvest in just 40 to 50 days.
Kale is another leafy green to consider. It's hardy and withstands light frost, which adds sweetness to its flavor. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and about 12 to 18 inches apart. Kale can be harvested as baby greens at around 25 days or allowed to mature fully in 50 to 65 days.
Broccoli, a hardy vegetable, thrives in cooler temps but should be planted while it's still warm. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and about 18 inches apart. Broccoli takes a bit longer to mature, around 60 to 100 days, but it’s worth the wait.
Cauliflower is a bit fussier, but it can be very rewarding. Like broccoli, it prefers cooler temps after germination. Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. It matures in about 75 to 85 days.
Let’s not forget about the herbs! Cilantro, parsley, and dill love the fall temperatures in South Texas. They grow quickly and can be harvested continuously throughout the season. Plant them in well-drained soil and give them plenty of water.
Good morning. It is Wednesday! No Gordon Ramsay today. The premier of Hell's Kitchen comes on tomorrow, though.
Today, we've got lots of seed orders to get through. The chicks will have to go out to their new coop today. They are really stinking the building up. The heat has been hitting the high 90s each day so they should be fine. As soon as Matt gets here, we will start working on that.
The Pride of Barbados seedlings are getting bigger but no more have popped up. Time to plant some new ones.
Matt and I got the chicks out to their new house this morning with lots of room, food and water. They seem to really like it. I cleaned up where they were and got everything out. I swept and mopped and sprayed it after airing it out.
The folks across the way are working on the tower again. There are a lot of trucks there and they are moving a dish up the tower. After a year of nothing, they have been over there almost every day for the past two weeks. Maybe soon they will actually activate it.
I baked peasant bread this afternoon for the first time. It was pretty easy. It is still cooling.
The bread was quite tasty. I forgot to take a photo of the baked bread...I was crazed with hunger. I will definitely make it again.
Well, since last Friday when I saw the doctor, I have been having problems getting the prescriptions from the pharmacy. This doctor only faxes prescriptions in so the pharmacy does not always get them all. This is what happened. I have been to the pharmacy and spoke with them multiple times including last night. I have called the doctor's office, explaining the situation. The doctor called me back on Tuesday night at 5pm. He was upset saying that he sent in the prescription by fax. I asked him to please do it again. He said no. So I called the pharmacy again, asking them again to call the doctor as they already had. They said okay. I called the pharmacy again tonight and they said they would call him again tomorrow morning.
Transitioning to the next section, it’s essential to understand how to care for these plants as they grow. Watering is key. South Texas can have long dry spells, so keeping your plants hydrated is crucial. Drip irrigation can be a great way to ensure your vegetables get enough water without wasting it.
Mulching is another vital practice. It helps keep the soil moist, reduces weeds, and can even moderate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves.
Let's talk about fertilizing. Since your plants have a
relatively short growing season, they need all the nutrients they can
get. Use a balanced fertilizer, and consider supplementing with compost
or aged manure to improve soil fertility. Do not fertilize until after the plants have germinated. Then every four weeks, fertilize with Medina Has To Gro or fish emulsion. David uses both of those with great success.
Pests can be a problem
year-round in South Texas. Fall is no exception. Keep an eye out for
common pests like caterpillars, aphids, and snails. Organic pest control
methods include using neem oil, introducing beneficial insects like
ladybugs, and hand-picking pests, as well as Safer Soap and Hot Pepper Wax.
Disease can also be a challenge. Proper spacing and pruning to improve air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases. Using a fungicide, either organic or chemical, can be part of your defense strategy if needed.
Good morning. I have been paying bills for our household and for the business this morning. The chicks did so good over night. It got down to 66° so I was a bit worried but they are fine and having a good time with all of that space. They ate a whole lot yesterday. I went out and gave them the rest of their crumble plus some scratch with extra protein. They are enjoying it. I then took Trump out for a nice, cool walk. He pulled me up the ramp and down the stairs. I can barely keep up with the little guy. I think he would make a good reindeer for Santa's sleigh.
It has now been six days since I last saw my doctor and I have no medication. What on earth? He thinks he is sticking it to the pharmacy by not resending the prescription sheets that he faxed last Friday. The only person being punished in this is me. This is the third time I have been through this. The others worked themselves out within a few days. Tomorrow it will be one week. He will not give me a written prescription and he does not have the equipment to send the prescriptions electronically. I do not understand why he won't resend the fax. I guess it is time to find a new doctor because I should not be involved in this at all. We are heading into the doctor's office to see if we can get this crap straightened out. Another wasted trip that is 25 miles one way when we could be working on our business. This is unbelievable.
It is currently 75° at 10am but it should get up to 95° today. It is bright and sunny.
Apparently, the tower still isn't on as they are over there again today working on it.
David and I went to town and casually stopped in at the doctor's office. I got the copy of my itemized bill to submit to Christian Healthcare Ministries and the doctor came out. He asked if I had gotten my prescriptions. I thought, "Of course not...how can I when you won"t re-fax the prescription?" He gave me copies so I took them to the pharmacy and had to wait for quite a while for them to be filled.
In fact, we went to Chili's for lunch and afterward, the prescriptions were finally ready. We got back to the farm around 1:30pm, just in time to say goodbye to Michelle who was cleaning carpets.
The baby chicks are getting out of where they are. Matthew is back there now trying to block the bottom holes. Soon they will be too fat to get out. So far, two have gotten out today. Matt got it all taken care of.
We did not have any customers or visitors today other than Michelle to clean the house and carpets.
Matt got some more fall planting in South Texas done today on the farm. He planted collards, kale, and pac choi. He has been planting every day this week.
It is currently 91° so we got off cool today (ha-ha!), much cooler than we have been. The low is going to be 58° tonight so that will feel nice.
This evening is the season premiere of Hell's Kitchen, season 23! It should be fun.
Today, we received an email from a lady who would like to help us promote our sunflower seed company because her family eats at least five bags of shelled sunflowers from us per week. LOL. She is not getting her sunflowers from us and we would not hire her because she can't do good enough research to apply for a job to the right company!
Also, this afternoon, while David was here in Fulfillment, he received a phone call from a guy about helping us distribute our edible sunflower seeds. David told him he had the wrong company and he was like, "What?" How is it that you want to work for a company and you don't even know the name of said company or where they are located?
In case you are confused, we are David's Garden Seeds® and we sell garden seeds for you to plant. They are talking about David Seeds, the sunflower snack company. We get phone calls, emails, and letters to them every single week. David Seeds is in Fresno, California and they got bought out by the food company ConAgra. We are located in a small town near Poteet, Texas. We are a small family business that was started in our living room 15 years ago.
Hell's Kitchen premiere was fun tonight. We had chicken and rice while we watched.
Now, let’s shift gears to harvesting. Knowing when to pick your vegetables ensures you get the best flavor and nutrition. Root vegetables like carrots and beets are often ready when their tops are about an inch in diameter. Gently pull them from the soil and enjoy.
Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are best harvested when they're young and tender. You can pick individual leaves or harvest the whole plant. Regular harvesting encourages more growth.
For broccoli, wait until the heads are fully developed but before the flowers start to bloom. Cut the main head and leave the plant to produce side shoots for continued harvest.
Cauliflower should be harvested as soon as the heads are compact and white. Overripe cauliflower can become yellowish and bitter.
Herbs can be cut as needed. Regular harvesting can actually stimulate more growth. Be sure to pick leaves in the morning after the dew dries but before the day gets too hot for the best flavor.
A quick note on storage: fresh herbs can be dried or frozen for later use. Vegetables like carrots and beets store well in a cool, dry place or can be kept in the fridge for extended freshness.
Moving on, let’s discuss some unusual or less common fall crops that thrive in South Texas. Swiss chard is a colorful and nutritious leafy green that can grow year-round here. Plant it ½ inch deep and six inches apart. It's ready to harvest in about 60 days.
Turnips are another great option for fall planting in South Texas. These root
vegetables grow quickly and can handle warm soil. Plant turnip seeds ¼
inch deep, with rows about 12 inches apart. They mature in about 50 to
60 days. Normally, I don't care for turnips but last fall, I cut some up like fries, seasoned them, and air fried them. They were not bad at all that way, certainly way better than cooking them with a roast like my parents used to do.
Peas, particularly sugar snap peas, can also be planted in the fall. Plant them about 1 inch deep and an inch apart. They need something to climb on, like a trellis or fence, and can be ready to harvest in around 60 days.
Let’s not forget about radishes. They are among the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready in just 25 to 30 days. Plant radish seeds ½ inch deep and about an inch apart. Regularly harvesting radishes encourages a continuous yield.
Good morning. It is 56° but will get up to 97°. The air feels so cool and fresh, something we have been wishing for since the heat began in May!
Nothing on the docket today but to work, work, work.
I went outside to check on the meat birds. One was out, searching for food in the compost. I snatched her up and put her back inside. Her name is Houdini. I got Matt over there and he stapled shade cloth to the bottom, all the way around. Hopefully, Houdini and her sisters will stay put now.
It is 11:30am and 79° with not a cloud in the beautiful, blue sky. The folks are back over at the tower. I wonder when they will actually turn it on. It's only been 16 months since all of this started...
I was in the store this afternoon, taking inventory of our rice, coffee, and pecan snacks. A man walked in. I thought it was a customer. Haha! Of course, it was a salesman. Now call me crazy but you would think salesmen would not walk into someone's store and try to sell stuff. This guy did. He was an Omaha Steak salesman and wanted me to buy steaks for $5.50 a piece. I always have a problem with sales people coming into my store to sell me something. I mean, do they try this at Walmart or Target?
When we were in San Antonio, there were always random sales people coming in, trying to sell our employees, purses, hair care products, makeup, and so much more. In our store, we sell seeds, not Omaha steaks.
So I dismissed the guy and he found Matt outside and tried to sell steaks to him. I finished my inventory and then as I was walking out, my friend from down the street showed up. We had a good visit and then she bought the rest of our beautiful coleus plants. That was so sweet of her.
I went in the house and changed Trump's collar to a thicker one now that he is getting to be such a big boy. He looks so cute in the new collar.
Now, let’s summarize some tips on how to plant seeds for the fall planting in South Texas. Firstly, preparation is key. Make sure your soil is fertile and well-drained. Compost and organic matter can work wonders here.
Planting depths vary by vegetable but generally range from ¼ inch to 1 inch deep. Follow specific guidelines to ensure effective germination.
Don't forget to water your seeds immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until they sprout. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable to drying out.
Transitioning your garden from summer to fall involves removing spent plants and replenishing the soil. Consider a soil test to determine if additional amendments are needed.
Make use of shade cloth if the days are still scorchingly hot. It helps protect young plants from sunburn and excessive heat.
Moving forward, consider companion planting. Some vegetables grow better together. For example, planting carrots and onions together can deter pests and improve yield.
Crop rotation is also a smart practice. Plant different types of vegetables in different spots each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce disease.
And don’t forget about succession planting. This technique involves planting new seeds every few weeks to have a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Next, let’s discuss some personal anecdotes. I remember my first fall planting in South Texas. The heat was relentless, but the taste of home-grown carrots and fresh spinach made the effort worthwhile.
David and I discovered that green beans in the spring can be a hit or miss due to the early onset of heat that almost always happens here but fall planting in South Texas always produces the best green beans you will ever grow.
Good morning! Here it is Saturday again. I have been up for over an hour and it is still dark out but soon will be light. Trump is barking and wants some attention.
I have completed inventory of the rice, coffee, and pecan snacks. The numbers you see on the website are what we currently have. We ship it all but right now, it is too hot to ship chocolate. It would melt. Today, the temperature will be 100° again. It is 61° right now and it feels glorious but that won't last long at all.
David has been up for several hours making a brisket on the smoker. Yum!
I got out fairly early and took care of all of the animals. Norton tried to gore me several times and that is always fun. He is the big man goat now instead of the sweet baby boy. The meat chicks are all intact and eating well. I fed them well plus I need to go check on them throughout the day. The waterfall on the pond is down to a trickle again so something is clogged somewhere. The rabbits are doing well. The hens are fine. I got all of the dogs fed and David fed the cat. Before I opened the store, I took Trump for a walk. Then I watered the plants out back as well as those in the front. All typical morning things to do.
Here is a nontypical thing that happened: As I was walking across the parking lot, watering plants, I felt pain on my lower leg. I looked down and nothing was there but something stung me. The pain kept stopping and then jabbing, stopping and jabbing. I put some Cortizone on it but it is still there. Fun...
I filed an insurance claim for David. The bill is from July but it took the doctor's office this long to send it over to us. Yesterday, I filed my latest lab charges and doctor visit. In about four months, we should get checks from Christian Healthcare Ministries.
David found a pipe out back that is broken. It was broken by a work person last week and for some reason, it never got fixed. David called Matt over to fix it and then he also fixed the waterfall. I had a customer so I did not get to check on it while Matt was here. He has since escaped. The mailman came right after the customer left so that is when Matt took his queue...
Sixty-six years ago this afternoon, my parents got married in Poughkeepsie, New York. How is that possible? (That means I am old.) My father passed away back in October of 1991. My mother is still alive in El Paso. I would love to put up a photo to commemorate the day. However, she will not allow me to have even a copy of one of their wedding photos so I cannot. That is too bad.
We won't be watching the Svengoolie movie tonight as we have seen it twice already so we will continue with James Bond. We will watch The Living Daylights with Timothy Dalton. I have not seen this one.
This afternoon, I have to make some desserts for a potluck. The Farm Store closes in 28 minutes and then I will get busy. Looks like no other customers are coming today. People really need to get more excited about growing a fall garden in this area. Spring here is almost always a failure because it gets too hot too fast but fall is almost always the very best time for a garden. As it cools down, things grow beautifully.
David's brisket is delicious. The lemon bars are pretty good, too. We watched the first James Bond with Timothy Dalton. It was pretty good. He was not a bad Bond, but he does not compare with Pierce Brosnan. No one does...
I learned quickly that timing is everything. Missing the window of opportunity for planting certain crops meant I'd have to wait until the next year, which was frustrating but educational.
My neighbor, a seasoned gardener, taught me the importance of soil health. I followed his advice to add compost and saw a marked improvement in my yields.
Another tip from experience: keep a garden journal. Note what you planted, when you planted it, and how it performed. This information will be invaluable in future seasons.
Let’s wrap things up with a few final thoughts on fall planting in South Texas. Fall is the best time to grow a vegetable garden in South Texas, despite the lingering heat. The cooler nights and shorter days eventually lend themselves to bountiful harvests.
Take advantage of this extended growing season to experiment with crops you might not have considered before.
Remember that gardening is as much about the journey as the destination. Enjoy the process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting.
This fall, turn your South Texas garden into a verdant oasis. With the right knowledge and a bit of effort, you can enjoy fresh, home-grown vegetables well into the season.
Thanks for joining me in this deep dive into Fall Planting In South Texas. I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to plant your own fall garden.
Let's keep in touch! I’d love to hear about your gardening successes and challenges. Feel free to reach out with any questions or tips you want to share.
Good Sunday morning. It is still cool and beautiful outside at 9am. I have been up for hours getting things done. Norton tried to gore me again. He wants all of the food. He is fat now and he has been put on a bit of a diet. I think we will have to move him to his own pen and get a wether for him to keep him company.
We had a full day with church twice and a potluck for lunch. The pump in the pond is not working again and the pool hose sprung a leak. There is always something!
It got up to 99° today so even though we are at the end of September, it is still summer here in South Central Texas.
In conclusion, South Texas offers a unique opportunity for fall gardening that you won't find in many other places. Embrace the climate and do your fall planting in South Texas with confidence.
Don’t be afraid to try new things with fall planting in South Texas. Gardening is a learning process, and each season brings new lessons and rewards.
There's something incredibly fulfilling about eating food you've grown yourself. It connects you to the earth in a profound way.
Take it one day at a time. There's no rush. Gardening is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get those seeds from David's Garden Seeds® in the ground. Your fall garden in South Texas awaits!
And remember, the more you practice, the more expert you'll become. Happy gardening!
Oh, one more thing – consider joining a local gardening club or online community. It's a great way to gain more knowledge and meet fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Sharing your experiences and learning from others can make the process even more enjoyable.
As you embark on your fall planting in South Texas journey, keep in mind that patience and perseverance are key.
We're all in this together, learning and growing along the way. Here's to a successful and bountiful fall harvest!
Take care, and happy gardening!
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Peppers and peas
And lots of yummy greens
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